“I didn’t know it showed. My heart is full, my son. Can’t wait for tomorrow.”
“It is almost here. Did Caroline show you the dress she will be wearing?”
“Yes, it is quite regal and impressive.”
“Did she also tell you how I helped her pick it?”
“That I didn’t know,” Amy laughed. “This is her special day. Quit tinkering with her choices.”
“It is kind of late for that. But, you will be happy to know everything is set up and taken care off. All that is left is for my beautiful mama to walk me down the aisle.”
“I have been saving up all my strength for it, darling. You wondered why I didn’t want to go sightseeing. There is your answer.”
“I’m sorry, mama there is going to be a lot of commotion tomorrow. My father has so many people invited. So many friends from school and Jack’s friends, too.”
“Don’t you worry about me. Now the two of you get ready. I will be alright here.”
Soon after, Jack and Caroline left Amy with the nurse that had flown in with her from Chicago. For the next two hours, they spent time walking around the park, stopping by the Loeb Boathouse for coffee. Except for few passersby that recognized Jack and asked for an autograph, they were left to their own romantic escape and the first peaceful time they shared together in many days.
Per Jack’s request, they had also been spending the nights apart in honor of his commitment to and respect for her. Everything about him had sounded like someone of the distant past with thoughtful consideration for propriety and gentlemanly ways. She couldn’t get tired of his effortless formalism. It was a decisive break from the anything-goes culture of her college experience. She felt like a dignified lady awaiting the arrival of her prince, and the pomp and circumstance of her wedding.
“I can’t believe the day is already here!” Jack said, squeezing her fingers. “Incredible the difference these past many days have made on mama. She is usually a simple woman, but I think she likes the ceremonial aspect of it.”
“Can’t blame her. She has waited for so long to see this day. You don’t know how lucky you are to have a mother like her. Mine is busy second-guessing my decisions instead of being happy for me.”
“She will come around. I am sure she will. Whatever it is, it originates from a good place. They worry so much about us. Everything they hear is how the world is pretty much in flames. One scandal after another. You can’t blame them for being protective.”
“I can’t wait for our lives to start anew.” He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.
“Are you keeping count?”
“I stopped.”
“Why? Not special anymore?”
“No. Not like that. When you have someone so special, the promise isn’t for accumulating counts of anything. It is to treasure every waking moment. To be worthy of the love that is given and to give back unconditionally. In that sense, every kiss is a first kiss for no moment is the same as another. Life is about endless first kisses.”
“Who knew you were such a poetic and romantic thinker?”
“In the past, the goal was always to be the best version of myself that I can be. Keeping at it with unrelenting consistency for in Golf, as in life, there is always room for improvement. Now I have my shooting star. You have been one ever since we bumped into each other.”
“I think it was fate, Jack. I know it is crazy to think someone is orchestrating all these happenings in life. I was this close to not going running that day. We could have missed each other just like that.”
“Saved by the impulsive decision to go for a run, huh? I would have found a way to talk to you, though. Then, I would have feared it would be inappropriate. With mum’s situation and all, I might have just bailed out.”
“I am so happy you didn’t… Oh, this is daddy! Can I take it? He is more excited about all this than me.”
“Sure, please.”
“Dad, how are you?” Caroline said.
“Are you laughing sweetheart? Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No, not at all. Jack and I just finished walking around the park. We are at the Boathouse grabbing a coffee.”
“That is wonderful. I wanted to call and check how you are doing and if you are still on your honeymoon plans?”
“Of course, hope you didn’t sign us up for some kind of an event? We are taking mama back to Chicago the next day and flying from there directly.”
