(Complete) When Tim Burke meets Julie at a party, she isn't impressed. When they see each other again, Julie decides to give him a chance. As Julie faces burdens and sorrow in her own life, Tim and his family provide the support and love she needs...
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July fourth was on Wednesday, which only allowed for one day off. It was a quiet week at the engineering firm, but Julie didn't want to waste her vacation days if Tim was working. Much to her surprise, her mother expected her home for a visit.
They had already planned to spend Tim's week off at the end of July in Maine. Kate, Artie and Bernie were joining them. Julie was concerned when she first heard the plan. "Your Mum and dad don't mind?"
"No, the kids can spend the day so mum can work. You don't mind if they're with us?"
Julie smiled. "Only if you get jealous."
Tim took her hand and kissed it. "I know. Nick's your second choice."
She wanted to pretend he was wrong, but she didn't have a poker face.
Her mother insisted she visit on the Fourth. She reluctantly agreed to let Tim drive her. When she told her mother she was bringing her boyfriend, her mother became upset.
"Boyfriend! What boyfriend?"
"I told you about Tim. He's friends with Kate's boyfriend."
"Is he Jewish too?" Julie's father wouldn't have asked so kindly.
"No, but he's going to be a doctor. Kevin met him."
"Kevin, what's poor Danny going to think?"
"Danny will like Tim."
"Why would he? It's time you and Danny settle down together."
"Danny doesn't want to marry me, anymore than I want to marry him." Julie pushed any thoughts of who she might want to marry away. She didn't want to be like Kate.
"Now, that's ridiculous. Bring your boy, but I'll make sure Danny is here too."
"Great! I'd like them to meet." Julie refused to let her mother's comments bother her.
Julie would have to convince Tim not to expect anything special. The Dempsey's didn't celebrate. They didn't do barbeques or those fancy red, white and blue cakes Jello advertised. Maybe she should make one and bring it. She had been baking for Tim and she competed with her baked goods the way he competed with Nick.
They traveled west on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Julie wished the ride to her hometown was farther - not as far as Maine. "You'll regret this."
"Jules relax. It will be fine. I get along with everyone."
"Except Jim."
"Okay, so Jim has a problem with me. I'll be polite and Kevin likes me and..."
"You haven't met Ken and Keith. They emulate my father, bigots in training."
"Luckily, I'm as American as they come."
Julie laughed. "Your stepmother is English. Remember what we're celebrating today."
