And love
Chap 49 Home sweet home
MOVING DAY – A SATURDAY
Jamie & family are in the Honda. The girls in the 2nd row feel like sardines. They are surrounded by boxes; they have strict instructions to carry one box into the house. This should slow someone down. Hopefully.
They did as instructed; when they enter, they are met with a delicious aroma. Cassie and Mal set their boxes down and race for the kitchen. GG has a large pot of chili simmering on the stove. "Hey gals, just in time! On the island is the recipe and the ingredients. You are in charge of the cornbread. It needs to be in the oven in 45 minutes. Chop, chop!" He turns back to stir the chili.
"Aren't you going to help us, Pops?" Mal wonders.
"You haven't even looked at the recipe! It's simple."
The girls put the recipe book between them, and start reading. With his back to them, Pops smiles. "Don't forget your aprons!"
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When all the cars, vans and trucks are unloaded, Eddie looks around. "Jamie, our house still looks rather empty!"
"It does, doesn't it. I guess we need that house warming after all." He snickers.
"I'm not sure how much good that will do. Well, we know one good thing!" She huffs.
"Yeah. At least our Mary Rose will be happy."
She wraps her arms around him. "Aren't you happy, sweetheart?"
"Yes, poor choice of words. Sorry. Do we at least have our bed to sleep in?"
"Yup, all made up and ready." She grins.
"Good! Some of Pops cornbread & chili . . . then off to bed we go."
"Ah, what about our 3 daughters upstairs?"
"They are on their own."
"You know where we will find Mary Rose in the morning, right?"
"Nah, the nights are too cold yet."
"Are you sure?"
He looks at his wife, a frown forming. "I thought so."
"Hon, we better tuck them in tight."
"I have my handcuffs in the safe." He smirks.
Eddie swats his arm and walks to the kitchen.
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SUNDAY MORNING
"Mal, Cass, Mary Rose! Breakfast in 15!" Jamie hollers up the stairs. "I'll be up there in 10 – be decent!"
"Dad, stay down there. Mom can come up," Mal returns.
Jamie looks to Eddie, "What?"
"They're girls you know." She shrugs. "I'll go if they aren't down."
He shakes his head and walks to the kitchen.
When Eddie gets upstairs, she finds her daughters in jeans and T's. With hands on hips, she addresses them. "Have you forgotten which day this is, young ladies?"
"Huh?" Cassie looks half asleep.
"SUNDAY! Church then dinner with grandpa and GG."
"I can't find my good clothes," Mal mumbles.
Eddie looks around, 'No wonder. This looks like a rat's nest. Jamie! You put the girls to bed last night, did you see the condition of the room?"
He comes up, stops and stares with mouth partly open. "Ah . . . it wasn't like this. I swear."
The girls are sitting on their respective bed, hanging their head.
"I'm not sure we can leave them up here all alone, Jamie," Eddie mutters.
He shakes his head, "Maybe not. Can someone explain this mess?"
"Mom and I want an answer. And telling the truth fight now, is NOT tattling. Understand?" Dad emphasizes.
"I was looking for something," Mary Rose whispers.
"So was I," Mal mutters.
"In the dark?" Eddie wonders.
"Everyone downstairs, now. Breakfast in 3, or you go hungry." Dad lays down the law.
The girls plead, "mom?" She shakes her head and follows Jamie down the stairs.
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RIDING PLUS
When they show up for their next lesson, Carroll takes Jamie aside for a question. "Tim and I have a request, and something you may be interested in," Carroll starts.
"What's up?"
"Timmy and I have been asked to be volunteer deputy sheriffs. We have no gun experience. Would you be willing to go to a range with us a couple of times? To see if we think we can learn to be comfortable carrying a weapon?"
"I could do that, probably bring Eddie too. You realize that the 1st time will be all about safety and handling a weapon. Very little time shooting."
"I realize that. Does Eddie carry a weapon?" Carroll is astonished.
"Not currently, but she wants to get back in shape. There's more, but I can't say right now. What else?"
"Our high velocity paintball team is down a man. Have you ever played?"
"Once, and playing is a euphemism, Carroll!"
"Yeah, you're right. But, are you interested?"
"Maybe. Can Eddie participate?"
"Sure, they have a ladies league."
"No, no, on a men's team."
Carroll isn't sure what to say. "Well, it's been done but-
"This goes to what I didn't say. Eddie was 2nd in marksmanship in her class at the NYPD academy. She's short, quick and super competitive. Need I say more?"
"Nope, will you two talk it over?"
"Yes, give me more details."
He did.
They talked.
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BEDTIME
"Eddie, did you straighten things out upstairs?"
"Yes, Mr. Black Hat." She kisses him on the cheek.
"You get to wear it next time." He returns the kiss.
"Agreed. Now, about those other two things; yes, I think that I should requalify for my CC permit, and go with you and the boys to the range. Don't you agree?"
"Yes, and there are some things that we need to do with the girls."
"What?"
"Asp, and 'please don't hurt my family'." Jamie points out.
"Ah, yes. We have some work to do as a family, don't we?" Eddie grins.
"Yup! We do. And we might add self-defense. Now, what about paintball?" He cocks his head.
"That is intriguing, it really is, Jamie. But not now. Ask me again, however." She smirks.
"May I do paintball?" He doesn't want to do it without her permission. With 3 kids, they both feel that is important. Time away from the family needs to be rationed.
"Yes, show me the schedule though."
"Will do; and I freely give you a veto card, my love."
"Thank you." She rolls over, covers him and stops all conversation.
A seed was planted. Glowing changes up ahead!
Don't tell anyone; it's a secret!
Especially 3 young ladies. You know why.
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They had missed Mass at St. Angelus. The drive to Bay Ridge is longer than expected. They barely made dinner. They need to reconsider all this. They have found a nice little church nearby; and schools too. So, they are becoming comfortable in their new environment.
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TBC