A pleasant surprise

Weeks have passed. Jack finally felt happy with the woman he loved. They spent all their free minutes together. In the evenings, they watched the fire and the fireplace, lay in each other's arms. On day Jack started to read a book. Mel asked him to read it aloud. He was holding an old one, with blue, tattered cover. It was The Call of the Wild, by Jack London. The man had loved the book since his childhood and read it often… then he went to comply with her request.

+ "Old longings nomadic leap,
Chafing at custom's chain;
Again from its brumal sleep
Wakens the ferine strain."

Then he continued. She was amazed at how her love was reading the book. With full feelings. It was like he was passing through those events. She listened every word, watched his lips forming the words. It made her even more attracted to the man. They had barely reached the second chapter's end when Jack saw that the woman was no longer focused on the story, but more on him. He marked the page, then put the book on the bedside table. It was white with worn paint. Vintage. He thought she was a fan of this style. And how right he was. New life, new chapter, new style. Not to mention the new man and love. Modern furniture wouldn't have fit here. And there was no need for it either. Naturalness was everywhere. On Jack's face, body and in his character.

Jack felt her hugs and strokes. Felt the touch of her soft lips on his face. Felt her love's body on himself. Sniffed her hair and put his head into her neckline. It was soft and velvety. Pleasant perfume with fragrance reminiscent of summer. Lavender and roses. Thought. Like he had stuck his head in a bouquet of flowers. He started to melt thank to this thought. Soft touches, kind movements. It didn't take a long time to gently unite in love. Then they hugged each other and fell asleep like little spoons.

AT DAWN

The man woke up. Longed for fresh air so went out on the porch. Only wearing his blue-gray, checkered underpants. Leaned against the column and looked at himself. He was scanning the stars, listening to the noise of nature.

Mel also woke up. She felt cold because there her man was no longer there to hug her. Then followed him.

+ Something wrong? What're you doing outside? - hugged him together with the blanket from the back.

+ Just thinking.

+ About what?

+ How… to tell you something…

+ Something…? Something bad? Wait! You cheated on me? - she laughed.

+ Why would I want to cheat the most beautiful woman in the world?

Looked deep into her eyes and tenderly touched her chin. Pulled her a little closer. Grabbed her scruff of the neck and kissed her vehemently.

+ My mother is visiting me next week. And I'd like to… introduce you. I just don't know if you're ready for it.

Took Jack's hand and pulled it to her heart.

+ I am ready for it.

Then day went back to the bed.

NEXT WEEK

Mel was at the clinic. She was arranging documents. Hope came in, was looking for Doc, but he wasn't there. So she started talking to Mel.

+ Jack mentioned Emily visiting us.

+ Yup! - smiled a little nervous.

+ Are you nervous Darling? – asked Hope.

+ Maybe a little. You know, I don't have a pleasant experience with moms. My ex-husband's mother hated me straight. - And there was that adjective. Ex-husband. Knew that this moment would come sooner or later, and to tell the truth, no longer felt guilty about it. Loved Jack with her whole body more than anything.

+ There will be no problem. You will be loved! On my own experience, you are very similar to each other.

AT JACK'S

Jack and Ricky were setting the tables. They were always accurate. Military style.

+ It's good to see you forgive him. – said Mel.

+ I couldn't do anything else. It's like seeing myself. My head has also been twisted many times by beautiful chicks. In fact, I think it happened even under my "old age"… - and looked at Mel as an insinuation.

+ Eating? – asked Jack.

+ Uhmm, yeah. The gourmet hot bartender salad with some sweet kisses.

Jack blushed due to the words.

+ Kale and brussels sprout salad would be great. – smiled.

+ Okay. Want something to drink?

+ You really wanna know? – asked flirtatiously.

+ Do I wanna know? - he countered.

Mel licked her lower lip, winked, and shook her head.

+ I think someone else have to serve you after this moment. – said Jack.

+ Why?

+ Because if you keep doing this, I'll have to wear a jockstrap for the rest of the day. – whispered into her ear with on delirium tone.

Mel looked up at the man's face and sighed.

+ All right. Change the subject… I'm a little scared.

+ Of what?

+ Meeting your mom! – said like a little girl.

Jack giggled.

+ And will you tell me what your reason is? - His teeth were shining behind his hottie smile.

+ I was never moms' favorite. Bad experience. And I wish… it was different now.

+ It will! - impulsively replied. She will love you as I do!

Mel felt relieved. If Jack loves her so much, her mother will surely be happy with their relationship…

+ Tell me about her.

+ She's a firecracker. The boss at home. Medium height, feminine physique. Blue eyes. She has a nice mole on her philtrum... you know, here (and showed at this part on Mel's face with his finger). Right in the middle. I have always admired how feminine her face is because of that. She always braids her long hair. It's gray now, but it used to be dark blonde with little curls. She loves nature. In my childhood when we played outside in the yard, she always put flowers in her hair. And did the same with my sisters.

Jack speech amazed Mel. She was drinking his words.

+ Dad has always loved the way she acts in the garden. She's passionate about sunflowers. So Dad scattered seeds in the garden every year to surprise her. In summer, the whole house is full of them. When I was… maybe fourteen, a replica exhibition arrived in Sacramento. Copies of many great painters have been exhibited and you could buy them. There were Monet, Renoir and van Gogh too. So the whole family visited the museum and my mother was staring at this piece of the Sunflowers for hours...until closing. Eventually, my father bought it for her. Towards home, my father told us: "There is no sweets for a year. I needed the money for your mother's new piece." But none of us felt sorry for it, because she was very happy.

+ So is this the reason for your charming smile? I have to thank your mom. – said Mel.

+ Yeah, maybe. – grimaced Jack.

Mel finished her meal and was ready to go.

+ Hey, listen. My mother doesn't know about the shot. I want to tell her in these days.

+ Sure. As you wish. – and kissed her man.

THE BIG DAY

Jack got up early because Eureka was 2 hours from Virgin River. He pressed a kiss to his woman's cheek and left the cabin.

Jack arrived half an hour earlier so called Preacher.

+ Hey man! – I'm in Eureka picking up mom. Do you need something to the bar?

+ For some dried fruit. Plum, peach, pineapples maybe. You handle it. – replied.

+ I'll take care.

He still had 25 minutes. Ran to the nearest store and did the shopping. There was a flower stand next to the store.

+ I'd like a bouquet of sunflowers…

And then saw the cornflowers. Mel's favorite.

+ And could you make me one of them? - pointed at them.

Then he went back to the airport. Stopped the car engine, got out and took the sunflowers out.

His mother was walking to him.

+ Who is this handsome young man? I mean, a middle-aged man? – she laughed. Are you waiting for me Dear? – still laughing.

+ Yes, Ma'am. – and hugged her with his big arms. It was a long, strong and lovely warm hug. How was your flight?

+ Quite silence. I was sleeping.

Her eyes have still had a little red color. They got in the car and headed to Virgin River.

+ So, any news? – asked his mom. You are so different. Your eyes are shining. You did something wrong or… you are hiding something… oooorr, somebody. I reckon it's the last one.

+ As it is… yes. The last one. I am in love, Mom.

Her mother's eyes lit up. Had never heard these words from his son's mouth.

+ So, who is this lucky woman. I mean woman, we are talking about a woman, right? – she started to laugh and punched his son in the arm gently.

+ Her name is Mel, Melinda. She moved to Virgin River for less than a year from LA. She had gone through a lot… uhmm, so please don't mention the baby project.

Emily took her hand onto Jack's.

+ Sure… And what does she do in your village? I mean, it's quite small… and Los Angeles is so big.

+ She's a nurse practitioner and a midwife. Doc needs help so Hope had post an ad… and she came to take the job. Thank God.

+ And how you met her?

+ Hope tucked her into that old, dusty cabin. You know, by the lake… so that night she came to the bar to eat something and get drunk maybe. I mean, she became drunk totally… - giggled. Anyway… I have never felt his for anybody in my life. I didn't even know I could. And then she walked in and from that first moment that I saw her, I knew.

Emily was listening her son talking about her. Immediately felt sympathy for Mel. She was happy and wanted to get to know the woman who turned Jack's head.

+ I'd like to meet her.

+ Umm. I'd like that too, so I've already told her to meet in the coffee shop. Quieter than the bar.

The rest of the way they talked about their family.

AT THE COFFEE SHOP

+ Outside or inside? – asked Jack.

The weather was a bit windy.

+ Inside.

Jack opened the door, letting his mother forward. Pulled out her chair and helped her to sit down.

Mel arrived 10 minutes later. Jack saw Mel from behind the large glass window. Ran out, took the bouquet out of the car, then handed it to Mel and kissed her. She got completely embarrassed. From where they were standing, she saw his mother sitting inside and watching them.

+ Come. – said Jack softly and grabbed her waist. Opened the door and let her forward like his mother.

+ Mom! This is… my love… Mel… and Mel, this is my mom, Emily.

Mel was so embarrassed that she immediately hugged Emily.

+ Nice to meet you! – said while she was blushing.

+ I feel the same, or more Darling. – said Emily.

Then Jack helped Mel to sit down.

Mel suddenly began to think, then said:

+ You are so familiar.

+ Thank God! I wasn't the only one thinking that. – bit her lips. But I couldn't tell you, If I wanted to how I knew you.

They talked a lot. About family. About work. About hobbies.

+ Coffee? Cake? Pie? Someone? Anyone? – asked Jack.

+ A coffee and a pumpkin pie, please! – said his mom.

Mel was surprised. She wanted the same.

+ Same, thank you.

Jack put down the cakes and coffees. He asked for nothing but water.

+ You don't want a pie?

+ No. I mean, just a bite of yours. – said with smile on his face.

Mel and Emily grabbed their pie, turned it around, so they could start with the end part of it. Put some vanilla ice cream on the spoon, then cut a piece of pie and put it in their mouths.

They did it all at once. Sipped the coffee at once. Jack was amazed. Was staring at them. The two women did the same thing as reflection. At once.

+ What's wrong? – asked Emily.

+ Have you seen yourself? I mean… both of you. You are the same. Do the same. Oh my God… I am in love with my mother… - suddenly covered his mouth with his big palm and widened his eyes.

The two women giggled for the beginning then laughed.

+ So Mel! Jack mentioned that you are a NP and a midwife.

+ Yes. I am working for Doc Mullins at the clinic in Virgin River now.

+ Do you like it?

+ I thought the work would be calm. But I was wrong. Definitely. And to tell the truth, I don't mind at all. I realized I really enjoy and love it. I mean working in a hamlet. Know every name and patient. Much better than my previous jobs. I loved them too, but it was totally different. Lot of gun violence… and others… you know…

+ You worked in Los Angeles?

+ Yes. For 6 years. But before that, I worked in San Francisco for 2 years after college.

+ You never mentioned that! – said Jack.

Silence.

+ We love that city. My sister leaves there.

Mel smiled, then apologized:

+ I need to check the bathroom.

Silence.

+ I like her very much! – good choice.

+ I think she chose me. Which I am grateful for very very much. - chuckled.

Mel came back. There was a shock on his face.

+ I know now! I know how I know you!

+ Really? – asked Jack with interested face.

+ Yeah! Very much! You were my patient about 10 years ago at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital… I even know you broke your leg… the left one.

+ That is true… but maybe Jack told you before.

+ No, I didn't… - replied Jack.

Mel continued.

+ You had to lie there for several weeks and you were very bored. Taught me to play Gin rummy… I've been unbeatable ever since then… I remember telling me about your family. That you had a son who was a Marine that time and you missed him very much indeed. Said you'd be glad to have a woman like me for your son, who always takes care of him.

Jack became very stunned. Emily's eyes filled with tears.

+ You even mentioned his name ... Jack.

+ Now I remember too. Remember everything you said. I am so happy now, Darling. I can't even tell you how much.

She stood up and hugged Mel with full of love.

And Jack... he was really surprised. Still.

+ How would you call this? – asked Mel, turning to Jack's mom.

+ Uhmm. Fate. Decidedly!

Mel turned to Jack and smiled at him. With a gorgeous, smug smile.

He said nothing. Couldn't. Still starring at them mutely.

+ Are you alright? – asked Mel? You look so weird…

+ But how? How?... How is this at all possible?

+ So... you have to admit it that fate is not ultimately just a collection of everybody's choices, Honey. - she quoted Jack and laughed.

AT JACK'S

+ Whoa, look what the cat dragged in. Look at you Mama! – Preacher shouted from behind the counter.

+ Oh my big Boy! How handsome still you are. I hope you got a hot little chick at last! – replied Emily with a big smile and hugged him.

Mel wondered how taunting their relationship was.

+ I hope you are hungry girl!

+ I could eat a horse. Give me your best meal, baby. – winked at Preacher.

Mel turned to Jack:

+ Is this serious? – whispered Mel.

Jack raised both eyebrows, bit his lips, then sighed.

+ Yes. – he felt a little awkward.

There were only few guests at the bar. Ricky served them, so they all sat down at a table.

+ Hey, Mom! What're you drinkin'?

+ A beer.

+ Mel? – asked Jack.

+ Will be good for me too. Thanks!

+ I want to hear every juicy childhood story. – said Mel to Emily.

+ Hahaha… - she laughed. To do that, you have to come to Sacramento first. His father is the best teller of those.

+ Not to mention his sisters. – noticed Preacher.

+ I remember when we went to do the shopping. With Jack and the girls. He was barely three… Was very similar to her sisters. I mean his hair was lighter, and face was quite girly. And there was a shop assistant, who told him: What a beautiful little girl... So he became indignant. Took the pants off, and… (then Jack returned)… showed his willy.

There was a huge laugh. And Jack shamed in front of everyone.

+ Thank you, Mom… - said.

+ I wanted to hear it. I needed to hear it. – she said.

+ I would have bet that was your idea. And you helped him… pointed at the others. He grabbed the woman's neck, pulled her closer, and overwhelmed her with kisses like a teenager.

THE NEXT DAY

Mel had to work. Jack was at the bar with his mother. They were chatting, eating and drinking.

Hope came in.

+ Emily! You old woman. Full of crow's feet.

+ Hope! Darling! I thought you were looking into a mirror.

They hugged each other.

+ I haven't seen you a long time. How are you doing? – asked Hope.

+ I can't complain. I am so happy now. Because of Jack and Mel.

+ Yeah! I know. Two birds in love.

+ How cheesy you became! – giggled Emily.

+ So, how long do you intend to stay?

+ This week. – replied.

+ Okay, then I think we're having a party. I also missed your drunken type… - laughed Hope.

+ I'm in. – Emily turned to Jack and winked at him.

+ Hey, Hope! Don't spoil my mother…

+ Whaat? She's more naughty. You can believe this… Let's leave this alone. Come on, sit in a box.

AFTER A WHILE

+ So, what do you think of Mel? – asked Hope.

+ I imagine I'm gonna resemble my son in his feelings…

+ You mean you love her?

+ Yeah. Very much. She's kind, funny, a beauty and makes Jack shining. I have never seen him like this before. So it means that she is the one for him…

A short break.

+ And what about Mel? You think she feels the same? – asked Emily.

+ I do. I really believe it. She had gone through many terrible things… and her sister told me, she was like dead inside before moving here. And now! You can see yourself. She's more than alive. She is so happy…

She sighed, then continued.

+ When she got here, was on the verge of collapse. And a few month ago, she said Jack's one of the reasons She's still standing. So, if you ask me... neither of them loves the other better in this relationship. They die for each other. Sometimes I'm sick of them. Too much for me. They're so embarrassing. Like two teens.

+ Thanks Hope! – and smiled at her. Now! Where are our drinks son? – shouted to Jack.

DURING EMILY'S VISIT

They had a party as Hope said. It was full of fun and joy.

One day Jack took her Mom and Mel to fishing. It was peaceful. Being in the forest. And Jack told everything about her wound and the attack.

Other days were similar: peaceful and lovely.

THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

Mel wanted to sit in the back seat, but Emily didn't let her.

+ Go! Sit next to your man.

Mel felt warm. So his mother likes her.

+ I'll call you when I arrive. – said Emily.

+ Thanks mom.

+ Not you! Mel. I've already heard your voice so many times. It's boring… I need Fresh meat! - chuckled under her breath.