You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 17

At Chrissy's request, Frank would personally discuss their marriage and Jamie's adoption with Jamie. So a few days later, Frank picked Jamie up from school and took him to a diner for dinner.

They sat together, Jamie drinking a chocolate milkshake and Frank drinking a coke, while waiting for their burgers.

Jamie talked about school for awhile until their food came, then Frank began to address the purpose of their alone time.

"Jamie, I like doing this kind of stuff with ya."

"Me too," Jamie smiled. "It's nice to have stuff like this when the other boys at school talk about doing stuff with their dads."

"What do you know about your father?"

"Not much. Momma says he was a good guy, but I only grew up having Momma, Noni, Uncle Dino, and you."

"Jamie, that's what I want to talk to you about... with your permission, I'd like to marry your Momma."

Jamie's eyes filled with joy and he began to smile, "Momma will be so happy. Me too."

"And with your permission, I'd like you to be my son."

"I'd get to have a father?"

"Yes, I'd love to be your father. If you'll take it, I'd like to give you my name too."

"Won't it be confusing to have three Franks?" Jamie asked, seriously.

Frank let out a laugh, "Sinatra, not Frank. I'd like for you to be a Sinatra like Nancy, Frankie, and Tina."

"Oh!" Jamie giggled. "I'd like that. Jamie Sinatra... sounds pretty cool... just like you."

Frank stood and went over to Jamie's side of the booth and gave him a quick hug.

"One more thing. Can I call you Poppa like the other kids?"

"Absolutely, Jamie. I'd be proud to be your Poppa."

Jamie and Frank returned to Chrissy's house where she was baking cookies. Jamie ran in and hugged her. "Momma, you can marry Poppa and I get to be a Sinatra too!"

"That's great news, Jamie! Go get cleaned up and meet us back here for a fresh cookie."

Frank came in the house a few moments later with Jamie's backpack. "Well?" Chrissy asked.

"He's thrilled," Frank grinned. He set Jamie's backpack down and wrapped his arms around Chrissy.

Chrissy took a deep breath and let out a sigh, "Life is good."

A few weeks later, Frank and Chrissy were married in a sweet and private ceremony. Dean, Frankie, and Jamie acted as Frank's groomsmen while Jeanne, Nancy, and Tina were Chrissy's bridesmaids. Jamie had the most important job of all which was to give his mother away before joining the groomsmen.

When Chrissy walked down the aisle holding Jamie's hand, no dry eye was found in the whole church.

After the ceremony, there was a slightly larger celebration back at Chrissy's and Frank's home, complete with all of Frank's buddies and a few of Chrissy's new acquaintances.

As a gesture of kindness and respect, Chrissy and Frank invited Nancy Sr. to the reception.

Chrissy had never met her but walked over to meet her with Jamie and Tina.

"Mom!" Tina hugged her mother, "This is Chrissy!"

"Nice to meet you," Chrissy smiled. She was nervous, "Um, this is my son, Jamie."

"Nice to meet you," Nancy Sr. smiled. "Thank you for the invite. You didn't have to do that."

"Don't be silly; we're happy to have you. Jamie, Tina, why don't you go find Poppa."