Price of Life (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Chapter Seven

Jack and Sue went their separate way.

Sue finished her shopping, including the big fluffy pillows, and her packing. Her errands took her around the same block than her parents' hotel. For a few minutes, she considered stopping by and talking to her mom. But she couldn't find any parking, not that she honestly tried very hard, and the truth was, she didn't know what to tell her anyway. So, she went back to meet Jack at the house.

At the jewelry store, the inscription on Sue's wedding band was exactly what Jack had ordered.

"Very romantic," commented the clerk.

"She's a special lady," answered Jack, paying and pocketing the two velvet boxes.

His parents had just arrived at their hotel and they phoned him as he was leaving the store. It was still early so he decided to stop there on his way to the house. The conversation with his mother was overdue.

Nice new hotel, noticed Jack who had never been to this particular one before. And free parking.

He entered the lobby and located the elevator. Fifth floor. Room 509. His mom opened on the first knock and hugged him as soon as he stepped in.

"Jack!"

"Hello, mom," he greeted, returning the hug. "Dad."

"Son, nice to see you again," his dad said with a handshake. "You look great."

"Yes, you look terrific," concurred his mom. "Must be that future bride of yours. She's not with you?"

"I'm meeting Sue later this afternoon. She's busy right now, last minute shopping."

"But she'll came for dinner with us, won't she?"

"Yes, mom. Don't worry. Actually, we convinced her parents to join us as well. Would you like us to pick you up around 6:30?"

"I got a rental, son," announced his dad. "Just give me the time and address."

Jack took the pad from the hotel desk, wrote 7pm, the address and the direction from the hotel to the restaurant. "If you followed that, you won't get lost."

"And if your father ends up at the wrong place, I will call you. It will be a pleasure to meet your future in-laws. So, how's your future wife doing? Anything...new?"

That's the opening I'm waiting for, realized Jack, not quite sure of his next word.

His mom was beaming with anticipation.

"Sophie!" admonished his dad. "Didn't you promise to be discreet?"

"Yah, but Jack is our son. Don't I deserve to know if I finally have a grandchild on the way? It's not like I'm asking in front of everybody, Frank. And admit that you're as excited as I am about the possibility."

"Well, grandpa Frank does sound good, doesn't it?" he sounded with a big grin.

Oh boy, I'm doomed, thought Jack.

Frank noticed his son's seriousness. "Sue's not expecting, is she?"

"I'm sorry to tell you, but no," he admitted, disappointment showing in his eyes. "Not at this time, anyway."

"Jack, we're sorry. You know we would have loved that child, even if its arrival was an accident."

"There was never any accident," admitted Jack, trying to set the record straight.

A big smile spread over his mother's face. "Oh Jack, I'm so relieved that Sue and you wanted that baby. But you shouldn't take it that hard. Just because you ordered one, doesn't mean it will arrive the same month. Sometimes nature takes a longer road. We tried for seven months before we finally got you. And your sister, well, she took years."