Harry nodded. “If you’ll take some advice from an old man, when you marry, Mary Kate, choose a mate who doesn’t necessarily live in your pocket. Having different interests as well as commonalities of interest are both important. Don’t ever let things grow stale.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“See that you do.”
“Dad, who’s Elizabeth Clary?”
“Jaime’s new governess and bodyguard. She’s a retired Marine who has a degree in early childhood education. She’s a blackbelt in Karate and a sharpshooter. She’ll keep him safe.”
“Jaime seems to like her.”
“They get along well.”
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Mary Kate was sitting on the sofa, with Jaime curled up in her lap, after dinner. The boy’s head rested on her left shoulder. The boy was uncharacteristically quiet and clingy. Missy sat in a chair beside the sofa. Jase and Harry were engaged in a low discussion across the room. Mary Kate couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the conversation was obviously involved and intense. Audra and Thea sat discussing the latest designer gown worn by one of their set at a party the previous week.
Missy spoke to her, hesitantly, “Mary Kate...” “It’s okay, Missy. It really is,” Mary Kate told her. “Jaime’s just fine where he is.” “He’s awfully heavy, are you sure?” Missy asked in concern. Mary Kate smiled. “Jaime and I have an understanding. Don’t we, Jaime?” “When Mary Kate says she’s tired, I get down,” the boy told his mother. Missy smiled at her son. “You are such a good boy!” “I know,” Jaime said teasingly. Harry cleared his throat. “Everyone... Listen up...” The room fell quiet. Harry continued, “I’ve had a new will drawn which I’ll be signing as soon as the witnesses arrive.” “Dad,” Mary Kate interjected, “I don’t want you to leave me anything.” “Tough,” Harry replied. “Because you, Missy, and Jase are each to have a third of the company.” Mary Kate shook her head gingerly. “That’s not fair to Jase and Missy. They’ve worked much harder
for you than I ever have.”
Jase smiled at her. “It’s okay. Missy and I want you to have that share of the company. Between us, any two of us will have control. I expect the two of you to side against me from time to time. Still, this arrangement guarantees you an income, if you choose to return to teaching.”
Mary Kate sighed. “All I want is to have my father for as long as I can keep him around.” Harry smiled at her. “And I want to make sure you can live comfortably for the rest of your life. If you
don’t want the income, give it to charity, but I’m leaving it to you. Get used to it.” Billie announced Steve. “Have I come at a bad time?” Steve asked. “Not at all, Steve,” Jase replied. “Come on in.” “I hear that congratulations are in order,” Mary Kate stated. “Thank you.” “I hope you and Alice will be very happy together,” Jase said. “Alice? And Steve?” Missy replied in a tone akin to shock.
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Jase nodded. “Mary Kate and I will be their witnesses at their wedding on October 31.” Audra smiled broadly. “That’s wonderful.” Steve laughed. “I think so. Of course, if Jase has his way, he and Mary Kate will be signing the license
and the parish register with the same last name.” Mary Kate tried not to cringe. Jase smiled broadly. “Absolutely.” Audra smiled broadly. “Speaking of the engagement, we have to plan an announcement party.” “Let’s not rush things,” Mary Kate stated. “Please. I’m not up to seeing large groups of people right
now.” Audra nodded. “Of course not. We have to get you up on your feet first.” “Jaime, I’m getting tired.” “Okay,” the boy said as he slid off her lap. “I think it’s great, Mary Kate. Uncas and Aunts should be
married.” The adults in the room laughed. Jase walked over to the sofa and took a seat by Mary Kate. Elizabeth Clary came back into the room. “Say goodnight, Jaime. It’s your bedtime.” Jaime pulled a face. “Do I haveta?” Missy smiled at her son. “Yes. You want to be rested for tomorrow when you go to playgroup, don’t
you?” “Yeah, I guess,” the boy said, reluctantly. “Goodnight, Mommy.” “I’ll be up in a bit to tuck you in, and to hear your prayers,” Missy said. “Night, Mary Kate,” Jaime said. “Sleep well, sweetie,” Mary Kate said as she kissed his forehead. Jase took her hand. “You look tired.” “And I haven’t done anything all day, except sit around,” she replied in a tone full of self-disdain. “As soon as Harry signs the will, I’ll take you up to your room,” Jase told her. “That’s Louise’s job.” “I’ll feel better if I double check that your balcony door is locked and that there is nothing to worry
about,” Jase told her. “Besides, I want to go over some of the new security features with you.” She smiled at him and yawned. “Are we waiting for another witness for Dad’s will?” “Yeah,” Jase replied. “One of Harry’s old army buddies.” Billie announced General Greerson.
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Mary Kate looked over at her father who smiled and winked at her. “Nate,” Harry said, “you know everyone?” “Certainly,” the general said affably. “Including the young heroine. That’s some girl you have there,
Harry.” “Yeah. Her mother did an excellent job bringing her up,” Harry agreed. “What degree is your black belt, young woman?” The general demanded. Mary Kate smiled tightly. “First.” Nathan Greerson nodded. “So that’s another skill you could teach the boys.” “I’m not going to be in any shape to take the coaching job, sir,” Mary Kate said. The general shook his head. “Of course you will. We’ll work around you. Coaching tennis and track
isn’t that stressful. You won’t have the arm bound forever. There’s still a good six weeks before school
begins.” Harry looked at her curiously. “Did you tell Nathan you would coach at Westfield?” “I hadn’t given him an answer yet,” she said. “I was planning to talk to you about it first. But somehow
we’ve always had more pressing matters to deal with.” “I think it would be wonderful,” Harry told her. “Teaching is what you love, isn’t it?” “It always has been,” Mary Kate answered. Jase took her hand. “Are you sure you want to take the coaching position? How is that going to affect
your plans for pursuing your Ph.D.?” “That’s probably a pipedream, Jase.” “It doesn’t have to be,” Jase assured her. “I can’t do everything at once, Jase. I’m only one woman.” Jase laughed. “Quality over quantity.” Mary Kate yawned. “If you will all excuse me, I’m very tired.” Harry’s face showed deep concern. “Thea, you have your notary seal?” “Yes,” Thea said with obvious reluctance in her voice. “Are you sure you want to do this, Harry?” “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my whole life, Thea,” Harry told his sister. “Then I suppose you had better do it,” Thea told him reluctantly. “I’ll notarize it once it’s signed and
witnessed.”
The woman waited impatiently for Gil to answer his phone. Finally on the tenth ring, he picked up. “Are you alone?” she demanded.
“I was outside.” “Can you talk?” “Yes.” “You know this new Will of Harry’s?” “Don’t worry about it. By Christmastime, it won’t matter. None of them will still be around. The
residual clause will kick in.” “You sure?” “Damnit, I drafted it. I’m sure of it. We’ve nothing to worry about.” “But, Harry told everyone what was in his Will.” “Won’t matter, all of them will be gone. I’ve arranged it,” Gil replied. “It’s just a matter of timing.” “This makes me uneasy.” “Just ride it out. Everything is under control.”
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Chapter Twenty
On the first Sunday morning after the stitches had come out, Jase surprised Mary Kate by being up and ready for church when she was ready to leave for services. This was the first Sunday morning during the weeks she had been here that any member of the family, apart from Jaime, had made any move to accompany her to services.
“I suppose I can tolerate one of Frank Greer’s sermons,” he told her teasingly. “He’s not a bad preacher. He’s literate an
d thoughtful.” Jase smiled at her. “Come on, Mary Kate. We’ll be late if we don’t get moving.” “Why have you decided to come to church with me today?” “We need to make arrangements with Frank Greer for the wedding.” “Oh...” she replied . “As I recall, I haven’t said ‘yes’ yet.” “You will. And we need to talk to him about when the church is going to be available. Assuming you
want a church wedding?” “Yes,” she agreed, “I would want a church wedding.” Jase looked at her curiously. “Something wrong?” “Come on, Jase. We wouldn’t want to walk in late. We need to get Jaime for Sunday school.” “He’s already gone. Missy took him ten minutes ago.” She sighed. “Tell me what’s bothering you,” Jase questioned. “Just give me some time to work this out, Jase. Give me some time.” “Okay,” he said with a smile. “I know I’m rushing you.” “Why, Jase, whatever gave you that idea?” “Mary Kate... Come on, we wouldn’t want to walk in during the opening hymn.” They drew several interested glances during the services. For once, the Devlin family pew was filled to
overflowing. Harry, Audra, and Missy were sitting there when Jase and she walked in. Jaime was in Sunday School. Mary Kate caught some of the curious glances that came their way as she and Jase returned from the altar rail after communion.
Somehow, she thought she should be used to the questions in people’s eyes by now. But she seriously doubted she would ever become used to that. Mary Kate wondered if she would ever really feel a part of this community, or if she would ever feel safe again.
After the service, Mary Kate and Jase were among the last out of the pews. Harry and Audra, Missy and
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Jaime, all excused themselves quickly and headed home. As usual, Frank Greer stood at the back of the nave to
greet his parishioners. “Good morning, Miss Devlin,” Frank Greer said teasingly. “Good morning, Father Greer,” she replied primly with a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Nice to see you this morning, Jase... Quite a pleasant surprise, in fact. I hope you noticed that the
church looks perfectly fine without either poinsettias or lilies. I can’t remember the last time you were in Church without either of those floral arrangements being present. Furthermore, please note that the roof didn’t cave in because you graced us with your presence other than at Christmas and Easter.”
Jase smiled and laughed. “I think I’ll be in Church more often in the future, Frank.” “I’ll look forward to seeing you in the pews. In fact, I’d love to have you serve as lector occasionally. And your fine voice could always be a notable addition to the choir. We could use both of your voices, in fact.” Jase laughed genuinely. “Honestly, Frank, give you an inch and you’ll take a mile. The next thing I’ll know, you’ll be nominating me for a position on the Vestry.” “That’s a good idea. I’ll have to keep it in mind for the annual parish meeting,” Frank replied . “And
we could definitely use one or both of you as delegates to synod.” “See what you got started, Mary Kate?” Jase only half teased. Mary Kate laughed. “Blaming me now, are you?” “Are you sure you can tolerate me, Mary Kate?” “I don’t think I have any choice in the matter,” she replied teasingly. “You aren’t likely to simply
disappear.”
“Would you want me to disappear?” “Only if you took me with you.” Jase laughed boldly. “Brazen hussy.”
“Brazen, perhaps... hussy, never,” she only half-teased. “I was teasing,” Jase said quickly. Franklin Greer smiled broadly. “When shall I call the banns?” “Starting next Sunday would be just fine with me,” Jase responded with a smile. “I wasn’t serious!” the pastor exclaimed. “I was,” Jase said. “It sounds like a very good idea to me.” “This is wonderful. Mary Kate, I hope you will be very happy.” “I plan on it.” Frank Greer laughed amusedly. “So resolute,” he responded thoughtfully. “Almost too resolute.”
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“Is there any sort of pre-Cana canon in this diocese? Do you want to meet with us for any sort of prenuptial counseling?” Mary Kate questioned.
“I usually do,” the pastor replied with a smile.
“Then we had better arrange it,” Jase remarked. “I have no intention of waiting any longer than necessary to make this woman my wife.”
“You always were impatient, Jase,” Franklin Greer stated. “I should wonder what Harry’s reaction was when you announced your engagement.”
“It was interesting,” Jase replied with a smile.
“Why do I think that’s an understatement?” Franklin Greer asked humorously.
Mary Kate looked suspiciously at her fiance. “Was it?” she queried softly. “I can’t believe he has any real objection to the marriage. Even if he did, his permission is not necessary.”
“Not necessary, but desirable,” Jase replied. “He is your father, after all. I would like to maintain good relations with my soon to be father-in-law.”
Mary Kate smiled and shook her head. “Get real, Jase. Harry isn’t about to cut ties with you. You are, in many ways, his son. If he cut anyone out, it would probably be me. Our children are going to have an interesting time working out the relationships between them and our respective parent.”
Jase smiled. “Probably.”
“Now what did my father say?”
Jase laughed . “Let’s just say that Harry threatened that if I made you unhappy, he would make sure I sang soprano for the rest of my short, pain filled, life.”
Mary Kate laughed. “Ah, Jase. Daddy’s bark is worse than his bite. Don’t you know that by now?”
“No. I don’t know that, and it would be a mistake to ever underestimate Harry, Mary Kate. He didn’t amass his fortune by sitting around and waiting for it. He has a streak of ruthlessness a mile wide,” Jase said. Then he smiled at her. “You should recognize it easily. You have it as well, Sweetheart.”
“Ruthless? Me?” she replied in mock disbelief.
Jase smiled at her. “Ruthless. You.”
“I’m not certain I care for that designation,” she responded.
Jase laughed. “You wouldn’t be a Devlin if you weren’t ruthless.”
“That’s quite a blanket statement,” Mary Kate responded, with a slight amount of strain in her voice. “I’m not merciless or unfeeling, certainly. Or is that how you see me?”
“You are only merciless when in competition,” Jase replied. “But you are relentless, and inexorable in whatever you do. Those are very good features I admire greatly in you. Your tenacity is a most endearing
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trait.”
Mary Kate looked at her fiancee searchingly for the longest moment without saying anything. Then she smiled at him. Jokingly, she replied, “Ah, so that’s why you’re marrying me. You wanted to find a woman who mirrored your own more difficult traits?”
Jase laughed good naturedly as he again took her hand in his. “Of course,” he replied lightly, with a gentle smile. “Neither of us would ever stand a chance of making a successful life with anyone who wasn’t our equal in tenacity.”
“In other words,” Mary Kate offered with a lightness that didn’t quite cover up the disappointment she felt when the declaration of love failed to come, “we deserve each other. And it’s a good thing, too. Because no one else would have either of us.”
Jase squeezed her hand and winked at her. “Exactly.”
“There are times, Jase, when I really would like to strangle you,” she said lightly. “Slowly and thoroughly.”
“Just another example of your tenacity,” he teasingly dismissed.
Mary Kate smiled broadly. “You are thoroughly impossible, Jase.”
“In that, my dear, we are perfectly matched. At least, we never bore one another,” Jase replied.
Mary Kate laughed. “There is that. I seriously doubt you’ll ever bore me, Jase. Infuriate me. Amuse me. But you will probably never bore me.”
Jase smiled broadly, “The feeling is completely mutual. Fortunately, we’ll have the rest of our lives to grow together.
”
Mary Kate looked thoughtfully at him. “The rest of our lives,” she echoed. “Now, there’s a thought.”
Jase smiled at her. “Get used to the idea, Sweetheart. Those vows are serious business.”
“I know that.”
Franklin Greer cleared his throat. “Have you set a date? For the wedding?”
“Four weeks from yesterday,” Jase responded quickly.
Frank Greer was quiet for a moment, then he nodded. “That’s right before my vacation. The church is free that day, and it gives us time to publish the banns. What time were you thinking of?”
“Ten a.m.,” Mary Kate added. “A nuptial mass.”
“Good. I’ll pencil it in on the calendar. What about the reception?” the minister asked. “Do you want to use the parish hall?”
Jase shook his head negatively. “Harry said he wanted to have the wedding breakfast at the club. I’d imagine that Mom will have everything lined up before the end of business tomorrow.”
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“That sounds like Harry and Audra,” Frank Greer agreed. Then he looked at Mary Kate. “As long as you’ve worked one miracle by getting Jase back to Church, what would you say about making a concerted effort to get the other members of the family to follow suit. Little Jaime’s been in Church School regularly this summer. Can we count on him being here in the future?”
Mary Kate laughed. “Oh, Father Greer, you really do take a mile when given an inch, don’t you?”
Frank Greer smiled broadly. “I’m afraid so, Mary Kate.”
She smiled at the pastor. “I can’t guarantee anything, but I’ll see what I can do. At least where Jaime is concerned. Dad, Audra, Missy, and Aunt Thea are all strong minded adults. They must make their own choices.”
“Of course...” Frank Greer allowed.
Mary Kate smiled. “When do you want to start the counseling sessions?”
“How are Thursday evenings for you?”
“Fine,” both Mary Kate and Jase answered in unison.
“See you Thursday then at the rectory, 7:30 p.m.”
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