Chapter 84

Jack woke up Friday morning. Today was the day his mother was going to get married. Adam was a good man and Jack liked him. Adam loves Jack's mother and treats her like he expected his mother to be treated. But for some reason, he woke with his father on his mind. He was happy for his mother and her future, but he was sad at what he was missing. A tear fell from his eye at his memories of his father and everything that he was missing.

Elizabeth didn't wakeup in her usual position. Even with her growing belly, she had always woken up laying on her side with her head on Jack's chest and neck. She loved doing that. She would feel him beside her, and she would smell him. She couldn't describe his natural scent other than saying that he smelt like she thought a man should smell like. She knew she would never tire of smelling her husband. It took her a moment to realize that something was off.

Elizabeth turned her head toward Jack and she saw his back toward her. She didn't hear anything, but she did see Jack's shoulders shake a couple of times. She knew something wasn't right. She slowly rolled to her side and scooted until her stomach and chest was pressed against Jack's back. She placed her left arm around Jack and tightened her hold on him. She pulled him a little closer to her.

Without saying anything, she placed her chin on Jack's shoulder. He instinctively reached for her hand that was laying on his stomach and pulled it to his lips. When he kissed the back of her hand, she felt his tears that was escaping his eyes. Her heart broke for her husband. She knew he had to be thinking of his father.

"Jack…" She softly stated in her sweet tone. "Are you ok?"

…

Adam woke up with mixed emotions. He loved Sondra and was missing her this morning, but he also knew she wasn't ever coming home. It has been just less than twenty years, and he never thought he would remarry. He knew he had meet, married, and had children with the love of his life. With those sad memories, he was excited at the future he was now experiencing. He loved Charlette. She wasn't Sondra and this love was different. It was not less or not as important. It was a different love, and he was grateful she was in his life.

To be honest, he was also nervous about what would happen after the ceremony. He has only been with one woman and then it has been almost twenty years since that has happened. He loved Charlette and was excited about their future together, but that thought also brought to him anxiety.

He picked up his phone and texted Charlette.

A - Good morning

C – Good morning

A – Are you ready for today?

She paused for just a moment. She was experiencing everything that Adam was feeling. She loved Tom and didn't ever think about remarrying. However, Adam has captured her heart and she was grateful for him.

C – I'm good

A – Are you facing the same memories I am?

C – I am but I'm good

Charlette and Adam had spent all of Wednesday evening sharing their feeling toward their previous loves. They both understood the other person's feelings because they were dealing with the exact same memories. They were grateful for their conversation. It cemented the love for their previous spouses and their love for each other.

C – Are you good?

A – Excited and nervous

C – Why nervous?

A – The same things we talked about

C – Me too but looking forward to it

A – I love you

C – I love you

…

Tom woke up the same way as Jack, with memories of his father and tears slipping down his face. He was growing to like Adam. This had nothing to do with him. It was all about missing his father. Him and Jack had talked about this and knew that Adam was a good match for their mother.

Julie woke up and noticed the demeanor of her husband. She wrapped her arms around her husband and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Tom, I know this is difficult for you."

Tom nodded his head. "I just miss him."

"I know. He loved you dearly. Today is a day to celebrate your mother and to remember your father."

"Yeah. I don't want to rain on their wedding today."

"You won't. Adam understands. Chances are he and his children are feeling the same thing you and Jack are."

Tom only nodded his head.

…

Adam's children were battling the exact same thing. They have meet Charlette and loved her. They knew she was a great match for their father, but they still missed their mother. Much to Adam's surprise, his oldest son struggled more than his twin girls. They were just so much younger, and they didn't have the memories their older brother did. They all came around, but this day also brought back memories for them as well.

…

"I'm sorry, Jack."

Jack couldn't say anything. He simply nodded.

She tightened her hold on him. Jack sighed. He was so grateful for his wife's presence. She didn't push. She was present. Somehow, she knew exactly what he needed and when he needed it. She had the ability to know when to push and when to let him feel whatever it was that he was feeling. He found out over the course of their life together, this was always the case.

Finally, Jack spoke. "I should be happy for Ma. She has a great man she is marrying today."

"You should feel all the feelings you are feeling today, Jack. Don't push any of them away."

He nodded his head.

"Jack, Officer T loved you. He loved mom. He will always hold a special place in her heart that no one or any thing will ever take away. The same for you."

"I know." He spoke softly.

"Now, why don't I make us a light breakfast while you take a shower?"

She didn't leave it up for debate. While it was technically a question, she didn't leave him an opportunity to respond. She released her hold on him after a tight squeeze and a kiss on his cheek. She slowly made her way to her side of the bed and slipped out from the covers. She stepped into the bathroom for a few moments. When she stepped out of the bedroom, he heard the shower running. He laughed knowing she was taking care of him. It made him love her even more.

…

Viola called James after she stepped out of the shower.

"Hey V." Answered James.

"Hey handsome." Flirting in such an open manner was a little odd for her. She never did this before, but she knew James liked it. To be honest, she did too.

"You have a busy day today, beautiful?"

"I do. I leave work a little early today for Charlette's wedding."

"That's Jack's mom, right."

"Yes. Will you be able to come?"

"I will try my best."

They spent about twenty minutes talking about their day and the weekend. They were planning on spending the day together on Saturday. They were not planning anything special, just wanting to be together.

…

Jack walked out of the bedroom. He smiled when he heard Hound Dog by Elvis playing on the record player. This was his and his father's favorite artist and one of his favorite songs. They would spend hours listening to this record. He smiled knowing his wife was playing it just for him. He paused and then he heard his precious bride humming the song as she worked in the kitchen.

After listening to the song for a few more seconds, he needed to be by his wife. He walked into the kitchen and stood behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and interwoven his fingers on her baby bump.

"In another month, you will not be able to do that." She frowned.

"I will always wrap my arms around you." He breathed in her ear.

She laid her head back on his shoulder.

"E-liz-a-beth…thank you for today."

"Your welcome Jack. I know today must be a day of mixed emotions for you."

"It is. I am truly happy for ma. She is marrying a good man. It's…I just miss…" He voice faded.

"Jack, will you please dance with me?"

He smiled at his wife. Even with his mixed emotions that is swinging from one extreme of happiness to the other extreme of hurt, his wife is walking every step with him. He went to sleep last night completely in love with his bride, but somehow, he woke up more in love with her than he could ever imagine.

"Elizabeth, I will never turn down a dance with my soulmate."

She turned in his embrace. He did not break the contact as she turned.

"Jack…"

He cut her off. "If you say one thing about your belly, I will tickle you until I get sick." He smirked at her.

"You know the rule Jack."

"I know…no tickling the pregnant woman."

"Yes."

They swayed holding each other. While the song continued to play on the record player, they were not dancing to it. They were in their own world, lost in each other's eyes. In each other's eyes, they saw complete love. Their smiles grew as their non communication told each other exactly how they felt.

"Jack…"

"Yes, Madre Calda?"

She reached up and tugged on his shirt collar. She moved her lips to within an inch of his but didn't touch his perfect lips. He shuttered at the feeling of her breath on him. He tightened his hold on her and pulled her closer.

"Let's go back to bed. I would like to try something new."

"I thought you would never ask, Madre Calda."

…

Jack reached up and wiped away the sweat that was on Elizabeth's forehead. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't. Their time together was incredible. He leaned over and kissed her lips. He tasted the sweat that was resting on her upper lip.

"Elizabeth…" He gasped. "You are incredible." He exhaled. He wanted to say so much more, but he didn't have the brain power to make the words form nor the air in his lungs.

Elizabeth smiled knowing that he was feeling exactly what she was feeling. "Jack…" She reached up to move the sweat drenched hair that was stuck to his forehead. "That…that was amazing."

When he opened his eyes, he saw her smile and the moment she bit her bottom lip. He lost all resolve and leaned down to passionately kiss her again. He reached and took her hand into his interlocking their fingers together. He raised their hands over her head. At his action, she moaned as he lightly bit her bottom lip in a playful manner. At her moan, he loved her completely again with every ounce of strength he had.

…

Elizabeth offered Jack a smile when he walked into the bedroom with a cold bottle of water and some slices of apples. He also handed her a small towel to wipe the remaining sweat from her face.

She took the apples and the bottled water while giving her husband a bright smile. She took his hand and pulled him down for a kiss.

"Don't you dare start that again. We have twenty minutes to leave, or we will be late." He sassed.

"It would be well worth being tardy." She flirted.

"How did you know to do that?" He asked.

She lowered her head, but he caught her looking toward the dresser. He followed her eyes but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. He took the bottled water when she offered him a drink and starting to place it on his lips then immediately stopped.

He looked at his wife and then turned his gaze toward his top dresser drawer. Then he remembered the chapter of unique positions in the book he hid in his suitcase on their trip to Hawaii.

"Elizabeth…" He began slowly without taking his eyes off the dresser drawer. "Did you?"

When she looked up and saw where he was looking, her face turned red. "No. I haven't look at your book."

He gasped when he realized she found it. "When did you find it?"

"I found it on our honeymoon. You were in the shower and you asked me to get you a pair of shorts. When I opened your suitcase, I accidently found it. The shorts were under the book."

Jack's face turned instantly red. He didn't say anything. Finally, he spoke. "You knew?"

"I did. I also knew that you weren't following it anymore. I remember that morning. It was amazing and that wasn't in your book."

"Yeah…"

"Jack." She reached for his face and turned his head so he would be looking at her. "Thank you for being so concerned about our intimate time together that you bought a book and read it. That meant a lot to me."

"You don't think it's a little creepy?"

"Absolutely not. I was touched by it. It meant everything to me that you were so concerned about our time together that you did everything to learn about it."

He sat speechless. He was embarrassed that she found the book.

"Jack…" She drew out his name. "You haven't followed that book since we have been married. Our intimate time together is amazing, and I wouldn't change a moment of it. You read me like a book and everything you do is wonderful."

"You are amazing too. I love our time together. You are incredible."

"Maybe, we are incredible together. I read your body and you read mine. We don't have to talk about what we like or don't like. We read each other that well." She gave him a smile.

"I think you are right, Elizabeth. I haven't read that book since before we were married."

"And you don't have too." She smiled.

He gave her a smile. "Thank you for not making me embarrassed about the book."

She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Jack, after the wedding, may we stop by the grocery store? There are a couple of items I would like to pick up."

Jack shook his head. He knew he would not eat any combination of the items she was wanting to pick up.

…

Elizabeth and Jack joined Julie and Tom at Charlette's driveway about two hours before the beginning of the wedding. They began walking toward the house together. Charlette had asked Julie and Elizabeth if they would come and help her get ready. They immediately agreed to help.

Charlette was waiting for them all to show up. She had been talking with Adam throughout the entire day. They even facetimed a couple of times. While they both remembered their previous marriages, they were overly excited about the future with each other. They both came to terms with loving their previous spouses with the fact that they love their new spouse.

When Jack and Tom walked in the house, she knew something was wrong. They had smiles on their faces, but something was off. A mother knows her children.

She hugged Elizabeth and Julie and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. "I am so grateful you agreed to help me today. But before we get started, could I have a few moments with my boys? We need to talk."

Both Julie and Elizabeth gave her a knowing nod. "We will be in the bedroom getting the dress ready."

"Thank you, Elizabeth."

Once the young women walked into the bedroom, Charlette turned to her boys. They were standing together, and both were shifting from foot to foot. This scene has played out so many times in their life. This was their nervous stance when they thought they were in trouble as kids.

She looked at her two handsome boys who turned into handsome men. "Ok, you two need to listen to me and not say a word. Understand?" Her scary teacher face was strong.

Jack glanced over at his brother and gave him a smirk. They both knew exactly what was coming. The discussion would be a one way conversation. They would not be able to say a thing. Their mother would do this every time she corrected them without the desire for a discussion.

Instead of answering with an audible sound, they nodded their heads in agreement.

"Don't you dare think for a moment that I have forgotten your father. Tom was a precious husband that I will always remember as long as I live. He was a great husband, and he gave me you two. He died over fifteen years ago, and I have enjoyed my life for the most part. Since I met Adam, I realized that I still have life to live.

When I was struggling with who Adam was supposed to be to me, I received a sign that I think is from your father. I saw a shooting star when I was praying about Adam. I took it as a sign from Tom that he would be ok with me moving forward without forgetting him."

Tom opened his mouth to say something until Jack elbowed him and he saw the look on Charlette's face.

"I said listen and no talking." She gave her youngest son her scary teacher's face. Tom immediately felt like he was eight again.

"Tom still holds a special place in my heart, and he always will. Adam understands this and he has not one time asked me to forget about Tom. As a matter of fact, Adam has been very respectful of my memory of Tom.

Over this time with Adam, I have completely fallen in love with him. I will not compare my love of Tom with my love of Adam. My life is in a different season with each of them. I love Adam, and I desire to marry him.

Now, I am not saying you must call him dad, but make no mistake about it, you will respect him as my husband and the man I love. Understand."

Both Jack and Tom nodded their head.

"And furthermore…" She began until she saw Jack's smirk.

"What's the problem young man?" She asked a little aggravated.

Jack didn't say anything, but his smile grew into a bright smile.

She huffed. "Jack, you can speak now."

His smiled turned bright. "First, we know you love Adam, Ma. And we are ok with it. We miss our dad. But we also like Adam. He has been so great with this and our memories of our dad."

She was a little taken by his words. She was expecting a little bit of an argument.

"Ma, we want you happy." Jack stated with Tom's approving nod. "And we know that Adam makes you very happy. He is a good man."

"And we would never step in the way of your happiness unless he was hurting you, but we don't think he would ever do that." Tom added.

Charlette smiled at her sons. They were great young men and even better sons. She wanted to be the one to take care of them, but they took care of her just as much. They were close before her husband's death, but they were closer following his death. She smiled at them knowing this wasn't easy for them. Yet, they loved her enough to trust her and welcome this change in her life.

"Ok, boys…it's time for me to get changed. Please send my daughters to my room."

…

James stopped by the bank to pick up Viola. They had decided to leave her car at the bank while they attended the wedding when he realized he was able to attend. James walked into the bank and Viola's assistant smiled at him and waved him over.

"Good afternoon, James. I hope you are doing well?"

"I am doing well. Busy day but not too bad."

"Go ahead and go in. She is expecting you."

James smiled at the young lady as he stepped around her desk. He knocked on Viola's door and she almost immediately opened it. Her smile grew looking at her boyfriend.

"James. It's great to see you." She stated as she gave him a quick hug.

"V, you look beautiful." He looked her over from head to toe in a respectful way.

"Thank you." She stated with a blush on her face. "Are you ready?"

"I am. Whenever you are set to leave, we can go."

"Let me get my bag."

He watched Vi step behind her desk and grab her bag. She closed a couple of folders on her desk and took them with her so she could give them to her assistant. As she dropped off the folders on her assistant's desk, her cell phone buzzed. After glancing at it, she declined the call.

"Do you need to get that?" He asked.

"Not on your life."

"So, he's still calling?"

She lowered her head. "I have told him if he wanted to talk to me, he needed to call my lawyer."

"Yeah. I've been there. Keep a record of those calls. That will help in your divorce."

"I can't wait until next week when it becomes final." She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "I know that sounds bad, but with what he put me through…"

She stopped as he reached for her hand and got her attention.

"V, I fully understand. My ex-wife would call me like that. I think she knew there was not a chance of us getting back together, but she did it to aggravate me. She did it just to cause me grief."

"Yes, I think Lionel is doing that now."

"Keep the records of his calling and make sure your lawyer knows about it."

She nodded. "How are you so ok with him still calling me?"

"Do you answer his calls?"

"No."

"Do you want him to call?"

"No."

"Are you getting back with him?"

"No." She stated with determination and a look he hasn't noticed before.

"V…I trust you. I don't trust him, and I wish he wouldn't call, but you, nor I, have control over that. Plus, I know what he is doing. My ex-wife did that too."

She nodded her head. "James, I want to see where our future takes us. If I didn't, we wouldn't have done what we did." She blushed and smiled at her memories.

"Me too. Just know I trust you."

"And I will never let you down nor will you ever regret trusting me." She stated with a smile.

"Let's go, beautiful. We have a wedding to attend."

…

Frank texted Jack with a message to let them know that everything is set at the fountain in the park where the wedding was to be held.

J – We will leave here in five minutes

F – Perfect. Adam looks excited and ready

J – Ma is the same

Jack knocked on his mother's door. "Ma, are you ready to head to the park?

"Yes son. I will be there in a moment."

After a moment, Charlette stepped out of her bedroom followed by Elizabeth and Julie.

The moment Jack saw her, he stopped in his tracks. Tom walked into him not noticing he stopped. "Hey Jack, what are you…" His voice trailed off when he saw his mother standing in the hallway.

Jack stood perfectly still. He looked at his beautiful mother standing in a gorgeous off white dress that fell just below her knees. Her and Adam decided to make the wedding more casual. Jack wanted to say something, but his mind wouldn't work. He looked at his mother from her head to her toes and then slowly back up.

"Ma…you…" He reached for the back of his neck and ran his fingers through his hair.

Elizabeth and Charlette smiled knowing that was his nervous gesture when he didn't know what to say. Elizabeth smile continued to grow knowing what he was thinking. Even though Jack was looking at his mother, she could still read his eyes. Charlette was beginning to get a little nervous at his silence.

Jack continued to rub his neck and trying to make his tongue work. Tom was doing the same thing. They were mesmerized by their mother's happiness that was written on her face and her beauty.

"Jack…Tom…" Charlette began. Elizabeth could tell she was nervous by her tone. She placed her right hand on her shoulder. Charlette turned her head to look at Elizabeth. "Mom, you look beautiful."

"Yes!" Jack finally stated in a louder voice than he intended. "Ma…you are stunningly beautiful. You…You…You're gorgeous." He stuttered.

"Mom…I agree." Tom stated.

Charlette's face turned red at her son's statement. "Don't be silly, boys."

Jack walked up to his mother and took her hands in his. "Ma, you are breathtaking. I don't think I have ever seen you so beautiful." He gave her a dimpled smile. "I am so happy for you." He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Adam is one lucky man to have you in his life."

After Jack gave his mother a hug, it was Tom's turn. He gently wrapped his arms around his mother and kissed her on her cheek. "You are gorgeous, mom."

Charlette was getting embarrassed. "Ok, boys. Enough of this silliness. It's time to go."

Everyone laughed except for Charlette. She gave the group a scary teacher's face. "I said, let's go boys." Everyone chuckled. They knew she hated to be the center of attention and was feeling uncomfortable with all the attention.

…

Adam, along with Pastor Frank and his son, walked to the front of the fountain. Frank placed his hand on Adam's shoulder once they settled in their place. "Are you ok?"

"Pastor, I am fine. This is exactly what we wanted." He smiled but never looking at Frank. He couldn't take his eyes away from the aisle. He was wanting to see his love.

The ceremony was small, just what the couple wanted. There were about thirty people present along with family. The ceremony was in front of the fountain and bench they have spent many evenings at getting to know each other. It was the same location where Jack and Elizabeth caught them making out. There was soft music playing from the speakers on either side of the arbor Adam made with both their names on it.

Both Charlette and Adam had big wedding ceremonies for their first weddings. This time, they wanted small and intimate. Adam was swaying from side to side and rubbing his hands together. His son placed his hand on his shoulder. "Dad are you ok?"

"I'm fine son. Just eager."

When the music changed, Adam looked up and inhaled a quick breath at the sight of his beautiful love. "She's gorgeous." He stated under his breath.

Charlette was standing at the other end of the aisle with her sons on both side of her. Jack was on her right with her arm wrapped around his. Tom was on his left doing the same thing. She had the biggest smile when she saw Adam standing in his light gray suite. She smiled at his normal swaying. He would do that when he was anxious.

Jack and Tom slowly walked her down the aisle. They had to hold their mother back. She was eager to get to Adam.

Frank began. "We come to this beautiful place to witness Charlette and Adam as they stand before you and God to proclaim their love for each other. Their life has brought them to this place at this time together. They have become a great couple who has become a blessing to so many people. You could see from their first time together that they were right for each other. They were so afraid of each other and what could happen.

Now, we rejoice with them in their union as a married couple. Who gives this woman to be wedded to this man?"

Jack and Tom looked up and gave their mother a gentle squeeze with their hands. At the same time, both men said, "We do."

Jack, and then, Tom kissed Charlette on the cheek and told her they loved her. They extended her hand and placed her hands into Adam's outstretched hands. Both of their smiles only grew once they touched. Adam couldn't help himself when he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

"Alright young man. You are getting ahead of me." Sassed Frank.

Charlette smiled and kissed him on his cheek without thinking.

"You two are incorrigible." Whispered Frank while he was shaking his head with a huge smirk on his face. Everyone in attendance laughed at the couple.

…

The ceremony was beautiful in its simplicity. It was filled with love and laughter. It matched the couple perfectly. As Charlette and Adam walked down the aisle after the ceremony, they noticed many of the people who were present were the people they have helped over the few months through the church program. Each person was beaming at the couple.

Charlette leaned toward her new husband. "So young man, where are we going on our honeymoon?"

"We are going where it is illegal to hunt for cougars." Sassed Adam.

Charlette let out a breath and shook her head. "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes. I went to the doctor's office earlier this week and she gave me some medication for the honeymoon."

Charlette stopped walking at the end of the aisle. "Medication? Adam, are you ok."

"Oh yes. She just gave me some heart medicine in case I need it this week." He teased.

"Adam!" She squealed slapping his arm. "What a thing to say."

"Let's go Mrs. Thorton-Richardson, we have a honeymoon to begin. Then we catch a plane tomorrow for our trip."