And Love
Chapter 12 Let's be adults
WEDNESDAY EVENING, BAY RIDGE
Frank and Henry have called for a family dinner and discussion. Invitees included: Henry, Francis, Danny & Linda, Erin and Jamie. The patriarchs discussed among themselves whether or not to invite Joe – they decided not to. "He really isn't family yet," Frank expressed. Pops agreed.
Pops cooked his famous chili and corn bread. Erin brought a tossed green salad, Linda brought chocolate cake for dessert. After all had eaten their fill, the table cleared and dishwasher loaded, they decided to adjourn to the sunroom for the discussion.
F: I think we all know why we are here tonight. We need to clear the air between family members, and restore an atmosphere of love and respect. What stands in the way of that for any of you?
Silence, they look at each other.
J: We three are looking for acceptance and respect. We know that mistakes were made; apologies have been offered and accepted by those most intimately involved. Forgiveness has also been sought and given. Within our little family circle we are healthy, whole, respected and loved. We experience the same from other family members, but not all; this inconstancy makes family gatherings difficult.
D: Well, kid, the lack of complete facts leaves the rest of us wondering what exactly happened.
J: The sooner you drop 'kid' the better. I have given up on that score; Eddie and Mal hear disrespect towards someone they love. Iin case that matters to you. Apparently, it doesn't matter. So be it.
L: Well, I have all the facts I need. Jamie has a lovely family with Eddie and Mal. I am all in with love and respect, no matter what anyone else thinks.
D: Yeah, we've been all over that. He scowls.
H: What more does anyone else want? Really, is it any of our business?
J: Nope!
E: Full disclosure has been the norm in this family for a long time. If Jamie wants to change that for his own family circle, I say let him.
J: Thanks sis!
D: Erin (Danny whines), that destroys consistency!
L: So be it! Our family will share what we want to share. Which will be most everything. The rest is private stuff that you all don't need to know. She drops her eyes to her lap.
J & H & F: Amen!
J: Dad, you have a gun safe, don't you?"
F: Yes, why?
J: Danny can leave his gold shield in it whenever he comes over here. That way he can act like a normal person, not a detective.
D: Ha, ha, very funny.
J: Not trying to be funny. I'm serious.
F: Are we getting anywhere?
All heads shake, NO.
Groans all around.
J: Well, you know where we stand. I made that perfectly clear the Sunday I came to dinner, said my piece, turned over my plate and left. As I said that day – the ball is in your court. Your serve, ladies and gentlemen.
Jamie got up, put on his leather jacket and left. Nobody said a word, nobody tried to stop him.
Is there hope?
8888888888888888888
E & J APARTMENT, SUNDAY DINNER
2 MONTHS LATER
Eddie and Jamie have invited Joe Hill to join them for dinner. They want to strategize regarding the family mess. Joe accepted even though he doesn't feel like a Reagan, yet. He doesn't know if he ever will.
Mal answers the door; the newly installed video doorbell showed that it was Joe Hill at the door. She has permission to answer the door if it is one of a narrowly defined group of people.
"It is partner Joe," she hollers as she lets him in. Joe scoops he up in his arms and gives her a hug and kiss on the cheek. She responds in kind plus giggles! After being put back down, she grabs his wrist and pulls him down the hall towards her room. As she passes an empty room he says, "That's gonna be the nursery-
She stops short and puts her hands over her face. "Oops, you weren't supposed to hear that."
Eddie dashes into the hall, she kneels by Mal's side. "What did daddy and I say about that?"
"I am not supposed to say anything about that. I am sorry, mommy."
Eddie wraps her up in a big mommy hug, soon joined by her daddy.
"Fortunately, sweetie, Joe will not say anything. Will you?" Jamie loos up at his nephew.
"Of course not," Joe tousles Mal's hair.
"Thank you, partner Joe."
"You are very welcome!"
"Eddie, why don't you and Joe check on dinner? I have something to talk with Mal about."
Eddie is puzzled, but complies. She and Joe leave, Jamie pulls his daughter into her room.
He kneels in front of her and pulls a small blue box out of his pants pocket. Mal doesn't know what this is. Jamie opens the box, revealing a sparkling diamond ring. Mal gasps and coves he mouth with her hands.
"Really, daddy?"
"Yes, sweetheart! Can you help me with this?"
"Yes!" She nods vigorously.
"Ok, here is what you do-
888888888888888888888
AT THE TABLE
After they all are seated, Mal recites the blessing, then she gets out of her chair and goes to stand by her mother.
"Mommy, daddy and I have something for you." She holds out her hands, the small blue box nestled in them. With her right hand she picks up the box and holds it out to her mommy.
Tears begin streaming down Eddie's cheeks, she opens the box and sees just what she expected. A sparkling diamond ring.
Jamie comes to kneel at Eddie's other side.
"Edit Marie Janko, will you marry me?"
Eddie is speechless for a moment.
Mal whispers in her ear, "You're are supposed to say yes."
Joe and Jamie can barely suppress laughter.
Eddie gazes into Jamie's loving eyes; "YES, of course YES!" They embrace, joined by their daughter.
8888888888888888888888
After they settle down and take their places, dinner starts.
"How long have you known . . . you know, about that other thing?" Joe asks.
"Two weeks," Eddie answers. "We weren't necessarily trying, but we are very happy!"
"Are you excited, Mal?" Joe asks.
"YES! I want a little sister!"
"Would you be disappointed if you get a brother?"
Mal looks at he mommy, then her daddy. "No, but I'd like a sister more."
"But you would love a brother, right?"
"Oh yes, I would!"
"I thought so. Do you know when the baby is supposed to arrive?"
"February 10," Eddie helps Mal out.
"Wow, maybe a valentine!" Joe expresses. "That would be cool, right?"
"Yup."
88888888888888888888
TBC A/N: Will chapter 13 be unlucky? Or not?