by Candy Caine
“Bastard!”
He shook his head. “Only a concerned father.”
Charles went upstairs to say goodbye to Stephen. He found his son in front of his computer with his headphones on. Not wanting to startle him, Charles moved into Stephen's line of vision and motioned for him to remove his headphones. Charles could see that his son had been crying. He wanted to reassure Stephen that his love for him would never change.
“Everything is going to be all right, I promise you, son.”
“I don't want to move, Dad.”
“I understand that and I won't force you to. Eventually, though, you will be spending weekends with me—”
“And them?”
“Yes. Contrary to whatever your mother has told you, Jade is a wonderful person and you're going to love her. As for Preston, he's very young and impressionable. He's going to need a big brother to look up to and help him learn the ropes. By the way, did you know he looks a lot like you?”
“Yeah?”
“Uh-huh. Here take a look.”
Charles removed a picture from his wallet and handed it to Stephen. His son’s eyes grew large and a smile appeared on his face, nearly causing Charles to heave a sigh of relief.
“He does! You know, Dad, when I was little, I always wanted a younger brother.”
“Well you’ve got one now and I know you’re going to love him.”
Stephen pressed his lips together and nodded.
“If you need me, call,” Charles said. “I’m not that far away.”
When Stephen looked up at his father again, he had tears in his eyes. Charles pulled him up out of his chair and hugged him. “I love you with all my heart, Stephen, and always will.”
“I love you too, Dad,” Stephen replied between sniffles.
“You’ll be okay?” Charles asked him.
“Yeah.”
“Good. Remember, call if you need me,” Charles said holding his thumb and pinky to his ear.
He left his son's room with a heavy heart and went into his own to pack several suitcases. When he had finished, he brought them down to the hall. Caroline sat in the living room drinking what looked like a martini. She didn't say a word, just sat there watching him. He went back upstairs for the last bag and then took them all out to the car. Caroline closed the front door behind him.
As he drove back to the city, Charles thought about Caroline and the life he once had with her. There had been a time when they loved each other. He wondered what happened to that love and where it had gone.
* * *
Charles walked into the apartment and found Jade folding towels. She looked up at him questioningly.
“It's done. Ironically, Stephen was the one who blurted it out to Caroline.”
“I take it she went ballistic.”
“There were less fireworks than I expected. If I give her what she wants, she won't contest the divorce.”
“And Stephen? How did he react?”
“He doesn't want to move to Manhattan and leave his friends.”
“Will Caroline allow you to see him?”
“She has no choice. I've been preparing for this and have enough documentation to bring to court that would prevent her from seeing Stephen, let alone retain custody. She seems to understand that.”
“And you, Charles, now that it’s started, how do you feel?” Jade asked softly.
Charles took Jade into his arms and kissed her. Then into her hair he whispered, “I couldn't be happier.”
Charles’s stomach growled.
“Have you had dinner yet, Charles?”
“No. I'm starving and could go for some Chinese. Will you join me?”
Smiling, Jade said, “Of course,” and went to retrieve the take-out menu.
* * *
That night after they made love, Charles fell asleep while Jade stared at the ceiling thinking, her mind a crazy mixture of hope and fear. Knowing that Charles would be a free man in the near future and that they could get married thrilled her. Though she was ecstatic that he was finally embarking on this voyage, she feared that sailing on uncharted seas might get a little rough. From what she'd already seen, Caroline was capable of anything and Jade doubted she would allow Charles to walk away quietly.
Chapter 17
Several months had passed since Jade’s aborted visit to see her father at the hospital, and still she’d heard nothing from her mother, but then again, she really hadn’t expected to. And so Jade put her bruised feelings aside and called to find out how he was doing. Certainly she wasn’t close to her father, but he was still her parent and she was concerned.
As soon as her mom heard Jade’s voice, she hung up on her. Momentarily stunned, Jade felt her eyes fill with hot tears. It was one thing for a person to say nasty things in anger, but it was quite another to actually carry out the threats. She’d really disowned Jade. There was still her sister, though.
Jade called her and at least Vanessa didn’t break the connection.
“Hi, Vanessa. I tried to call home, but Mama won’t talk to me.”
“I’m not supposed to talk to you, either.”
“I just want to know how Dad is.”
“Dead.”
Dead? And nobody had had the decency to call and tell her?
“When?” Jade asked, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Mama says you killed him.”
“I never saw him.”
“She says he saw you and your kid. That’s what did it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You made him have another stroke.”
Jade pondered that statement for a moment. No, it was ridiculous and she was about to tell Vanessa that, but realized that her sister had already hung up. Jade could hardly believe her father was dead. How selfish of her mother not to have given her the chance to at least say goodbye and then have the gall to blame his death on her. Well, what had she expected? Her parents were matched ebony bookends. Perhaps he wouldn’t have wanted to see her.
Maybe one day, she thought, her mother would come to her senses and want to see her grandson. But Jade wouldn’t hold her breath. She intended to make certain Preston’s life was filled with such happiness he’d never feel the lack of grandparents.
By the time she saw Charles later that evening, she’d made her peace with the situation.
Over coffee after dinner, Jade told Charles about the conversation she’d had with her sister.
“You’ve got to be kidding!”
“I wish I were.”
“She actually said your mother blamed you for your father’s death?”
“Charles, if she could pin the first stroke on me, as well, she would have,” Jade replied, refilling his cup.
He shook his head. “How can people be so narrow-minded?”
“And I’m their flesh and blood.”
“I can now fully understand your previous reluctance to introduce them to Preston.”
“I’m just thankful they didn’t blow your head off with a shotgun when you went to their place looking for me.”
“Wouldn’t have been a pretty sight,” Charles said.
Despite her pain, or maybe because of it, Jade started to laugh and Charles joined her. When at last they recovered, he said, “I’m your family now,” and put his hand on hers.
Chapter 18
For Charles the following year was crowded with defending clients and dealing with his divorce from Caroline. Jade found herself dealing with the fallout from the divorce. Because Charles had made the decision to get everyone through the divorce proceedings as unscathed as possible, he gave in to most of Caroline’s demands, which included her keeping the house on Long Island in exchange for him seeing his son on weekends.
It was time for Stephen to meet Jade and Preston. However, due to exams and school events, that meeting was put off for several months. Charles had to be satisfied with going to Long Island and taking his son out for dinner. When that initial first meeting finally took
place, Charles had wanted it to go smoothly and be comfortable for everyone. A long weekend was approaching and he came up with a terrific idea.
Stephen had devoured every Harry Potter book. Charles also knew that Universal Studios had added The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to their theme park in Orlando. Stephen would love it. There was also an area with all Dr. Suess characters called Suess Landing, which would be great for Preston. Best of all, it would also be a neutral place, which he’d read somewhere was a good thing. The only possible glitch to his great plan could occur the night before when Stephen would have to spend the night at the apartment in Manhattan. If that went sideways, it would kill the entire trip to Florida.
Jade had thought it was a great idea, but begged out of going with Charles to Long Island to pick Stephen up.
“I doubt Caroline will be home,” Charles said.
“That's okay. I'll get everything ready here,” Jade said as she put the milk into the breadbox and nearly broke a glass.
“Jade, are you nervous about meeting Stephen?” Charles said, putting his arms around her, feeling a slight trembling in her shoulders.
“I'm a realist. I can’t help it. What if he doesn't like me?”
“What’s there not to like? You're a wonderful person.”
“And you're biased. Who knows what Caroline told Stephen about me?”
“He's not a stupid kid and knows that his mother can be very mean.”
“Still…”
“Stop worrying. Everything's going to be fine.”
“Famous last words.”
“And don’t forget to take the milk out of the breadbox.”
Jade looked at him oddly for a moment before rushing to the breadbox and opening it. Sure enough, the carton of milk was inside. She smacked her forehead and shook her head.
Charles chuckled and grabbed his car keys.
* * *
Jade sat in the kitchen chair, her fingers tensed around a mug of coffee. She couldn't help but watch the clock. Her mind was congested with doubts and fears. More than anything she wanted Stephen to like her and Preston. Only a fool wouldn’t know that kids of a divorce could make or break new relationships. Jade had no intention of replacing Caroline. She could never be Stephen's mother. However, she could be just as loving and caring. She prayed that things started off on the right foot.
Despite her apprehension, Preston was excited by the prospect of meeting his big brother and couldn't decide which toy to show him first. He was driving Jade crazy.
“Preston, please sit down for five minutes. You're making my eyes tired.”
As he rushed by her for the umpteenth time, he said, “Then maybe you should close them, Mommy.”
Jade gritted her teeth. From the mouth of babes, she thought. The sound of Charles’s key in the door grabbed her attention. Preston heard it, too, and ran to the door. He nearly knocked Stephen over.
“Hi, I'm Preston! I’m your brother! This is my favorite toy. You can play with it and—”
“Preston! Let Stephen inside the apartment and give him a minute to take his coat off,” Jade said, approaching the boys. “Hi, I’m Jade,” she said taking Stephen’s coat. “Please forgive Preston. He’s very excited to finally get to meet you. He’s heard so much about you.”
Behind them, Charles said, “I tried to warn Stephen. I’ll put Stephen’s bag in his room.”
Stephen turned toward his father as he passed. “Preston’s cool. He’s nothing like Mom said.”
Jade could only just imagine what Caroline had told Stephen.
“Mommy, can I show Stephen my room now?” Preston asked.
“Is that okay with you, Stephen?” she asked as she hung his coat in the hall closet.
Stephen turned, saw the eagerness on Preston’s face and nodded.
“Okay, bro, show me what you got.”
“Stop worrying,” Charles said as he walked over to Jade. “Everything’s going to be fine.”
Five minutes later, Preston came running from his room followed by his older brother. “Stephen thinks my toys are cool!”
Jade and Charles laughed. However, she caught the nod Charles gave Stephen.
In his attempt to keep things on a neutral plain, Charles had thought it best for them all to go out for dinner. Jade understood his reasoning and agreed. What if she’d cooked something Stephen didn’t like or, God forbid, made him sick?
“In the car Stephen and I decided on going out for Italian tonight, so I made reservations at the Roman Villa for six o’clock,” Charles told everyone.
Jade glanced at the time before asking Stephen if he’d like something to drink.
“A beer.”
“Funny boy, aren’t you,” Charles said fondly. “Your choices are milk, lemonade, orange juice, water or soda.”
Stephen asked for soda.
“Preston, come over here so we can talk,” Charles called to his other son, who had become Stephen’s shadow.
Preston hurried over and Charles picked him up and sat him down on the couch next to him. “You won’t forget how we behave in a restaurant, will you?”
“No, Daddy.”
“I know how excited you are having Stephen here, but if you want him to return, you must not be a pest. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Try not to annoy him. Okay?”
“Okay.”
While Preston was with Charles, Jade had a chat with Stephen. She had given him the glass of soda and smiled. He’d thanked her and she got the impression that he wanted to say something, but for some reason held it back.
“Everything okay? Can I get you something to snack on? Whatever you need, just ask—soon you’ll know where we keep everything and won’t have to ask. This is now your home, too, and I want you to feel comfortable here.”
“You’re being very nice to me. Dad said you were nice, but Mom said you’d be mean to me and make me want to leave.”
“Stephen, never. I love your father very much. You’re his son and so I’m going to love you, too. I can never replace your mother, but I intend to treat you as if you were my own son. If you’re not comfortable being with Preston and me, I will understand.”
Stephen smiled. “This is a happy place. Dad seems different here.”
Jade smiled. “You’re always welcome here, Stephen. I want you to know that.”
“Thank you, Jade.”
“I’m so glad I finally got to meet you. Your father loves you very much and has told us so much about you I feel like we’ve already met. In fact, before I forget, congratulations on acing that history test.”
“You know about that?” he said, sounding surprised.
“Of course. And we’re all so proud of you.”
“Thanks!”
And in that moment, Jade knew everything was going to be all right.
Chapter 19
Charles had been right about Stephen. He did like Jade and Preston and they became a complete family when they were together. Preston was crazy about his older brother and the feeling was mutual. Stephen found it nice to have someone look up to you with love and admiration. Jade liked Stephen very much and felt sorry that he had to grow up with such an uncaring mother. Stephen, early on in their relationship, opened up to Jade and told her things about Caroline that made her ache for him. It was difficult for Jade to imagine a woman without maternal instincts—but then she thought of her own mother and sighed. Maybe it wasn’t so difficult.
She saw Stephen more often than Charles, because Charles so often got tied up with important trials. Preston had started kindergarten and she took a part-time job in a nearby law firm. Sitting home and watching TV was not her gig. Nor was shmoozing at a gym. She had made friends at the park, but coffee klatches weren’t her thing. And as long as she was home for Preston, Charles was okay with her working.
Sure enough, though Caroline had initially agreed to a divorce, she didn’t intend to give Charles an easy time of it. The ride, t
hough long and bumpy, finally came to an end. Every meeting he’d had with her lawyers left him drained to the point that made Jade concerned. He lived on Prevacid, a powerful antacid. She tried to get him to go to the doctor, but he put her off. “No time,” he’d say or “I will when I get a break.” Finally she stopped trying. Then the divorce was final.
To celebrate, Charles met Jade downtown at their favorite Italian restaurant. Preston was with the sitter. Charles had been waiting for her at a corner table and rose to greet her. His huge smile was infectious.
A bottle of champagne had been chilling in ice on the table and the waiter came over to open it. The pop of the cork drew the attention of the other diners, but Jade only had eyes for Charles. Looking at his face, she could actually notice fewer worry lines.
With their glasses filled with champagne, Charles made a toast. “To us and our very own happy ever after.” They clinked glasses.
After they both took sips, Charles said, “I had the decree framed.”
“You didn’t.”
“Nah. But I was damn tempted to.”
The waiter appeared and they ordered. They probably could have recited the entire menu to him. After he’d gone into the kitchen and came back with bread and their salads, Charles couldn’t seem to stop smiling.
“I can’t remember the last time I saw you this happy,” Jade said. “It’s wonderful.”
“You’re the reason I’m so happy. To be honest, I never thought I’d be this happy again.” He paused. “I wanted to do this after we ate, but I can’t wait another minute.”
Having said that, he took out a small velvet box from his pocket and handed it to her. “One of my clients helped me pick it out.”
It was a beautiful diamond ring. Jade gasped. “Charles, it’s gorgeous!”
He touched her face with his hand. She took his hand and kissed it.
“Here—” he took the ring out of the box “—put it on. I intend to make an honest woman out of you. And we’re sending an invite to your mother.”