You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 2

"Hi?" Chrissy said timidly when someone picked up the phone.

"Hello?" replied a familiar velvety voice.

"Dean, it's Chrissy!"

"Chrissy! How are you doing, hon?"

"Much better; thank you. Umm, I was just calling to see if you and your family would like to come over for dinner. My grandmother and I would love to have you."

"We don't want to put you out. There's five of us, and..."

Chrissy cut him off, "First off, you saved my life. Second, we're going to make spaghetti which is not expensive in the least. Please?"

"We'll be there. Name the time and place."

"Tomorrow at six," she proceeded to give him the address and then hung up the phone.

The next day, the handsome Italian and his three beautiful children showed up at the door, "Hi, Dean!" Chrissy smiled, "Where's your wife?"

"Oh, she uh... she's just taking it easy. The kids have been wearing her out. Ms. Jones, I'd like for you to meet Craig, Claudia, and this little baby is Gail."

"Hi!" Chrissy said to the children.

"Ms. Jones, these are for you," Craig said, handing her flowers.

"Why thank you! Come in, please."

The meal was delightful and chatter filled the room throughout it. After dinner, Chrissy's grandmother insisted on letting the children each choose a sweet treat from the cabinet. Little Gail slept in Dean's arms as Chrissy cleaned up.

"I sure hope you'll come again and bring your wife. I'm sure she's lovely!" Chrissy smiled. She looked back and Dean who was staring dejectedly at his shoes, "I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's not you. It's just my wife."

"I'm sorry."

"What do you have to be sorry for? You don't drink like a fish."

"Oh..." She reached for Gail and took her from her father's arms because Dean's eyes were brimming with tears. He reached for a handkerchief and tried to hide his emotions.

"Dean..."

The kids came bounding back into the room with candy.

"Hey! What do you say to Mrs. Jones, kids?" 

The kids echoed thank yous to Mrs. Jones, and Dean gave Chrissy a weak smile, "Well, we better get home to Mama. Chrissy, Mrs. Jones, why don't you all come over for dinner next week? Same day, same time that way you get to meet my wife." 

Both women nodded and said their goodbyes. As Dean was walking to the door, Chrissy stopped him, "Dean, if you need anything, call me."

He nodded and then loaded all of the kids in the car.