Chapter 7
Catherine arrives in Boston and her first stop is the foundation where Jackson said April was still working with a reduced workload due to her needing more rest than in her previous pregnancies. "April darling, how are you feeling?" Catherine queries.
"Fine, I tire more, but Jackson has been great!" April replies. Upon hearing his mother arrived, Jackson made a beeline for the ER wanting to shield April from his mother's peppering her about why she wasn't told sooner.
"Mother", Jackson calls out, wanting to interrupt his mother from upsetting April if necessary. "Why didn't you let us know you were in Boston?" He asks.
Catherine replies, "do I need a reason to see my son and the mother of my future grandchild?"
April says, "of course not", but is very grateful Jackson showed up when he did.
Jackson puts his arm around April and says, "mother, why don't we all go to lunch together? We have a lot to talk about, but not here, not where April and I work, or have you stage a surprise attack".
Catherine gives a feigned I'm hurt you would think I would do that look.
Jackson drives April and Catherine to one of his and April's favorite lunch spots. April found it shortly after settling in Boston. They find a booth in the back and place their lunch order. As they are waiting for their meal, Jackson and April tell Catherine they will be having a boy and will be getting married in a couple of months in Seattle. They both hope she gives her blessing, but it won't change anything. They are in love and…Jackson says, "mother, she is the one, always have been and we are doing it right this time."
Catherine stands up and walks over to the other side of the booth and leans over to hug her future daughter-in-law. Their meal arrives, they discuss their wedding plans and April says she will be emailing invites when they get home, as most of their friends are in Seattle everything has been arranged. Jackson bites his tongue refraining from adding, "except the dress", knowing his mother would insert herself in April's shopping.
They head back to the hospital, Catherine kisses her granddaughter goodbye and Jackson puts his mother in a cab to the airport He smiles and kisses April. "Let's go home, he says.
After dinner and bathing Harriet, kissing her goodnight, and tucking her in bed, they sit down together, and April designs their wedding invitation while Jackson prepares the e-vite list. Hitting send, Jackson takes her hand and pulls out a small velvet box, and says, "I saw this in your drawer when we were packing up for your move. I hope you don't think it's bad luck, but I loved seeing this on your finger when we were married and I'd love to see it again." Tears glistening in her eyes, April smiles and nods "yes". She replies, "I never could give up this ring. I also loved seeing it on my finger." Jackson takes her hand and places it on her finger. He kisses her hand, pulls her up to him, and leads her to bed. Later, April resting her head on Jackson's chest looks up and says, "I love you". Jackson brushes her hair away from her face and replies, "I love you too".
Morning arrives and Jackson takes Harriett with him to daycare and to work. April has the day off, already making plans to pick up the dress she decided on. She has her fitting, asking the tailor to let it out a little as she will be showing more. She tries on shoes, a half size larger knowing her feet will swell. She returns home and crawls into bed. Jackson picks up April's favorite pregnancy cravings and arrives home with Harriet. April's car was in the garage, but the table wasn't ready for them. Worried, he rushes to the bedroom and April is sleeping. He feels her forehead and it's warm to the touch. He grabs a wet washcloth and wipes her face. She opens her eyes and sighs. "Jackson, don't worry. I think I overdid it today and got overwhelmed. I'm okay now." He smiles, helps her up and they sit down for dinner.
After putting Harriet down and taking care of the dishes, Jackson and April take a hot shower and he soaps her all over his hands resting on her swollen belly. He helps her out of the shower, dries her off, and takes her to bed.
The following morning, Jackson takes the day off as well and after breakfast, they drop Harriet off at the neighbors and sit down in front of the computer, checking RSVPs. April places follow-up calls with the Seattle crew handling the wedding and a down-sized reception.
Three weeks later…
