The National Secret

Chapter 61

Centerville, Massachusetts

St. Francis Xavier Church

Saturday 19th July 1986

Caroline was in her room nervously adjusting her wedding dress. Jackie and Maria were helping her get ready. “Jackie, were you this nervous when you married Dad?”

Jackie smiled and nodded. “I was pregnant with Patrick and Jean gave me champagne, I really was tempted to drink it that day.”

Caroline laughed and finished her make-up. “Maria, could you leave me and Jackie alone a moment?”

“Sure.” Maria left and went to check on John.

Jackie sat down opposite Caroline. “Jackie… you’ve always been there for me throughout my life, I’ve always classed you as my Mother and I’m glad you are in my life. I love you.”

Jackie felt tears burning in her eyes. “Caroline, I love you too. You’ve always been like a daughter to me.”

Caroline sniffed and hugged her tightly. “You make my Dad so happy and I’m glad he’s got you.”

Jackie smiled.

The two women were sitting talking when Jack came in. He gasped as he looked at his daughter. “You look stunning, Buttons.”

She blushed. “Thank you, Dad.” She got up and hugged him. He kissed her cheek. She looked beautiful.

Just after noon Jack walked his little girl down the aisle. As she married Ed he couldn’t help but burst with pride. He couldn’t help but feel Helen would be proud of her. Caroline had turned into a remarkable young woman.

8pm

That night at the reception at a local hotel Caroline and Ed spent a lot of time dancing. Jack was beside Jackie. “Where did Patrick and John go?” She asked.

“I’ll go see if I can find them.” He replied getting up. After checking their rooms he headed to the beach.

He saw them sitting with Arnold, Maria’s husband. “What are you three doing?” Jack asked as he approached.

John looked up stunned. “Dad….”

“Uncle Jack…” Arnold said.

“Well?” Jack replied looking at Patrick. It suddenly hit him why they were out here. “Are you three drunk?”

John nodded sheepishly.

“I won’t say anything.” He replied before going back inside. He slipped into his seat beside Jackie.

“Did you find them?”

Jack nodded. “Patrick is experiencing his first night of being drunk.”

She laughed. “We’ll make his life hell tomorrow.”

“And John’s.”

They smiled at each other before sharing a kiss. They were proud of their three kids. Even though Caroline and John weren’t really Jackie’s, she treated them as her own and would always take care of them.