You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 23

Dean had all but moved in to Chrissy's house to take care of her as she recovered from the surgery. As much as she needed time to heal emotionally, her body needed the same time to heal physically.

She continually thanked Dean for being there for her and would ask if Jeanne was okay with his being there constantly.

Of course, Dean and Jeanne hadn't spoken and neither had Frank and Chrissy. Chrissy worried that Jamie would begin asking questions, but he hadn't.

One day when it was just the two of them, Chrissy began to pry, "When's the last time you talked to Frank?"

"Well, he came by to tell me that Rose had passed away. He said that he'd always look out for me and that he loved me."

Chrissy nodded.

"Momma, I'm really glad you're okay. I was so scared. It's been you and me forever. Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Are you and Frank going to split up like Deana's parents are going to?"

"Deana's parents split up years ago, sweetheart. But I don't have the answer to that question."

"No, Momma. Deana says that her Daddy is going to get divorced."

"From Aunt Jean?" Chrissy asked in shock.

"Mmhmm."

"Hey! Any kid home who'd like this ice cream sundae?" Dean voice called from downstairs as he returned from picking up groceries.

Jamie took off running toward Dino. A few minutes later, Dean approached Chrissy's room, "Hi, honey. How are you doing?"

"Okay. Would you mind helping me adjust? I tried to, but I felt pressure like I was going to pop a stitch."

"Don't explain. I'll help ya."

Dean helped her adjust her position. She patted the spot on the bed next to her. He sat down with one leg bent up underneath him and one on the floor.

Chrissy grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze, "Dino, when did it happen?"

"When did what happen?"

"Jamie spilled the beans about you and Jeanne. Well, Deana to Jamie to me."

"A week ago..." Dean cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry."

"Listen, don't be... It's not something you need to worry about."

"Dean..."

"So, Joey is going to take Jamie to the movies tonight with his son, Larry. He needs to get out of the house. He's taking too much responsibility for a young boy. While he's out, I figure we eat dinner and plan his birthday party."

"Dean..." Chrissy needed him to stop talking for a moment.

"Oh, and we can start talking about the trip to see Mama."

"Dean! Come up for air, will ya?"

He paused.

"Is the Jeanne thing because of me?"

"No. We just aren't emotionally compatible. I can't share my feelings with her."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't be. I'm lucky to have you. Now, since we're being honest, I have a confession... Frank's been calling me every day to check in on you."

"He has?" Chrissy asked, choking on her words. 

"Yes. He is worried about you and Jamie. He's made mistakes, but he does care. Look, I don't know what's going to happen between you two, but I will feel guilty forever if I don't tell you to call him." 

Chrissy felt a few tears slip from her eyes. Dean put his hand on top of hers, "I'll give you a few minutes," he said, handing her the phone. 

Dean had such a dilemma. He loved Chrissy, and she was all he wanted. However, he also loved Frank and couldn't hurt him either. No matter what, he was going to be there for the both of them. He would have to let them figure out what to do with their marriage. 

Meanwhile, Chrissy's fingers twisted anxiously around the cord of the phone as it rang. Finally, Frank's dry voice answered. 

"Frank?" Chrissy said weakly. 

"Chrissy! Hi..."

"Hi, Frank."

"How have you been?" 

She began to cry. Really, she hadn't been well. Her incision from the surgery was giving her problems, her whole body felt frail, and she was depressed. Dino tried to fix it all, but he couldn't possibly solve all of the problems. Time was what she needed. 

Frank's voice was shaky, "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. God, am I sorry..."

"I know," she choked. 

"Sweetheart, can I come by? Just for a little bit... I won't wear out my welcome. I just want to come see you."

"Okay," she replied. 

Less than an hour later, Frank knocked on the front door and let himself in the house. He made his way up the stairs, calling to Chrissy as he walked toward her bedroom. With a soft knock on the door frame, he went inside the room. 

"Hey, you," he rasped. He carried in a bouquet of flowers which he placed next to Chrissy after giving her a kiss on the cheek. 

"Hi," she whispered. 

He sat down on the edge of the bed and cupped her face with his hand. "Chrissy, what can I even begin to say... My actions are unforgivable."

"Don't say that. Everyone deserves another chance." Her tenderness made Frank love her that much more. She was so genuine and forgiving. He couldn't do this to her again, and he knew he would never change. He had told himself that he would, but he knew that he was doomed to be the same man for the rest of his life. Chrissy was too tenderhearted to live like that. 

"You deserve another chance," Frank replied, holding her hand. "You've picked some duds, Chrissy. You deserve love and happiness. I love you, Chrissy. I always will, but I can't keep doing this to you. I'm treating you the way Ava treated me, and I can't live like that. I can't bear the thought of knowing I'm hurting you that badly. I just... I love you too much."

"I love you too, Frank. I always will... You made me feel wanted again during a time when I felt like no one wanted me."

"I'll take care of you and Jamie. You don't have to worry about anything..."

"You don't have to..."

"Please..." Frank cut her off. "I'll take care of everything. Just promise me one thing, Chris?"

"Anything, Frank."

"Go get your happy ending. You deserve it." 

Chrissy squeezed Frank's hand one last time before he stood to leave.