The Winter of 63

Chapter 19

8pm

Jack and Jackie were sitting on the sofa in each other’s arms in their pyjamas. “Jack?”

“Yes kid?” Jack asked stroking her hair.

“Can we talk?”

“Sure.”

Jackie took a deep breath. “I really know we both wanted another child especially after Patrick…..but I know it would be a while before we tried again but I really don’t know if I can carry another child Jack….I’d be too scared that I lost it again.”

“Jackie I completely understand….I wouldn’t want to put you through it again. I was actually thinking maybe next year we could look into adopting….”

Jackie turned to look at him. “Jack that’s so sweet but you’re the President of the United States.”

“And? If we want another child we can take alternate options to get one.”

“I know bunny.”

Jack rubbed her arm. “I also want you to know we don’t have to do anything till you feel emotionally ready.”

Jackie stroked his cheek. “Thank you Jack.”

He kissed her cheek. “No problem, I just want you to get better.”

She smiled. “Me too.”

“Jackie I will understand if it’s too hard for you to come with me on the campaign trail next year.”

“Jack I’ll be with you.” Jackie replied quickly. “I don’t want to be away from you.”

“Thank you.”

Jackie silently rolled over so she was facing him. She gently let her lips brush against his and they kissed passionately. Jack pulled back and stared deep into her brown eyes. “I was thinking we could have a private Christmas at Camp David, what do you think? Just the four of us.”

“I love the sound of that.”

Jack smiled. “I thought since the secret service have been separated from their families for so long that the ones working over Christmas, we could invite their families and give them a cabin. It’s just they’ve done so much for us.”

“I know what you mean Jack, I think it’s a lovely idea.”

Just after 10pm the couple headed up to bed. Jack helped Jackie into bed carefully before joining her. She cuddled into him and placed her hand on his thigh. “Mrs Kennedy what are you doing?”

“Just teasing you.” Jackie smiled as she removed her hand.

“Ok sleep tight kid.”

“You too.”

6:32am

Everything was silent till the phone began to ring. Jack groaned as he sat up. Jackie also sat up. Jack glanced at her before lifting the receiver up. She looked vulnerable but cute.

“Hello?” Jack asked.

“Mr President?”

“Yes?”

“It’s Pierre.”

“What do you want it’s early?”

“I know sir and I’m sorry but the press are wanting a statement on when you and Lyndon will be returning to work.”

“I’ll be back after thanksgiving I don’t know about Lyndon.”

“Ok thank you.”

Jack hung up and rested his head on Jackie’s side. “I wish we were normal and we could grieve in private.”

“I know bunny but we’ll be okay I know it.”

Jack nodded. “I hope so.”