Once Broken (23 page)

“Do you want more kids?”

“Geez, you’re pretty intense for a first date.”

“Oh, sorry. I’m the kind of person that if I want to know something, I ask. It must be the cop in me. If I ask you anything that makes you uncomfortable, plead the fifth. I’ll understand.”

“Okay. So it’s your turn.”

“Well, I can’t match that revelation. But I do have a doozy. Ready?”

“Sure am.”

“I was in the seminary.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Seriously, no joke. I wanted to be a priest ever since I was an altar boy. I entered the seminary fifteen years ago but realized it wasn’t for me before it was too late.”

Jackie stared at Sean, revamping her image of him. “A priest?”

He nodded. “Yup. Are you Catholic?”

“I am, but not practicing. I went to Catholic school until eighth grade. I didn’t like the nuns and priests much. Most of them weren’t nice people, really. I remember when my dad died, the Mother Superior told me I had no right to cry because God needed my dad more than I did.” Jackie took a sip of wine to quash the upsurge of anger.

“That’s horrible. I have problems with the church too, the pedophile issues not being the least of them. But it still holds a special place for me, even if I didn’t have a calling.”

“Lucky for me.”

The evening ended with a tender kiss at Jackie’s front door. Sean didn’t push beyond respectable limits. He was wooing the woman he knew he would marry.

*

Falling in love with Sean Gallagher was the easiest thing Jackie had ever done. The scars of grief enhanced their compatibility. He had a philosophy of life that only someone who had experienced a traumatic loss can have. Sean’s theories and love were healing to Jackie’s age-old wounds. They shared a deep understanding of each other. The jealously and competition Jackie expected between Gina and Sean didn’t exist. The three blended as if they had always been together.

*

One peaceful Saturday night at Sean’s condo, as the couple was spooning, he asked, “Want to know something I admire about you?”

“Sure.”

“Making the decision to have and keep Gina. That was so brave.”

“That’s sweet. But honestly I didn’t see another choice. It was an enormous act of faith. In the third month of pregnancy, I made a pact with God and He has provided many miracles since.”

“Well, at least you went to the right place! I hope meeting me may be another miracle in your life.” He kissed her with the passion of a lover and the comfort of a best friend. “I love you.”

*

Jackie’s body ached for his. Although there had been heavy petting, they decided to go slowly. She patiently waited for Sean to make the first move and eventually he did.

“Jackie, let’s spend the night together next Saturday. What do you think?”

Finally.
“Sounds wonderful.”

He engulfed her in kisses and caressed her body. “It’ll be explosive, I promise.”

“What a description!”

*

Jackie wore a simple burgundy print dress and Victoria Secret matching black bra and G-string. Sean greeted her at the door wearing only pajama pants that hugged his hips. Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of him.

“Come in, my darling.” He handed her one lavender rose. “I’m giving you a single rose because it represents the theme for this evening. This one rose means
I will love you always, and all my affection is focused on you alone.”
Taking her hand, he led her into the dimly lit living room. Wine was chilling at the small bar in the corner. The Indigo Girls were playing on the CD player. Sean had stacked six CDs to ensure the music never stopped.

“You’re playing the Indigo Girls? You don’t like them.”

“That’s true. But you do and this night is all about you.”

“Oh my,” Jackie shivered. “How romantic. What other CDs do you have in there?”

“Make yourself comfortable and find out as they play. I hope you don’t mind if we take the night slowly?”

“Not at all.” She settled into the sofa.

He poured two glasses of wine, put them on the coffee table, and uncovered a plate. “Shrimp cocktail, I believe is a favorite.”

“It is, but I don’t remember telling you.”

“I study the things I love and I love you.”

“Well Sean, I’d say you’re sweeping me off my feet, but you did that a few months ago.”

He picked up some cheese, put it on a cracker, and fed it to her slowly, making sure to brush his fingers on his lips. She sucked on his finger as it lingered. Removing his finger, he kissed her neck, moving slowly down her chest kissing and licking, and stopped at the edge of her deep V-neck.

She whispered, “This dress comes off easily.”

“All in due time, sweetheart. Let’s have more wine.” He refilled their glasses. “We still have to eat dinner. I can’t make love all night long on an empty stomach, can you?”

She felt goose bumps. “All night, huh?”

“Yup. Dinner will be served in about an hour.”

“I don’t smell anything cooking.”

“It’s being delivered.”

“Hmm, pizza?”

He ran his finger along her bottom lip and shook his head. “Not quite. For now, sit back and enjoy the music, the wine, and me.”

“That’s easy.” She leaned over, pressing her body against his and returned his soft, provocative kisses.

Foreplay was interrupted by the doorbell. “Dinner’s here.” A waiter in a tux rolled in a cart with silver-covered plates. A delicious aroma filled the air. The waiter set the table, uncovered the plates, and left without a word.

“How the heck did you arrange that?” Jackie breathed deeply. “It smells amazing.”

He chuckled. “My brother owns a five-star restaurant. Let’s eat.” He took her hand and led her to the table. She gasped when she saw the baked stuffed lobster and clam chowder. “Your favorites, I believe?”

“They are.” She gazed at him adoringly.

After finishing their delicious dinner, they returned to the living room and the CD changed.

“Karla Bonoff? I love Karla!”

“I know.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “How can you know all this about me?”

“I pay attention.”

“You’re amazing. I couldn’t love anyone as much as I love you. Except Gina of course,” she added with a chuckle.

The couple kissed and slow danced to “The Water is Wide” as Jackie softly sang along and dissolved into her lover’s arms. As the song ended, she said, “Sean, do I have to beg you to take off this dress?”

“Begging won’t be necessary.” He refilled the wine glasses, handed hers to her, took her other hand, and led her to the bedroom. Candles glittered in the bedroom and en suite bathroom. They followed a trail of rose petals into the bathroom where Sean had drawn a bath with more petals floating in the Jacuzzi tub. Scents of roses and lavender filled the air. “This is what I was doing in the bathroom when I was gone for a few minutes.”

“Ah, it was worth the intermission.”

Kissing her slowly, rubbing his body against hers, he unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor. “Wow.”

Kissing her mouth and moving to her neck, he unsnapped her bra and indulged in her breasts, sucking, cupping, kissing. He removed her G-string, took her hand, and motioned for her to get into the tub.

After a provocative bath, they lay in bed. Sean slowly massaged the length of her legs, from her upper thighs down to her ankles. He kneaded her heels, arches, the balls of her feet, and her toes. She wrapped her hand around his hard penis. Desperate for penetration, she wanted to be one with him more than she’d wanted anyone before. He mounted her and they moved together in delight. As Sean had promised, the remainder of the night was spent in the ecstasy of arousing and exploring each other’s bodies. In the morning, Sean whispered, “There’s a terrific view of the sunrise from my balcony. Let’s watch it. But we’ll need to put on some clothes. You can slip on that shirt on the chair.”

“I’m game.” She got out of bed and grabbed Sean’s shirt. They sat on a chaise lounge, wrapped in each other’s arms, and watched the most beautiful sunrise either had ever seen, or maybe it was the raptures of love that made it so remarkable.

“That was beautiful,” Jackie said as she rested in the arms of her lover.

“It was and so are you. But now we need sleep.”

The couple slept in each other’s arms until midday.

At brunch Jackie said, “Sean, last night was the most amazing, romantic, erotic night of my life. I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I thank God for you. I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”

June 1989

Tony seemed to be everywhere. He was at his parents’ house when Jackie picked up Gina. She drove behind him at a McDonald’s drive-thru. She managed to avoid him when she spotted him in front of her in line at CVS. One night, when Jackie and Sean were at Mr. Dooley’s with friends, Jackie whispered, “Don’t look now, but across the bar, to our left, there are three guys. The middle one is Tony.”

“Holy shit. I’ve always wanted to get a look at that loser.” Sean inconspicuously turned his head. “So, that’s him. Huh. He doesn’t look like an asshole. I’d like to go ask him how it feels to be one.”

“Ha! I had a boss who asked him a similar question.” She laughed and told Sean about Joe Brandon. Turning to glance at Tony, she saw he was looking directly at her. He waved. She waved back.

August 1989

Jackie and Sean were at Sammy White’s with Tara and her fiancé Jim Walsh, discussing Tara’s upcoming wedding. Sean and Jim decided to play pool, leaving Jackie and Tara to have a long-overdue girl talk. Jackie told Tara how happy she was with Sean. She also told her how strange it was running into Tony.

“Tony isn’t around when he doesn’t want to be,” Tara said. “He’s obviously making himself available for some reason. Why do you think?”

“Who knows? Who cares?” I’m so in love with Sean. Tony pales in comparison.” Jackie shook her head and asked herself aloud, “Whatever did I see in him?”

“That’s the million-dollar question.”

“It must have been Gina.”

“Yeah, that’s it. So, back to Sean. He’s got obvious good looks, charisma, and genuine kindness. Does the guy have any faults?”

“Well, he’s a perfectionist. And he’s too damned good-looking. And he’s a cop. In that uniform, oh my God, he’s irresistible. Women are always gawking at him. The only consolation is that he’s so accustomed to it, he’s oblivious. He told me once that his initial attraction to me was that I was ignoring him, because other women always throw themselves at him. Well, he said it with more modesty than I just did. But that was the gist. I’m sure I’ll discover more faults, but now I’m too in love to see them. He’s everything I ever wanted. And, he loves Gina.”

“You’re leaving out the best part. How’s the sex?”

“He’s the best lover ever!”

“Nice. So it’s serious?”

“Like marriage serious?” Jackie’s heart leaped with the possibility.

“Yeah, of course, is there any other kind of serious at our age?”

“Let’s hope. I’d marry that man in a heartbeat.” Jackie clutched her heart, imagining.

February 1990

T
heir one year anniversary came quickly. It was a magnificent year. To celebrate, Sean’s instructions were that Jackie needed to be ready at six thirty, dressed for a special evening.

At six twenty-five, a final check in the mirror reflected the fitted three-quarter sleeve electric-blue silk dress, cut above the knee in the front. A crystal and pearl necklace sparkled in the center of the deep V-neckline. Matching earrings and bracelet glimmered as they caught the light. Her dark hair was pulled into a French twist with some hanging tendrils, making the full effect breathtaking.

At precisely six thirty, a white stretch limousine pulled up in front of Jackie’s townhouse. The chauffeur opened the door for Sean, remaining at full attention until his return. When Jackie opened the door, Sean gasped at the beauty of the woman he loved.

“Happy Anniversary.” His kiss was passionate. She reached for her borrowed white mink coat and Sean draped it over her shoulders. He gave a slight bow and said, “Come m’lady, your carriage awaits.”

Jackie and Sean headed down the walkway, hand in hand. The chauffeur opened the door for the couple. Two dozen lavender roses had been placed on the opposite seat. Spotting the chilling champagne, Jackie sat back on the soft leather seat, cradling and smelling the roses.

She nestled beside him. “You always make me feel so special. You’ll never know how much I love you.”

“I love you as much.” Sean pressed play on the cassette deck and poured some champagne as the limo set off for their dinner destination at the Top of the Hub.

At the cozy corner table, Sean explained, “This restaurant came highly recommended from the guys at work for several reasons. The amazing view, outstanding food, and last but not least, the romantic ambience. I see what they mean. And I’ll bet the food’s fantastic.”

“It’s a great choice, for sure!” Jackie absorbed the panoramic view of Boston at dusk. “Just beautiful.”

“I heard they make the best baked stuffed lobster in the state.”

“Well, what more could I ask for. You, this view, and baked stuffed lobster.” She lifted her champagne glass. “Happy Anniversary, honey. This has been the happiest year of my life. I love you with all of my heart.”

“As I do you.” The champagne flutes clinked. Sean put his comforting hand on her knee and she placed her hand on his. They both ordered and enjoyed the lobster. Tiramisu and Mexican coffee were ordered for dessert.

Sean handed her a card. “For our anniversary.”

She opened the card and read, I love you more than words can say. Will you marry me?

Breathless, she looked at Sean with moist eyes. He held a one-carat pear-shaped diamond ring.

“Oh my God, yes!”

*

Getting home in the morning after the most romantic night of their lives, Jackie and Sean went to pick up Gina at Lucille’s house. Jackie had phoned Gina asking her to call Paul, Vic, and Karen and invite them to breakfast. She phoned Tara, Ellen, and Margie to invite them as well. When Jackie and Sean arrived at Lucille’s, Jackie’s family was in the kitchen sensing wonderful news. Gina was the first to reach her mother, asking “Did you have fun? Do you have great news?”