Irene Fitzgerald Kennedy

Puzzle

     Irene woke up early. She showered, dressed, and then made pancakes for Caroline, Tom, and herself.
     "Good morning," Tom said entering the room with Caroline in his arms.
      "Look who's finally up!" Irene exclaimed.
      "Me!" Caroline shrieked.
       Irene and Tom laughed. After they ate breakfast, Tom drove his car to the hospital while Irene drove Jack's. When Irene got inside with Caroline, Jack was getting coffee. "Daddy!" Caroline shrieked.
        "Shh," Caroline hissed putting a finger to her lips.
        Jack took her into his arms, "Do you want to see Mommy?"
        Caroline nodded and they went to see Jackie while Irene waited for Tom. "When Caroline's ready to leave, take my dad home. He looks exhausted."
        Tom nodded and hand-in-hand they walked into the hospital room. It didn't take long before Caroline and Jack were ready to head home. "Ire," Tom said walking out of the room, "Catch," he tossed his keys to Irene.
        "Thanks," Irene caught the keys.
        She sat down next to Jackie and sighed, "How are you holding up, kiddo?"
"I'm exhausted, but I'll be fine."
"I can imagine. You have your wedding; you and Dad just got done campaigning; and now you're managing the house."
"I can handle it."
"I know you can. You're just like your father."
        "So how are you? You're the one that just had a baby."
        "I'm fine as long as my little one is okay."
        "When are you being discharged?"
        "Tomorrow," Jackie said and was then interrupted by a baby's cry. Irene walked over to the bassinet and picked him up. She rocked him until he fell back to sleep and then noticed Jackie had fallen asleep too. Irene stayed until mid-afternoon when Joan arrived to sit with Jackie.
        "Thank God!" Irene said immediately standing.
        "What?"
        "I'm supposed to be getting my wedding dress fitted," Irene said dashing out of the room and to Tom's car.  When Irene arrived at the dress shop, the robust seamstress with a thick accent was waiting, "Miss Kennedy, you're late."
        "I'm so sorry!" Irene apologized.
        "'nough," she said, "Let's put that dress on."
       Irene walked back to the alterations room and slipped on her wedding dress. It was long sleeved lace and then the bottom fluffed out making her look like Cinderella. Irene felt tears welling in her eyes as she brushed her hand over the intricate lace designs. "It's perfect," she breathed.
       The seamstress nodded. After Irene had changed out of her dress, she paid for the alterations and loaded it into the car. On the drive home, she stopped at a bridal boutique to pick up her shoes, veil, and jewelry. Finally, she arrived home and unloaded everything while Caroline distracted Tom.
       That night, while Jack was at the hospital and Caroline was in bed, Tom and Irene sat on the couch. "We will be married soon," he sighed.
      "Everything's been such a whirlwind, but everything's falling into place."
      "It's like those last few pieces of a puzzle."
       "Huh?"
       "You know. The last pieces of a puzzle... They always are the easiest to figure out and they always just fall right into place and-"
       Irene cut him off with a kiss, "No more philosophy tonight, Tom," she patted his leg, "I'm too tired."