“That was beautiful,” Jackie said as she rested in the arms of her lover.
“It was and so are you. But now we need sleep.”
The couple slept in each other’s arms until midday.
At brunch Jackie said, “Sean, last night was the most amazing, romantic, erotic night of my life. I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I thank God for you. I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”
June 1989
Tony seemed to be everywhere. He was at his parents’ house when Jackie picked up Gina. She drove behind him at a McDonald’s drive-thru. She managed to avoid him when she spotted him in front of her in line at CVS. One night, when Jackie and Sean were at Mr. Dooley’s with friends, Jackie whispered, “Don’t look now, but across the bar, to our left, there are three guys. The middle one is Tony.”
“Holy shit. I’ve always wanted to get a look at that loser.” Sean inconspicuously turned his head. “So, that’s him. Huh. He doesn’t look like an asshole. I’d like to go ask him how it feels to be one.”
“Ha! I had a boss who asked him a similar question.” She laughed and told Sean about Joe Brandon. Turning to glance at Tony, she saw he was looking directly at her. He waved. She waved back.
August 1989
Jackie and Sean were at Sammy White’s with Tara and her fiancé Jim Walsh, discussing Tara’s upcoming wedding. Sean and Jim decided to play pool, leaving Jackie and Tara to have a long-overdue girl talk. Jackie told Tara how happy she was with Sean. She also told her how strange it was running into Tony.
“Tony isn’t around when he doesn’t want to be,” Tara said. “He’s obviously making himself available for some reason. Why do you think?”
“Who knows? Who cares?” I’m so in love with Sean. Tony pales in comparison.” Jackie shook her head and asked herself aloud, “Whatever did I see in him?”
“That’s the million-dollar question.”
“It must have been Gina.”
“Yeah, that’s it. So, back to Sean. He’s got obvious good looks, charisma, and genuine kindness. Does the guy have any faults?”
“Well, he’s a perfectionist. And he’s too damned good-looking. And he’s a cop. In that uniform, oh my God, he’s irresistible. Women are always gawking at him. The only consolation is that he’s so accustomed to it, he’s oblivious. He told me once that his initial attraction to me was that I was ignoring him, because other women always throw themselves at him. Well, he said it with more modesty than I just did. But that was the gist. I’m sure I’ll discover more faults, but now I’m too in love to see them. He’s everything I ever wanted. And, he loves Gina.”
“You’re leaving out the best part. How’s the sex?”
“He’s the best lover ever!”
“Nice. So it’s serious?”
“Like marriage serious?” Jackie’s heart leaped with the possibility.
“Yeah, of course, is there any other kind of serious at our age?”
“Let’s hope. I’d marry that man in a heartbeat.” Jackie clutched her heart, imagining.
Chapter Twenty-One
February 1990
Their one year anniversary came quickly. It was a magnificent year. To celebrate, Sean’s instructions were that Jackie needed to be ready at six thirty, dressed for a special evening.
At six twenty-five, a final check in the mirror reflected the fitted three-quarter sleeve electric-blue silk dress, cut above the knee in the front. A crystal and pearl necklace sparkled in the center of the deep V-neckline. Matching earrings and bracelet glimmered as they caught the light. Her dark hair was pulled into a French twist with some hanging tendrils, making the full effect breathtaking.
At precisely six thirty, a white stretch limousine pulled up in front of Jackie’s townhouse. The chauffeur opened the door for Sean, remaining at full attention until his return. When Jackie opened the door, Sean gasped at the beauty of the woman he loved.
“Happy Anniversary.” His kiss was passionate. She reached for her borrowed white mink coat and Sean draped it over her shoulders. He gave a slight bow and said, “Come m’lady, your carriage awaits.”
Jackie and Sean headed down the walkway, hand in hand. The chauffeur opened the door for the couple. Two dozen lavender roses had been placed on the opposite seat. Spotting the chilling champagne, Jackie sat back on the soft leather seat, cradling and smelling the roses.
She nestled beside him. “You always make me feel so special. You’ll never know how much I love you.”
“I love you as much.” Sean pressed play on the cassette deck and poured some champagne as the limo set off for their dinner destination at the Top of the Hub.
At the cozy corner table, Sean explained, “This restaurant came highly recommended from the guys at work for several reasons. The amazing view, outstanding food, and last but not least, the romantic ambience. I see what they mean. And I’ll bet the food’s fantastic.”
“It’s a great choice, for sure!” Jackie absorbed the panoramic view of Boston at dusk. “Just beautiful.”
“I heard they make the best baked stuffed lobster in the state.”
“Well, what more could I ask for. You, this view, and baked stuffed lobster.” She lifted her champagne glass. “Happy Anniversary, honey. This has been the happiest year of my life. I love you with all of my heart.”
“As I do you.” The champagne flutes clinked. Sean put his comforting hand on her knee and she placed her hand on his. They both ordered and enjoyed the lobster. Tiramisu and Mexican coffee were ordered for dessert.
Sean handed her a card. “For our anniversary.”
She opened the card and read, I love you more than words can say. Will you marry me?
Breathless, she looked at Sean with moist eyes. He held a one-carat pear-shaped diamond ring.
“Oh my God, yes!”
*
Getting home in the morning after the most romantic night of their lives, Jackie and Sean went to pick up Gina at Lucille’s house. Jackie had phoned Gina asking her to call Paul, Vic, and Karen and invite them to breakfast. She phoned Tara, Ellen, and Margie to invite them as well. When Jackie and Sean arrived at Lucille’s, Jackie’s family was in the kitchen sensing wonderful news. Gina was the first to reach her mother, asking “Did you have fun? Do you have great news?”
Tara knocked three times and joined the group, throwing her goose-down ski jacket on a hook.
“Perfect timing. We do have great news!” With Sean’s arm around her, she held up her left hand to display the sparkling diamond ring.
“Mom! Sean!” Gina shouted, clenching her fists to her heart. “You’re getting married!” She jumped up with joy.
“Yes honey, we are!”
“I’m so excited!” With tears in her eyes, she said, “I love you, Sean.”
“I love you too, Gina.” He hugged his future stepdaughter.
Everyone congratulated Jackie, Sean, and Gina in one big group hug. Ellen and Margie followed. After some excitement wound down, Tara pulled Jackie aside. “I’ve never been happier for anyone. You so deserve this.” A tear of joy streamed down her cheek.
“Oh, don’t cry or I’ll cry. I’ve never been happier.”
They sat down for coffee and muffins that Sean and Jackie had brought. Gina sat next to her mother. “I’m so excited, Mom. I love Sean. Do I get to call him Dad?” she whispered with a slight frown. “That’d be weird, even though I love him like a dad.”
Jackie patted her daughter’s arm. “Oh just let whatever comes, come naturally. We’ll make a great little family.”
*
“So, Sean, is next year too soon to plan our wedding? I can’t wait to be Mrs. Sean Gallagher!”
“And, I can’t wait either. Next year is fine, so long as there’s enough time to plan the wedding of your dreams. You deserve that. And I want to be the one to give it to you.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
Sean pulled her toward him for a long, ardent kiss.
Sean chuckled. “Getting back to business. We should also be looking for a house. This condo’s too small for the three of us, don’t you agree?”
“Hmm, I hadn’t considered that. But yeah, I guess it is. How exciting! Planning a wedding and buying a house. Let’s talk about the wedding. Who will be your best man?” Jackie asked as she imagined their wedding.
“My brother Sam. We’ve always been the closest. My other brothers will be ushers, and I’ll ask your brothers as well.”
“I want Gina’s to be my maid of honor. As much as I love Karen, Tara, Ellen, and Margie, that honor should be reserved for Gina.”
“Agreed.”
“Great! And I’ve always dreamed of having a wedding reception at the Lyman Estate,” Jackie said. “Could we do that?”
“Absolutely, it’s your dream.”
*
Gina was ecstatic when Jackie asked her to be the maid of honor.
“That’s so cool! I get to be the maid of honor. I’m so excited! We’re going to be a family!”
“And we’re looking for a new house too.”
“Really? I don’t want to change schools.”
“Oh, no worries. We’re staying in Watertown.”
Mother and daughter discussed their brand-new lives with great anticipation.
April 1990
Sean and Jackie spent the weekend working on wedding plans. They toured the Lyman Estate, which was as fabulous as Jackie had dreamed. Built in 1793, the classic New England mansion was stunning. The ballroom was a beautiful spot for the reception, and the library was cozy with an elegant bar for cocktails. The magnificent grounds were perfect for photographs, and the large covered veranda would be enjoyable for guests who might want to visit with each other away from the music. They both fell in love with the Lyman Estate as much as they had with each other, and they booked it for May 18, 1991.
Later that evening they joined Tara and Jim, and Sean’s brothers and wives at a local club to check out a wedding band. They had a great time dancing to the sounds of Young Love and The Thrills, which was a distinct possibility.
*
As they settled to sleep side by side after steamy lovemaking, Sean said, “Next we’ll start house hunting. I can’t wait to sleep with you every night.”
“Oh Sean, if we find the house we want now, we should wait until we’re married before we officially move in, because of Gina. I don’t want to send the wrong message. Or if something should happen, I don’t want to disrupt her too much.”
“What could happen?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Nothing, of course. I love you. But, we’re not married until we’re married. We can start looking now. And if we find the right house, you can move in and we’ll wait until after the wedding. Okay?” She kissed him.
“Okay, after a kiss like that, how can I argue? Besides, I have to sell my condo. Once we find the right house, you can decorate it while we wait for the wedding. I want Jackie Gallagher written all over it.”
“Oh, I love the sound of that!” She cuddled up against him.
“What’s your favorite type of house?”
“I’d love a craftsman style, with an open porch and a big, updated kitchen.”
“And a backyard for parties and volleyball.” Sean added. “Maybe a pool? I need at least a one-car garage. Two cars would be better. Let’s start looking. A cop at work recommended an agent. I’ll call her tomorrow.”
Jackie propped up on one arm to kiss Sean good night. “Good night honey, I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
July 1990
Jackie met Tara and Margie for brunch on a Saturday while Sean was working. She described the Lyman Estate and told them about the band selections and menu options.
“I’ll be so much fun dress shopping,” Tara said.
“I know. When should we start?” Jackie asked.
“Why not now?” Margie said.
“It’s not too early?”
“It’s never too early.”
“Wow, then let’s! I’ll pick up Gina and we’ll go. Wanna start where you got your dress, Tara?”
“Sure, Veronica’s Bridal Shop. It was reasonable and I loved my dress, didn’t you?”
“It was gorgeous!”
They had a wonderful time looking at bridal gowns and bridal party gowns. With Gina only twelve, it was difficult to coordinate the group. But with the help of a consultant, they found A-line tea-length dresses, off the shoulder. Gina would wear a ribbon around her waist. Everything was coming together.
Jackie tried on several bridal gowns before finding the one she loved. She stepped out of the dressing room to a collective gasp. It was a strapless lace ball gown with a chapel train. The neckline was gently scooped. Draped tulle accentuated the French couture-inspired corset bodice. Garlands of lace appliqué highlighted the waist and were scattered over the full skirt and train. The two-tier mid-length veil was sprinkled with crystals.
December 1990
To Jackie, Christmastime was never better. Sean helped shop for Gina. They planned to spend Christmas Eve with the Gallaghers, and Christmas Day with Jackie’s family. It was a festive, loving family time.
Since Sean’s family was much larger than Jackie’s, Jackie assumed she and Gina might be uncomfortable. Including Sean’s siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, a couple of aunts and uncles, and Jackie and Gina, there were twenty-five people cooking, chatting, and toasting the holidays. After a delicious dinner buffet, the family settled in the living room to exchange gifts. It was a warm, bustling household that Jackie and Gina fit into quite nicely, much to Jackie’s delight.
As Jackie, Sean, and Gina were leaving, Sean’s mother, Jean, walked them to the door. “Jackie and Gina, it was so nice having you with us. We’re so looking forward to the wedding.” She hugged each good-bye.
“Thank you so much, Jean. We had such a wonderful time. I love your family. But I’m not surprised. After all, you did produce this gem.” She put her arm around Sean. “Merry Christmas.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Gallagher,” Gina added.
“Oh Gina, it was our pleasure. You’re a delight!” She kissed Gina good-bye.
January 1, 1991
The couple decided to spend New Year’s Eve quietly. Gina spent the night at Krissy’s. Sean and Jackie went to Sean’s brother Sam’s house party. Safely home by eleven o’clock, the couple got comfortable and turned the TV on to watch Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve. Sean filled the champagne glasses halfway and handed Jackie her glass.
“To 1991. Sure to be the best year of our lives. I’m can’t wait to marry the love of my life.”
With a clink of the glasses, the two celebrated New Year’s Eve the best way of all, head over heels in love.
*
Jackie and Sean kicked off the new year by stepping up their house-hunting efforts. Together with their agent, they had looked at several houses before finding the one they decided on. It was a four-bedroom craftsman, two baths, on a quiet street. The open porch and updated kitchen fit Jackie’s dream, and Sean got his backyard and a two-car garage. It needed some updating, but that didn’t bother Sean. They agreed that remodeling would provide an opportunity to put their own stamp on it. The scheduled closing date was two months before the wedding.
April 1991
While Jackie and her bridal party were at the final fitting for their gowns, Officer Sean Gallagher was making a routine traffic stop. He walked toward the blue Ford Tracer he’d pulled over. At the same time, a passing tractor-trailer’s tire blew. The truck swerved out of control and pinned Sean against the sedan, killing him instantly.
Jackie returned home to find Sean’s brother John and her entire family on her porch. She knew by the group’s facial expressions that something was terribly wrong. My mother? She spotted her. No. She scanned the group for Sean. Where’s Sean? Panic grew. She leaped from the car, leaving the
motor running and door opened wide. Gina followed. Paul met her at the top of the stairs. “What’s going on?”
“Jackie, sit down,” Paul said, his hand motioning to the top stair. He sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. Gina sat on the other side of her mother.
Jackie was petrified. Looking into each person’s face, she knew from their silence that something horrible was about to be divulged. She flashed back to being ten years old when she sat in the kitchen fearing her father wouldn’t come home. Mrs. Sullivan wouldn’t say the words. This felt the same. Her heart clobbered her stomach until she heaved. “Tell me,” she whispered. “Just tell me.”
“During a traffic stop this morning, Sean was struck by a tractor trailer. He was killed instantly, in the line of duty.” Paul’s face crumpled.
Letting out a heart-wrenching moan, Jackie dropped her pounding head into her shaking hands and wailed in an effort to alleviate the pain of her shattering heart. Paul rubbed Jackie’s back and offered his other shoulder for his brokenhearted niece to collapse into.
*
Jackie remained comatose over the next few days. Overwhelmed by shock, she could only function on automatic. She went where she was told to go. She wore what she was told to wear. She stood where she was told to stand. She shook hands with those who reached out to her. Many people were Sean’s relatives she expected to meet at their wedding with him by her side. “You’ll love my Aunt Marie. She’s so much like my mother,” she’d heard Sean say. “My cousin Johnny is a kick! He’ll crack you up.”
Sleep was impossible. She tossed and turned with a crushing ache in her heart. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t stand being in her own body, in her own mind. She couldn’t stand the agonizing pain. The Lorazepam her doctor prescribed helped some. But all she wanted was to be in Sean’s arms, just once more.
She cried on the shoulders of her close friends, praying she’d wake from this nightmare. She stared in disbelief at the closed casket covered in an American flag. Sean’s picture on the top of it proved nothing to her. Her mind told her that Sean’s body was in that casket, but her heart told her that was impossible.
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