"A Story of Wonder"
from the Castle Children
Chapter 1
May 2024
This is a fluffy Emma and Eli Universe standalone story centered around the Castle children's Mother's Day celebration for Kate.
Wonder - verb - to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe
Wonder - noun - something strange and surprising; a cause of surprise, astonishment, or admiration
A/N - #1 Originally, I had planned for this story to be a two-shot, posting Chapter 1 on Saturday, followed by Chapter 2 on Sunday, Mother's Day. But we had friends from out-of-state stop by, who we hadn't seen in years; thus, my writing time was shortened, so I am posting the entire story today. I hope you enjoy this rather long tribute to the Castle mothers.
Monday night family dinner at the Castle Loft
It's Monday evening, and all of the Castle/Rodgers/Beckett family members are joined together at the Loft, sharing their weekly Family Feast. This tradition has been in place since shortly after the birth of Eli and Alexis' return from Oxford University. Each Monday evening, every family member makes this gathering a high priority. Unless it's a dire emergency, they all join for a time of excellent food, fantastic family conversation, and enjoy having untethered time together.
The family also takes turns planning and supplying the meal, which Rick has protested against, but each family member has continued to insist on being a part of the feast's offerings. Tonight was Alexis's turn, and she had fudged a bit on the main course due to her time constraints at school. However, she still fulfilled her turn by providing excellent Chicken Parmesan, Caesar salad, and cream-filled Cannoli from one of their favorite Italian restaurants.
The family has just completed the consumption of every morsel placed before them, leaving only a few dabs of the delicious cream from the last Cannoli sitting on the serving plate. Another tradition is that whoever provided the meal is excused from all clean-up duties.
Emma has been fidgeting in her seat, waiting until the proper time to invite her sister upstairs to her bedroom to have a very private and essential conversation. As the talk around the table dies down, her Grams suggests they begin the clean-up so they can all adjourn into the living room for some time to allow their meal to settle and, of course, have another glass of the incredible red wine that Rick had provided for the dinner.
After her Grams comment, Emma immediately jumped up from her chair and said, "Alexis, can we go up to my room? I, um, want to show you something."
Alexis looks at her younger sister and can tell she has something serious on her mind, so she responds, "Sure, Emma, lead the way."
Both girls stand up, walking toward the stairs when Eli pops in asking,
"Em, canz I goez up to your room wit you and Lexi?"
Both Rick and Kate prepare for the usual reactions after one of Eli's requests when Emma looks over her shoulder and says, "Sure, Eli. Come on up!"
Eli is stunned by his sister's response, as he is usually always told 'no' when he asks to join in one of his sisters' activities. But he gives his sister no time to change her mind as he rapidly slips off of his booster seat and runs the short distance to catch up with his sisters as he loudly proclaims, "Yay!" And he does one of his trademark aerial fist bumps.
Eli isn't the only family member who is stunned by Emma's answer. Rick and Kate watch the actions of all three of their children as they rush up the stairs, and Rick turns to Kate, automatically asking, "What is up with those three?"
Kate laughs and answers, "You've got me, Babe. I have absolutely no idea. But I'd suggest we keep our radar up and try to figure out what is happening with this little confab."
Jim and Martha shake their heads as they observe their children, with Martha saying with a bit of a reprimand in her tone. "You two sometimes amaze me. Give your children a little credit. They are good kids. Why do your minds always take a negative turn whenever they do something that doesn't seem to fit your regular assessment of their actions?"
Rick looks at his Mother, ready to give a snippy response of something like, "You don't live here and see what they can come up with sometimes."
But Kate, who had slipped her arm around Rick's waist, pinches him in the back, stopping him from starting another antagonistic argument with his Mother. Rick turns and glares at his wife, but when he sees the look in her eyes, he backs down, keeping his thoughts to himself. Jim Beckett, who had been quietly standing in the background, steps up beside Martha and says, "Kids, I think I have to agree with Martha on this one. Let's take a deep breath, sit tight, and watch how this plays out. Maybe they all just wanted to spend some private time together." Even as he expresses his opinion on the recent activity of his grandchildren, he thinks he has a good idea about what they may be planning. It simply hasn't dawned on Rick or Kate that next Sunday is Mother's Day.
Martha looks over at Jim and says, "Thank you, Jim," as she turns and begins cleaning up after their family meal.
In Emma's room, the three Castle kids are sitting on Emma's bed as she begins sharing some important thoughts that she has been mulling about since she got home from school. Today in her history class, Emma's teacher did a segment on the origin of Mother's Day in the United States. The story deeply touched Emma's heart and gave her a deep desire to do something extraordinary for her Mama when they celebrate Mother's Day next weekend.
Emma shared some points that had stuck with her as she thought about her Mama. Emma explained, "A long time ago, Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had passed away, came up with a way to honor mothers and all they do for their children. She did many different things, including writing letters to several newspapers and churches that liked the idea and did events honoring mothers. Then finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a document officially making the second Sunday in May, 'Mother's Day.'
Alexis was very impressed with her sister's description of the establishment of Mother's Day and hugged her, thanking her for sharing about her class, and then asked, "Emma, what are you thinking? Do you have some ideas about how we can celebrate Mother's Day this year?"
Eli had been quietly sitting on the bed with his sisters, not fully understanding everything that was said. Still, he did understand the part about doing something special for his Mommy and excitedly added, "I wantz to doz somtin' spacil for Mommy too!"
Emma began to outline a few ideas, starting with each of the kids writing a special letter to Kate expressing how much they love her and thanking her for all she does for each of them day in and day out. Both Alexis and Emma thought that the letters would be a great idea and should be something they could easily do before next Sunday.
But Eli was concerned! "But Em, I cantz writes yet? Whatz do I doz for Mommy?"
It was quiet for a few seconds, and then Alexis offered Eli an idea. "Hey, Eli, how about if you tell me what you would write in a letter to Mommy, and I will put your words down on paper, and when it's all done, you could sign your name? I know Daddy has been working with you on how to write the letters for your name. So after Mommy reads your letter, she will see your name and know all the words came from you."
Eli remained quiet with a concerned look on his face as he was trying to process what his oldest sister had just explained to him when he clarified, "So youz writes my wordz on paper, and then I wrtiz my name and Mommy knowz itz my letter?"
Alexis answered, "Exactly, Eli. Mommy would be able to read all of the nice things you want to say, and she will know it's your letter. What do you think?"
Eli cracked out a huge smile and replied. "Tweet. I lubs it. Tanks you, Lexi."
Emma shares other concerns she has about trying to surprise her Mama. "What do we do about Daddy? He always makes Mother's Day very special for Mama. How do we get him to let us do our plan this year?"
Alexis pondered Emma's question, knowing she was spot on. Mother's Day was almost as significant a celebration to her Dad as Christmas. Every year since he and Kate married, he goes all out to make the occasion memorable for Kate.
The kids continue talking about how to pull off a surprise, and Alexis suggests that she could call Grandpa Jim and see if he has any ideas on how to do something that would surprise both of their parents. Emma and Eli quickly agree with her, hoping Grandpa Jim can help them with some ideas. Alexis also suggests that they include their Grams in the Mother's Day celebration, and both kids quickly chime in with their agreement with Alexis' idea.
Then the kids move on to other ideas they want to do for their mommy.
Emma says, "Mama likes flowers."
Alexis immediately answers, explaining to Emma that she knows the florist that their Daddy calls when he orders flowers for their Mommy, and says she can call in an order and be sure that the florist bills the flowers to her, not her dad.
Eli shares his idea about what he wants to get his mommy, "Lexi, Iz wanz to getz Mommy some choclates' and strawberries. Those are two tings, shez weally likez!"
Alexis laughs because she, unfortunately, had walked in once when her parents were enjoying chocolate-dipped strawberries. She shakes her head as she recalls it took her a long time to get that image out of her mind. But agreed with her young brother that his ideas were fantastic, and she added them to the notepad she had on her lap, where she listed the kids' plans for Mother's Day.
Alexis then suggests that they get both Kate and Grams a gift certificate to their favorite spa. Emma and Eli readily agree, thinking it will be fun if they can do something together.
After a few moments of quiet, all three kids chime in that they want to fix their Mom a fabulous brunch. But again, the issue of how to do it and have it also be a surprise for their Dad and Grams stumps Emma and Alexis.
Alexis says she will talk to Grandpa Jim. Emma and Eli don't realize it, but Grandpa Jim used to always make special brunches for their Grandma Johanna on Mother's Day. Alexis knows their Grandpa Jim won't hesitate to agree to help the kids with the brunch. But she is concerned about Grandpa Jim; she hopes this celebration doesn't make him sad because Grandma Johanna isn't here.
Alexis also shares that she will invite their Grams over for breakfast on Mother's Day but won't tell her that the brunch is also to honor her.
By now, both Emma and Eli are beyond excited about making a special brunch for their parents and grandmother. The kids want it to be a romantic affair, using their best dishes, and having candles with their 'company placemats and napkins.' They look among themselves and deem their plan complete.
Alexis suggests they go back downstairs and join the family before their parents become too curious and come upstairs and crash their planning time. Emma and Eli agree as Alexis slides her small notebook into the back pocket of her jeans and leads her siblings back down to the living room to join their family.
The adults are all in the living room enjoying a variety of after-dinner beverages when they hear the kids coming down the stairs. The adults all look over at the children with questioning looks. All except Grandpa Jim, who has a bit of a smirk on his face, which immediately alerts Alexis that he has an idea of what the three Castle children have been up to for the past hour.
Rick closely watches his children trying to determine what has been going on for the last hour. His curiosity is surfacing, and he is about ready to try and quiz the kids to determine what they've been up to when Jim beats him to the draw and says,
"Welcome back, kids. Would you like something to drink following the delicious dinner Alexis provided for us? I think I saw some different flavors of juice in your refrigerator, and," he leans in and says in a conspiratorial tone. "I also picked up some of your favorite grape juice on my way over."
Both Emma and Eli quickly respond that they would like some grape juice, so Jim stands up and says, "Well, let's go get each of you a glass." Jim then looks over to Alexis and inquires, "Alexis, can I get you something?"
Alexis is always amazed at how in tune her Grandfather is with all of his grandkids, and she has an unsettling feeling that he figured out what the three kids were doing when they escaped to Emma's room. She responds to her grandfather's question by answering, "Thanks, Grandpa Jim. I think I will go for that grape juice too. It sounds very refreshing. I'll help you find the glasses for the kids," she says as she stands up, following her siblings and grandfather into the kitchen.
Martha glances at Rick and Kate, seeing questioning looks on both of their faces as they continue to try and determine what is going on with their kids and now with Kate's dad. She keeps her thoughts to herself as she smiles and continues to sip her glass of red wine, and resumes the conversation they were having before the children came down from Emma's room.
Once Jim and the kids are all in the kitchen, Alexis opens one of the cupboard doors and pulls two of Emma and Eli's favorite cups from a lower shelf as she bows her head and quietly says to her Grandpa Jim. "Grandpa Jim, can I assume that you have figured out what we were doing upstairs?"
Jim chuckles and looks at his oldest granddaughter with a twinkle in his eye and says, "Alexis, you have to remember that I raised your mom. I have seen and heard almost every excuse and trick in the book that kids use to cover up when something is a bit shady. And on top of that, believe me, my sweet granddaughter, you do not have a good poker face," he almost blows the entire conversation when he sees a shocked look on Alexis' face that nearly makes him explode into laughter.
"Geez, Grandpa. I never realized how well you could read us, kids! But you are correct. We have been trying to plan a special surprise for Mom and Grams for Mother's Day. And if you are willing, we could certainly use your help. We can't talk here, but would you have time for lunch tomorrow? I have several questions I would like to run by you; if you would be willing to help us?"
"Alexis, of course, I would be thrilled to help you three in any way I can, and yes, tomorrow works great for me for lunch. I will be in the office working on case studies all day, so my schedule is very flexible. How about we meet at the new coffee shop that recently opened up near my office? I can text you the address after I leave here tonight," Jim said in his usual supportive and caring manner.
"Oh, Grandpa Jim. That would be perfect, and thank you so much. I knew we could count on you to help us with the surprise."
Emma then stretched up and kissed her grandfather on the cheek as he continued getting glasses of grape juice ready for all of his grandkids.
Rick continued watching the kitchen happenings from the living room and knew something was up, but he couldn't put his finger on it, and he knew better than to ask Jim what was up with the kids. So Rick decides he'll quiz the kids when they put them to bed. He's confident that he'll get one of them to spill the beans. His most likely target would be Eli. He loves surprises and has a terrible time keeping secrets. Thinking he has a solid plan to figure out what's going on with his kids, he smugly turns and rejoins in the conversation with Kate and his Mother.
It's around 8:00 pm, and Eli is starting to fade as he plays a game of Go Fish with Emma and Alexis. Kate reaches over from where she's been enjoying watching the interactions between her kids and begins rubbing small circles on her little boy's back. Eli automatically leans back into her touch and lets a yawn escape. As so often happens, Emma is the next to yawn as Kate quietly whispers, "Hey, guys. How about if we call it a night? Emma has school tomorrow, and I also think Alexis has an early morning class on Tuesdays," she says as her attention turns to her oldest daughter.
Alexis nods her head, confirming that she has a 7:30 am class on Tuesdays. "Yep, you are right, Mom, it's an early morning for me, so I better head back to the dorm."
The family takes the cue and begins sharing goodnight hugs and wishes for a good week. And everyone, again, thanks Alexis for providing a wonderful meal for the Monday night family dinner. After goodnights are said to Alexis and the grandparents, Rick and Kate turn to their youngest children, indicating it's bedtime.
Their routine begins when Emma heads to her room to prepare for her bedtime, while Rick and Kate follow Eli down the hall to his room and go through his nighttime steps with him. As their youngest continues to become more independent, he reminds them that he can do his bathroom routine by himself now, so Rick and Kate turn down his bed, then sit down, waiting for him to exit from his bathroom.
With a custom-size stool that Grandpa Jim had made for Eli, he can now reach the sink, turn on the water faucet to brush his teeth, and wash his hands by himself. Both of which have done wonders in helping to build his self-esteem and confidence that he is indeed growing up to be a 'big boy.' After exiting his bathroom, Eli goes to his dresser, pulls out the door that holds his pajamas, and makes his selection for his nightwear. He has inherited his father's love of superhero PJs and t-shirts, so it often takes him a couple of minutes to make his final decision. Tonight's choice is Spiderman.
Eli grabs his PJs, then walks over to his mommy for some assistance in getting his t-shirt pulled over his head, and then he continues to dress for his bedtime. Once he's in his PJs, his parents stand, and he crawls into bed as Rick pulls the comforter up and tucks it around his shoulders before asking if he wants a bedtime story?
"No, Daddy, notz tonitz. I tink' I just wantz to goez to sleep, but tanks anyways." Eli says his eyes begin to close as his head hits his pillow.
"That's fine, Tiger. We had a full evening, and you were busy earlier with Emma and Alexis. I hope everything is okay. You guys were in Emma's room for a long time."
Kate slaps Rick on the back, knowing what he is trying to do, and steps in, saying, "Yes, Tiger, we'll do a bedtime story later on. You just snuggle down and have a good night's sleep. We love you!"
Eli looks at both of his parents and replies, "I lubz bot of youz tooz. Tonz!" Eli's little blue eyes slip shut, and his body goes slack as his parents look on.
Once Rick and Kate are in the hallway, Kate bats Rick on the arm again, saying, "Good grief, Rick. Sometimes I don't believe some of the things you will do, even to your children. You were trying to trip Eli up and get him to tell you what they were doing in Emma's room. Not cool at all, Daddy," she says as she walks away from him, heading down to Emma's room.
Once both parents are in their daughter's room, Emma lays down the book she was reading, looking at her parents as she senses something just happened. "Are you guys okay?"
Kate answers, "Yes, Bug, we're fine. Your Daddy was just being a bit naughty, but he's okay now. Right daddy!' Kate says as she gives Rick one of her looks."
Rick knows he doesn't dare to try to pump Emma about what she had been doing earlier with her siblings, so he simply says, "Yea, Bug, everything is cool. Are you about ready to call it a night? Do you have anything big happening at school tomorrow?" Attempting to quickly change the subject from his earlier inquiry with Eli.
"No. It's just a regular day. I have an Art class tomorrow, and Bryan and I hope to finish one of the projects we started weeks ago. We want to have it done in time for the end-of-year open house for our class." Emma shared.
"Well, we certainly look forward to seeing your new creation. There is no doubt it will be beautiful. You and Bryan make quite a team," Kate said to her daughter as she watched Emma's cheeks blush. She and Bryan have been close friends for quite a while and share a particular love of art, which has generated some fascinating pieces, the first of which was an earlier picture they had created of the Castles' Hamptons home.
"Goodnight, Bug. Sleep tight, and we'll see you at breakfast," said Emma's parents before they kissed her goodnight and went back downstairs to clean up the last of the glasses sitting in the sink.
After putting the glasses in the cupboard, Rick pulled Kate into a hug and said, "Sorry about that thing with Eli. I just know they are up to something, and my curiosity got the best of me, again," he says as he sees the look on Kate's face.
Kate closed her eyes and shook her head as she answered, "I know you're curious, Babe. But you need to learn to chill. You know the kids will either tell us or show us what they plan when they're ready. And besides, I have a feeling that my dad is in on whatever they are up to, so we know it won't be anything too off the wall. So just relax and do not bring it up again, okay?"
"Yea, okay," Rick said after exhaling a big sigh. "Hey, I need to do a few corrections on my last chapter before Gina starts with her usual threat scenario. So I'm going to head to my office."
"That sounds like a good idea Babe. I certainly don't want her calling me at the Precinct asking me why you haven't completed them yet. I have a couple of case files to review, so I'll be in the bedroom reading those and waiting for you to finish your work," Kate says with a sly smile as she pinches Rick's butt before walking toward their bedroom.
Rick exhales another large breath and rapidly heads toward his office, already thinking that there is a good chance their evening may last a little longer.
Jim Beckett texted Alexis the address of the new coffee shop that recently opened up near his office, and he is sitting in a booth toward the back of the establishment, waiting for Alexis' arrival. At 12:30 pm, he watches as his oldest granddaughter enters the shop and looks around, searching for her grandfather. Jim slides out of his seat, gives Alexis a wave, then watches as she quickly makes her way to the booth. They exchange hugs and kisses on the cheek, then slide into the booth, smiling at one another. Early on in Rick and Kate's relationship, Jim and Alexis developed a special bond that has evolved over the years. Next to her parents, Grandpa Jim has become a close confidant.
After placing their orders for coffee and deli sandwiches, Alexis begins explaining the ideas that she and her siblings have regarding Mother's Day. Jim's constant smile throughout her entire story throws Alexis a bit off of her game. When she finishes sharing the kids' ideas, she asks, "Grandpa Jim, what's so funny? You haven't said a word, but you have been grinning from ear to ear since I arrived."
Jim slightly bows his head, then looks up, still smiling, and says, "Well, Alexis, as I said last night, I had assumed what you three were up to, and it made for an interesting evening. Especially since your little meeting was driving your dad nuts, and neither he nor your mom caught on to what you kids were probably plotting. It's just fun for an old guy like me to still be able to pull one over not only his daughter and son-in-law but also his grandkids. It does a man's heart feel good."
"So, if I understand you kids' plan, my part is going to include sneaking into the Loft early on Sunday morning to help you kids create this fabulous buffet; and then the hardest part will be trying to come up with a way to keep your dad out of the picture while you kids set up your special celebration. Does that cover my responsibilities?" Jim confirms with his granddaughter.
"Those are the primary areas where we need your help. I've already contacted Dad's florist and have an order in for a bright spring bouquet for Kate that will be her gift from Emma. And I've also called a chocolatier that I used years ago when I had a custom chocolate badge designed for Dad for his birthday. They will be dipping fresh strawberries Saturday morning that I can pick up late in the afternoon for Eli's gift. I still need to work on a grocery list and get those items purchased so I can sneak them in early on Sunday morning. And I need to work on a way to get some private time with Eli, so I can help him write his letter to Kate," Alexis recited from her to-do list, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with everything she needs to get done in a week in addition to all of her college responsibilities.
Jim immediately sensed that Alexis' stress level was rapidly increasing the longer they talked about the kids' plans, so he threw out a couple of ideas.
"How about I take some of that weight off of your shoulders? If I am not mistaken, Tuesday evening, your Dad has a dinner meeting with some of the higher-ups from Black Pawn, and I think your mom is planning on having a night by herself with Emma and Eli. How about I call your Mom and ask if I could pick up Eli for a 'guy's night out? Then I will suggest that she and Emma have a girlie night, doing whatever girls like to do. I'll stop on the way home and pick up whatever Eli would like to have for dinner, and then we'll meet you at my place. On the way home, I'll explain our plan to Eli and make it into a big surprise plot for his Mommy's Mother's Day celebration. I think he'll be all in with that idea. And then you two can have all evening to work on his letter. How does that sound?"
Alexis practically vaulted over the table in their booth as she wrapped her arms around Jim's neck, repeating, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Getting Eli alone for an extended period would be a big challenge. That sounds like a perfect plan."
Before Alexis could continue, Jim shared his second idea. "And since I will be coming over early Sunday morning to help with brunch, why don't you let me do the grocery shopping on Saturday and bring everything with me Sunday morning. I can even alert Eduardo, and I am sure he will let me use the trolly cart to get everything upstairs. Our biggest challenge will be quietly getting it all into the loft without waking your parents."
Alexis was thrilled about not having to do the grocery shopping, but as Jim said, getting everything into the Loft will be a challenge. After a few minutes, Alexis suggests, "I think I will talk to Dad and ask him if it's okay if I stay at the Loft Saturday night. I've done that for Mother's Day weekends in the past, so it shouldn't throw up any red flags. That way, I can plan to get up early, and I'll turn off the security system and meet you downstairs to help get all of the groceries inside and up to the Loft. I think with Eduardo's help; we can pull it off. And I know he will be thrilled to help us once he knows it's a surprise for Kate. Then when we have all of the food inside, you and I can start preparing the brunch, and then when the time is right, I'll wake Emma and Eli, and they can come down and help us wrap up the food preparation and get the table set."
Jim wholeheartedly agrees with Alexis' comments and begins working on a grocery list for brunch. As they wrap up the work on their list, Alexis starts playing with her pen and finally looks up at her Grandpa and asks a question that has been on her mind since the idea came up to ask for his help in preparing the brunch.
"Grandpa, can I ask you a personal question?"
Jim looks at the serious look on his granddaughter's face, wondering what is troubling her, and answers, "Of course, Alexis. You can ask me anything; you know that."
Alexis is quiet again and then finally looks up and asks, "Grandpa, will it make you sad to help us make a Mother's Day lunch for Mom? I know you used to make Grandma Johanna Mother's Day brunches when she was (Alexis pauses) when she was alive?" It was tough to find the words to ask the question that had been bothering her ever since the idea of making brunch had come up during her planning with her siblings.
It was now Jim's turn to be quiet for a few moments. He looked down at his empty coffee cup as he experienced a mountain of emotions flying through his mind and heart all at one time. He hadn't realized that Alexis was aware of the special celebration he had always created every year for his wife. But then, he knows that Katie and Alexis have become very close, and at some point, Katie must have shared some of her deep feelings around this special day.
Jim sat up a bit straighter, then looked at the tender look on his granddaughter's face and began to share a bit of his heart with her. "Alexis, I won't lie that my feelings about the Grandmother that you were never blessed to know won't be in my mind and heart on Sunday. But I will also be sharing in a time of joy that I never thought I would be able to experience since Johanna's death."
Jim continued, "I will be celebrating that my only daughter is now the mother to three wonderful children who have become the center of my world. I will be helping my oldest and first granddaughter create a meal that we know will overwhelm your Mom. I will be able to see my daughter's first reactions to all of the love and effort you kids are putting into making this one of her happiest Mother's Day. Alexis, seeing the love and joy in my daughter will not take away from my feelings about how much I miss Johanna each day. But they will brighten my life in ways that only a daughter can do for her father. So I sincerely appreciate your concern, and that means the world to me, but I will be fine," Jim says as he reaches across the table and squeezes Alexis' outstretched hands.
After releasing her grandfather's hands, Alexis reaches for a napkin to wipe tears from her eyes as she continues looking into the tender eyes of a man she never thought she would have in her life. A grandfather. After she gains her composure, she says, "Oh, Grandpa Jim, I am so thankful that you are in my life, and I love you so much."
Both Grandfather and Granddaughter sit quietly for a few minutes, experiencing their independent thoughts. Still, both realize how their lives have been impacted by the knitting together of the Castle and Beckett families. Jim finally breaks the quiet by saying, "And Granddaughter, I love you so much too!" The bit of fun in his tone lightens the mood for both of them, and they wrap up their plans for Eli, grocery shopping, and brunch preparation. It's nearly 2:00 pm, and both Jim and Alexis need to get back to work and school. Jim takes care of the check and escorts Alexis outside, where he hails a cab that will take her back to Columbia. After watching the cab pull away, Jim turns and enjoys a few minutes of solitude as he walks back to his office, thinking that he never dreamt he would have this much happiness in his life after losing his precious Johanna. He is truly a blessed man.
