Chapter 109
The judge and Jarrod circled as if they were in a ring, both ready to level the first punch at any provocation. Jarrod spoke first.
"This is a private funeral. You were not invited."
"This is my family's plot, if it is any of your business, Barkley."
Jarrod was taken aback by the Judge's words. Then it hit him—"Your last name is Franklin? Blasted. Who the hell would have known Paul—-"
He ignored him with fire in his eyes, "Davina? Let's go. This man doesn't deserve the time of day," The judge would have hit Jarrod if not for his daughter and sister present.
"Yes, that is a good idea, Judge." Jarrod glared.
"No, we are staying. Mr. Barkley, we have a vested interest in this funeral and we would like to stay. Then we all part ways again and never speak of this again." her Aunt met the rage in Jarrod's eyes with her own mettle.
"As you wish. But if you upset Lisette or Henry, you will live to regret it." staring at the judge with undisguised anger,
Davina spoke up, "Jarrod, we won't." in a soft gentle voice.
Lisette and Henry joined Jarrod at the grave. She kept her arm on Henry and reached out for Jarrod. He backed up a few steps and stood protectively at her side—ready to pounce at any moment.
Eugene cleared his throat. He had only seen Jarrod this way once or twice—-he was dangerous when he was cornered or the ones he loved were threatened.
"Randolph, let's get started."
The young divinity student looked overwhelmed; he stammered, "Let's open with the Twenty Third Psalm."
They dutifully recited the scripture in unison with Henry's voice being the clearest. All the adults's minds were racing trying to figure out the sordid relationships present.
"When Paul Franklin left this life, he went immediately into the Hands of a perfectly righteous and loving God who deals with sin justly and loves to show mercy to sinners."
The judge coughed and hmpfed. Jarrod glared at him. The aunt shook her head in frustration and Davina frowned at both men.
Randolph continued, "Christ's love for fallen people and focus on the promise that He is the "Resurrection and the Life. If we live and believe in Him, we shall never die…. And when we die, yet shall we live…" I state that Paul's life is over. But ours is not. Will you and I believe this promise and receive this gift of eternal life? His young son Henry has a bright future as a baptized believer at his young age. Good can come from the ashes. God never wastes a heartache and we all can take lessons from Paul Franklin's life. Let us look into our own hearts and weed out any malice or sin we may be hiding. And put it aside so we shall live in peace as Jesus wants us too."
"And the believers said, "Amen." and everyone joined in with the response.
Randolph sang a prayer in Latin. Lisette felt weak-kneed and closed her eyes. Jarrod steadied her.
It was obvious to the Franklins that they were very much a couple and had crossed over from being a lawyer and a client to something personal. Davina wiped away a few tears with her handkerchief.
Henry took a handful of dirt and dropped it into the open grave.
Instead of walking back to Lisette, he walked around the grave to the Franklins. Jarrod immediately followed him.
"How did you know my father?" he asked directly.
The Franklin's looked at Jarrod who was furious and then over at Lisette. Eugene and Randolph walked to her side. They were expecting anything at this point.
"I am your great Aunt. My sister, Cecilia, was your grandmother."
"Pleased to meet you, I am Henri John Taylor Franklin soon to be Barkley."
Everyone let out a muffled gasp at the child's honesty. Lisette closed her eyes and sighed.
Jarrod immediately went to Henry's side, "Let's go son."
The judge stared at Henry. Jarrod couldn't read his expression of wonder and grief and pain—-and most assuredly anger.
His sister hobbled over and put her hand on her brother's arm, "I noticed it too. He is such a wonderful mixture of his grandmother Cecilia and his great uncle Horace."
"Yes he is." he choked out.
He took his handkerchief and blew his nose to quell the tears in his eyes, "I uh, uh—" he mumbled again.
Jarrod stood protectively behind Henry with his arm on his shoulder.
Davina walked over to her father and aunt. She looked at Jarrod with love in her big eyes.
"I am your cousin, Davina. Pleased to meet you. I hope we shall meet again under happier circumstances. Maybe when I come to Stockton to see my Aunt?" looking up at Jarrod.
"You live in Stockton too? When Pappy and Mother marry, we will live on the ranch and run the hotel."
Davina swallowed back her tears, "You are a very lucky boy. Your Pappy is going to be a fine father."
The Judge composed himself finally and took his daughter's arm and his sister's.
"Thank you for allowing us to share this day to say goodbye."
Lisette walked over and took Jarrod's arm. She spoke clearly and full of grace, "I would love Henry to know his extended family. In Stockton, soon. All families have their share and sometimes much more, of grief—but family should be the place we don't have to pretend for the world. "
"Agreed," Davina said with tears, "Thank you and I do ask your forgiveness for my past words."
"Poppycock," Lisette surprised them all with her change in tone, "We all have judged before we know the whole story. Thank you again for coming."
Henry did a mock bow to his great Aunt and Uncle. Davina reached down and kissed him on the cheek.
They turned and walked out towards the family crypt.
Jarrod whispered in her ear, "I shall never be surprised enough at your kindness, my love. I am proud to spend the rest of my life at your side as a husband and father."
"To be honest, I couldn't decide whether to punch the man or not. Such a pompous jackass. And step on Davina's lace petticoat when she kept making mooneyes at you. Like a mooncalf. A silly goose. Ridiculous."
He laughed, "That's my Lissy."
"Prudy and Bax will be waiting lunch on us. I hope Priscilla is there. You will love her."
Jarrod took her arm and she held Henry's hand as they made their way back. Randolph and Eugene followed them.
"You must tell me what just happened." Gene whispered to his oldest brother.
"I will when I figure it out."