‘What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawin’ me in and you kickin’ me out,
You’ve got my head spinnin’, no kiddin’, I can’t pin you down.
What’s goin’ on in that beautiful mind? I’m on your magical mystery ride
And I’m so dizzy, don’t know what hit me, But I’ll be alright.
My head’s under water, but I’m breathing fine; You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind.
‘Cause all of me Loves all of you, Love your curves and all your edges, All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me, I’ll give my all to you; You’re my end and my beginnin’, Even when I lose, I’m winnin’
‘Cause I give you all of me, And you give me all of you.’
Alan and Rose had wondered where the two had gotten off to. Once they had cleaned up the kitchen, the search began. It wasn’t a long search, but the prize at the end was so satisfying. Rose and Alan watched from the doorway as their youngest ones were so wrapped up in each other’s gaze. Alan was proud of David’s dancing ability. The lessons that Laura had made him take were evident. Rose’s eyes teared up with joy at the sight of her somewhat troublesome daughter surrendering herself to her boyfriend. Alan took Rose into his arms and he swept them into the room to enjoy some dancing time of their own.
Maggie had selected a broad mix of tender love songs for her playlist. Some were considered ‘standards’ from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin; some were from the 70s and 80s; and others were even more current. Just for her mother, she had included the Turtles’ ‘Happy Together’.
Maggie decided that she wanted to dance with Alan for a couple of songs, so David exchanged her for Rose. This worked perfectly as Rose had wanted some one-on-one time with David. They were able to have a whispered conversation of some importance.
“David, you have brought about some significant improvements in Maggie’s life. She seems much happier, much more aware of what’s going on around her. I cannot thank you enough for that. Or for asking to take that,” and she gestured with her head, “painting back to school for this semester. Your father will have a discussion with you, probably tomorrow, about his decision. As you noted, he needs for it to be removed for us to grow together.”
David softly snorted in assent of the truth of his words. Then he came out with some more surprising words for her.
“Rose, I will assume that you are going to be part of my dad’s life from now on, right? May I call you ‘momma’? I feel I must reserve ‘mom’ for my mother, but I never want to refer to you as my step-mother.”
Rose stumbled at his request, then caught herself. She had never in a million years expected this level of acceptance from David or Tom. Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes as she nodded her answer to his questions.
“Oh, David, David, you continually find new ways to embed yourself deeper into my heart. Yes, son, you may call me ‘momma’ but never ‘mommy’, please. Just like Alan cannot tolerate ‘daddy’ from the girls.”
They decided to call it an early night after that. Maggie had just tucked her head against Alan’s chest and watched her mother dancing with her boyfriend. She reveled in the warmth that emanated from these men, in the safety she felt when held in their arms. It was quite heavenly for her. But now she needed David.
They tidied up the dance space, restoring the coffee table to its proper position and the bowl returned to the kitchen. As they marched up the stairs, Alan reminded them all of church in the morning. “Yes, Dad,” came the duo’s chorus, which drew a smile from their parents as they went to their bedrooms.
= = =
That night, Jack and Maeve Johnson retired to bed at their usual time of 9:00 pm. While Maeve was in the bathroom, preparing for bed, Jack was getting ready in the bedroom. In a change from his normal pattern, he put on only the pajama bottoms, leaving the top off. He set his alarm to go off at 7:00 and pulled the covers up to his chin. Maeve soon emerged in her usual long cotton nightgown, and she got into bed only to feel Jack’s bare arm beneath her. Surprised, she did not resist when he pulled her to him. His nose was whiffling around her ear as he kissed her neck. She arched her back and turned her head to give him easier access.
“Methinks you have on too much clothing, my love,” he whispered.
“Then would you please help me, kind sir, become more suitably unattired?”
He helped get her nightgown off. She could feel his interest through his bottoms. His hands cupped and caressed her breasts, and she squealed softly.
“Now good sir, I believe it is you who has on too much clothing. You know, the proper host dresses or undresses to match their guest.” Her smile was quite audible through her words. Jack quickly kicked off his bottoms and he continued to hold and caress his wife.
“I don’t know what has gotten into you, but I like it! Do tell, my love, what has inspired you this evening?” she asked.
“I was just observing young Margaret with David Harrison when he came to pick her up today. Their affectionate greeting reminded me that I need to do more than just say that I love you. I need to show you, and more often, I think.”
“Mmmm, I like that idea. I must thank them in the morning.”