Once Broken

  “Yes, that’s a good number.” Jackie reached for her margarita.

  “Mom, would you mind if we had our reception at the Lyman Estate?” Gina asked. “I understand if you do.”

  “Oh. It’s such a beautiful place.” Jackie hesitated, remembering visiting the venue with Sean. “If that’s where you want to get married, then that’s where you should get married. You’d better book soon,”

  “Well actually, John did, pending your approval. That’s how we came up with April 16. We love the place, but because of Sean, we knew we had to ask you first.” Gina leaned over her plate, taking a bite of a loaded nacho she’d constructed. “Ashley will be my maid of honor. She’s like my sister. Krissy, Mary Katherine from school, and John’s sister Patrice will be bridesmaids. And you’ll give me away.”

  Jackie looked up from her margarita, overwhelmed with emotion at the image; all she could say was, “Oh my.”

  “Well, you’re the one person who’s loved me, supported, protected, and guided me. You’re my Mom and Dad. So you have to give me away.”

  Her nose stung as tears welled. “I’d be honored of course, but how can I do that without crying?” she asked herself aloud.

  “You’d better get it out before the wedding,” Gina said, one cheek bulging. “No crying allowed at my wedding.”

  *

  “Nana, we’re getting married April 16, 2005,” Gina announced, sitting next to John on the sofa in the den.

  Snuggled in her cushioned recliner, Anna exclaimed, “I’m so happy for you dear.

  “Mr. Baker, you’ve got yourself quite a wonderful girl there.”

  “Believe me, I know, Mrs. Salvucci,” John assured her.

  Anna added, “And you, my dear, got quite a catch!”

  “Yes, Nana, I know.” Gina chuckled.

  “How are the wedding finances holding up, can I ask?”

  “They’re fine. Why?”

  “Well, Tony told me that he sent you some money a few months back, but you returned it. I’m sure it’s still available.” Placing her hand over Gina’s, she said, “He’d be pleased if you took it.”

  “Anna, with all due respect, that won’t be necessary.” John answered. “Your son—”

  “Nana, please.” In her gentlest voice, Gina said, “I know he’s your son, Nana, and you love him. But you must understand my position. I don’t need anything from him. And that was his choice.”

  “I know. Oh, never mind.” She resumed her latest crochet project.

  “Nana, please understand.” Gina drifted into distant memories. As if thinking aloud, she said, “Do you know when I received my First Communion I lied to my classmates about my father? I told them he lived in California and couldn’t get a flight. No Nana, I won’t relieve his guilt by accepting money.”

  Putting down her crochet, Anna said, “My sweet Gina, I don’t think you understand. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about remorse. When Tony first left you and your mother, I know he felt guilty. He knew it was wrong. But his guilt made him angry. He blamed everyone and everything for the situation, including of course, your mom. I think his guilt might’ve made him marry Carmella. But somewhere over the years, maybe when the accident happened, he changed. He feels horrible and wants to fix things. But he can’t rewind time. The money won’t fix his guilt; it’s to make things right if at all possible. He’s sorry Gina.”

  “Well, I’m sorry too,” Gina responded, trying to hide her anger. “Nana, I want to talk about happy things. Like my wedding.” Suddenly she noticed how much older Anna looked since she lost her husband. “Geez, Nana, you’ll be eighty next fall?”

  “Imagine that. Me, eighty.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Life goes by like opening and shutting a window. So fast. But life’s been good to me. I have but one outstanding wish.”

  “What’s that,” John asked, much to Gina’s dread.

  “For my granddaughter and my son to be at peace with one another.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  May 2004

  Following months of house hunting, Gina and John found their future home. Whisking Jackie to see it, they drove up to a large dark-gray colonial with white trim, black shutters, and a large open porch, set on an acre of professionally landscaped property. “It makes some impression!” Jackie said, as they turned into the driveway. “The farmer’s porch is so you, Gina!”

  “It’s a beauty,” John agreed.

  “Wait until you see the inside, Mom.”

  Jackie loved the open-concept living space with gleaming hardwood floors and the stone fireplace wall. When she spotted the sunroom off the foyer, she gasped. The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She opened her arms wide and twirled. “Oh, I’ve always been a sucker for sunrooms! I can see you writing some productive marketing material here.”

  “I know! It’ll definitely be our office.”

  Jackie returned to the living room, clasping her hands. “That fireplace is magnificent!”

  Walking over to the stone wall, John said, “Watch this!” With a flick of a switch, water trickled down the stones into a basin creating a relaxing waterfall effect.

  “Wow, that’s charming.”

  They moved to the open kitchen. “Oh Gina, the island’s fantastic.” Jackie ran her fingers across the Carrara marble countertops and noted the polished tile backsplash. Peering out of the triple kitchen window over the sink, she said, “What an enormous backyard.” Then she inspected the three-season porch that led to a large deck. “You’ll make many happy family memories in this dream house.”

  At the top of the curved staircase were four equally impressive bedrooms. Off the master were a large walk-in closet and an en suite complete with a Jacuzzi tub. Each of the other bedrooms had its own charm.

  “What a way to start out. I’m so proud of you both!”

  John and Gina moved into their dream home a month before their wedding.

  April 16, 2005

  The bridal party arrived at Jackie’s townhouse at nine thirty a.m. Mimosas were flowing. Krissy’s sister Emily was a hairdresser who volunteered do the bridal party’s hair and makeup. Tara dropped by in the middle of the bustle. Each taking a mimosa, the old friends escaped to the deck for a quiet chat while the bridal party scampered about the townhouse, buzzing with excitement and laughter. The morning chill left their breath hanging from each word. They agreed it was worth the quiet.

  “Thanks for coming, Tara.” She hugged her friend. “We don’t see each other enough. We’re both so busy.”

  “I know. So glad I’m here today. Can you believe Gina’s getting married?”

  “No! Gina’s first ten years seemed like an eternity. They were such hard years. But from ten to twenty-seven, zip, here we are! It’s frightening to realize that was my life that whizzed by!”

  “And now, you’re the mother and the father of the bride.” Tara chuckled, sipping her mimosa. “I can’t imagine my kids getting married. But it’ll be here before I know it.”

  “It’s sad and exciting. For one thing, I realized the other day I’ll no longer be her next of kin. If something happens to her, John legally makes the decisions. Good thing I love him! I’m sad because I know, as a married woman, she’ll have different responsibilities. And I’ll have to share her on holidays. On the other hand, she’s so lucky to have John. He loves her so much.

  “I always feared, because of Tony, Gina might fall into some stupid abandonment trap like I did, attracting men who’d leave her. But John’s a great guy. For that, I’m extremely grateful. Not to mention of course, that there’ll grandchildren someday to fill that gorgeous house they bought.” She squealed with excitement, rubbing her hands together.

  “Imagine.” Tara shook her head. “You look far too young to be a grandmother. You haven’t a gray hair.”

  “You know better. They’re all under here,” Jackie confessed, lifting the sides of her shoulder-length hair.

  “Mom?” Gina went out to the deck. “Ther
e you are.” She hugged Tara. “Emily’s ready to do your hair. Auntie Tara, come in with us.”

  *

  Each bridesmaid wore a shantung lavender gown with a violet ribbon around the waist. The maid of honor’s violet shantung gown with lavender ribbon complemented Ashley’s rosy complexion and blonde-highlighted hair.

  The ushers wore black tuxedos, lavender cummerbunds, and charcoal-gray striped ascots. White-rose boutonnieres were pinned to their lapels. The best man, John’s brother Mark, wore a violet cummerbund with his black tux.

  Tall and lean, John was striking in his black tux. As he stood at the bottom of the aisle awaiting his bride, he was overcome by emotion.

  The first notes of the “Trumpet Voluntary” sounded and the processional began. When Ashley reached the base of the aisle, Jackie and Gina appeared in the archway of St. Patrick’s foyer. Rays of sunlight filtered through the open doors behind them. Gina was exquisite in her full, flowing white tulle gown. The lace appliqués dotted with crystals and sequins sent sparkles of shooting stars all around her. Her dark hair was half up, leaving the remainder to fall in a soft natural curl. A gossamer veil was draped over her perfectly made-up features.

  Jackie’s deep-violet linen mother-of-the-bride suit consisted of a fitted skirt with a slit and a long fitted jacket adorned with matching pearls and clear sequins. Her hair was pulled into a French twist. Her matching wide-brimmed hat had a fishnet veil dipping over her eyes. As she walked her radiant daughter down the aisle, she smiled at every guest. When they arrived at the foot of the aisle, the priest asked, “Who gives this woman to this man?”

  “I do.” Jackie was proud and honored.

  Gina kissed her mother’s cheek. Tears filled Jackie’s eyes as she turned to take her seat in the first row beside her mother and Anna. Gina hooked her arm in John’s and the ceremony began.

  Just before the pronouncement of husband and wife, and before anyone in the church noticed, Tony exited through a back door with a lump the size of New England in his throat.

  *

  Champagne popped upon Gina and John’s return from their Hawaiian honeymoon. Their leisure time was spent with friends and family around the pool at their new home. Gina loved being John’s wife and she enjoyed her job. John’s position as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley was professionally and financially rewarding. Their lives were fulfilling and brimming with promise.

  June 2005

  Following her eightieth birthday, Anna suffered from chronic bouts of confusion, forgetfulness, and irrational rage. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Concerned about his mother’s decline, Tony approached her with a proposition. “Ma, how about I rent my condo, and Bailey and I will come live here with you. Since Dad died, you’ve been so lonely. And I’m lonely too. I’ll be here to take care of you.”

  Anna agreed, grazing his face with her hand. “You’re such a good son, Tony. That would be nice.”

  Tony came home midday to check on his mother and serve her lunch. Some days she was fine, settled into her chair, crocheting. Other times, she’d try to cook or do other household chores, and Tony would smell something burning or smoke from some forgotten attempt.

  “Ma, I come home every day to make you lunch, don’t I? You’ve got to wait for me. Someday, you’ll set the house on fire.”

  “Oh Tony, sometimes I forget.”

  A few weeks later, his worst fear came true. He came home to see fire trucks in the driveway and smoke through the kitchen windows. Getting out of his car, he screamed, “Where’s my mother and my dog?”

  “They’re at your neighbor’s house.” The fireman pointed to the house next door. “It seems a tea kettle started it.”

  “Thank you. I’ve got to go check my mother.” He ran to the neighbor’s house, where Bailey greeted him at the door, tail wagging. Anna sat in the living room, trembling. When she saw Tony, she said, “I’m sorry. I wanted tea this morning. I must have forgotten the kettle was on.”

  “Ma, it’s okay, as long as you’re okay.” Bailey was glued to his hip.

  Tony contacted Elder Services and discussed options for both of their safety. With much sadness, he entered his mother’s name on the waiting list at the best nursing homes in the area. When the first opening occurred, he packed his mother’s belongings and sorrowfully took her to her new home. He helped her settle in and before leaving he said, “Ma, you call my cell whenever you need me. I’m down the street. Do you understand me? I’ll visit you all the time, I promise. I love you, Ma.”

  “You’re a good boy,” his mother told him. He kissed her forehead and left.

  February 2006

  Jackie sat at Gina’s kitchen island peeling carrots for their usual Sunday dinner. “So Uncle Paul tells me he’s coming for dessert this afternoon with Grammy?”

  “Yeah, I invited the Bakers too,” Gina said, washing her hands at the kitchen sink.

  “Really? That’s unusual. I noticed champagne in the fridge too. What’s the occasion?” Jackie asked, gathering the peels for the disposal.

  “Nothing special.”

  She eyed her daughter. “Oh please, you think you can fool me? You’re hiding something. Oh my God, you’re pregnant! That’s it, isn’t it? You’re pregnant!”

  Gina turned to face her mother, a huge smile on her face. “I am! Three months.”

  Jackie dashed around the island to hug her daughter. “How fantastic!”

  Leaning against the door frame, watching mother and daughter, John smiled. “I guess she told you.”

  Jackie raced over to him, throwing her arms around him. “Thank you for making me such a happy woman.” Tears of happiness sprang to her eyes. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

  “It killed me not to tell you immediately, but we made a deal to tell the grandparents together because we wanted a video of everyone’s reaction. So you’ll have to act excited all over again.”

  “Oh, that’s no problem. A grandchild!” Jackie returned to her work station beaming with joy.

  “See John, my mom’s been looking forward to being a grandmother for some time. She says it’ll be all fun and no work. This kid’s in for a lot of fun!”

  The remainder of the family showed up after dinner. Once everyone was there and champagne glasses were filled, the arrival of the first grandchild was officially announced and reactions were recorded on video. Jackie repeated her performance with ease. The expected date of arrival was August 5.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  March 2006

  Visiting Anna at the nursing home, her steel-blue eyes fixed on her grandmother’s, Gina took Anna’s hand. “Nana, John and I have some special news. You’re going to be a great-grandmother.”

  Anna’s frail figure barely moved. “Oh dear, that’s wonderful. I only wish your grandfather were here to enjoy meeting his great-grandchild too.” A single tear escaped from her eye.

  “I know, Nana.” She patted her grandmother’s hand.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Anna shrieked, struggling to get out of bed. “You’re only sixteen and you’re pregnant? What’s the matter with you? I thought you had a head on those shoulders. Is this the miscreant who did it to you?” She pointed at John. Alarmed, Gina buzzed the nurse. Anna’s rant continued. “If I get my hands on you, I’ll kill you for doing this to my granddaughter. You’ve ruined her life.”

  Hearing the ruckus, a nurse ran into the room. “It’s okay, Mrs. Salvucci.” The nurse gently pressed her back into a resting position. “You’re confused. Gina’s a married woman. This is her husband, John. Her pregnancy is good news.” The nurse looked directly into Anna’s faded blue eyes.

  “Oh, I’m confused,” she whispered. “I’m so tired.”

  “I’m sure Gina and John can come back another time.” The nurse motioned for them to say good-bye.

  “Nana, we’re leaving now. You get some sleep. I’ll be back next week.” She bent to kiss her grandmother’s soft cheek. “I love you, Nana.”
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  “Bye, Anna,” John said. “Take care.”

  John was at a loss for comforting words, but rested his arm around Gina’s neck and pulled her toward him for support. She leaned on his shoulder. “I wonder if she’ll even know this baby when it comes,” she said. John hugged her tighter.

  July 31, 2007

  Tony was walking down the corridor to his mother’s room when a passing nurse said, “Congratulations, Mr. Salvucci,”

  He turned. “Excuse me Mona, did you say congratulations?”

  “Yes, I did. Congratulations on your bouncing baby granddaughter. Your son-in-law called this morning with a message for your mom.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Thanks, Mona.” Tony’s heart wrenched. I have a granddaughter I’ll never know. He found Anna perched and alert on the La-Z-Boy recliner he’d bought her for Christmas.

  “Ma, Gina had her baby?”

  “Oh yes dear, a girl.”

  “So, I’m a grandfather.”

  Leaving his mother’s room, he walked down the corridor of the nursing home concentrating on the lonely old faces of the residents. He needed to see his granddaughter. How bad would it be if I visited the hospital and took a quick look? No one has to see me. What harm would that do? Before he knew it, he was entering Mt. Auburn Hospital’s maternity ward. He got through security saying he was Gina Baker’s father. Stumbling upon the nursery, he scanned the name cards on the side of the observation window. Plucking Baker out of the pack, he slid it in the slot. As the nurse rolled his granddaughter to the window, he felt a tug in his chest. She’s so innocent, so undamaged. He stared at each sleepy little feature. It’s not too late for her.

  Approaching the window to view his new daughter, John noticed she was already on display. John walked up to Tony. With legs braced and arms folded, he said, “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Tony looked at John with pleading eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to intrude. I wanted to get a glimpse of my granddaughter.”