You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 15

The next week, Frank loaded everyone up on his jet and flew his family plus Chrissy and Jamie to Palm Springs. Chrissy was nervous as was Frank, but so far, the children had been getting along great.

When they finally arrived at his home, they were all exhausted. Frank announced, "Hey, gang, let's take some naps and then we'll go out for a nice dinner."

"Poppa, I'll take Jamie to his room," Nancy said, grabbing one of Jamie's bags.

"Thanks, Nance," Frank replied.

"Thanks, Nancy," Chrissy smiled.

Tina and Frankie made their way to their rooms, leaving Frank and Chrissy alone.

"Well," Chrissy put her arms around Frank's neck, "Where do I stay?"

"Well," Frank grinned mischievously, "I thought you could stay with me? Hmm?"

"Well, well... I suppose that'll do."

Frank kissed Chrissy on the lips passionately, "You're breathtaking... Truly."

"Frank..." Chrissy breathed, "Let's go somewhere... private."

"You sure?"

Chrissy nodded and Frank grabbed her hand nearly running to their room.

After everyone had taken their naps, they gathered downstairs to debate on where to eat dinner. Getting six people to agree on where to eat was no easy task. Jamie and Tina wanted chicken nuggets; Frankie and Chrissy voted for Chinese takeout; and Frank and Nancy wanted Italian food. Once Frank realized there was no compromise in sight, he sighed, "Well, let's go drive the entire countryside and get takeout from every gin joint around."

The kids all cheered and Chrissy laughed. For someone who played cool all of the time, Frank was nervous and he was trying to please everyone.

When they finally arrived back at the house with all their dinners, they sat at the table and dined together. Jamie was in his glory. He had always wanted this feeling of family, and he finally had it. Chrissy felt the same. It reminded her of the old days when she was little and Noni would take her to all of the old aunts and uncles for parties.

"So, Chrissy," eighteen year old Nancy spoke, "What do you think of all of this chaos?"

"Well, I've never smelled such a strange combination of foods before, but this is great... truly. Thank you all for having us. I know this is precious family time."

Frankie, fourteen years old, shook his head, "Jamie's my back up with these girls. Right, J?"

Jamie laughed and smiled.

Frank gave Chrissy a smile, "I sure am glad to have the two of ya with us."

"Are they ready for initiation?" Frankie smiled at his dad.

"Ooh boy," Frank raised his eyebrows.

"Initiation?" Chrissy laughed.

"Family game night!" They shouted.

"It's the true test," Frank gave a cheeky grin.

"We should've known that Ava..." Frankie trailed off, "I'm sorry, Poppa. I didn't mean to..."

Frank shook his head and swallowed hard, "It's alright... Part of life. You know I always shoot straight with you kids and I ask the same. Jamie, that goes for you too. Pardon my language, but if I'm being a son of a bitch... You know what that means, right?" Jamie nodded, "You let me know. Right, kids?"

Nancy, Frankie, and Tina all nodded.

"Make sense, Jamie?" Frank asked.

"Yes, sir."

Chrissy smiled, "Well, I think I'm ready for initiation. What's your game of choice?"

"Monopoly!"

Jamie grinned, loving Monopoly, but never having enough people to play an exciting game.

The game commenced with much laughing, joking, and teasing. Finally, after everyone else went bankrupt, Frank was declared the champion. He taunted, "I remain the champ of Monopoly!"

"You cheat, Poppa!" Tina shrieked.

"Well, even if I cheat, I bet everyone won't deny the winner and ice cream party! Come on, Esther stocked up our freezer so we can have an ice cream bar."

Once the kids had gotten their bowls of ice cream, Frank instructed them to take Jamie to the movie room and show him Lady and the Tramp on their projector.

Frank and Chrissy grabbed bowls of ice cream and sat together on the balcony. They sat in a content silence for a few moments until Frank's dry voice spoke, "Well, what do ya think?"

"It's all wonderful. Your children are incredible, and Jamie is so happy. You're so wonderful, Frank."

"Chrissy, we need to have a serious conversation."

"Okay..."

"You and me aren't spring chickens anymore. What do you want out of life and relationships?"

"Well, I want to give Jamie a good life. I'd like to get married again. My first marriage was... a joke. He didn't love me. My second marriage was because I got pregnant. I did care for Jack, but we never would've married if it hadn't been for Jamie... Third time's the charm, right? I'd like to marry for love and companionship."

"Where do you see us in a year?" Frank asked.

"Where do you see us in a year?" Chrissy returned.

"Married and blissfully happy."

"Really?" Chrissy asked, getting choked up, "You know I'm nothing special, Frank? Just a simple girl... Not a movie star, singer, nothing."

"Would you like to be married to me?" Frank asked.

"Well, it's a little soon for a proposal, Frank," Chrissy blushed.

"Not a proposal... a question," he said as he lit a cigarette.

He took a long drag on it while Chrissy stared in awe at him, "Yes, Frank. I think it would be nice."

"Me too," he smiled, "I can picture it."

"Momma?" Jamie's small voice called. Frank quickly extinguished his cigarette.

"What, honey? You okay?"

"Momma, I just wanted to tell you that I really like it here."

"Me too, Jamie. Me too. Why don't you thank Frank for such a nice trip?"

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Jamie smiled as he hugged Frank. "I love you!"

"I love you too, J."

Frank smiled as Jamie dashed back to the den and tears flooded Chrissy's eyes.

"And I love you." Frank whispered kissing Chrissy.