Jean Harnett

Chapter 36: Delayed

"Mama? Listen. This is Jean. I've been delayed. I don't know when I'll be home. No, nothing's wrong." She shot Cramer a wide grin. "Everything's right! Oh, Mama," she murmured. "I'm in love. Yes. Yes! Isn't it great? Isn't it wonderful? He's wonderful. Daddy knows who. You've met him, too." She giggled with her delight, then blinked. "No, we're not! We're sober as judges! Honest.

He's the one, Mama. I couldn't be surer. That's why the others weren't quite right. Oh, you're right, Mama! The heart always knows. How did you know to say something like that? What? Oh, Mama. Mama."

Tears welled in her eyes, and she put her free hand over her mouth. She looked at Cramer while she listened to her suddenly wise mother. Jean's hand holding the phone began to tremble.

Cramer took the phone from her. "Hello, Mrs. Harnett. Jean's overcome, and I don't know how long I'll last. This is Bob Cramer, the guy who is the newest fiance on the planet." He smiled at Jean, then concentrated on her mother. "No, neither one of them. Their brother. The lucky one. The smart one. The one who finally got smart. The crazy one who called you yesterday?

Yes, you're right. Yes, I know it's confusing. You should be on this end. Just now. Just a few minutes ago, in fact. We've known each other for months, but-- Yes. You're right. A couple of blind idiots who've wasted valuable time. I couldn't agree more.

Yes, we could've had a much nicer Spring; yes, I know." He grinned. "I have heard that one before. But it's for forever, Mrs. Harnett. I can guarantee it.

I never want to be far away from her again. What? Yes, you have met me, Mrs. Harnett. The guy at the boys' bathroom, yes. I gave you the tour of the schoolhouse, yes. No, ma'am, I am not middle-aged. I just looked that way. Then." He grinned at Jean.

"I'm much younger now, and it's all because of her. No, ma'am, you wouldn't know me now. She's changed me that much." He winked at Jean. "And I'm not changing back."

Jean laughed, then had to choke back more tears.

Alida Cramer glanced up from the kitchen table as the back door burst open. Bob and Jean ran in, holding hands. Their faces were flushed and covered with huge smiles.

"What the--"

"Mother, congratulate us! We're engaged!"

Alida pushed her chair back and stood. "Engaged? To be MARRIED? You two? To each other? Are you sure you haven't been drinking?"

Bob grinned. "That's what Jean's mother asked, too!"

"Well, it's understandable," Alida muttered. She walked around the table and faced them. "Is this all really true?"

They beamed at her and nodded their heads.

"I wanted Jean in the family, but--" She looked at Jean. "Are you sure, Jean? Is it this one? He's moody and obstinate. I don't want you to take on too great a challenge."

"Mother! I'm still in the room."

"I'm sure, Mrs. Cramer. The other two needed me, but not as much as this one does. And I need him so much." Jean glanced at him. "He's so vulnerable. Someone needs to protect him. But there's so much potential in him, and we've become good friends. I've missed him so much in these last few weeks that we've been apart. And I don't want that to happen, ever again."

Cramer gave her a quick hug.

"Our forced separation was foolish and it was all because of our pride," Jean continued. "But it was necessary, I suppose. It showed us how empty life would be without each other. He can be so stubborn."

"Me?!" He thought back over the days when he'd fought the simple truth that he loved Jean. "Well, okay. I concede. This time."

"That's better." She turned back to Alida. "Yes, he will be a challenge, but maybe you can give me some pointers on how to handle him."