Hank and Jess had something in their marriage most couples cannot claim, an unbelievable connection and fierce love for each other. While on a mission trip to Haiti, Jess is murdered. The shock of loss overwhelms Hank and his journey to reconcile he...
"Over then under, Hank. Look in the mirror or it will be crooked," my dad was not the most patient teacher of tying neckties. He didn't have much to offer about dating either. Mom sure didn't marry a romantic.
"Jess will be fine however you look. It's all about the woman at these things. You are just an accessory. Your job is not to get in the way of her special night." Dad, definitely didn't have a romantic bone in his body. I am not sure he understood women at all!
"I want it to be perfect dad. This is a special night. Pictures are Jess's thing and she wants her prom night to be one to remember. I have to hit a home run. I want her to love it. She deserves it, dad."
"Jess is a keeper, Hank, just like your mom. Your mom was the same way about these kind of things. I remember picking her up in that shiny, red..."
"Dad, I am almost late. Lets go down memory lane another time please." I tightened the necktie to where it only slightly cut off my breathing. Tight meant right and my dad nodded his approval. I grabbed his keys to the Volvo and headed downstairs. He yelled at me to be safe and something about do what he would do or something like that.
"So handsome Hank. She will love the suit," mom kissed me on the cheek as I headed to the garage.
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Prom was a big deal. I mean it was a big, big deal in my high school. We had three fundraisers that lasted most of the school year, raising loads of money to put on the party of the year. Jess headed the prom committee so that meant this would be the best prom ever; if Jess had her hand in it, it would rock. I loved Jess but I wasn't a big fan of dressing up. It was so itchy and hot but if Jess wanted it then that is what Jess would get. If anyone would have suggested prom in Nike shorts and a Tee shirt I would have voted them King or Queen right there.
Speaking of King and Queen, Jess had high hopes. We weren't your average couple after all. I had asked her to be my girlfriend freshman year and for four years we had been inseparable. Sure she carried the day but I was presentable. Together, we looked like Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
And Jess had some family pressure to be Queen:
"My mother was prom queen in '88, my cousin in '05, and my sister would have been in '03 if she wouldn't have ditched the prom to leave with Barry. I don't really care about the crown but be nice to carry the family legacy on."
Our school had three parameters for choosing the King and Queen. They had to show strong chemistry, have high character, and be cute together.
We had the chemistry for sure. We had been dating for four years but it was never a question in our minds that we would get married. Everyone said the same about us. Jess summed it up best on social media when I gave her a promise ring:
When the person that is right for you comes along, you will not have to do whatever it takes to keep them interested because you will always be enough. Hank, you are enough!
