by Lydia Rose
Agnes watched the love Richard and Janet showed for her daughter. More importantly, Jenna loved them too. She knew that Jenna could have lived the rest of her life without her in it. Jenna had the love of Christina’s family and now she also had her brother and sister. Agnes realized that Jenna didn’t need her. Maybe she never needed her.
After dinner, Christina and her mother went into the kitchen to make the coffee.
“Why don’t you show me your house, Jenna?” Agnes asked.
Jenna swallowed hard. She knew it was too good to be true. Her mother couldn’t last this long without complaining.
“Show me the upstairs,” Agnes said walking toward the stairs.
Jenna followed behind as Agnes stepped into the bedroom. “The house only has two bedrooms,” she said quietly.
“You don’t need more than that, Jenna.” Agnes moved to the next room.
“Christina is using this as an office.”
“I guess she’s living with you now?” Agnes asked without looking at Jenna.
“Yes.” Jenna answered softly.
They walked back down the stairs. “Where’s your room?”
Jenna led her mother down the hallway and stood back. Agnes walked into the bright room.
“Christina must have chosen this bed set. It’s beautiful.” Agnes commented.
“I picked it out, but you’re right. These are Christina’s favorite colors.”
Agnes walked over to the picture that was on the dresser. It was the two of them smiling at the camera. Ted had taken the picture.
“You two look very happy.” Jenna didn’t comment because she was waiting for the nasty remark to happen. “You were lucky to find her.”
“She found me and yes I am very lucky.” Jenna looked at her mother with a lopsided grin. “What did you do with my mother?”
Agnes chuckled and Jenna jumped. “I guess you must think that someone has taken over my body?” Jenna nodded. “I still don’t understand why you’d rather be with a woman than a man.” Agnes sighed. “But I’m trying.”
“I see that, mother and I do appreciate the effort.”
Christina walked into the bedroom. “Mrs. Walton, coffee is ready.” She looked at the two women. “Is everything okay in here?”
“Everything is fine, honey.” Jenna took her mother’s arm and led her back to the dining room.
“Christina, please call me Agnes.”
Jenna’s jaw dropped again and Christina giggled. “Thank you, Agnes.”
Once the house was empty, Jenna asked. “Why didn’t you tell me she was coming?”
“She made me promise I wouldn’t tell you.”
“I still can’t believe you managed to get her here.”
“Is that all you were amazed with?” Christina asked resting her hand on Jenna’s chest.
Jenna looked down into the blue eyes. “She didn’t raise her voice once.” Jenna sighed. “Or criticize me or our relationship. She said we look happy.” Jenna took Christina’s hand. “Can you believe that? She also said that I was lucky to have found you.” Jenna smiled. “I told her you found me and I am the lucky one.”
“Don’t you feel better that you can have a relationship with your mother?” Christina asked leading Jenna to the couch.
“I almost think that she might want to see my brother and sister again.”
“I’m sure she does. When the weather warms up, we will invite everyone for a barbecue.”
“I’ll have to ask Ted and Hailey first. They might not be so keen on seeing her.”
“You let me handle that.”
“Oh, I have no doubt you can handle that. Just don’t force them, please.”
“I won’t,” Christina said with a grin.
“Oh, they are in trouble.”
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
As the months passed, Jenna and her mother had lunch periodically. Agnes would even come to dinner at their house when invited. No one would say they had a close relationship, but at least they were civil to each other. While Jenna was having lunch with her mother, Christina was on the phone with Hailey.
“Hi, Hailey.”
“Hey, Chris. How are you and Jenna?”
“We’re good. How are Ben and the kids?”
“Everyone is good.”
“Jenna and I are planning a barbecue the end of the month and would like you all to attend.”
“We’d love to Chris.”
“I’m going to invite your mother,” Christina said softly.
“You’re what?”
“I’m going to invite Agnes.”
“She’ll never come.”
“Yes she will. We’ve all been getting along.”
“What?”
Christina chuckled. “She’s met my parents, she’s been to dinner here. Jenna is having lunch with her right now.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“She’s changed, Hailey.”
“I still don’t believe you. I can’t expose my children to her prejudices.”
“I promise you, Hailey, that won’t happen. She will be very gracious.”
“Are we talking about the same woman?”
Christina giggled. “Yes.”
“Did you talk to Ted yet?”
“Not yet.”
“He’s going to flip.”
“There will be other people at this barbecue?”
“Yes. I’m asking my family and the girls from the shop. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of people around.”
“If she starts anything, Chris, I won’t be able to stay.”
“If she starts anything, I will personally throw her out.”
Hailey started laughing. “Let me get Ted on the line with us.”
Ted screamed when Hailey told him what Christina was asking.
“No way, Chris. I love you and Jenna, but no way.”
Hailey began to laugh. “I told you, Chris. Ted, Chris said Agnes has changed.”
“I don’t believe it. It’s a trap. I won’t come.”
“Ted, calm down. It will be fine. Trust me.” Christina shouted to get his attention. Hailey just kept laughing. “She will be so happy to see you both.”
“Hailey, are you buying all this?” Ted asked skeptically.
“Ted, I don’t think Chris would lie to us and lead us into a bad situation.”
“So does that mean you both will attend?” Christina asked.
“Yeah,” they both said together.
“Good.”
Jenna looked at her phone which indicated she had a text from Christina. “They’re coming.” The text read. She now looked at her mother. “Mother, the barbecue I was telling you about.” Agnes nodded. “Well, Ted and Hailey will be there.”
Agnes’ eyes opened wide. “Oh, no, Jenna.”
“Why not?”
“Your brother and sister hate me. They’ll tell everyone what a terrible mother I was to them.”
Jenna held her head. “Mother.” She sighed. “Mom, they won’t do that. I’m sure they are more afraid of you causing a scene and ripping them a new asshole.”
“No, Jenna. I won’t be there.”
“They are your children. Isn’t it time we try and put this family back together? Don’t you want to meet your grandchildren?”
“This is all Christina’s idea, isn’t it?” Agnes asked with narrow eyes. She believed Christina was trying to embarrass her for how she treated Jenna.
“Yes, it was Chris’ idea. That’s because family is very important to her. It’s very important to me too, mom.”
“I’ll think about it, Jenna.”
*
The day of the party, Jenna was on edge. Christina kept saying everything was going to be okay, but still Jenna was a nervous wreck. She wasn’t nervous for herself, but for Ted and Hailey. Also, she didn’t want Hailey’s children to be exposed to fighting if Agnes even bothered to show up. Early afternoon the guest began to arrive. There were tables all over the back yard and people seemed to be having a
good time. Ted and Hailey had arrived and mingling with the ever growing crowd. Jenna had organized games for Hailey, Terry and Carol’s kids to keep them entertained while the adults enjoyed themselves. Christina went over to Jenna and put her arm around her waist.
“Are you having a good time?”
“I’m too nervous to be enjoying myself.” Jenna nodded to her sister and brother. “I can see how nervous they are every time someone comes outside.”
“Agnes may not show up. You told me yourself that she wouldn’t commit to coming over.” Christina dropped a soft kiss on Jenna’s lips. “Why don’t you go turn the barbecue on and we’ll get the food started.”
“Okay.”
Christina walked over to her mother. “Mom, can you help me inside?”
“Sure, honey.” Janet stood up and followed her daughter.
As they walked in the back door, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Janet said. “Hello, Agnes. Come on inside.”
“Hello, Janet.” Agnes glanced into the room.
“I’m so glad you came,” Christina said meeting Agnes halfway. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes. How about a bottle of scotch,” Agnes said deadpan. Her blond hair looked professionally done today and her brown eyes showed fear.
Christina and her mother chuckled. “It’s going to fine, Agnes,” Christina said putting her arm around Agnes. It was the first time she had shown any physical affection toward the hard woman. “Come on, I’ll reintroduce you to your children.”
Agnes cautiously followed Christina out the back door. Christina found Jenna’s eyes and signaled for her to join them.
“Hello, mother.” Agnes nodded quietly as Jenna walked toward them. “Mother, you remember Ted and Hailey,” she said as they stood in front of her brother and sister.
“Hello, mother,” Ted said softly.
“Mother.” Hailey offered as her children approached. “Mother, these are my children. Jenna and Simon and my husband Benjamin.”
Benjamin’s hand came out in greeting. “I’m happy to meet you Mrs. Walton.”
Agnes smiled and took his hand. “I’m happy to meet you too.”
“Are you our grandmother?” Simon asked.
Agnes looked down at the boy who held onto his mother. “I am, Simon.” She looked at the young girl. “You look just like your mother, Jenna.”
“How have you been, mother?” Hailey asked.
“Fine thank you.”
“Why don’t we all take a seat and catch up?” Ted asked leading them to a table.
Jenna glanced at Christina before she went back to the barbecue. Christina went into the house to get the burgers and hot dogs.
Jenna opened the back door and met Christina in the kitchen. “So far so good,” she said kissing Christina on the cheek.
“Let’s hope it stays that way.”
“I do too. I don’t think all of a sudden all will be forgiven and they will become a close family, but at least it’s a start,” Jenna said reaching for a plate of burgers.
Janet was opening the rolls listening to their conversation. “Jenna, you and your siblings have been very forgiving. I believe Agnes knows the effort it took the three of you to allow her any contact. I don’t think you will have any problems with her in the future.”
“One can only hope, Janet.” Jenna grinned. “I guess we all can’t have the happy family unit that you have.”
Christina came up to Jenna wrapping her arm around her waist. “All families have problems, Jen.”
*
The barbecue ended on a peaceful note. Everyone had a good time and fences began to be mend.
Agnes approached Jenna who was standing with Christina. “Thank you, Jenna.” She was unable to meet her daughter’s gaze. “Both of you for everything.”
“Thank you for coming, mother. We all appreciated you being here.”
“You are welcome here anytime, Agnes,” Christina said putting her arm through Jenna’s arm.
“Christina, thank you again.” Her smile was slight, but it was still there.
EPILOGUE
Two Years Later
Jenna’s cellphone began to ring and Christina answered it. “Happy Birthday, Agnes,” she said cheerfully.
“Thank you.” Agnes answered. “Where’s Jenna?”
“She’s right here. It’s your mom,” Christina said handing her the phone.
“Hello, mother. Happy Birthday.”
“Thank you. Jenna, why is it always that woman sending out the cards. Don’t you know how to write anymore?” Agnes asked perturbed.
“First of all, that woman is my wife.”
“I will never accept that, Jenna. It’s unnatural.”
“Well, you don’t have to. The State of New Jersey accepts my marriage so I don’t care if you do or not. Second, Christina loves to send cards. She has everyone’s birthday written down and she makes sure everyone gets a card for birthdays, Christmas and other holidays.”
“Hailey and Ted sent me a card too.” Agnes admitted.
“Good. Do you talk to them better than you do me?” Jenna asked with a laugh.
“I’m always nice to you, Jenna.” Agnes insisted. Her contact with her other children was minimal, but she understood.
“Mother, I’m only pulling your leg, but I wish you were nicer to Christina.”
“I am nice to her.”
“Do you ever thank her for the things she does for you?”
“I thank her.” Agnes paused. “In my own way, I do.”
Again Jenna laughed. “In your own way, huh. Is that what you call it?”
“Jenna, you know how I can be. So yes, I am very nice to Christina.”
“So are you coming to dinner tonight?” Jenna asked still chuckling.
“Yes and I will be thanking Christina in person for always remembering me.”
“Thank you, mother. We will see you later.” Jenna got off the phone and looked at Christina. “For as much as she has changed, she still has to give me a hard time about everything.”
“Honey, think how much worse it could have been. I can’t wait to see her face when you tell her I’m pregnant.” Christina’s smile was radiant.
“Are you sure you want me to tell her?” Jenna asked holding her head. “She can always find out when we introduce her to her new grandchild.”
Christina rolled her eyes at Jenna. “Yes, I want to tell her. I also want you to tell her that Ted is our donor.”
“Agnes Walton is going to run from this house screaming.”
“I’m sure she will survive.”
“You know she hasn’t gotten any closer to Hailey and Ted.”
“They’ll come around, Jen. It’s going to take time.”
“I hope you’re right, sweetie.” Jenna kissed her wife softly.
“I’m always right, Jenna. Haven’t you figured that out yet?” Christina chuckled and kissed Jenna.
“I’m learning that every day I spend with you.” Jenna asked smiling.
THE END
If you enjoyed reading my book, please take the time to write a review on Amazon or Goodreads. As a self-published author, I depend on reviews to continue writing new stories. As always, I appreciate the support my fans have shown for my work.
Other Books by Lydia Rose
The Summer of Our Love (2014)
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? (The Summer of Our Love Sequel (2014)
Stay With Me (2014)
The House on the Lake (2014)
The Country Girl (2014)
Coming Home (2014)
Are you the One (2014)
The Story of Annabelle & Alison (2014)
Love Comes to Alaska (2015)
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