Haunted Memories
Part 1
Stepping away from the painted dresser, Trixie Frayne surveyed her work. The dresser had been painted white and she had finished adding pictures of the outdoors to the front and sides. She smiled as she looked at her work. She put a hand on her extended stomach and said, “This will be your room when you enter this world, little one.”
Trixie was six months pregnant with her first child and was looking forward to holding the newborn in her arms.
Setting the paintbrush down, she moved to the window and gazed out into the yard. With the mid-October wind, the last of the leaves on the trees were coming down. She could easily see the school, Ten Acres Academy.
The school was started by her husband, James Winthrop Frayne the Second, as a place to help children who were having a rough life. She knew how tough he had had it when he was living with his stepfather and knew this was his opportunity to help others so they wouldn’t have to live the way he had.
Looking at the setting sun, she knew she needed to get dinner ready since Jim would be arriving shortly. She just hoped he was coming home for dinner. There had been many nights in the previous weeks that he wouldn’t come home until late and dinner had gotten cold or overcooked.
As Trixie made her way downstairs in the rebuilt Ten Acres mansion, she was still amazed at the details. She knew Jim had spent a lot of time making sure the house was perfect.
Entering the kitchen, Trixie quickly got dinner started. She was looking forward to the two of them having a quiet night together. They had both been busy during the past couple weeks and had set this night aside just for them.
Once the food was cooking, she quickly went upstairs to wash up. A half hour later she made her way downstairs. As she stepped into the kitchen, the back slammed open startling her.
Looking up, she watched Jim slam the door shut. She knew he was angry about something and began to wonder what had caused his temper to rise.
“Jim, you’re home,” she said cheerfully. “I hope you’re hungry. I made a lot.”
She saw Jim staring at her. He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Trix.”
“It’s all right.” She moved toward him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I can tell it’s been a rough day.”
“You wouldn’t believe how rough.” Jim wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I didn’t mean to slam the door.”
“As I said, it’s all right.”
Jim kissed the top of her head. “Do I have time to get changed before dinner?”
“Of course. Dinner should be done in about 20 minutes.”
“I’ll be back.”
Jim gave Trixie a kiss and headed upstairs.
Trixie watched Jim go. She knew he was upset about something, but she didn’t want to push the issue. She knew they each dealt with things that the other didn’t need to know and if they pushed the other, it would just lead to an argument.
I’m not going to say anything, she thought. If Jim wants to talk about it, I’ll listen. But I won’t force it.
* * * * *
Fifteen minutes later, Jim came downstairs in a clean T-shirt and jeans. He moved over to Trixie as she stood by the stove. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he nuzzled her neck. He softly said, “You are so beautiful.”
“You better stop that before my husband comes downstairs,” Trixie teased, leaning back against him. “He won’t like it.”
“That’s too bad,” Jim said. “He shouldn’t have left you here by yourself.”
“I’m not by myself. I have you here now.” Trixie turned in Jim’s arms. She wrapped her arms around Jim’s neck. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“So am I.” Jim kissed her.
The buzzer going off on the stove interrupted their kiss.
“We’re always interrupted,” Jim grumbled as he reached behind Trixie to turn it off.
“Come on. Let’s eat before it gets cold,” Trixie said. “We can pick up where we left off after dinner.”
“I like the sound of that.”
After a quiet dinner, Jim volunteered to do the dishes since Trixie had cooked. Knowing she wouldn’t win the argument, she relented and went into the living room. Settling on the couch, she turned the television on to the news and got caught up on world events. As she sat there, she put her right hand on her extended stomach.
Suddenly, Trixie felt a kick from inside. “Oh my!”
She looked at her stomach and kept her hand still. She couldn’t believe their baby was kicking.
“Trixie? Is everything all right?” Jim called out from the kitchen.
“Jim, come here!”
Quick footsteps could be heard as Jim hurried into the living room. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Trixie looked at Jim. “The baby kicked.”
“Really?”
Trixie nodded as Jim moved to the couch and sat down beside her. He put his hand on her stomach and she moved it to where she had felt the baby kick. She felt the baby kick again and looked at Jim. He seemed shocked.
“That’s our baby,” he said.
“It sure is.”
Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they leaned back on the couch. He kept his right hand on her stomach. They sat in silence enjoying the new turn with their baby.
Trixie closed her eyes as she leaned her head against him. She had missed the time they usually spent together.
“This is nice,” she said.
“I agree.” Jim squeezed her shoulder. “We need to do this more often.”
“Then we should,” Trixie said.
“I like the sound of that.” Jim kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Trixie.”
“I love you, too.”
* * * * *
Trixie rolled onto her side and reached for Jim. Feeling only cold sheets, she opened her eyes and realized Jim was gone. Glancing at her watch, she saw it was only seven in the morning. She knew Jim didn’t need to be at the school until eight.
Listening, she tried to tell if Jim was in the shower, but the house was quiet.
Where could he have gone so early in the morning? She wondered. He usually wakes me up before he leaves, but he didn’t. Why not?
Realizing she wasn’t going to get any answers, she climbed out of bed and got ready for the day. After dressing, Trixie made the bed and then went downstairs to have breakfast.
Stepping into the kitchen, Trixie decided to eat something quickly so she could head to the agency she had started with her best friend and sister-in-law, Honey Belden. The agency had only been open seven months and was just starting to see an increase in cases.
Arriving at the office half an hour later, Trixie grabbed the mail and went to her desk. Sitting down with the mail in front of her, she started to sort through the letters.
But she didn’t get far because her thoughts drifted back to Jim, slightly disappointed he hadn’t been there when she woke.
It’s so unlike Jim to leave before I wake, she thought. Did I miss him saying something last night? Could I have angered him? And if I did, what could it be? Did I do something he didn’t like? This is so frustrating. Why did this have to happen now? We are trying to get ready for our baby, but life is changing. We’re barely talking.
“Trixie!”
Turning quickly, she saw Honey standing on the other side of the desk. “Sorry, Honey.”
“Are you all right? You seemed like you were miles away.”
“I’m sorry. I was just thinking.”
Honey sat down across from Trixie. “I think something’s going on.”
“Nothing’s going on,” Trixie said sliding up to the desk and began flipping through the mail. “Everything is fine.”
“Come on, Trix, level with me. You and I are best friends. I know when something is bothering you. So, ‘fess up.”
“Everything is fine,” Trixie repeated as she got to her feet. She moved to the filing cabinet and grabbed a couple files.
“How come I still don’t believe you?”
Trixie turned to face Honey. “Did you plan to work today, or just question me?”
Honey stared at her. “I was only kidding.”
“I’m sorry,” Trixie said, sitting back down at her desk. “I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m a little testy.”
“That’s okay,” Honey said sympathetically. “What was wrong? Were you feeling ill?”
“I just couldn’t sleep. But it’s no big deal. I probably wasn’t tired enough.”
“Weren’t you going to work on the nursery?”
“I did work a little, but not much.”
“Maybe you should call the doctor or have Brian check you over just to make sure both of you are all right?” Honey suggested.
“If I have another sleepless night, I’ll take care of it. Now, let’s get to work. We need to get something accomplished.”
“You’re right.”
As Honey moved back to her desk, Trixie focused on what they had to do. She knew she could think about Jim later.
* * * * *
By late afternoon, Trixie was frustrated. She couldn’t concentrate and each time she tried, she started thinking about Jim. She knew it was pointless to try and accomplish anything else.
“I think I’m going to go,” Trixie finally said as she stood up.
“Do you want to join Brian and me for dinner?” Honey asked. “You could call Jim and have him meet us at the Manor House.”
“Thanks, Honey, but I’m feeling tired now. I think I’m just going to go home and get some sleep.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I am.”
“All right,” Honey said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Trixie left the office and climbed into her Jeep. Starting the engine, she tried to figure out where she wanted to go. Part of her didn’t want to go home to an empty house, so she listened to that voice.
Driving along Glen Road, she headed for her parent’s home knowing she was always welcome there. Pulling into the driveway, she spotted both of her parents’ cars parked by the garage.
Trixie got out of the Jeep and made her way inside. “Hello?”
“Trixie!” Helen Belden exclaimed as moved toward her daughter. “What a surprise.”
“I hope you don’t mind me dropping by,” Trixie said.
“Is everything all right?” Helen asked quickly. “Are you all right? The baby?”
“We’re both fine,” Trixie said.
“Then what is it?” Helen asked.
“I just didn’t want to have dinner by myself. Jim is working late again.”
“I’m glad you came over then,” Helen said giving her a hug. “And you’re just in time. The food is about to go on the table.”
Trixie smiled as Helen led her into the dining room. As she stepped into the room, she saw Bobby bringing dishes to the table.
“Trixie!” Bobby exclaimed. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“You are?” Trixie asked, surprised.
“Absolutely. I have some news for Moms and Dad that they’ll find out once dinner starts.”
Trixie smiled at her younger brother. “So that’s why you’re helping out.”
“I have to do something or I’ll never be able to share it.”
“All right,” Helen said. “We’re coming. Go make sure your father knows the food is going on the table.”
“Got it,” Bobby said and hurried up the stairs.
“So,” Helen said as Trixie sat down at the table beside her. “Jim’s working late again.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.
“Yeah. He’s been spending a lot of time at the school.”
“With business?”
Trixie nodded as she took a sip of her water. Before she could say anything, Peter and Bobby came down the stairs. Peter moved over to Trixie and gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
“This is a nice surprise,” Peter said.
“I thought so too,” Helen said. “Come on. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
Trixie was glad she was no longer the center of attention.
Once everyone started eating, Bobby said, “Now it’s time for my news.”
“Go ahead,” Helen said.
“Yeah,” Peter said. “What’s so important?”
“Well, I’ve been doing some research on some colleges and have applied for scholarships.” Bobby took a breath. “I just received word today that I’ve been offered a full scholarship to University.”
“Really?” Helen asked.
“Really,” Bobby said, grinning from ear to ear. “And what’s even better is that Terry and Larry are also going there. We’ll be at University together.”
“That’s wonderful,” Helen said, smiling. “Your hard work has paid off.”
“I’m really proud of you, son,” Peter said.
“It’s really great,” Trixie said.
“It’s going to be great. Larry, Terry and I are planning to stay in the dorms and room together. It’s going to be great that we’ll still be together while in college.”
“That is great,” Helen said. “You’ll have to call your brothers and tell them the news.”
“They’ll be just as proud as we are,” Peter said.
“It’s so exciting,” Bobby said. “I can’t wait to graduate now.”
As Trixie listened to Bobby, she recalled the same excitement Honey and Di had had when the three of them were filling out college applications. When they had started the process, the plan was to go where all three of them were accepted, but she had backed out of the plan.
“You’ll do really well at college,” Trixie said with forced enthusiasm.
“I hope so.”
* * * * *
After dinner, Trixie and Helen settled in the living room while PEter did the dishes and Bobby got started on his homework.
“Trixie,” Helen said breaking the silence. “Is everything all right? I noticed you got awfully quiet after Bobby shared his news.”
“I’m okay. I was just thinking how the plans Honey, Di and I made for after graduation didn’t come true.”
“Your plans suited you. An opportunity came that you couldn’t pass up.”
“But part of me feels that I let them down because I did my own thing.”
“Trixie, Honey and Di are your friends. They wouldn’t have wanted you to pass it up, either, if they had known earlier.”
“I guess you’re right.”
Helen reached over and brushed a loose curl back from her daughter’s face. “Are you feeling all right? You look a little pale.”
“I’m just tired.” Trixie looked at her watch. “I’m going to get going.” She looked at Helen. “Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome anytime, sweetheart.”
Trixie gave her mother a hug before leaving the house and heading for Ten Acres.
Pulling up to the house a short while later, Trixie was not surprised that Jim’s Jeep still wasn’t there. After entering the kitchen, she locked the door before heading upstairs.
After changing into her pajamas, she made her way into the nursery and sat down on the stool by the door. As she looked around, she thought about how their lives would change once the baby arrived.
I’ll have to take some time off from the agency, she thought. I want to be like Moms, but I also want to continue being a detective. I’m not ready to give up that dream just yet. That’s just something Jim and I will have to figure out. The only way we’ll do that is if we actually spend time together. But we’re barely doing that. Last night was great and I miss that. Maybe getting married was the wrong move for us. This could be a sign that it is wrong. I think Jim and I really need to talk about what’s going on.
With that thought, Trixie leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes.
* * * * *
“Hey, Trix,” Jim said as she neared the group.
“Hi guys,” Trixie said quietly.
Jim looked closely at Trixie. “Are you all right? Did something happen?”
“I’m okay. I just have something to tell everyone.”
“What is it?” Honey asked, sitting up.
“You look really serious,” Brian said.
“It has to do with college.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Mart said, leaning back on his towel. “You’ll do fine.”
“Does this have anything to do with you not receiving your room assignment yet?” Honey asked.
Trixie knew she had to get to the point. For the past three days, Honey and Di had been questioning her about where she would be staying and she told them she hadn’t received it yet.
“Yeah, it does,” Trixie said.
“So,” Di said sitting up quickly. “Which housing complex are you living at?”
“Miller Hall,” Trixie answered.
“Miller Hall?” Honey asked, confused.
“There’s no Miller Hall on campus,” Jim said. “Maybe they sent you the wrong assignment.”
“It’s the right hall,” Trixie said. “It’s the hall at the University in California.”
“What?” they all asked.
“Wait a second,” Honey said. “What are you doing with a room assignment for a University in California? You’re going to school with us.”
“Actually, I’m going to school in California.”
“When was this decided?” Mart demanded as he sat up.
“How come you’re just telling us now?” Brian asked at the same time.
Trixie looked at all of them and wasn’t surprised they each wore a shocked expression. Trixie said, “Let me explain.”
She told them about applying to the school in California with very little hope of actually being accepted. “I didn’t think it would hurt to try.” She took a breath. “I also filled out paperwork applying for a scholarship. And I got one.”
“You got a scholarship?” Mart asked, surprised.
Trixie nodded as Brian asked, “How much was the scholarship for?”
“It was a full scholarship covering tuition, books, room and board.”
“Wow,” Brian said.
“That’s what I said when I received the letter.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Honey asked. “Why did you keep it a secret?”
“In all honesty, I wasn’t sure how you all would take it and everyone has been talking about how we’d all be close together at college. Besides, I wasn’t sure if I was going to take it or not.”
“Don’t you want to be with us?” Jim asked.
Trixie looked at Jim. She could see his temper was rising because his face was turning so red, it almost matched his hair. Jim was close to erupting.
“I do want to be with all of you, but I also can’t pass up an opportunity like this.” Trixie looked at each one of them in turn. “Please don’t hate me. I wanted to tell you, but each time I started to, the talk seemed to revolve around all of us being together.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Honey said, hurt. “It’s going to take some time to realize that the plans we had talked about in detail are not going to happen.”
“I understand.”
“Trix, when did you find out about the scholarship?” Mart asked.
“In February. But I didn’t make a decision at that time.”
“You know, I still can’t believe you didn’t say anything,” Jim said getting to his feet. “The Bob-Whites are like one family, but you’re the only who keeps secrets.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I really am.”
“Trix, when do you leave?” Brian asked.
“In a week.”
“What?” they all chorused.
“School starts in two weeks. I want to be settled a couple days before classes start.”
“Good luck to you.” Jim turned and headed toward Manor House.
Trixie said, getting to her feet, “I’ll be back.”
She hurried after Jim. Reaching him, she took his arm and turned him to face her. “Jim, we need to talk.”
“Why do you want to talk now?” Jim asked. “You made this decisio,n not even thinking about us or our relationship.”
“Jim, I still care about you and nothing will ever change that.”
“It is changing,” Jim said, raising his voice. “You know, this is typical of you to jump in without thinking things through.”
Trixie was taken aback. “Jim, it’s only college. We can still…”
“No, we can’t,” Jim said gritting his teeth. “Most people try to communicate, but you seem to have this habit of keeping secrets. I’m sorry, Trixie, but I’m not going to sit and wait while you’re off gallivanting in California.”
“But, Jim…”
“No, buts. We’re through.”
Trixie watched Jim turn and head up to the Manor House.
Trixie shook her head as tears fell down her cheeks. “No.”
“Trixie, wake up. You’re dreaming.”
Trixie forced her eyes open and saw Jim crouched in front of her. “Jim?”
“Yeah.” He reached over and caressed her cheek. “You all right? You were calling out.”
Trixie looked around the room and realized she was in the nursery. She swallowed and then asked, “What time is it?”
“About two in the morning.”
Trixie looked closely at Jim and saw he was still dressed in his work clothes. “Did you just get home?”
“Yeah.” Jim brushed a curl behind her ear. “Why are you sleeping in here? The bed in our room is much more comfortable.”
“I was in here thinking and I guess I fell asleep.”
“Why don’t we head into the other room?” Jim suggested. “It’s late and I think we’ve both had a long day.”
“All right.”
Jim helped Trixie to her feet and they moved to the master bedroom. Trixie slid under the covers as Jim changed.
Once changed, he shut off the light and got in the bed beside her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.
As they lay there, Trixie thought about the dream she had. She wondered why she dreamt about that day that had broken her heart.
“What are you thinking about?” Jim asked.
“Nothing important.” Trixie put her head on Jim’s chest. “Goodnight, Jim.”
Jim kissed the top of her head. “Night, Trix.”
Trixie stayed still as she listened to Jim’s breathing even out. She had a feeling she dreamed about that terrible day for a reason. She just had to figure it out.
* * * * *
The next morning, Trixie woke early. Without disturbing Jim, she slid out of bed, slipped on her robe and made her way downstairs. Putting the kettle on, she heated water for a cup of tea.
Once the tea was ready, she moved a chair over to the window and gazed out into the woods. Everything seemed so peaceful outside, but she felt her life was in chaos. She couldn’t understand why she felt that way.
‘Trix?”
She turned away from the window and saw Jim standing at the bottom of the stairs.
“I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“You didn’t,” Jim said moving toward her. He crouched down beside her. He reached up and moved the curls behind her ear. “You look tired.”
“I’m all right. What time do you have to head to the school?”
“I’m not going in today.” Trixie stared at Jim. She wasn’t sure she heard him right. He continued, “I’m serious. We’ve been too busy these past couple weeks to spend time with one another, so I thought we could have this day to ourselves.”
Part of Trixie wanted to believe him, but the small voice inside her head told her that Jim had an ulterior motive. She had a feeling that Honey or Moms had talked to him.
She set her mug down. “Why this sudden change?”
“What do you mean?” Jim asked.
“We’ve barely had a meaningful conversation in the past two weeks, except for the other night when we were both home, and all of a sudden you want to spend the entire day with me? I find that hard to believe.”
“Trix, I’m being honest.”
“No, you’re not,” Trixie said.
“Why won’t you believe me?”
“Because you are keeping secrets from me!” Trixie yelled.
“As if you never kept a secret in your life!” Jim spat out. “You are the queen of secrets.”
Trixie felt as if she had been slapped. She knew Jim was talking about her plans to go to college. She knew they really hadn’t talked about her departure since she returned to Sleepyside and now the time had come.
“I apologized to you about that. I didn’t mean to keep my college plans a secret. But you should’ve understood it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
“But you chose that over me.”
“Our relationship could have remained, but you wouldn’t allow it!” Trixie yelled. “You are the one who broke it off with me.”
“You were gallivanting around California with every guy you met!” Jim yelled.
“I was getting an education!”
“Which you could’ve done here!”
“And pass up the full scholarship I was offered? You are nuts. I had to take it.”
“You know, you are still as pigheaded as you ever were.”
Trixie had enough. She got to her feet, pushed past Jim and went upstairs. After locking herself in the master bedroom, she sat down on the bed.
Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm down. She felt the baby kicking and caressed her stomach. She wondered if the baby knew how angry she was.
Thinking back to some of her comments, Trixie wondered if she had gone too far.
She heard the kitchen door slam shut and knew Jim had left the house. Going over to the window, Trixie watched Jim climb into his Jeep and drive down the driveway.
It’s just like him to take off, she thought.
All of a sudden, the phone rang. Grabbing it and putting it to her ear, she answered, “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Mrs. Frayne?”
“It is.”
“This is Michelle from Dr. Taylor’s office. I’m just calling to remind you about your appointment tomorrow morning.”
“I remember,” Trixie said. “Thank you for calling.”
“You’re welcome. Goodbye.”
“Bye.”
As Trixie set the phone down, she realized she had forgotten about the appointment. They were going to have a sonogram and see how the baby was coming along. She was looking forward to the appointment.
“I need to get out of here,” Trixie murmured. She quickly changed her clothes and made her way out of the house.
* * * * *
Three hours later, Trixie was making her way through the mall in White Plains looking at baby clothes. She was anxious for the baby to come and knew she wanted to be surprised whether it was a boy or girl.
Making her way to the food court, she purchased a cup of tea and sat down. As she watched people shopping, she thought about the argument she had had with Jim. She felt as if she’d had it once before.
“It wasn’t the same words,” she murmured. “But we did argue. It was the last day I saw Jim before I left for college.”
Trixie hurried up the path to the Manor House hoping Jim would be willing to listen to her reasons and they would be able to maintain their relationship.
She was quickly let inside by Celia, one of the Wheeler’s servants, and directed toward the living room after asking for Jim. Stepping into the room, Trixie saw Jim standing by the bookcase, his back to her.
“Jim?” She saw his body stiffen. “Jim, please. We need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Jim said coldly.
“Jim, we need to talk. I don’t want to leave it this way. You’re my boyfriend, my best friend.”
Jim spun to look at her. His eyes flashing. “Your best friend? If I really was your best friend, you wouldn’t have kept this from me. As for being your boyfriend, I thought you trusted me.”
“I do trust you.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me?” Jim yelled.
“I…”
“Forget it. Don’t even try to explain.” Jim turned away. “You can’t be honest with me and that’s something I find important.”
“Jim, you mean the world to me. I don’t want to lose you.”
“It’s too late. How can I trust you when you are keeping secrets? I’m sorry, Trixie, but we’re through.” Jim turned and started to walk past her. “Good luck at school.”
And Jim was gone.
“It’s happening all over again,” she murmured. “But I can’t let it happen. I lost Jim before and I won’t allow it to happen again.”
* * * * *
Just after sunset, Trixie pulled her Jeep into the driveway of Ten Acres. As she stopped by the house, she saw Jim’s Jeep parked by the garage.
After shutting off the engine, she sat quietly looking at the house collecting her thoughts. She knew she had to go inside and make amends with Jim. She loved him too much to lose him again.
Taking a deep breath, she climbed out of the Jeep and made her way inside through the kitchen. As soon as she stepped through the door, she was greeted with the smell of chicken cooking.
As she closed the door, she heard footsteps enter from the other direction. She turned quickly and saw Jim standing in the doorway. She said, “Hi.”
“Hi,” Jim said. He stepped into the kitchen. “I made dinner. I wasn’t sure when you’d be home or if you’d be hungry, but it should be ready in a few minutes.”
“I am a little hungry,” she admitted, slipping her coat off.
“Have a seat while I get it out.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Trixie asked, hanging her coat on the hook by the door.
“If you want to pour the drinks, that would help.”
Trixie moved to the refrigerator and poured them each a glass of iced tea. She moved back to the table, set the glasses down and sat down herself.
Jim sat beside her and said, “Dig in.”
As they nibbled on the food, they said very little to one another. Trixie hated the awkwardness.
“Jim, I…”
‘Trixie, I…”
They both laughed. Jim said, “Go ahead.”
Trixie pushed her plate out of her way and folded her hands in front of her on the table. “Jim, I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier,” she said. “I don’t know why I got so angry.”
“I’m sorry too,” Jim said. “I said a lot of things that were inappropriate.” He reached over and took her hand in his. “Trix, it took a lot of time for me to realize that we didn’t have a right to make your college decision. You did the right thing going off to California.”
“Really?” Trixie was surprised.
Jim nodded. “I admit I was angry that you waited until the last minute to tell us.”
“I just didn’t know how to,” Trixie said. “I wanted to, but I was so scared of how everyone was going to react.” She looked at Jim. “Especially you.” She let out a breath. “I hated the thought of being away from you, but I knew that I had to go.”
“I know,” Jim squeezed her hand.
“Jim, I snapped at you for no reason this morning and I shouldn’t have.”
“Trix, you had a point this morning. We haven’t been spending a lot of time together and we need to change that.” He slid his chair closer, keeping a hold of her hand. “We can’t keep going like we were.”
“We need to sit down and talk, and spend time together,” Trixie said.
“You’re right. Do you have any ideas?”
Trixie shook her head.
“We’ll come up with something.” Jim reached up and caressed her cheek. He spoke softly. “Can you forgive me for my behavior this morning?”
“Only if you’ll forgive me for what I said.”
“I think that will work.” Jim leaned close and gave her a kiss. “I love you, Trixie.”
“I love you, Jim.”
They kissed again. When they broke apart, Trixie said, “We’d better eat before it gets cold. Especially after all the hard work you put into it.”
“I thought it would be nice of us to have a quiet dinner and spend time together.”
“It is nice. I’m glad you thought of it.”
Jim smiled.
* * * * *
Hours later, Trixie and Jim sat on the couch listening to music. Jim had one arm around her shoulder while the other caressed her stomach. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against his shoulder.
This is how it’s supposed to be, she thought. The two of us being together and not letting our jobs or anything else interfere.
“What are you thinking?” Jim asked softly.
“Just how nice this is.”
“It is nice,” Jim murmured. “Trix, what time do you have to go to work tomorrow?”
“Is there something you have in mind?” Trixie asked, opening her eyes.
“I just thought that if you weren’t real busy, that maybe we could do something together.”
“I’d like that, but I do have an appointment I can’t miss.”
“Oh,” Jim said, disappointed.
Trixie heard the tone of his voice and lifted her head off his shoulder. She turned to face him. “You know, if you want, you could go to the appointment with me.”
“That’s all right,” Jim said. “Maybe we could do something afterward.”
“Jim, I want you to come with me.”
“I don’t need to sit in on one of your meetings.”
“Jim, it’s not a meeting. I have an appointment with the doctor to check on the baby.” She put her hand against his cheek. “I want you there with me when the sonogram is done.”
“Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“I forgot until a call come from the doctor’s office this morning.” She stared at Jim. “Will you come?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Jim gave her a kiss. “I want to see how our baby is doing.”
“Good.” Trixie leaned her head back on his shoulder closing her eyes. “You know, we should spend some time working on the nursery. My biggest fear is that the baby will come before we have a chance to finish it. And we still need to figure out what kind of crib we should get.”
“Everything will be set before the baby arrives,” Jim said. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine as long as we stick together.”
Author’s Notes: Once again my esteemed appreciation goes to Amy and Kaye for the editing of this story. This story marks my third year as an author at Jixemitri. It is an honor and a privilege to be among such talented writers and to be able to share this series from my eyes with others. Cathy, thank you for creating this place and welcoming me with open arms.
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