The Swear Jar

by Osorio, Audra

  Sean stood up straight from where he had been leaning against the doorway. Lisa and Andrew were at a loss as to what to do. Duncan’s smile faded, his eyes darting to Brenda’s photograph. He also remembered what the little boy at the Shore had said. Meara put down her book and spoke solemnly to John.

  “John, I don’t believe in calling someone something she isn’t. I’m not your grandmother. I would be proud to have you as a grandson, but you already have two grandmothers. Do you know your mother’s mother?”

  “Yes, we visited her for Thanksgiving. She’s not fun like you. Grandpa loves you. Doesn’t that make you my Grandma?”

  “I’m sure your grandmother is fun. She loves you. Yes, your Grandpa loves me and I love him. It doesn’t make me your grandmother. Come over here, John. Do you know who this is?” Taking John’s hand, Meara showed him Brenda’s picture.

  “That’s my Daddy’s mother,” John said.

  “Yes, this is your grandmother Brenda. She’s a beautiful woman. She’s in Heaven now. Do you understand that?”

  “Yes, my Grandpa died. My Mommy’s father.”

  “Your Grandpa Duncan loves your Grandma Brenda very much. You can always ask him about her. He’ll tell you lots of good stories about her. Brenda is your Grandma. I tell you what, you can call me Ems. Only my sister calls me that. How about that?”

  “Okay, Ems.”

  “Do you want me to read another story?”

  Tearing up, Lisa turned to Andrew. He put his arm around her, leading her back to the family room. Sean silently caught Duncan’s attention. Duncan looked sad as Sean locked eyes with him. Sean tilted his head in Meara’s direction and nodded. Sean and Duncan grinned. Sean retreated to the family room. Duncan and Meara appeared about twenty minutes later.

  “Meara got John to lie down. He’s sleeping now,” Duncan whispered.

  Meara didn’t know the others had heard her speaking to John. She understood why Duncan was somber, but not why the others were looking melancholy. She shifted nervously on her feet.

  “Meara, Dad, please sit down,” said Andrew.

  Duncan grabbed Meara’s hand before she could take off. He pulled her down beside him on the couch. Lisa and Sean sat on the couch while Andrew stood. Andrew was playing the role of family spokesperson.

  “Meara, we heard what you said to John. We want you to be part of this family. You’re the right person for Dad. As long as my mother’s still part of the family, we’re happy for you and Dad.”

  “Thank you, Andrew. Your mother is an important part of your father’s life and yours. He’ll always love her. I would never ask him not to. I wish I could have known her. Your father tells me about her. She is, and always will be, a good woman. She can never be replaced. I would never try.”

  Duncan held Meara’s hand. “Thanks, all of you. I love Meara. I love your mother. As long as Meara’s happy, then I’m happy. I’m very lucky to have her in my life. I can’t imagine my life without her.”

  Meara shot a look at Duncan. They had never discussed their future. She wondered what he was thinking. She had butterflies in her stomach as she squeezed his hand.

  “We’re lucky to have Meara in our lives too,” Andrew said.

  “You all look sad. I didn’t mean to do that. If I had known you could hear me, I wouldn’t have said anything to John. I’m ruining your Christmas. I’m sorry,” Meara said, her eyes misting up.

  “Meara, don’t you realize you’ve done what no one else could? You’ve made us a family again. We’ve all tried. Well, maybe not Sean,” Andrew said.

  “He’s right. I’m a big jerk. Now, I want my family back,” said Sean.

  “I tried too, but my way wasn’t the right way,” Lisa whispered.

  “You’ve put my family back together. I know who the heart of this family is,” Duncan said as he pulled Meara into an embrace, kissing her forehead.

  “We agree,” said Andrew. “We should be honest and admit Dad was not happy before Mom got sick. He loved Mom, but she wasn’t the easiest person to get along with. Mom could be frosty at times. We know that wasn’t good for Dad. You were a good husband and you’re a good father. We’re glad Meara is in your life. You deserve to be happy. We all agree Meara is your soul mate, Dad.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Horribly embarrassed, Meara turned bright red. She squirmed in Duncan’s embrace. He held her tight.

  “No you don’t,” he said. “You’re not going anywhere. I wasn’t unhappy with your mother, Andrew. We had a good marriage. We had the two of you. I was happy when Lisa came along. You’re right though, Meara is my soul mate. If you can accept that, I’d be extremely happy.”

  “Done,” said Andrew.

  “Same here,” Lisa said.

  “This is where I’m supposed to say something positive, isn’t it?” asked Sean. “Let me see. I’m a big pain in the ass and if you can accept that, I’ll be happy.”

  Meara giggled. “Done. I should get dinner started if you’ll let me go, sweetheart.”

  “Nope. Sorry. I need some snuggling,” said Duncan. “Storytime has made me sleepy.”

  “DUNCAN!” laughed Meara.

  “We’ll start dinner,” Lisa said, nodding to Andrew and Sean. “You deserve a few minutes of peace after getting John to nap. Snuggle away, Dad.”

  They left Duncan and Meara sitting on the couch. He pulled her back into his arms.

  “I think that went well,” he said.

  “You can’t imagine your life without me?” she whispered.

  “No, I can’t. Can you imagine yours without me?” he asked.

  “No,” she replied. “We’re soul mates?”

  “Aren’t we?” He kissed her.

  “Yes, we are. We should help them. Can you set the table for me?”

  “Snuggle time isn’t over. I’m not sure I’m getting a phone call tonight. I have my needs, you know.”

  “You do? If you NEED any cheesecake tonight, you better get that table set pronto, buddy.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He jumped off the couch, heading for the kitchen.

  Dinner went well. Once again, there was plenty of food. Everyone raved about Meara’s baked ziti. John, who was a fussy eater, liked Meara’s pasta sauce. Lisa wanted recipes. Meara winked at Andrew. She offered Duncan salmon on a cracker, but he turned his nose up at it. He wasn’t a fan of fish. She wasn’t taking no for an answer and held the salmon up to him. Sean looked on in amusement.

  “Try it. You’ll like it,” she said.

  “No thank you. It’s pink,” said Duncan.

  “Would you eat it, you big baby? Have I killed you yet? Try something new, would you? Whoops,” she said, turning a bright red.

  Beaming, Duncan ate the cracker from her fingers. Andrew and Lisa stared in wonder.

  Sean howled in laughter. “I like her!”

  Duncan chuckled. “I do too.”

  After dinner, Duncan and Lisa cleaned up the dining room table. Meara placed the desserts on the kitchen table. She programmed the coffee maker and arranged several coffee mugs. While Duncan was occupied, Meara beckoned to Andrew.

  “Andrew? Would you help me?” she whispered.

  “Sure, what’s up?” asked Andrew.

  “Your father’s Christmas present is in the garage. I was hoping you and Sean could bring it inside tomorrow morning,” said Meara.

  “Let me get Sean.”

  Meara, Andrew and Sean snuck into the garage. She lifted a tarp to reveal a large box covered in bright wrapping paper. There was no way she could get the box into the house by herself.

  “I have to ask. What the hell is it?” asked Sean.

  “It’s a charcoal grill. You know he likes to grill. He doesn’t have one. I have a smaller one for him at my house for tomorrow. That one I can lift. I had to have this one delivered. I don’t think he knows it’s here. I’ve kept it hidden. Would you give it to him tomorrow morning?” She walked back into the living room.

  “Why aren’t yo
u giving it to him? Aren’t you going to be here in the morning?” asked Sean.

  “No. I’m going home tonight. My mother is at my sister’s. She’ll be causing mayhem. At least if I’m there, she’ll focus on tormenting me and not Diana or Anne.”

  “I can’t wait to meet your mother,” Sean snickered. “We’ll have to tag team her with sarcastic wit.”

  She snorted. “I wish that would work. She doesn’t understand sarcasm. She thinks I’m being fresh and I should act my age.”

  “Don’t worry Meara, we’ll get her,” Sean beamed. “I still don’t understand why you won’t stay here tonight.”

  “I agree,” Andrew said. “It’s supposed to start snowing soon. Why can’t you stay here tonight and go in the morning after opening presents?”

  “Thank you, but I’ll leave in a few hours,” she said. “Will you give your father the present in the morning?”

  “Yes, we will,” said Andrew.

  “Thank you,” she said. “Let’s get you boys some homemade cheesecake.”

  “Cheesecake? There’s homemade cheesecake? Where the hell have you been the last ten years?” asked Sean.

  “Widowed for five and miserably married before that.” She slapped her mouth shut. “Oh boy, you’re dangerous to talk to, Sean.”

  “It’s part of the Phillips men’s charm,” Sean laughed.

  She gave Sean one of her brilliant smiles. He saw why Duncan loved Meara. She radiated love and acceptance. Sean felt extremely comfortable with her.

  “I’m never going to live it down my father found someone before I did.” Sean rolled his eyes.

  “How do you feel about slightly older European women? I have a friend in Asturias, Spain who is single. Dark brown hair and blue eyes. A fantastic sense of humor and very kind-hearted. Extremely smart and tech savvy. Independent and hard-working. She also likes sports and is athletic. She’s got friends in several countries and would like a travelling companion. Let me know.”

  Sean contemplated the possibility. “I’ll think about it and let you know. Thanks.”

  “My sister, brother-in-law and niece are going to visit her in the spring. I’m sure Yolanda wouldn’t mind one more houseguest,” she said.

  Meara suddenly whirled in the direction of the kitchen. She could hear Duncan singing with John. She was fascinated by the sound of his voice. Andrew and Sean had heard him sing before and knew he sang well. It was obvious this was the first time she was hearing him. She stood transfixed, watching them sing. When they were done, Duncan and John came over to her.

  “I didn’t know you sang,” she whispered, her eyes misting.

  “Not often, but we like Christmas carols, don’t we John?” he asked.

  “Yes, we do, Grandpa.” John hugged him. “Is it time for ice cream yet?”

  “That’s up to your mother and father,” he said.

  Lisa laughed. “He’ll be up all night, but if we don’t give him some, he’ll throw a fit. Let’s dig in. I want a piece of that cheesecake.”

  “Lisa, I can give you the recipe. I hope you’ll like it.” Meara cut a big piece for Andrew, handing it to him when Lisa’s back was turned.

  Andrew grinned, happily eating his cheesecake. Meara cut pieces for everyone else. Lisa scooped ice cream for John. They sat around the kitchen table, silently eating their dessert.

  Sean took a sip of coffee. “This is good strong coffee. Don’t worry, Lisa, I’ll stay up with John. Dad, do you eat like this all the time?”

  “No, she makes me eat healthy mostly. She feeds me vegetables, rice, and lean meats. She makes me go to the gym too. Then she tortures me with that witches’ brew and cheesecake. How much can one man take?”

  “Can I move back in? I think I can take it!” laughed Sean.

  Duncan’s teasing made Meara grimace. Then she laughed to see Duncan turn pale when Sean suggested moving back. Duncan blinked, thinking all the fun they had would end abruptly if someone else was in the house. Her cheeks turned pink.

  “How about short, prearranged visits?” Sean laughed.

  “Anytime,” said Duncan, recovering.

  While the family bustled around the kitchen cleaning up after dessert, Meara looked out the window. The snow flurries were thick and Duncan’s street had a light coating of snow. Duncan was agitated because she was getting ready to leave. While he paced in the foyer, Andrew approached carefully.

  “Dad, you can’t talk her out of leaving?” Andrew said.

  “How do you know she’s leaving?” he asked.

  “She told me earlier. You can’t ask why. It’s a surprise for tomorrow,” Andrew said. “There’s no way she’ll stay?”

  “No,” he snapped. “I’m sorry, Andrew. I understand why she won’t stay, but she has a bad sense of direction and the roads aren’t great.”

  “What’s going on? She’s not going out in this, is she? I thought she was joking. Does she really have to go home and referee for her mother?” asked Sean, arriving in the foyer.

  “She told you she was going home because of her mother?” asked Duncan.

  “Yes. Why is she going home?” asked Andrew.

  “She’s telling the truth. She’s going home because of her mother. She’s also getting ready for our visit. But the main reason is she feels it would be disrespectful to stay,” Duncan said.

  Meara said goodbye to Lisa and John. Shaking her head, Lisa followed her to the foyer. Meara smiled at the three Phillips men. She had a feeling they were going to keep her from leaving.

  “Is anyone going to talk some sense into her?” asked Lisa.

  “Meara, you live here. Why are you leaving?” asked Sean bluntly.

  “It wouldn’t be right. I’d feel uncomfortable. I won’t change my mind,” Meara said.

  “Couldn’t Dad sleep on the couch or something?” asked Andrew.

  “I couldn’t do that. It’s Christmas Eve. He should be well rested, not cranky in the morning. Please let me go,” she pleaded.

  Quiet until now, Duncan spoke. “I don’t want you to go, but if there’s no way to talk you out of it, I’ll see you in the morning. If the rest of you don’t mind, I’d like to say goodnight to Meara.”

  Lisa, Andrew and Sean joined John in the living room. The mood was subdued as they tried not to listen to the conversation in the foyer. Meara’s voice was low and soothing while Duncan’s was strained. Suddenly, the voices stopped. They heard Duncan sigh as the front door opened. Andrew and Sean joined Duncan in the foyer. The three men watched Meara get into her Jeep. The snow was swirling heavily.

  “But she lives here,” said Sean, confused.

  Duncan continued to watch her. “Not today.”

  “She’s hard to figure out, isn’t she?” asked Sean, dumbfounded.

  “Sometimes, but she has a good heart and means well,” Duncan replied.

  “Is she going to call you when she gets home?” asked Andrew.

  “Yes.” Duncan’s voice cracked.

  Andrew looked at Sean. “Don’t worry, Dad. If something happens to Meara, we’ll go get her.”

  Duncan nodded. He stood at the door until she drove out of sight. He closed the door and locked it. While Andrew and Sean returned to the living room, Duncan paced back and forth between the living room and the kitchen. He checked his watch and grimaced. He stared at the Christmas tree, trying to calm himself. The phone rang and he grabbed it.

  “Are you home? Any trouble? I am calm. Be careful going over to Diana’s. I know it’s just across the yard. It looks slippery out there.” Duncan listened. “All right. Take your cell phone with you. I’ll call you later to say goodnight. Meara, I love you. Bye for now.”

  Andrew, Sean and Lisa heard Duncan’s side of the conversation. He hung up and joined his family in the living room. Andrew was the first to speak.

  “When are you going to ask her to marry you?” Andrew asked, prompting Duncan to tell Sean and Lisa.

  “Tomorrow,” said Duncan, smiling. “I could use some advic
e. I have everything but an excuse to get her out of the house.”

  Late Christmas morning, Duncan opened the door to Meara’s house. He called out to her. She called back from their bedroom. Stripping off his coat in the living room, he hurried down the hallway. He had missed her terribly. Her present that morning had floored him. He wanted to thank her for the wonderful surprise.

  “There you are. Merry Christmas, sweetheart. Come here.” He swept a freshly showered and dressed Meara into his arms. “You smell good. You taste good. Do we have time to let me show you how much I loved my present? How did you manage to keep it a secret?”

  “You’re not the only one with magic, baby. And we don’t have time for you to show your gratitude. Her royal highness awaits us. It’s your last chance to run, Mr. Phillips.”

  “No way. I’m going in. I was glad to see Ben plowed the driveway. I parked outside.”

  “He plowed, but he has yet to fix the hall bathroom shower. I’ll have to nag him again.”

  “Why don’t you let me do it?”

  “Protocol, Mr. Phillips, protocol.”

  “I have your Christmas present with me. Do we have time for me to give it to you?”

  “Duncan, you don’t have to give me anything. You gave me the necklace.”

  “That wasn’t a Christmas present and you know it. Now sit down. I’m being romantic.”

  “Yes, dear.” She sat on the bed.

  He handed her a small square package wrapped in red paper with a green bow. “Go ahead and open it.”

  She ripped the paper and pulled out a small jeweler’s box. “Duncan, what’s this?”

  “Open it and find out.”

  She gasped as she opened the box to find a pair of heart-shaped diamond earrings. “Duncan! This is too much! You’re crazy.”

  “Crazy about you. It’s not too much. Here, let me put them on for you.”

  She held still. “You’re spoiling me. You have to stop doing that.”

  “Why? We both do a fair amount of spoiling. I’m not stopping and you’re not going to stop. So get used to it, Lady Meara.”

  “Yes, Sir Duncan.” She kissed him. “I have a present for you.”

  “I thought you said we didn’t have time?” He grinned, grabbing her.