And love
Chap 48 Moving soon
SUNDAY MASS, ST. ANGELUS
The Reagan family now needs 2 pews, when the whole gang is in attendance. Today is one of those days. Henry and Frank's buttons are popping. Attendees are:
Jamie, Eddie, Cassie, Malina, & Mary Rose Reagan.
Paula & Joe Hill.
Henry & Frank Reagan.
Danny, Linda, Jack & Sean Reagan.
Erin Reagan & Nicky Reagan-Boyle.
Fr. Mark was pleased to introduce the family to the congregation. There were numerous nods of approval for the expansion of the well known family.
After Mass, the family met at Frank's and received instructions.
"Attention, please," Frank called out. "We are going on a very special Sunday picnic today. We will ride the Long Island Rail-Road, then walk to Jamie and Eddie's new home."
"WHAT!" Mary Rose screams.
"You didn't tell us this!" Mal shouts.
Cassie just covers her face with her hands and starts to cry. Eddie wraps Cass up in her arms, soothing her. "You will love it sweetheart!"
"I have a ticket for each of you," he hands them out. "We will ride to stop #6. When you get off, please wait for all of us to assemble. We will walk 4 blocks then go left down a white driveway. The house is about 200 yards down the drive. After a tour of the house and grounds (can't mention the barn), we will have a catered luncheon. Everybody ready?"
"YES!" 3 over the moon girls are exploding.
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HONDA
"Do you see the shoes mom and dad are w-earing?" Mal whispers in the back seat.
"Yes, their runners," Cassie whispers back.
"Why are they doing that?" Mary Rose wonders.
"I bet it's to keep up with you!" Cass snickers as she tickles her youngest sister.
Jamie & Eddie look at each other and grin. "If they only knew," Eddie whispers to Jamie.
"Stop tickling," Mary Rose gets out between laughs.
They reach the LIRR terminal, park and join the group. The girls are practically jumping out of their skin. Jamie has some instructions for his family; "Please stay together at all times. It's best if we hold hands. When we get to the white driveway grandpa mentioned, mother and I have something special for you to wear. So, don't go running off ahead, please. Understood?"
The girls nod, YES.
"Ok, grab a hand, and let's go!"
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The LIRR is a new experience for many of the group. The girls especially are over the top excited. They have many questions along the way. Their parents answer as best as they can.
When they disembark, grandpa Frank gathers his brood. He offers Cassie his hand, to lead the walkers. Jamie & Eddie have Mal & Mary Rose in between them; a chain of four. The group proceeds until they come to the driveway, then they stop.
Frank sends Cassie to join her family. Jamie gets their attention and instructs his crew; "It is very important that no one run off ahead. Our lineup will be Eddie-Mal-Cass-Mary Rose-Jamie. Please hold on to the hand on either side of you at all times. Grandpa Frank, lead the way."
They take a leisurely pace down the drive. Just before the house comes into view they pause. Jamie & Eddie move their line to the front. (they don't want to trample anyone) They slowly advance until the house can be fully seen, then stop. It takes a while for the girls to take it in.
SUDDDENLY
"A BARN!" Mary Rose shouts, and takes off as if shot out of a circus cannon. Fortunately, her parents had anticipated this. Jamie had his runners on, and did not let go of her hand. They skirted the house and headed straight to the barn. The barn door was open, and once inside Jamie let his daughter roam He stood in the doorway, a huge smile on his face. He is soon joined by Eddie, Cassie and Mal.
"I can't believe this! Daddy look, a stall just for Joseph! (She has raced to a large corner stall, of course) And room for Betsy, and Cassie's horse, and Mal's pony, and your – what do you ride, daddy? I forgot. Oh my god! I can't believe it! Daddy, I'm so happy!" She runs nonstop from stall to stall to tack room and back out. Finally, she tuckers out and collapses in her mommy's arms. "Do you . . . see all this . . . mommy?" She pants.
"Yes, baby girl! I see it, isn't it nice?" Eddie responds.
"NICE? It's beautiful! It's awesome! And, it's ours . . . isn't it, daddy?"
"Yes, baby girl. It is ours!"
(Mary Rose never noticed Palmer's grandson Tim in the hay loft, video taping the entire thing. (The family would enjoy this, many times over!)
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TOUR AND INDOOR PICNIC
When the youngest Reagan branch of the family tree made their way into the house, they found the food ready. Erin led the blessing, and all loaded up their plates from the catered buffet. The caterer had provided fold-up tables and chairs as no furniture was here yet.
After eating Jamie and Frank each led a tour group. Eddie took their girls on a special tour – it focused on the large circular upstairs room. The girls walked around in amazement.
"Dad and I think this room would be ideal for the three of you. What do you think?" Eddie paused for responses.
"It's big!" Cassie voices. "You mean we could each have our own space in here?"
"Yes, exactly."
"Can we choose a corner? Well, there aren't any corners . . . but you know what I mean," Mal says.
"Yes, you can. Dad and I will referee if needed. Mary Rose, what are you thinking?"
"What about the barn, mommy?" She is pensive.
A shiver runs up Eddie's spine. "Sweetie, the barn is for animals. We live in the house, as a family." She and Jamie were afraid of this. They had a strategy mapped out. They really hoped it wouldn't come to that. Mary Rose would NOT like the consequences of any separation from the family. Tough love may be needed; it would be delivered.
The girls spend some time walking and talking in their new room. They came to reasonable conclusions regarding space for each of them, type of bed and desk each preferred and more. Then they headed back downstairs.
"Cassie and Mal, come with me," Pops declared. He led them to the large, beautiful kitchen. The girls were dumbstruck!
"How about having our cooking lessons here, ladies? And each time we do a lesson, we cook dinner for the family?"
Unknown to Henry or the girls, Eddie & Jamie were listening around the corner. Huge smiles growing on their faces.
"Really?" Mal exclaims.
"Yup. What do you think Cassie" He wants to draw her in.
"I love that idea. Would you really do that for me?" This family stuff was starting to overwhelm her.
"Of course, my dear." Pops drew her into a tight embrace, adding Malina.
Eddie hugged Jamie tightly as well.
Gourmet meals on the horizon?
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Just before they left, Joe sought out Eddie & Jamie. "A man and lady stopped by. They left this for you; I said that I would give it to you." He handed Eddie a white envelope; addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Reagan. Return address, Palmer & Deborah.
She looked at her husband, "Now? Or at home?"
"Later, at home."
She stuffed it into her bag, and they gathered their girls for the trip home.
AT HOME
The girls were making homemade pizza.
Eddie and Jamie were cuddling on the couch. Eddie slit open the envelope and read a notice:
HOUSEWARMING
THE JAMESON REAGAN FAMILY
17189 OLD CREEK LANE
LONG ISLAND NY
11:00 AM -5:00 PM
DATE TBD
Contact Deborah Wells for gift suggestions and specific date.
555-901-2345
There was an explanatory note: Please talk with Palmer or Carroll at your next lesson. Can we decide on a date?
They looked at each other.
"WOW! Can you believe this?" Eddie exclaims.
"Yeah, I can. Folks out here on the Island just seem more open and friendly than NYC. I think we are going to like it."
"I think you are correct, babe. So, when are we moving?"
"Are you packed?" He smirks.
"Me? That's a family affair, mister Reagan!"
"Well, Saturday start?"
"Saturday start." She nuzzles his neck, their thoughts turned to more pleasurable things.
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A FAMILY AFFAIR
It took 4 weeks of weekend packing and donating to get ready for the big move. All the family pitched in, not just Jamie, Eddie and their girls. The other family members offered multiple items that were little used, and they thought might be of interest. A few were accepted, most were delicately declined. Family feelings were handled with care.
The discussion with Palmer and Deborah yielded a house warming date 12 weeks out. Jamie & Eddie were nervous about the event; they didn't know what to expect. Jamie encouraged his wife to prepare a promotional brochure for her paralegal business. She wasn't sure a housewarming was the time to do that. (She would be surprised at what came about)
Carroll and Tim had Joseph ready. The barn was prepped, but not so obvious that Mary Rose would catch on as to what was going to happen.
Anticipation was extreme!
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TBC
A/N: I am debating with myself as to how far Mary Rose will go as to actually 'living' in the barn. Too far, and she will pay a heavy price. I love her; but too far, is too far!