“He’s not alone. I did too,” she said.
Before Jett could respond, the sound of laughter from the patio drew his attention.
“The kids are outside,” Alicia said.
“So what was your message?” He asked.
“In a nutshell – that I’m possibly on the right track with my research – which I hope to eventually get to explain. And she said some other things that will interest you,” she said as she looked out the back door.
“And I want to hear all about it,” Jett said.
“So, what did Bud tell you?” Alicia asked.
“That Rose still loves and misses us,” he said.
Alicia considered saying something to Jett about what Rose told about his future daughters-in-law but decided against it – at least for the moment.
“What are you not saying?” Jett asked.
“I can’t prove this, but I have the feeling that she’s here with us – watching us now,” Alicia said.
Jett looked around the kitchen and then to Alicia, giving her a look that said “why not?”
“Honey, if you’re here, I want you to please talk to me tonight. I love you too and I miss you so much,” he said.
At that precise second, a spoon resting next to the sink fell into the floor.
“I think maybe she heard you,” Alicia said.
They looked at each other.
“I hope you’re right,” Jett said.
The laughter outside drew their attention again.
“Did you meet Matt’s girlfriend?” He asked.
“I think you’ll like her,” Alicia said as Jett walked toward the door.
She watched him stare at Matt and Linda Sue, who had their backs to him. Matt tended to the grill while Linda Sue stood by his right side with her left arm around his waist, talking and laughing with him.
“It’s like looking back in time. From that angle, it looks like a couple of college kids I once knew,” Alicia said.
“Wow. It really does,” Jett said as his gaze shifted to the round, umbrella-covered table.
Dan sat talking animatedly, using hand gestures while Maggie sat listening and laughing, clearly engrossed in whatever story he was telling.
“Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Jett asked.
“Yes, I noticed. I’ve not seen Maggie laugh like that in a long time,” Alicia said.
“You don’t think...I mean how long has it been since they actually spent time together?” Jett asked.
“Well, they have always had something of a bond,” Alicia said.
“Please don’t think I’m complaining. Maggie’s a great girl. It’s that I don’t see Dan moving that quickly. He suffers from the affliction I did – abject fear,” Jett said.
“Until you met the right one and if I recall correctly, you spent a lot time in conversations just like that one,” Alicia said.
Jett cocked his head to one side.
“Do you know something I don’t?” He asked.
“All I’m saying is don’t be surprised – by anything,” she said.
“Trust me, I’m getting real good at that,” Jett said as he opened the door and stepped outside.
“How’s Uncle Bud?” Dan asked as Maggie snapped almost to attention while Matt and Linda Sue both spun around.
“He’s fine, just a little tired and weak,” Jett said.
“Is he alone?” Dan asked.
“No. He has someone with him. I’m certain he’s in good hands,” Jett said, secretly hoping that Bud didn’t try to find out how good those hands could be again anytime soon.
He then turned his attention to the couple by the grill started walking toward them.
Matt took Linda Sue by the hand and moved to meet his dad.
“Dad, this is Linda Sue Banks. Linda Sue, this is my dad, Jett Bradley,” he said as she extended her hand.
Looking as serious as he could, Jett accepted her hand and broke into a broad grin.
“It’s so good to meet you at last,” he said.
“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Bradley,” Maggie said.
Jett studied her face. No question, she was a beautiful young lady with her green eyes and deep-dimpled smile. But there was something in the way she carried herself that let him know she was more than the sum of her looks.
“Do you prefer to be called Linda or Linda Sue?” He asked as he released her hand.
“I answer to both but most people know me by Linda Sue. I know it sounds...,” Jett answered for her.
“Southern. Very southern. And that’s fine by me. Linda Sue it is. It’s a beautiful name and by the way, call me Jett. Would you like to sit down where we can talk?” He asked as he gestured to the table.
She stepped toward the table as Matt started to follow.
“Where are you going? You’re manning the grill. By the way, don’t overcook the burgers, you’ll dry them out,” Jett said.
When they got to the table, Jett held her chair as sat down.
“Would you mind if we sat with you Maggie?” Jett asked.
“Not at all,” she said with a grin.
As Jett sat down Dan looked over to him.
“You didn’t ask me if I mind,” Dan said.
“No, I didn’t. It’s my house and I don’t have to - now go help your brother. I plan to tell embarrassing stories about both of you so it’s probably best for you if you’re not around,” Jett said.
Matt turned back to the grill quickly and Dan’s mouth dropped open slightly as he retreated toward the grill. Maggie giggled as Linda Sue looked pleasantly surprised.
Alicia stepped out and joined them as Jett stood and held her chair.
“Don’t worry Dan. Maggie already knows most of them,” she said.
He looked as though he was ready to cringe when Matt called out, “The food will be ready soon.”
“No hurry son,” Jett said.
Alicia held her glass to her lips and spoke quietly.
“You’re awful,” she said.
“Yes, I know but I’ve waited years for this opportunity. It is a parental obligation after all. When I took Rose to meet my parents, my dad had me scared to death he was going to tell everything he knew,” he said as the ladies laughed. “But I survived and thankfully she didn’t run away screaming.”
“You weren’t the only nervous one. She couldn’t sleep the night before she met your mom and dad. But it turned out that she loved your parents,” Alicia said.
“And they loved her. But I knew they would,” Jett said as he looked at the two younger ladies at the table. “I knew they would love her because I loved her. They knew she made me happy and that’s what they wanted. The same as I want for my sons. I want them to be happy.”
Jett then focused on Linda Sue.
“So Linda Sue, let’s get to know each other,” he said.
“Maggie could you please help me finish the salad? Please excuse us,” Alicia said as she and Maggie stood and left the table.
Linda Sue exhaled softly.
“I’m a born-again Christian, my favorite color is green. I enjoy strawberry ice cream, softball, the writing of John Grisham, and horseback riding. And I’m in love with your son,” she said.
Jett nodded while a faint smile appeared on his lips.
“I gathered as much. You look like the type that would enjoy strawberry ice cream - and be in love with my son,” Jett said.
She laughed softly as the relief was evident on her face.
“And now you know me - at least the relevant information anyhow,” Linda Sue said.
“I know Matt loves you,” Jett said.
“How can you tell?” She asked.
“You’re the first young lady he’s ever brought home he was actually worried about me meeting,” Jett answered.
“He was actually worried?” Linda Sue asked.
“Terrified,” Jett said.
She looked worried.
“Oh, but not because he thought I wouldn’t like you. He w
as afraid of doing something stupid and looking bad in front of you,” Jett said as her face brightened.
“Now that you know me - more or less - tell me about you,” she said.
“I too am a born-again Christian. My favorite color is blue. I like football and ice cream, but I prefer chocolate. I’m rather fond of air conditioning and I’m still in love with my late wife. Now you know me – more or less,” he said.
Linda Sue returned a slight grin. Her eyes twinkled – she was obviously now relaxed and enjoying the conversation. If his years in journalism had taught him anything it was to get people to relax before and during an interview. It was a skill that served him well away from work as well.
They continued to make small talk as Matt and Dan piled hot dog sand burgers onto a plate fresh off of the grill.
“I think it’s ready,” Matt called as Dan headed to the table with one platter of meat.
As if on cue, Alicia and Maggie appeared with a large bowl of tossed salad and various dressings.
Maggie turned to go back inside for a load of condiments and buns.
Jett stood up.
“I’ll get the rest of it Maggie. Please have a seat. I haven’t done anything to help with this meal,” he said.
“Let me give you a hand,” Dan said as he scrambled to the door.
Once inside, the two of them begin gathering the additional items they needed with Jett digging through the refrigerator.
“Before we go back out, can I talk to you about something for a second?” Dan asked.
Jett closed the refrigerator door and nodded.
“What’s on your mind son?” He asked.
“Do you remember what Maggie said this morning about not being able to get an internship?” Dan asked.
“Yes I do. It’s a shame. You’d think someone, somewhere would have an open internship – be it a newspaper or wire service,” Jett said.
“Could the News-Democrat use a summer intern?” Dan asked with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
“Hmmm. You mean bring her in for the summer, pay her a competitive salary – and not just a nominal amount of money. And maybe assign her to actually cover meaningful stories; possibly work with her on developing her skills. In the newsroom between me and Bud, one of us would always be available to answer any questions she might have. Is that what you mean?” Jett asked.
“Well, yeah. That’s kinda what I was thinking. But how long have you been thinking it?” Dan asked.
“Since this morning when she told us about not getting an internship,” Jett said. “She’s not just my best friend’s daughter; she’s the daughter of your mom’s best friend. I mean it’s not like I have to check her references. I’d be happy to help her. But keep in mind son, even when I make the offer that doesn’t mean she’ll accept it. Our little paper may not interest her. Crystal Springs is a far cry from Louisville.”
“Oh, I understand that,” Dan said.
“In any event, I think it’s nice that you’re that concerned about helping Maggie. That’s being a real friend,” Jett said coyly.
“Yeah...well,” Dan said as he found himself uncharacteristically searching for the right words to say. “I think maybe she will accept when you make the offer. Maggie likes it here.”
“So it would appear,” Jett said as he reopened the refrigerator.
The food was good but the conversation was better as Jett and Alicia shared stories of their college days.
As the group laughed and enjoyed the stories, Jett watched Matt and Linda Sue. Yes, they were in love, he did not doubt that. He also watched the subtle interaction between Dan and Maggie – as did Alicia.
Brushing their hands together at every opportunity, stolen glances, and smiles confirmed everything Alicia told Jett earlier. He wasn’t willing to concede that they were in love but there was certainly an attraction there.
The joys of having twins – twice the fun and twice the concerns. He remembered when and where he found out Rose was pregnant.
It was in the kitchen of the very house he now again lived. He came home from the paper one early October afternoon. It was a beautiful autumn day. He thought he would come home and take her to a movie and maybe out to eat. Rose had been sick off and on for a couple of weeks. She had taken a sick day from school to go the doctor. Since she hadn’t called since the appointment, Jett hoped that meant that it was nothing serious.
He found her sitting at the head of the kitchen table looking oddly content. She always looked cheerful but especially so at that moment – almost glowing in fact. Jett walked over and kissed her.
“So what did the doctor say? Was it some kind of bug?” He asked.
“Not exactly but I did find out how long it will be until I start feeling better. Have a seat, we need to talk,” Rose said as he sat down next to her.
“What do we need to talk about?” Jett asked worriedly.
“The doctor seems to think I’ll start to feel better...in about nine months. I’m pregnant!” She said with a wide grin.
Jett slid off the chair onto his knees in front of her. He took her hands into his and kissed them. Jett looked up into her eyes. He could barely see her beautiful face through the tears that blurred his vision.
“I love you so much.” He leaned in and kissed her belly. “And I already love our baby. You’re going to be such a wonderful mommy.”
She held his face in her hands.
“And I love you more than life itself. And I know without a doubt what a great daddy you’ll be,” Rose said.
“Does anyone else know yet?” Jett asked.
“No. I thought that together we’d tell the mamaws and papaws to be and then I want to let Violet know she’s going be an aunt,” she said, unable to contain her glee.
And then there was the day when Jett accompanied Rose to the doctor to get the results of the ultrasound. They wanted to know the sex of their baby but were stunned when Dr. Carolyn Williams gave them the news.
They were sitting in front of the desk when Dr. Williams reached for a manila folder and smiled.
“So what are you hoping for?” She asked.
“A healthy baby,” Rose said while Jett added, “But a boy wouldn’t hurt our feelings.” Rose playfully punched him on the thigh.
“A boy huh? Well Mr. Bradley, I think you might like this news,” Dr. Williams said.
Jett beamed and Rose smiled. Certainly, she was happy but also happy for her husband.
“Mr. Bradley you might want to hold your wife’s hand,” Dr. Williams said. That should have been a clue this was no ordinary pregnancy but they were a young couple excited about being parents.
Jett held Rose’s hand as the doctor started explaining.
“First things first. Everything looks good, totally healthy, normal pregnancy. But the ultrasound showed something abnormal,” she said as she opened the folder and pulled out an ultrasound picture. Using a pen, she pointed to spots on the picture as Rose and Jett exchanged worried glances.
“There are two heartbeats. Congratulations, you’re going to have twin sons,” Dr. Williams said as the young couple sat with mouths agape in stunned silence.
“Twins?” Rose asked.
“Are you sure?” Jett asked.
“Quite sure, Mr. Bradley. Your wife is carrying two boys,” the doctor said.
“And they’re healthy?” Rose asked.
“Very healthy,” Dr. Williams answered with a smile.
“And Rose...is she...?” Jett asked unsure of how to even ask the question.
“Your wife is fine. She is in excellent health and at this time I don’t anticipate any problems with the pregnancy. But keep in mind, later on, as she gets closer to full term, she might have to go on complete bed rest. It’s not unusual with twins,” the doctor explained.
“What does that mean?” Jett asked.
“It essentially means she will do nothing but rest. You’ll have to tend to her needs. In plain English, you – or someone else – will
have to wait on her hand and foot,” Dr. Williams explained.
Rose laughed.
“He’s been doing that or trying to since we met. And he’s gotten worse since I became pregnant,” Rose said.
“Good. Let him,” the doctor said.
Jett squeezed Rose’s hand. She looked at and smiled. He never saw her look happier than she did at that moment
“Twins. Twin sons. Two boys, no waiting. One for each of us,” she said.
Jett pumped his right fist and exclaimed, “Yes!”
“Well, maybe three boys,” Dr. Williams laughed and Rose joined her.
“I’ll have to deal with three of you,” Rose said to Jett who was as pumped up as he ever was for any football game he ever played in.
“Dad? Dad? Are you okay?” Dan asked.
“Huh? I’m sorry son. My mind was wandering. What did you say?” Jett asked.
“I just asked if you wanted something else to drink. Are you worried about Uncle Bud?” Dan asked.
“As a matter of fact I thought we ought to take him some food since we have so much left over,” Jett said.
Dan nodded. “I’ll fix him a plate.”
“Make enough for two,” Jett said.
“For two?” Dan asked.
“Someone is over there keeping an eye on him,” Jett said, not wanting to let everyone know that Mallorie was possibly shacking up with Bud at that very moment.
“I’ll get it ready and run it over to him,” Dan said.
“Mind if I tag along?” Maggie asked nonchalantly.
“Not at all,” Dan said as Jett and Alicia eyed each other.
“Tell you what. Why don’t you sit here for a minute with your mom and me so we can talk while Dan goes inside and gets the plates together,” Jett said as he looked at Dan. “And call your Uncle Bud before you leave. Make sure he feels like company, no matter how brief.”
Matt looked up.
“While we’re getting together leftovers, I promised Mr. Banks I would bring him a couple of cheeseburgers. I think I’ll grab those on the way out so I can get Linda Sue on home,” Matt said.
“Oh. So those were the burgers you Ex-Laxed,” Dan said casually.
Linda Sue’s eyes darted toward Matt.
“I did not!” He exclaimed.
“You know you really don’t have to take him anything. We do have food at our house,” Linda Sue said.
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