AN: I hope you enjoy this brief epilogue. Thanks to PixieKayGirl for the suggestion! I had fun imagining them at the dance.
Epilogue
Jessica always dressed conservatively when she was home in Cabot Cove. When Frank was alive, she'd had little reason or inclination to dress up; they seldom ventured outside Cabot Cove, usually content to spend their free time fishing, hiking, gardening. Jessica Fletcher's closet was filled with sensible clothes.
J.B. Fletcher, however, had many occasions to dress the part of a successful mystery writer, and Jessica found, to her surprise, that she enjoyed getting gussied up, as Seth might put it. Over the years, she'd picked up a few tips from the various makeup and hair stylists and public relations people who occasionally tended to her for book signings and interviews. These young people encouraged her to be a bit more daring with her style.
"You've got lovely eyes, Jessica! You should make them up a bit more dramatically, especially at night!" or "You've got a lovely figure. Why hide behind all that tweed?" She listened, and she learned.
Jessica smiled to herself as she surveyed the contents of her closets. Perhaps she wasn't as practical and no-nonsense as she liked to appear. But what to wear tonight? This would be her first official public outing on Seth's arm, though no one else would know. And perhaps they would remark that she's spent years on Seth's arm...what makes tonight so special? They couldn't know, of course, that Jessica had finally finally admitted to Seth that she loved him. Though she would never admit it to anyone else, perhaps not even to Seth, Jessica had known for quite some time that what she felt for that man could only be love. She'd spent almost as long loving him as she had denying it.
She let her mind wander to the memories of this past Tuesday night. Seth had spoken so warmly of Ruth, with such obvious affection and love, even as Jessica knew that he was in love with her. His heart could hold them both. She loved Frank and always would, but she found her heart had more than enough room for both men. She fancied she could even hear Frank's voice calling out to her. Attagirl, Jessie. I knew you could do it.
But none of this woolgathering was getting her any closer to being ready. She owned a denim skirt with a nice swing to it and a lovely pair of comfortable suede ankle boots that she thought would dance well. But what top to wear? She hunted through her closet. A few months ago, one of the young women who worked for that TV studio had given her something called a bodysuit. That might work well with the denim skirt. She found it in the back of the closet; she'd had no occasion to wear it yet. It was a dusty rose color, which would, she thought, be appropriate, but the scoop neck looked a little more Eve Simpson than Jessica Fletcher. Ought she to do it? She certainly didn't want to embarrass Seth, but she was equally certain that he would give his honest opinion as soon as he laid eyes on her. She held the bodysuit against her shoulders and considered it. The color was flattering; the neckline wasn't too scandalous. She turned smartly on her heel and began readying herself for her first official date with Dr. Hazlitt.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Seth fiddled nervously with his bowtie as he waited on the front porch. Foolish, he knew. He'd squired her to every local event for donkey's years. Why should tonight be any different? Ha! No fool like an old fool, Seth Hazlitt. They hadn't discussed how or even if they'd be telling people about the change to their relationship. Nobody's business, anyway! He shuddered to think what it would be like, surrounded by Eve Simpson and those beauty shop harpies, but... But, he'd be Jessica Fletcher's escort. And the way they left things Tuesday night, and every other night this week, it looked like he'd be her permanent escort. He could manage those women. Seth felt like he could manage anything now. He heard Jess coming down the stairs, and he hurriedly shook the bouquet of roses he'd brought so they'd fluff up a bit.
She opened the door, and the backlight from the hall and living room temporarily blinded him. He squinted and blinked. "Evenin', Dr. Hazlitt," she called gaily, in a passable Southern accent.
"Good evening, Mrs. Fletcher," he barely managed as he stepped over the threshold. Good lord. She looked... "You look...you look-"
Jessica glanced at him worriedly and smoothed a hand over her torso. "Is something wrong with my outfit?"
"No," he boomed, and they both jumped a little at the sound. He cleared his throat. "My apologies." He began again. "No, Jessica. There is nothing wrong with your outfit. You look absolutely bewitching."
She broke into a pleased grin. "Do you think so? I was a little worried. I wouldn't want to embarrass you. But then I knew you'd tell me the truth as soon as you arrived."
Seth swallowed hard. "I'll be the envy of every man there."
"Oh, Seth. Don't exaggerate."
"I'm not, woman! Here." He pushed the flowers into her hands. "I brought these for you."
Jessica looked at him strangely. "Are you alright, Seth? You seem a little out of sorts."
"I- I...I'm sorry, Jess." He lifted a finger and gently traced the scoop of her neckline, careful not to stray out of bounds. "I'll admit I wondered what you might wear tonight, but I never thought..." He fixed her with a stare. "Did you do this for me?" he breathed.
Jessica suddenly felt as shy and awkward as a bride on her wedding night. "I wanted this to be a special night...our first real date." Her voice was so low and sweet he almost didn't hear her.
"I could kiss you now, Jess. Right now. But I won't." She looked up, startled. "I can't. If I kiss you now, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop." He took a step back. "Besides, I wouldn't want to smudge your lipstick."
Jessica winked at him. "You can always smudge my lipstick."
"Now, woman," he growled, "talk like that isn't going to help. Put those roses in water and let's go to the dance."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
They were only a few minutes late to the fundraiser, but from the sounds pouring out of the community center, it looked as if the party had kicked off early. He pulled Jessica's arm more snugly through his as they walked up the front steps.
"Nervous?" Seth teased.
She laughed. "Not a bit!" She turned her face close to his ear. "I found the most wonderful line dance instructor. He made me feel like I could dance to any tune."
Seth squeezed her arm reflexively. He loved all the different Jessicas, but flirty Jess was quickly making her way to the top of the heap. He held the door for her, slipping his arm out of hers and placing a protective hand on her back. Here we go.
As the kid from Yonkers that he'd met in Basic Training used to say, the joint was hoppin'. All the usual suspects were there, and he felt Jessica stiffen just a bit as what felt like all eyes in the room turned towards them. Before they'd taken two steps into the room, Eve Simpson came bearing down on them.
"Oh, Jessica! What a perfectly darling outfit! A little daring for you, though, isn't it? My my my, it certainly is warm in here. Let's go to the saloon and have a drink." Jessica barely had time to turn her head towards Seth before Eve hustled her away. Seth growled. This wasn't how it was supposed to go at all! He sighed and followed the women to the "saloon." Saloon, he thought. We're not in a western for heaven's sake!
"So I said to him, "I'm not interested in a man who's not free and clear. You get your divorce and then we'll-"
"Seth!" Jessica called. Her happy smile lifted his heart. Maybe this night would turn out just fine.
"Doc," said Eve patronizingly.
"Ladies." He winked at Jess. "Enjoying yourself, Eve?"
"It's alright, I suppose." She scanned the crowd. "I'm waiting for Everett to arrive."
"Everett?" inquired Jess politely.
"Yes, Everett Stockton. I recently sold him a charming three bedroom Cape Cod on Lilac Lane. Now, he is divorced. I checked." Jess buried her nose in her drink while Seth guffawed. "What?" Eve challenged.
Seth held up his hands apologetically. "Nothing, Eve. Nothing." He did not want to get embroiled in a pointless argument with the woman. He came here to dance. With Jessica. "Shall we?" He looked at Jess expectantly.
"Oh, yes! I'm looking forward to this!"
"I didn't figure you for a country western fan, Jessica," said Eve sharply.
"That was true, but I've learned a few things. And I've been practicing all week!" She set her drink on the small table and took Seth's hand. Eve watched them go, suddenly suspicious. She needed to find Loretta or Phyllis, preferably both.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Loretta was watching Jessica dance when Eve sidled up behind her.
"You noticed, too?"
"Noticed what?"
Eve jerked her chin towards the dance floor. "The new couple."
"Oh, Eve. For heaven's sake. Jessica and Seth have been friends for years. I don't think he'll ever catch her. Not that he'll stop trying," she said in a wistful tone. It would be nice to have someone as devoted to her as the doc was to Jessica. Some women have all the luck.
"Oh, Loretta. Open your eyes! Have you ever seen Jessica wear something so risque?"
"Risque?" Loretta guffawed. "Jessica?" Her voice went up practically a whole octave. "Oh, Eve, really."
Eve was not to be deterred. "When have you ever seen Jessica wear such a plunging neckline?"
"Lots of times. You've seen it too. All those pictures in the Boston papers."
"Yes, yes," said Eve dismissively. "But when was the last time you saw her wear something like that in Cabot Cove?"
Loretta thought for a moment. Phyllis came upon them in the silence. "Have you seen Jessica's outfit tonight? Va-va-va-voom!" She laughed. "Too bad it's wasted on old Doc!"
Loretta mused. "I wouldn't be too sure about that."
"Now don't you go taking credit for my observations, Loretta! I pointed out Jess's outfit to you!" She huffed. "But still." She screwed up her face. "Would she have dressed up for Seth? After all this time?" She shook her head. "It doesn't make any sense." Eve thought for a moment. "Unless...oh, that double-crossing, two-timing, backstabbing, no good-"
"Eve. What in the world? Who are you talking about?"
"Jessica," she hissed. "Jessica must have met Everett. Why, of all the sneaky, lowdown-"
"Now, hold on, Eve. You don't know that for sure."
"You're right, Loretta. I don't know it for sure." She drained her wine glass. "But I'm going to go find out. Right now!"
Loretta and Phyllis watched in mute horror as Eve marched on to the dance floor.
"Oh dear," they murmured simultaneously.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Seth and Jessica were having a marvelous time. Jessica recognized some of the songs because Seth had played them for her, and she was able to keep up with the songs she didn't know.
"Having fun, Jess?"
"I am! I think I'm getting the hang of line dancing!"
"A-yuh! Pretty soon you'll be ready for more complicated steps."
Jessica smirked at him. "Think you're up for teaching them to me?"
"At a moment's notice, my dear." He cut his eye at her. "We could start right now."
"Hmm." Jessica looked around. "The lights have dimmed and no one seems to be line dancing right now."
He took Jessica's hand and led her into an embrace. "I was thinking of a different step."
"I'll just bet you were," she said playfully as Seth began to spin her around the floor.
This was more like it! This was exactly as he'd imagined the night would be. They took a turn around the edge of the dance floor.
"Jessica Fletcher!" shrieked Eve. Seth and Jessica stopped mid-turn.
"What in the Sam Hill-" Seth spluttered.
"Oh, pipe down, Doc! I need to talk to Jessica." Eve reached out for Jessica's arm, but Seth put a protective arm around Jess.
"Eve, what's going on? You seem upset."
"Upset? Upset?" Eve gestured towards Jessica's top. "You come waltzing in here with your...your...your bosom hanging out-"
"Now, see here, Eve!" Seth interjected angrily.
"Well, it's true! You come waltzing in here wearing your boots and a clingy, lowcut top planning to meet Everett, right?
"Everett?" Seth and Jessica repeated at the same time.
"Yes, Everett! You just have to have every eligible man for yourself, Jessica." She gestured wildly at Seth. "I mean, look at Seth! He's followed you around town-"
Jessica held up her hand. "Stop right there, Eve. You're making a terrible mistake."
"Don't tell me to stop, Jess! You are a terrible flirt and my only mistake has been trying to be your friend!"
"Now that tears it!" Seth turned Jessica in his arms, stroked her cheek tenderly, then kissed her deeply. After a long moment, he pulled away from her. "I think I might've smudged your lipstick, Jess," he murmured in her ear.
"I told you," she whispered. "You can smudge my lipstick anytime."
"Are you ready to go, Jessica?"
She bit her bottom lip and nodded. "We could finish dancing at home."
He squeezed her hand. "Yes, let's go home."
They left a speechless Eve Simpson hovering at the edge of the dance floor.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Jessica sat in the chair as Loretta put the finishing touches to her hair. "Lovely evening Saturday night, wasn't it?" Loretta attempted.
"Mmm," said Jessica noncommittally.
Loretta sneaked a glance at Eve, who was assiduously turning the pages of a magazine. "You and Seth make such a nice couple. Everyone's always thought so."
Jessica merely arched an eyebrow. Loretta sighed and gave Jess's hair one final fluff. "You're all done, honey."
"Thank you, Loretta!"
The bell on the shop door rang out and Seth walked in. "Hello, ladies! You about ready, Jessica?"
"She is," Loretta interjected quickly. "We were just finishing up."
"And how are you today, Ms. Simpson?" Seth drawled.
"Very well, thank you," said Eve tightly.
"Oh now, don't be in a snit, Eve. You did me a big favor Saturday night!"
"Seth," Jessica warned.
"Now, now, Jess," he soothed. "I think we owe Eve quite a debt. Thanks to her, we don't have to explain a thing to the good townsfolk of Cabot Cove."
"I should think not!" Eve huffed. "A public display like that."
Seth smirked. "Saved me the trouble of taking out an ad in the Gazette!"
Eve just glared at him. "Well now, Eve. I think we all agree the circumstances warranted...let's call it an emergency response."
"Loretta, I'm ready to pay up now."
"Sure thing, Jess." She moved to the counter and took Jess's money. "See you back in about a month, right honey?"
"That's right, Loretta. Thanks again."
Seth took Jessica's elbow and steered her to the door. As he held the door open for Jessica, he turned and doffed his cap. "Ladies," he said with a sly grin.
The women watched as Seth opened the car door and handed Jess into the passenger seat.
"It's so romantic," sighed Ideal.
"Hmph," grunted Eve.
"Maybe you won't have that extra glass of wine at the next community function, Eve."
"Oh, stuff it, Phyllis." Eve went back to her magazine.
"I still think it's romantic," sighed Ideal.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"I'll keep tweaking her until she apologizes to you, Jessica!"
"Oh, Seth. She'll come around. Just give her some time to save face."
"Hmph," grunted Seth. He picked up Jessica's hand and kissed it. "Lucky for her nothing could ruin our first date."
Jessica smiled and settled back into the seat, watching the traffic roll by. "Where are we going, Seth?"
"I thought I'd take my best girl out for a meal over in Rockland tonight." He paused. "And then..."
"Yes," said Jessica expectantly.
"Then I thought I'd take her home and smudge her lipstick."
Jessica's merry laughter rang through the car.