Family Bonds

Chapter 14, Episode 2

An alarm sounded weakly in the other room. Jane woke with a start. Chet's arm lay across her belly, one of his legs snuggled next to hers. His hair was mussed, a pronounced morning shadow bearded his cheeks and chin and he looked adorable, like she imagined he must look every morning.

"I forgot to call," she murmured.

Chet grinned at her. "I should get you back." His voice sounded husky.

"What's Bert going to say?"

"Only one way to know. I'll go with you. Tell him it's my fault you didn't make it." He wrapped his arms around her for a hug.

"I should iron my blouse. And shower, too."

"Go ahead." He pointed to the shower. "I'll start the coffee. When you're dressed, we can trade places—you in the kitchen, me in the shower."

He matched her laugh with his own. As he padded into the kitchen, he asked over his shoulder, "Think he'll buy that my car didn't start—from all the rain last night?"

When they arrived at the duplex, Mrs. O'Hara met them at the door, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Glad to see you, missy. Just so you know, I bet the old man you wouldn't be home till late. Just didn't tell him how late—or should we say early. I'll come back later." She chuckled as she headed for her house.

"Have you had breakfast?" Jane asked Bert.

"'Course I have. You know Millie wouldn't leave without making sure I ate. What about you?"

"We—I've eaten already."

"I'll bet you have. Need to talk to you, girl. Privately." Bert scowled at Chet. "If you don't mind."

"Don't leave, Chet," Jane implored.

"I'll wait on the porch," he replied.

Jane turned to Bert. "Where do you want to talk, in the kitchen or your room?"

"How about your room? Where you didn't happen to sleep last night," he said pointedly.

She flushed hot, followed him into her room and shut the door. "We got caught in the rain and went to Chet's place to get dried off. That's all." She crossed her arms, giving herself a little hug. "I should have called. Sorry." She pursed her lips. "I'm not a child, Bert. You said I can make my own decisions."

Bert sat on the bed, his hands working. "I know, and I'm not going to say you shouldn't have done what I think you did."

"I didn't," she replied. "So you don't have to ask."

"Your decision?"

"His." She paused at the little hitch in Bert's breath. "I love him, so much. I wanted to, but he wouldn't. Reminded me what Mom said." She took a deep breath and sat up straight.

His eyes widened slightly.

She touched his shoulder, held so stiffly. "I love him, Bert," she repeated.

"As if that's the answer to everything that's wrong in this world." He gave her a slight nod. "Time for me to talk to him."

She rose and opened the front door for Chet. "Bert wants to talk to you."

~ ~ ~

Chet followed Bert into his own bedroom.

"Let me help you."

The old man shook his head. "I can make it." He sat down heavily. "Shut the door."

Chet did so.

"She says she loves you. Do you love her?"

"Yes, sir."

"If you hurt that girl, I will hunt you down and cut your balls off. You hear me?"

Chet reached for Bert's hand. "You don't have to worry. I may have acted like an idiot before, but that's not me now. I hope you know that."

"Think I do. I can see you look at life a little differently than ... before. You've showed me in lots of ways." He stared at Chet. "You have plans for the two of you?"

He pulled up a nearby chair. "I'm starting law school in the fall, and I told her I'd help you two find a place to live, now that she's selling this place."

Bert cleared his throat. "I meant, more than that."

Chet's eyes widened. What? I have to tell him, before I've even asked her? "Uh yes, before I—" Chet gulped. "I'll talk to you first—before I—"

"You having trouble talking, boy? Your throat's dry? You can't spit out the words? I thought lawyers always knew how to talk." Bert smirked. "Never you mind. I think I know what you're trying to say. When you can say it, we'll talk again." He pointed to the door. "You better go on out there before she starts yelling at me for keeping you in here so long."

Chet grinned broadly. "I have to get some things straight with my folks first, before I ... uh ... before I ask her. And a few other things, too. But I'll be back. Count on it." He turned to go and looked back at Bert. "Jane told me once that you were like a father to her. From what I've seen, 'like' has nothing to do with it. You are a true father to her. It doesn't matter that you weren't married to her mother, or that you didn't live with them when she was growing up. When the time comes, I know who'll walk her down the aisle."

It was Bert's eyes that moistened then. "After we talk, son," his voice suddenly raspy.

Author's Note: Jane learns that Bert may need hospice care. Have you ever known someone who went into hospice? How did other family members react to this situation?

Can't wait for the next episode? You can buy Family Bonds on Amazon.com!

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