took the bags out to the car, while Elizabeth and the children shrugged on coats and followed out to the porch. After last goodbye hugs, the newlyweds were on their way, waving as their car went down the drive.
Behind her Elizabeth felt Jack step close and put a hand on her shoulder. “What are you doing?” she gasped.
“Presenting a picture of our family.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Showing Tom what he wants to see.”
“I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Tom thinks of us as his family, that’s all.”
“I don’t see how he can think that since you’re leaving.”
“Go on inside where it’s warm and I’ll tell you,” Jack ordered.
Elizabeth went inside, but she wasn’t sure Jack was going to tell her what she wanted to hear. It was time for Jenny’s bottle, so she prepared it.
Brady had come in with her and sat down at his partially eaten cake. She wasn’t surprised when Jack joined them. She thought about suggesting that he eat separately from them, but she didn’t think he’d agree to that.
“You see, Elizabeth, Tom expects us to maintain his home while he’s gone. My particular job is to make sure that you and Brady and Jenny are taken care of.”
“I can take care of us,” Elizabeth insisted.
“Is that so? I’ll be the one taking care of you and the kids. It’s my job.”
“Somehow, I think I’ll be taking care of you unless you want to starve to death and wear dirty clothes.”
“Okay, so we’ll take care of each other. Tom likes the idea of having a family again and I’m going to make sure he comes home to a family. Brady, will you be glad when Grandpa comes back?”
“Are you sure he’s coming back?” Brady asked.
“I told you he was, son.”
“Don’t call him that,” Elizabeth exclaimed.
Jack looked up at her, confused. “What?”
“Never mind. Brady, go hang your coat up.”
As Brady did as he was told, Jack leaned in real close to her. “You’ve got to relax, Elizabeth. Things are different now.”
Elizabeth prepared a simple meal that night, knowing Brady and Jack had filled up at the wedding reception. When she called them to the table, Jack and Brady came downstairs together.
“Brady, did you put away your toys?” Elizabeth asked.
“Sure, Mommy. Jack helped me.”
“I hope you told him thank you.”
“I did,” Brady said agreeably.
“He was great, Elizabeth,” Jack said. “He thanked me and showed me the right place to put things. He keeps his room neat, too. He’s a great kid.”
Elizabeth turned her back on Jack. She didn’t want him to praise her children.
Jack opened the silverware drawer and took out what they needed for the meal.
Elizabeth stopped him. “I’ll do that.”
“No need. I can help.”
She put out the cold-cut platter and said, “Brady, I found the little oranges you like.”
Brady climbed up to the table, anxious to see his mother’s surprise. “Thanks, Mom!”
“We bought those when I was trying to tempt Tom to eat something different,” Jack said. “Thank goodness we found Carol instead. She’ll do a better job.”
“Yes, I imagine she will. Tom is a lucky man.”
“Yeah, I kind of think you’re right. She’ll keep Tom in line.”
“She will and he’ll be able to take care of her. That’s the way a marriage should work.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Jack replied.
Elizabeth’s mouth instantly dried up. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t think I should tell you yet.”
“Tell me what?”
“I think you’ll understand it well enough.”
“Does Tom know?” she asked.
“It was his suggestion.”
“Unless you’re going to tell me what you’re talking about, just be quiet and eat. Brady’s almost asleep.”
Brady opened his eyes wide. “No I’m not, Mommy,” he protested.
She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Yes, you are, sweetie, and you’ll need to go to bed as soon as you finish eating dinner.”
Brady sank back into his chair. “Okay, Mommy.”
Jack asked, “If I promise to go to bed, will you give me a kiss too?”
She froze and then glared at him. “You’ve had enough kisses today.”
He smiled a broad smile and his eyes twinkled. “I think everyone needs kisses. I’ll be glad to supply you, Brady and Jenny with kisses.”
“I can take care of Brady and Jenny. They don’t need your kisses.”
“But what about you? Don’t you need my kisses?”
“I most certainly do not,” Elizabeth protested.
“Oh, I think you’re wrong,” Jack said as he leaned in and kissed her again.
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