Hers for a While (14 page)

It was time. Her child had questions. He wanted to know more and more about who his dad was. Shutting the book, she set it on the bed and went out on the landing, overlooking the living room where he sat next to his grandpa as they watched some random cartoon on the TV.

Taking a deep breath, she started down the stairs.
It was time.

Chapter Sixteen

“Mommy, you finally came down!” Jack pushed a small fire engine across the table, making the siren noises with his mouth. “Are we going to watch the video Grandpa said we would?”

“Yes, Jack. Do you need any juice or anything before we start it? How about you go potty and wash your hands?”

Jack did as he was told, running to the bathroom. Alice looked at her parents, both of them staring back at her, sadness on their faces. “Did you tell him it’s about his dad?”

“No. We weren’t sure if you wanted to do that.”

She put the DVD in and let out a deep breath. “I don’t even know what to expect. He’s been jabbering for days about him. Even mentioned something about seeing him in a dream.”

“He saw him in a dream?” Her mother stood up. “What did he say?”

Alice ducked her head. “Described him. Exactly how Jack looked. Didn’t really say much else, just that he was smiling at the foot of his bed. Had he not had so many details, I would chalk it up to his imagination, but he was so accurate. He’s seen pictures of him, but he mentioned the green flecks in Jack’s eyes. No picture ever showed that much detail of them.”

Before her mother could answer, he came out of the bathroom, hurrying back to his spot on the couch. Alice sat beside him, gripping the remote before she pressed play.

“Listen, Jack, I have to tell you something about this video, okay?”

Nodding, the boy flicked the toy fire truck until it skidded onto the floor. “Okay.”

“What we’re about to watch is special. You wanna know why it’s special?”

“Yes I do.”

Alice smiled at his quick answer. “It’s got your daddy in it.”

He perked up, his eyebrows lifting and his eyes grew as wide as saucers. “My daddy?” He pointed to his chest. “The same daddy that comes to visit me when I’m sleeping?”

“Yes, that’s him. He wanted to make this for you before he passed away. He said he had so many things to tell you that he wanted you to hear from him. He did this before he even knew you were a little boy in my tummy.”

Jack wiggled on the couch. “I can’t wait to hear what he has to say!”

He was too big for his britches. Such a grown up thing to say from such a young kid. Alice ruffled his hair. “Me too, Jack. I haven’t seen it either.”

“Do you want us to leave?” her dad asked.

“No. You can watch too. It’s okay.”

Alice pressed the play button and sat back, putting her arm around her son as the video flickered on, showing Jack sitting up in bed, resting against the headboard as he stared into the camera. The sight of him made her heart skip a beat. There he was, like he had never left. She couldn’t start crying so soon. She had to hold it together, though it was hard.

Jack took a few seconds to gain his composure, and after shifting his weight a few times, he started to speak. “I found out today that I’m going to be a father. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time, and it kills me to know that I won’t be around to see you grow up. Your mother is the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I know for a fact, she’s been a great mom to you so far, and she’ll continue to be forever.” He paused to catch his breath, running his hand down the back of his neck as he continued to look into the camera.

“And it’s going to sound crazy, but I just know she’s having a little boy. So, I’ve laid awake thinking about your future and how you’ll already start life at a disadvantage. You’ll never know me, but I know you. I already know the man you’re going to grow up to be. Always respect your mother. You’re going to have disagreements and arguments, but when it comes down to it, she’s the one who gave you life. There’s no other precious gift than that.”

Again, he stopped for a second, as if he was gathering his thoughts. Maybe he was trying not to cry. “I hope you one day find a woman like I’ve found in your mother. From the moment I saw her I knew she was the one for me. I knew we’d end up together. What I didn’t know was that things were going to turn out the way they have. But as you grow older, you’re going to learn that things don’t go as planned. You’ll know exactly what you want, but life will throw you curveballs. Step up to the plate. Take a swing, even if it’s not the pitch you were wanting.” Smiling, he shook his head. “Life is full of disappointments. Me getting sick is a prime example of it. Don’t let the disappointments get you down. It’ll be hard, but I know your mother will mold you into the man I know you’re capable of being.”

“You’re going to fall in love. Take it slow. Cherish it. Just like with life, things might not go how you want, but embrace it. Life is too short to dwell on the negative. Look at me. Perfect example about how life is so very short, so fragile, and that time is priceless.”

He leaned his head back against the headboard. The video appeared to be taking a lot out of him, but he pressed on. “You’re going to have a lot of questions about me. Ask them. Your mother will tell you everything you need to know. I can’t apologize enough at the fact that you’ll never get to meet me. I hope it makes you stronger. Losing my father was hard, but I was a better man, striving to be just like him. I’m not saying you have to be like me, but I hope I’ve paved a good road ahead for you to follow. If you ever feel like you’re straying from the path, lean on your mom. Keep your eyes forward, your heart light, and never forget that I’m here with you, always. In your heart, in your dreams, and in the subtle breeze you feel late in the afternoon. I love you, Son. Never forget that. Even when you’re old and grey, looking back on everything.”

“And to Alice. I’ve requested that you not see this until you’re ready to show our child. I’m sorry to make you wait. I’m certain you are doing well. You are such a strong woman, full of life, full of motivation, and I know my death will serve in helping you become even stronger. Live your life. Thank you for giving birth to our son. It’s the greatest gift we both can give each other. One last thing before I turn this camcorder off. My death is not goodbye. Our time together is not over. You’ll see me again. I promise you that. I love you. I’ll always love you.”

Pushing off of the bed, he stepped to the camera, reaching around it, until the picture faded and the TV went black. No one moved from where they were. Even Jack Junior sat quiet, all of them watching the blank screen. Alice’s pulse raced. Seeing him again was like he had never left, and once the video finished, it was like losing him all over again. Tears stung her eyes and she swiped them away with the back of her hand.

“He looks just like he does in my dreams,” Jack said, his voice full of admiration. “He always says he loves me.”

Alice pulled him for a side hug, kissing the top of his head. “He loved you from the moment I told him I was pregnant with you, Babe.”

“I love him too, Mommy.”

“Me too, Jack. Me too.”

“Why did he have to die? All of my friends at school still have their dad’s.”

Alice wasn’t sure how to answer him. Looking at her mom and over at her dad, they sat in silence, each of them just as awestruck by what had just played out as she was.

“It was his time. Sometimes the most special people you’ll ever know are only here for a short time before it’s time for them to go away again. Your dad was one of those people. He gave me the best thing I could have ever hoped for, you know?”

“What did he give you?” Jack looked up at her with such innocence, his green eyes so beautiful.

“He gave me you.”

“Can I be a fireman like he was?”

“You can be whatever you want to be, Jack.”

***

After the video, Alice had to get out of the house. The day was cool and rainy, much like the day Jack had passed away. Gathering up some fresh flowers from her flowerbed, she tossed them in the back of her SUV, made sure Jack was buckled in tight, and backed out onto the street.

The whole drive, Jack was jabbering about anything and everything, mainly about his dad and the awesome video he had left him. Alice watched him in the rear view mirror, making his action figures fly around, along with sound effects and crash sounds.

Pulling off on a side road, she bit her lip when she saw the entrance to the cemetery. It had been a few months since she had visited Jack’s grave. It felt the perfect time to take their son out there. Edging along the curb, she put the vehicle in park.

“Unbuckle and help me grab the flowers I picked.”

Jack climbed over the seat, scooping up the tulips and daisies, dropping a few that fell through his small hands. “Are these for Dad?”

“Yep! How’d you know?”

Jack didn’t answer and climbed out from the back, grabbing her hand as they walked toward his headstone. “I’m going to make sure you’re safe and protect you.”

“You are?” Alice smiled down at him. For the first time, she wasn’t filled with sorrow coming to the cemetery.

“I am, just like Dad wants me to do!”

They weaved through a few graves, finally reaching his. Alice read the headstone multiple times.

Jack Aaron Turner – Beloved Father, Husband, and Son. We will never forget our fallen brother.

She traced her finger over the fire helmet and badge inscribed beside it. It was still strange seeing her name next to his with the death date missing. Many had scrutinized her for already making the decision to be buried next to him, but she couldn’t imagine it any other way.

“Jack, how about you put those flowers in the vase?”

Jack did as asked, pushing the stems down inside and standing back, admiring them with her. “They’re beautiful, Mommy.”

“Yes, they are. I bet your Daddy is loving them.”

For the first time in a while, Alice felt strong hope for the future. Maybe Jack’s video gave her the jolt she needed to continue to move forward. Maybe Jack Junior’s positive attitude about everything was rubbing off on her. Maybe, just maybe, she was finally seeing the blessings hidden within her husband’s death. It didn’t matter what was causing it – she was glad to feel alive again.

Something caught her attention, and she looked up at a white dove on a tree branch above them. It flew down, resting on the headstone right in front of them, not even spooked at the fact that two people were close enough to reach out and touch it. It held eye contact with her longer than normal. A quick breeze brushed past them, unseasonably warm for fall.

“You feel that?” Jack Junior asked, his voice full of energy.

“The breeze?”

“That’s him, Mommy. He said he’d be the breeze we feel late in the afternoon.”

Was it Jack visiting them? Was the dove a sign? Was the breeze? Alice couldn’t honestly answer it. All she knew is that she was blessed beyond measure. Sure, her husband had died at a young age and she was left as a widow long before she should have been. Sure, it didn’t seem fair.

One thing could never be ripped from her. The memories, the love shared, and the beautiful child they had made together.

Jack was hers for a while. The short few years spent with him ranked higher than hundreds of years spent with anyone else.

Taking one last look at the white dove on his headstone, Alice held her smile. “You said it yourself, Jack. This isn’t goodbye. I’ll see you again.” Turning to Jack Junior, she picked him up and held him in her arms, his giggle music to her ears. “Let’s go home. You have so much more to learn about your father and I can’t wait to teach you.”

If you have time, please leave a review on the product page! Any feedback is always appreciated and helps me grow as a writer! I also love getting emails and messages from people, and I always write back! – all opinions welcome! Below are different ways to contact me and get updates on new projects and books:

Email:

[email protected]

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/WriterDanicaChandler

Twitter:

@Danica_Chandler

More books by Danica -

Her Lifeline: (A Romantic Suspense)

http://amzn.to/1E0m3wU

Without a purpose -

Nick Miller is lost. Discharged from the United States Army after fifteen years of service, he is tossed out onto the streets with no job, no family, and no real plans for the future. With a failing economy, he fears that the country he once fought for will now turn its back on him, leaving him homeless, hungry, and without a purpose. Physically and emotionally scarred, Nick wants a place to call home.

Alone and worried -

Amelia Tucker, alone with a young son and a disabled father, has taken on the sole financial responsibility of her family’s ranch in Texas. She refuses to let it be sold, but she finds herself falling behind on much of the work that was usually done by her husband who has abandoned them. With the bank and an unexpected bookie knocking at her door, she knows she needs help.

Desperate times -

Desperation brings Amelia and Nick together when he answers her want ad for a ranch hand. The pay is low, but it provides Nick with what he needs – a roof over his head, food on the table, and a place where he is wanted. Amelia is relieved to have an able bodied man around again, though the worry of losing the ranch still hovers over her.