And love
Chapter 81 Happy Birthday?
BAY RIDGE, BROOKLYN
Early October
The Reagan patriarchs have called for a family conference with Erin, Danny and Linda.
"Jamie and Eddie called Pops and me a few days ago," Frank starts. "As you know, this October is a big month, it is birthday #1 for Patrick and AJ. So, it is their 1st 5-way birthday celebration. A big deal!"
"I'll say," Erin gushes. "I haven't received an invite yet." A hint of disappointment in her voice.
"You expect an invite? Maybe gold plated, or signed in blood?" Danny scoffs.
Linda's head drops, she slowly shakes her head.
"Well, I guess this is your invitation, Erin. And Daniel and Linda," Henry inputs.
Frank goes on, "Yes, they have offered us the honor of hosting this special celebration. At this ancestral family home. They have some suggestions concerning coordination of various aspects of the event."
"When will this party occur," Linda inquires.
"The last Sunday in October," Pops answers.
"This is exciting," Erin stands and begins to pace. "Wait, what about coordination," she stops in front of her father.
"Well, Eddie suggests the following: 1) Cassie will be in charge of documenting the day with video and still pictures; she wonders if Jack and/or Sean would like to assist her. 2) Mal and Pops will be in charge of food, including birthday cakes. 3) Eddie and Mary Rose will work with Linda, Erin & Nicky on activities and decorations."
"What the hell! Is this a Broadway production" Danny explodes.
Frank and Henry look at each other. "Daniel, you have the most important part of all!" Frank intones.
A soft smile forms on Linda's lips; she knows what is coming. She grasps Danny's hand and hangs on for dear life.
Danny looks askance at his wife. He sits back in his chair, and waits for the shoe to drop.
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"Daniel," Pops starts, a well-rehearsed speech he and Francis have finely polished. "This is a very important day for this family. We really need for all of us to be on our best behavior. To keep all negativity out of our speech and actions."
Danny scowls, Erin's eyes go wide.
"If you see or hear something, and you know that any comment you are about to make needs 'just sayin' added to it . . . don't make that comment. Please," Frank implores his son.
"Are you serious, dad?" Erin voices.
"Very serious. I think we all have heard Jamie intimate strongly that he is ready to stop exposing his family, especially the kids, to the negative environment that our family gatherings often become. I am reasonably certain that if this one-time event gets ruined – that he will pull the plug." Frank looks around at each family member in the room. He pauses.
"All of us?" Erin whispers.
Danny sits silently, glowering.
Pops adds, "Do we really want Jamie and Eddie to be forced to decide who gets invited, and to what? They will do that!"
"One more thing," Frank speaks. "Paula and Joe Hill are invited, and are coming. I know there are unresolved issues there. This is NOT the day, nor the event to bring any of that up – even in passing."
"Any other guests?" Linda asks.
"The weekend before us, there is a party planned for friends out on the island," Pops informs.
"Oh, by whom?" Erin wonders.
Danny remains sullenly silent.
"Deborah & Palmer of Saddle Rock Ranch begged to do that. Kara of the 12th, Sarge Renzulli & wife, Eddie's 1st 2 lawyers and her OB doc are putting it together," Frank inputs.
"Well, I see where we fit in," Danny huffs. "After-birth," he whispers.
Everyone looks at each other, frowning. There seems to be no end. After Danny's big windfall he is just getting more and more negative and withdrawn. Linda is at her wits end; all in the room, except Danny, can see it. The one who needs it, and her the most, is oblivious.
Linda and Erin plan a conference call with Eddie and girls. Pops has home work with Malina; he's heard of 3 types of birthday cake requested. Hmpf!
Frank looks down and sighs. He feels tremors under his feet. Can his family withstand this? He really doesn't know how. "Mary Margaret, my love, I need your help.'
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RING – DONNA BLAKE'S CELL
"Donna here, Jamie?"
"Yes Donna, can you talk?"
"Yup, what can I do for you?"
"Well, the next to last Saturday in October; at Saddle Rock Ranch-
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SATURDAY – Saddle Rock Ranch
It's a beautiful fall day on the island. The arena has been wonderfully decorated. There are areas for games, races and such. Tables ready for a plethora of food; including thred large birthday cakes and an assortment of cupcakes for certain 1-year olds. The guest list is extensive:
Kara, Dylan Walsh & 2 boys,
Sarge Renzulli, wife & other 12th personnel (6),
Dr. Casey (regular Ob-Gyn) & Gregg Nelson w nurse Debbie,
Doctors: Robert Young (OB, c-section), Sylvia Andrews (AJ-Peds),
Saddle Rock Ranch folk Palmer, Deborah, Carroll & Sharlene, Timmy & girlfriend,
Paula & Joe Hill; decided to attend this party,
Gwen & Julie; Manhattan Family Law,
Helene Watson,
Father Raphael & 4 staff from St. Bridget's parish & school,
Jack & Sean Reagan,
6 classmates of the girls (including Eli!),
AND Jamie, Eddie, 3 girls & 2 boys!
44 attendees! Unless my count is off.
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BIRTHDAY CAKE
Each daughter lobbied hard for her favorite cake. So, they ended up with 3 medium-sized cakes: chocolate, yellow and marble. The cupcakes were white/vanilla with chocolate frosting.
Cassie got splendid video of Patrick smashing cousin Joe's face with chocolate frosting; and AJ making his usual massive mess. Cassie had Jack and Sean (they came on the LIRR) busy with still digital cameras while she was doing video of various people and activities. She let Eli do some video while she directed him. Jamie and Eddie watched this closely, they saw nothing inappropriate – but this concerned them. The two classmates seemed to be good friends.
PRESENTS
People had been asked to bring lawn chairs; they also had been told that presents were strictly optional.
After eating was concluded, they sat in a circle and those presents and cards that were brought were distributed and opened.
After this, aunt Deborah invited the kids into the house for a scavenger hunt. The house had obviously been thoroughly cleaned and small prizes hidden. While the kids scampered around collecting what they could find, a jeep & horse trailer was pulling up to the arena.
SURPRISE!
As the kids filtered back into the arena, Mary Rose stopped dead in her tracks.
Cassie had her video camera focused on her little sister. Eddie & Mal had their hands covering their mouths – to keep from screaming.
"OH MY GOD – ITS MADDIE!"
Yes, there in the middle of the arena stood a familiar horse. A large red bow around her neck, Donna and Scott holding the reins. She was saddled and ready to go.
While the other kids looked on stunned, Mary Rose raced to Maddie and threw her arms around the horse's neck. Maddie nodded her head and gently stamped one front hoof. She whickered softly, recognizing her friend and comforter. "Is she mine?" Mary Rose looked from Donna to Scott.
"Yes, she is yours and ours," her daddy's voice came from behind her. "Can I ride her, daddy?"
"Yes, sweetie." Jamie took the reins from Scott, then cupped his hands so his daughter could mount. When she was settled in the saddle he gave her the reins. Dad led his excited daughter for a lap around the arena; then turned her loose for 2 solo laps. The party attendees, young and older, unanimously clapped and cheered. Mary Rose ate it up, patting Maddie's neck and whispering in her ear.
Jamie and Eddie had one major concern; would their youngest girl be able to spread her love and attention evenly between Maddie and Joseph. Jealousy was a real possibility.
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BAY RIDGE
If a birthday party ever was anticlimactic, this was it!
One good thing about it was that the BIG birthday present surprise had been delivered – Maddie. So, this party could concentrate on Patrick Henry and Alexander Jonathon. Not that the boys were interested in the difference.
All the family was there; but after the crowd of the previous weekend, the house seemed empty. There were questions about Paula and Joe; easily answered with "they decided to come out to the island, they had heard about Maddie".
That was a sore point with some. Maddie, not Paula & Joe.
The house never was more beautifully decorated; the meal never more delicious nor better presented. The family well behaved – yet, something wasn't right.
After eating and birthday cake, the family retired to the living room. 1st on the agenda was a review of the Saddle Rock Ranch party. Cassie kept it short and sweet – on the advice of her father. What helped immensely, as a pick me up was the video of Mary Rose and Maddie. That little girl could always be counted on to lift spirits. After the video, and before presents, Mary Rose told the story of herself, Maddie & the loss of the foal. Though a sad story, it had a somewhat happy ending.
Presents concentrated on the boys: toys, clothes, puzzles & a stuffed animal or two. For the girls: video games, clothes, Spotify & Netflix subs, gift cards.
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THE DRIVE HOME
The Honda was packed full and quiet. The 5 kids in the rear were all asleep. Getting 3 girls, 2 car seats, presents & leftovers all in took a magician. Jamie and Eddie combined did it.
"Jamie." Eddie spoke softly.
"Hm?"
"Something was really off there."
"You noticed that too?" He smirks in the dark.
"You couldn't miss it. What was it, babe?"
"Danny."
"It was Danny's fault?"
"Yup."
Silence. "Wait a minute! What did he do?" She is puzzled.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"Nothing. It's sad really. My older brother is so tightly wound that he cannot relax and have a good time."
"Why is that? I see it, but why?"
"I don't know. It's too bad. You and the kids have never seen the real Danny Reagan. Maybe Linda has some insight; maybe you and Erin should have lunch with her. When will you be in Manhattan next?"
"I'll check, that's a good idea."
They ride on in silence.
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"What a crappy birthday party!" Danny has twisted the cap off of a long neck and collapsed on the couch.
"We had a good time out on the ranch," Sean declares. "Cassie had me and Jack taking pictures. Lots of people, lots of fun."
"Your pay?"
"Pay?"
"Yeah, what'd she promise to pay you?" Danny persists.
"Food, cake & a good time," Jack adds.
"Hmpf. Unlike at the old folk's home," he takes a long pull.
"Either of you boys meet a hot girl, huh?" He takes another pull and belches.
"We should have left you home!" His wife huffs. Speaking loudly from the kitchen.
Danny doesn't notice her GO BAG by her feet.
The boys drift off to bed after 20 minutes. Their mother sits at the kitchen table the entire time.
Danny finishes his beer, walks by the kitchen throwing his bottle toward the recycle bin – he misses. He continues on to bed.
Linda stays at the table another half hour. Toward the end she receives a TXT from Eddie:
E: coffee or lunch w me & Erin?
L: Y, I will check schedule tomorrow
E: good
Linda stows her bag under the sink, and shuffles off to bed.
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BAY RIDGE
"This family is in trouble, Francis."
"I know Pop."
"What to do?"
"I do not know. I've prayed to Mary Margaret. She would have been so happy tonight. Those twins are a delight."
"Yet she would have been so sad." Pops whispers.
"Yeah."
They finish their scotch and shuffle off to bed.
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TBC
A/N: Shall I put Danny out of his misery? Can this family take much more?