*****This chapter is the beginning of Jeff and Bridge's story lines combining. For each chapter, I will provide the link to the chapter in Bridge's story that corresponds with Jeff's. As you read Jeff's chapters you may notice that there are several instances where it seems like an event is being skimmed over and you may want to know more. That is usually explored further in Jeff's story (for example, in this chapter you may wonder what are Bridge and Jeff talking about while Rosamund is downstairs. That is can be found in Bridge's chapter).
I also feel it's necessary to provide a little background about Bridgette's character (in case you haven't read Listening to My Heart). Bridge is a very overprotective older sister. She and Jeff have a special relationship and she sometimes acts like more like a mother than a sister. She is also very dramatic and is horrible at adjusting to change and unfortunately her actions aren't very considerate of others when she's stressed. But she is also a very good judge of character and most of the time, people listen to her about warnings she has about people.
Anyway, sorry for the long explanation! Thanks for reading and I hope all of this made sense!
******
******
After a day Mom released me from my “grounding” and we sat
down to talk. They appreciated that I was taking responsibility but weren’t
convinced that I should marry Rosamund. I listened to their concerns and every
time they came up with a new way to discourage me from marrying her, I always
replied back with the same answer. “Rosamund and I have talked about it and
have decided that this is what we want to do. You can like it, or dislike it,
wither way, it’s going to happen.”
Once Rosamund and I started planning for the wedding, our
parents started to realize that we were indeed serious. Rosamund wanted to get
married quickly so that she wouldn’t be showing in our wedding photos so we
planned for a July wedding. She suggested getting married on my birthday but I
reminded her that it was also Charlie and Bridge’s birthday and we didn’t want
to steal anything away from their birthday.
We decided that we would get married in mid-July and then we would move
on campus into married housing. During the day I would go to school and she
would take care of the baby. My parents
had agreed to pay for our housing and Rosamund’s parents agreed to go ahead and
give her part of her trust fund now so neither of us had to work.
Two days before my birthday, Rosamund was over at my house
and we were in my room talking.
“Jefferson, you are still going to major in Political
Science aren’t you?”
“I don’t think I can Rosamund. If someone got whiff of you
getting pregnant before we got married, I could get slammed running for office.”
“What if it doesn’t happen that way?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if we say we got married and immediately got
pregnant.”
“But the math wouldn’t add up. You’re already two months pregnant.”
“What if we say the baby was born prematurely?”
I was shocked that she was even suggesting it. “Rosamund,
why would we do that?”
“Because all you’ve ever wanted to be is mayor of this
town. Why should this stop you from
achieving your goal?”
“Rosamund, this isn’t a big city, people are going to know
what happened.”
“How? Who know’s? Our parents your brother and sisters.
They’re not going to tell anyone.”
“Star knows.” If I didn’t know any better I would have sworn
she looked mad.
“How did she find out?”
“I told her.”
“Do you think if you asked her she and her mom wouldn’t
mention it to anyone?”
“I suppose I can see, but do you really think that would
work, Rosamund? I mean surely someone along the way would figure it out.”
“As long as Star and her mom haven’t talked to anyone, I
don’t see how it couldn’t work.”
I was about to answer her when I heard a voice I hadn’t
heard in a long time. “Jefferson Allen Hobble! You have a lot of explaining to
do!” Right at that moment my bedroom door flung open and before me stood my
sister, Bridge. Before I could even stop her Rosamund was introducing herself.
“You must be Bridge! I’m Rosamund, Jefferson’s. . .”
“Oh I know who you are. I’ve heard all about you. Now if you
don’t mind, I’d like to talk to my baby brother
alone.”
I whispered to Rosamund to wait for me in the family room.
She walked out and I let Bridge have it.
“What the hell Bridge! Why are you treating her that way?”
“Whatever Jeff. I’ve heard all about her.”
“From who?!”
“From Kate.”
“Who gets her info from Star.” I accused.
“And from her own observations.” She replied back. I was
normally happy when Bridge came home but this time was different. I knew once
she caught wind of Rosamund and I getting married she would chew my head off.
In some ways I was more scared of her reaction then Mom and Dad’s.
“Jeff,what are you thinking? I mean never mind the whole
knocking the girl up but marrying her?! Why?!”
“You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me.”
“I did this. ME! This is my responsibility! I want to be a
part of this child’s life and I want to do it with Rosamund. Not separately.”
“Do you love her?” She bluntly asked.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a simple question Jeff. Do. . .you. . .love. . .her?”
*****
I walked down to the family room and sat in one of the
chairs. I could hear their “discussion” from here. I had never actually met Bridgette before, I
had only seen her around school when we were freshman and she and Charlie were
seniors, but I did know one thing about her; she and Jefferson had a close
relationship and if I didn’t get on her good side soon, she just might be able
to stop the wedding from happening.
I calmly sat there and tried to think of how I could get her
to like me. She was smart so I wasn’t going to be able to fake it like I did
with most people. Perhaps Jefferson could
help me think of something.
“Rosamund, would you like me to take you home?” Mrs. Hobble
interrupted my thoughts.
“No, I told Jefferson I’d wait for him.”
She smiled politely at me and I heard her go upstairs. The voices coming from upstairs got quieter
and I soon heard footsteps on the stairs.
Jefferson and Bridgette both entered the room.
“I’m sorry I acted so rude to you before. I’m just a little
shocked by what has happened.” Bridge apologized. I decided my best course of action was to
accept.
“I understand. It’s happened with everyone else and I know
you and Jefferson are close.” She smiled a little too politely back at me and
walked toward the kitchen.
“Let me take you home.” We walked out of the house and got
in his car. Once we were out of sight of his house I started talking to him.
“Jefferson, I know you and Bridgette are close and I know
she doesn’t particularly care for me. . .”
“Her view of you is warped by what she’s heard from Kate.
Don’t worry, I’ll get her to come around.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Just be you. She can smell bull from a mile away and she
hates when people act falsely nice to her. Bridge has always been complicated
and she hates change. Any kind of change. She’s probably having a hard time
realizing that her baby brother is about to get married. I’m telling you,
Carson is a patient man. I love my sister but she can be so dramatic
sometimes.”
“The complete opposite of you.” She pointed out.
“Yes, and that may be one reason we’re so close. We get on
each other’s nerves but when I’m too rational, she helps me see the emotional
side of things. When she’s too emotional, I help her see the rational side of
things.”
“I would think her and Charlie would be really close.”
“They are like most twins are but I think Bridge and I are
even closer.” That surprised me since there was a three year age difference
between them. I filled away the
information Jefferson shared with me about Bridgette and I centered my
attention on our wedding.
“She didn’t convince you to not marry me, did she?”
“No. She knew that wasn’t going to happen, she was just
testing the waters to see how serious I was. I think I satisfied her curiosity.
She’s not thrilled but she’ll come around like the others have.”
*****
It was the day of Charlie, Bridge’s and my birthday and my
parents had planned a party for all three of us. I couldn’t believe that Charlie and Bridge
were going to be twenty one. The whole family was going to be under one roof,
which was a rarity these days and Rosamund was coming to the party too.
I picked up Rosamund around noon and we headed to my house.
The family was having lunch and then Bridge, Charlie and I were going to blow
out candles on a cake and open presents.
We arrived at my house and it was
a buzz of activity. I actually smiled as we entered the door. I looked over at
Rosamund and she looked a little overwhelmed.
I chuckled “You thought it was busy before, look at it now.”
Kate was chasing after Charles who had just started walking, Charlie was
pestering Bridge who was trying to fix her hair in the mirror, Carson, Bridge’s
boyfriend was talking with Dad probably about sports, Scarlett was trying to
get someone’s attention to get her a book, and Mom was running around the
dining room making sure everything was in place. It was insanity and I actually
missed it.
“I have never seen a house so busy.” She marveled.
Mom noticed us and yelled at everyone. “Everyone! Jeff and
Rosamund are here. We can eat now.” It was like a herd of wild beasts had been
unleashed. Everyone bee-lined to the dining room. “Stop it! I didn’t raise a
bunch of uncivilized people!” We all quieted down. “That’s better. Now, let’s all take a moment and enjoy this.
It’s not often that we’re all under one roof.” We sat there looking around at
each other. “I know it’s not
Thanksgiving, but I’m feeling so thankful right now, can we just go around and
say what we’re thankful for? I’ll start, I’m thankful that all of my children
are under one roof. You go next Chuck.”
“I’m thankful that all of my children are under one roof.”
Dad repeated.
“You can’t take mine! Say something different.” Mom laughed.
“I’m thankful for our home that we’ve been blessed to raise
our family in.”
“I’m thankful for my wife and son.” Charlie stated.
“I’m thankful that I have a supportive father and
mother-in-law.” Kate added.
“I’m thankful for being able to come home.” Bridge said.
“I’m thankful for the three best friends I have in this
room.” Carson spoke up.
“I’m thankful for music” Scarlett piped in.
“I’m thankful for Rosamund.” I admitted.
It was Rosamund’s turn and she looked shyly around at all of
us. “I’m thankful that I’m soon going to be included into a family that love
each other very much.” I think we were
all taken aback. It was such a sweet thing to be thankful for. Mom actually
walked over to Rosamund and gave her a hug. Bridge didn’t look like she hated
her at that particular moment. Rosamund never ceased to amaze me.
We ate lunch and then made our way into the family room for
cake and presents. We always went in the same order. All three of us blew out our candles and then
waited impatiently for our presents.
“I can’t believe I am a mother to two twenty one year olds
and an eighteen year old!” Mom wailed. “Charlie, we noticed that your saddle
was looking worn so Dad and I got you a new saddle.” Dad walked in with a new
saddle and even I thought it was beautiful.
The work on it was exquisite and it was obvious they had spent a lot of money
on it.
“Thanks guys! This is really too much!”
“Nonsense. You only turn twenty one once.” Kate then gave
Charlie a new pair of riding boots. It looked like Charlie was all set to ride
off into the sunset.
Next it was Bridge’s turn. “Bridge, we all know how much you
love to paint, and you love art work so we thought what better place for you to
go enjoy art work than the Louvre.”
“Are you serious! You’re sending me to Paris?!”
“You and a friend.” Dad added. Bridge squealed and jumped up
and down. She ran over and hugged Mom and Dad. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank
you!” Carson then gave Bridge a diamond bracelet.
It was then my turn. “Jeff, we have one present for you and
one that’s kind of for you but also for Rosamund.” I turned to look at Rosamund
and she looked as surprised as I was.
“All I can say is good luck in the future Rosamund, because
Jeff is hard to buy for.” Everyone chuckled “We thought long and hard and we
wondered what would be something you’d like to have with you at school. . .”
Dad walked in with a brand new tv.
“Oh wow! Thanks you guys!” I was completely surprised by
their gift.
“Now for the “joint” present.” Dad put his hand in his
pocket. “We all know that you both have decided to spend your money on things
for the baby and things for your housing, so we started talking, your mom and
I, about something we could give you that would be meaningful and also show
Rosamund that she’s a part of our family now.”
He pulled out his hand from his
pocket and was holding a small box. He walked over to Rosamund and me. “This
was my mother’s engagement ring. You
don’t have to accept it, but we wanted to offer it to you and let you both know
that we’re happy that Rosamund is going to be a part of our family.” He placed
the box in my hand and I looked at Rosamund.
She smiled up at me and I knew
that she would be happy to wear it. I took it out of the box and got down on
one knee.
“I’ve already asked you this before, but Rosamund Regina
Carter, will you marry me.”
With tears in her eyes she replied “Yes!” I placed the ring
on her finger and we kissed.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Even Bridge
shed a couple of tears. . .
It was July 15th and it was my wedding day. Rosamund and I had originally opted to have a small wedding but soon our parents took over and it became this huge to do. There were several politicians coming and even some famous musicians. Rosamund and I didn’t really care, we were just thrilled that the day had finally arrived and that everyone seemed to be onboard.
We were actually getting married at the same chapel that Mom and Dad had. Like them we opted for an outdoor wedding. The weather was cooperating and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day.
I had stepped out of the groom’s dressing room to see if Peter had arrived when I saw Star and her mom arrive. Her mom gave me a hug and then went off to find Mom.
“Hey.” She said
“Hey.”
“Aren’t you afraid you’ll see the bride?”
“Nah, Rosamund’s already here. Dad came in to tell me a little while ago. She’s in the bridal suite getting ready.”
“So, you’re really going through with this?”
“Yup.”
“I wish I could understand Jeff.”
“I don’t understand why you don’t understand.”
“What do you mean?”
“You used to always understand. We were so alike. Both of us logical, not overly emotional; what changed?”
“I’m starting to wonder if we ever really knew each other, Jeff. I can be logical but at the same time, I’m a very emotional person, you just never took the time to notice. You say you’re acting rationally and logically right now but I just don’t see it.” She sighed. “Look, the last thing I want to do is to do this on your wedding day. I’m sorry. I should go try to find Kate.” She walked past me and I stood there for a moment thinking about what she said about not really knowing her. The last couple months it seemed that way.
“Hey dude! We better get you back into that groom’s room.” I heard Peter say. We walked into the room and waited for someone to tell us the service was about to start. Peter and I spent the next several minutes playing foosball and talking about college. Peter was going to go to ASU too.
Soon there was a knock on the door and we were told that it was time to take our positions. “You ready to do this, bro?” Charlie called out to me in the hallway.
“Yup.” Charlie and Peter were my best men. Rosamund was having two of her cousins as her maid of honor and bridesmaid. We walked outside and I saw all the people sitting in the seats. By the time our parents had finalized the guest list, there were about 250 names on the list. It made me a little nervous looking at all the people sitting there, most of whom I didn’t know. Soon we heard music and Charlie and Peter walked down the aisle each with one of Rosamund’s cousins. After they arrived at the end of the aisle the music changed and I saw Rosamund and her dad round the corner to walk down the aisle. She took my breath away. I watched as she and her dad walked down the aisle and at the same time listened to both our mothers crying. Rosamund and her dad reached the end of the aisle and we turned to face the minister. I turned to her and whispered “You look beautiful.”
“You look very handsome yourself.” She whispered back.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the union. . .” The minister talked but I didn’t really hear what he was saying. My attention peaked when he said “Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?”
Her father answered and then he sat down next to Rosamund’s mom. We turned to face each other and I could almost feel myself start to cry. The next several minutes went by in a blur. We had promised to love each other as long as we lived and said our vows. Before I knew it the minister was saying “You may now kiss the bride.” I looked down at Rosamund and smiled as I bent down to kiss her. The congregation cheered and we went up the aisle as people threw rose petals at us.
We were escorted to the grooms room where we waited to have our pictures taken. “Am I really Mrs. Hobble? It seemed to go by so fast?”
“It did go really fast. I don’t remember Charlie and Kate’s being that quick but maybe when it’s your own it goes by quicker. And, yes, I’m pretty sure the whole Mrs. Hobble thing goes along with him saying ‘you may now kiss the bride.’ “ I joked and walked up and kissed her. There was a knock on the door.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hobble, we’re ready for you to go outside and take some pictures.”
“I like the sound of that, Mr. and Mrs. Hobble.” I admitted to her.
We went outside and took some pictures of the wedding party and our families.
After we took pictures, we walked up the stairs and were greeted with applause as we were announced. We ate at our own special table and watched everyone as they ate and talked to each other.
Soon we were cutting the cake and we had agreed beforehand that we wouldn’t do any smashing of the cake in each other’s faces. Some people voiced their disappointment. “Most of you know us well enough to know that that wasn’t going to happen.” I teased them.
After eating cake, it was time for Rosamund and I to dance together. Mom had asked one of her musician friends to play during our dance. Mom, Dad, and him were old friends. Rosamund and I danced and when it was over we kissed. Everyone awed at us and Rosamund and I blushed. At that point it was a free for all. Everyone came out on the dance floor and I danced with Mom and even Scarlett.
I was taking a break from dancing when Mom and Bridge came up to me. “Jeff, Bridge and I were talking and just had an idea.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll make a long story short, we realized that it would be silly for you to live in married housing when you can just come live in the house that Carson and I live in.” Bridge stated.
“I thought the college didn’t allow freshman to live off campus.” I questioned.
“They don’t normally but they will for married couples. Most married couples your age can’t afford housing off campus so it’s not something that’s done normally.” Bridge elaborated.
“We wouldn’t want to impose on you and Carson.” I objected.
“Nonsense, Carson and I can stay downstairs and you and Rosamund could live upstairs. It makes sense. Mom and Dad are paying for it, afterall. This way they don’t have to pay for another living place.”
It did make sense to me. “Have you talked this over with Carson?”
“No, but I don’t think he’ll mind.”
“Wait a minute, isn’t there only one bedroom on the first floor?” Mom asked.
“Really, Mom?” Bridge rolled her eyes. “Carson!” Bridge motioned for Carson to come over.
He came over and smiled at Bridge which caused her to blush. He was the only guy I had ever seen her with that could make her blush.
“We were talking and doesn’t it make sense that instead of Jeff and Rosamund living in married Housing that they move to the upstairs of the house we’re living in instead?”
Carson started nodding his head. “Yeah, that does make sense. Wonder why we hadn’t thought of it before.”
“I need to ask Rosamund.” I stated.
“Of course you do.” Mom acknowledged. “You go talk to her.” I started to walk away and heard Mom start to question Carson and Bridge about there only being one bedroom on the first floor.
I approached Rosamund and put my arm around her waist. “Hi Mrs. Hobble.” She giggled. “Hi Mr. Hobble.”
“I was just talking with Mom, Bridge and Carson and they had an idea about living on campus.”
“What’s that?”
“Well, Carson and Bridge live in a house that originally one of them lived downstairs and the other upstairs. That’s not how it is anymore.” She smirked. “So there’s a whole upstairs that no one is living in and they were thinking why not have us move in.”
She looked a little doubtful. “I don’t think I’d mind it, but how is it set up? Would we be cramped, especially with a baby?”
“I don’t think so. It’s a pretty big house. They’re friends Trent and Julia lived with them for two years but they recently moved out. They’ve been dating longer than Bridge and Carson. Anyway, there are two bedrooms upstairs. Plus there’s a living area upstairs where we could hang out. There is only one kitchen and dining room though. What do you think?”
She thought about it for a minute and then smiled. “I think that will work out great!”
“Let’s go tell Mom and the others. I’m sure Bridge and Carson will be relieved to have mom stop talking to them about their only being one bedroom downstairs and that they’re sleeping together in it.”
We found Mom, Bridge and Carson and told them that as long as everyone was sure it was okay, that we’d agreed to stay at the house off campus. We talked with Bridge and Carson a little longer and then a staff member of the chapel informed us that we needed to get ready to go. Rosamund and I went back to the groom’s room and changed into our traveling clothes. Rosamunds parents were sending us to their vacation home for our honeymoon. We were both excited to get away from everything and spend several days alone together.
After we got ready another staff member came in and told us that it was time to go. I grabbed Rosamund’s hand “Are you ready.”
“I sure am.” She smiled up at me. We walked out the front door of the chapel and saw our families waiting outside for us. They once again threw rose petals as we walked past and we got into my car and headed to the airport.
*****
I was really thankful that my parents had offered to send us to their vacation home. Even though I had been here many times, it still felt special that I was coming here with Jefferson. We took a cab from the airport to the house. When we pulled up to the house, Jefferson’s jaw hit the ground. “This is your parents’ vacation home? It looks bigger than your actual house!”
I giggled. “Well, it actually is bigger. Mom and Daddy don’t go away often, but when they do they like to be spoiled and they like to bring friends with them. Many political deals have gone down in this house.” I told him as I opened the front door. I started to walk through but Jefferson pulled me back.
“Oh no. I’m going to carry you over the threshold.” He smiled as he picked me up. He did it with so little effort. Ever since the end of high school I had started noticing that Jefferson had filled out a lot and was even more muscular than before. I wasn’t ashamed to admit that I was anxious to see him more without his shirt on.
He carried me through the door and put me down gently. “Want to make sure we take care of the little one.” He said while rubbing my belly. I smiled up at him.
We explored around the house and eventually made our way upstairs. Once Jefferson saw where the master bedroom was, he went downstairs to get our bags. I was looking out the window when he came up behind me.
“What should we do first?” He asked in a seductive tone.
I played dumb. “We could go swimming, or maybe we could eat something. . .” Before I could continue he was kissing me.
I backed away after a moment. “Hold that thought.” He started to protest but I put my finger up to his lips to shush him. I went to the luggage and pulled something out. “I’ll be right back.” I told him as I walked into the bathroom.
As I changed into some lingerie I had bought for our wedding night I couldn’t help but smile at myself. I had finally gotten what I had planned all of our senior year to get. I had Jefferson Hobble. Me. No one else could claim him. I had been crazy about Jefferson since our freshman year and I had plotted and planned to win him over. No one, not even Star could take him away now. I smiled and patted my belly at the non-existent baby that was inside.
Soon I’d have to have a period and fake a miscarriage; but it was all worth it because I had Jefferson Hobble right where I wanted him. . .
