“Why would you let them take that away from you? You love softball and this is your last year to play. Who cares what they think?”
“They ruined basketball season for me and I really don’t want them to ruin softball for me also.” I ran my sneakers over the mulch under the swing.
“So don’t let them. I have never known you to give up a fight, especially over something you love.” He half laughed. “You’re married aren’t you?”
“Yes,” I accidently snorted and side-stepped the jibe. “But Caitlyn has been wonderful. So has Zak. Most people are except for the ones who were supposed to be my friends.”
“I’m sorry, but you still should not let them dictate what you do,” he said, trying to reason with me.
“I don’t know what I am going to do. Try-outs are a couple weeks away and I have not decided on anything yet.”
The sun warmed up the gentle breeze that brushed the clouds lightly across the sky just enough to take the morning chill out of the air. We laughed and talked on the swings for the next couple of hours. It felt like a load of worries had been lifted off my shoulders. My heart soared like a child again. It was so easy and natural to fall back into being Daddy’s little girl again.
By noon I was sorry I had skipped breakfast. My stomach was growling relentlessly. Finally, I couldn’t ignore it any longer.
“Hey, Dad, would you like to join me for lunch? I know Jackson would be thrilled to see you and his sister is visiting from Boston for the weekend. I would love for you to finally meet her. She is so amazing.” I took my father’s hand and led him back down the pathway towards home.
“I do admit that it is a little strange having a married daughter who is still in high school,” my dad confessed, swinging our hands like we did when I was little.
“I know,” I weakly admitted.
“You should hear some of the names your mother has come up with for Jackson.” He chuckled and rolled his eyes.
“Should I even ask?” I hated to even imagine what creative names she had come up with.
“Well, for the first month after you married him, she called him ‘the home wrecker.’ One of the nurses at the hospital told me, Patty . . . you remember her, right? Anyway, I said something to your mom that evening, which as you can imagine, went over very well, but at least she doesn’t call him that anymore.” I laughed; I couldn’t help it. He shoved me playfully. “Now she refers to him as ‘Jocelyn’s first husband.’”
“Cute. It sounds like her,” I giggled despite myself.
“I know and I’m sorry, but you know how she can be.” He squeezed my hand tenderly.
“I am familiar with her work,” I muttered under my breath.
We strolled up the walkway of the house that I now considered my home. The landscaping was awakening with tiny little buds beginning to break free of the soil and reach for the sky. The topiary was a lush green and the crimson was practically dripping off the burning bushes. It stood in perfect accent with the red bricks of the Chandler estate that was greatly complimented by the black iron fences. The year may have been 2010, but the estate was definitely from yesteryear.
“Are you sure they won’t mind me simply dropping in uninvited?” My dad paused on the porch. “We haven’t actually spoken since you returned from Boston and the last time I was here I punched your husband.” He chuckled despite his best efforts not to.
“Of course. They will be fine with it. They are not the kind of people who hold a grudge.” I grasped his hand and opened the front door.
“There you are! Thank goodness you are all right. I was . . .” Jackson came to a halt in the foyer when he noticed my dad standing behind me. “Sir.” He extended a hand to my father.
“Hello, Jackson.” My dad shook his hand. “How have you been, son?”
“Good sir, very good. And you?” Jackson smiled but glanced at me with a questioning look in his eyes.
“I went for a walk to get some air and he found me on the swings.”
“I was cleaning the garage and saw her leave. She looked upset so I knew where she was headed.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “It’s where she always hides when something is bothering her.” My dad gave me a knowing smile.
“Well, please come on in.” Jackson led the way into the family room.
My dad and I took a seat on the couch and my new husband sat down on the loveseat across from us. Jackson smiled uncomfortably. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
“Thank you,” Dad nodded.
“Would you like some also, Jocelyn?” Jackson offered as he stood up.
“Please. Would you like some help?” He shook his head with a grin.
“I thought I heard voices in here.” Emily’s voice rang out as she and Phoebe entered the room.
“Oh, hello.” My dad stood up and shook hands with Emily. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“You also.” Emily looked elegant in her beige slacks, silk tank, and violet half jacket. “I would like you to meet my daughter, Phoebe.” The two shook hands.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. I’m Jocelyn’s father, Shane.” My dad smiled at her.
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you as well.” Phoebe smiled gracefully. I could only imagine what she must have been thinking about my dad after all that has transpired in the last several months.
Jackson excused himself while his mother and sister took his place on the loveseat. Phoebe had all the professionalism only an attorney could muster in an uncomfortable situation. She crossed her legs nonchalantly looking anything but casual in her stylish cream-colored jeans, light brown calf boots, soft teal sweater, and gray plaid scarf. Her long thick brown curls were swept and pinned loosely over one shoulder.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to come over.” My dad leaned forward a little. “I know it has been entirely past due.”
“I know this whole situation has been a little difficult on your family and I apologize for that,” Emily said politely.
“I know my wife and son have made things worse for the two of them and for that I am sorry. As for me,” he took my hand and smiled, “my feelings were hurt because ever since you were born I have dreaded the day I’d have to give you up. But I always thought I would be the one to give you away.”
“I am sorry, Daddy. It all happened so fast and I wanted you there. You were the only thing missing.” I leaned over and hugged him tightly.
Jackson reentered the room with his father, Robert, carrying a tray with a kettle of freshly brewed coffee, saucers and cups, sugar and cream and a plate of finger sandwiches. “Is everything all right?” he asked, setting the tray on the coffee table.
“Yes, everything is wonderful.” I released my father and wiped a few stray tears off my cheeks.
***
Jackson was propped up on some pillows reviewing his notes for a government test we had on Monday when I climbed into bed beside him. I took the papers out of his hand and tossed them on the floor. “I will have none of that in my bed.” I crawled onto his lap and straddled him. I leaned down and kissed him playfully.
“You seem to be feeling much better,” he stated with a sly grin and wrapped his arms around me waist.
“I am. It felt so good to talk with him again.” I kissed him again.
“It does me good to see you acting like your old self. I’m glad you two finally managed to talk things out.” He reached over and turned out the lights. I giggled as he kissed me intensely and rolled over on top me.
THE EVE SERIES
Essence Jocelyn Timmons does not believe she is anything special. She’s about to find out how wrong she is. Our minds often wander, but can our souls?
Enlightened Time stands still cause time can’t heal. Book Two in the EVE Series.
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