A Second Chance

Chapter 20 * Jordan *

It was the day of the twins’ birthday party and I was a little nervous. I know Jamie talked to Tony’s family already but I was sure they’d still be bothered. Jamie had been through more than her share of grief. She didn’t need anything making her feel bad about being happy. And I believed that she was happy with me.

I helped her set up and watched her greet people as they showed up. Thankfully Becca and Matt had come early to help as well so I wasn’t just a lone stranger standing awkwardly in the yard. Becca introduced me to people and gave me things to help with when Jamie was busy.

The party apparently had been the same every year: outdoor party with the pool, trampoline, swingset, heroes, bbq, etc. She hired a lifeguard to keep the pool area safe and there were some other friends of the kids but mostly family.

I was coming back from the kitchen with a drink for myself when someone I didn’t recognize called my name. I looked over and saw a very thin, pretty woman with long straight hair waving for me to join her. She was at a table with 2 other women and 1 man, also thin and tall.

“Hi,” she addressed me when I walked up to her. “I’m Sophia, this is Elizabeth and Karen, Tony’s sisters and my husband Bryan, Tony’s cousin. Why don’t you sit and chat with us for a while?”

I sat down at the table and all of them looked at me with interest. There was an awkward silence. I took a swig of my drink and decided to break the ice.

“It’s really nice to meet all of you but I have a feeling there are specific things you want to know about me. Just go ahead and ask. I’ll tell you anything.” I told them.

“What do you do for money?” Bryan asked.

“In Florida I was a 911 operator and police dispatcher. My ex wife and I sold our house when we got divorced and I used a big chunk of that to buy a beachfront condo that I rent out as an AirBNB. Since I moved up here, I’ve become a realtor, as I’m sure you know, and I’ve done well with that so far. I also tattoo on the side as well as personally train in Crossfit.”

“How often do you have your kids?” Karen asked.

“I have them for 2 months in the summer, mid winter break, spring break, holiday break after Christmas and Thanksgiving break. I am allowed to go there to spend any other event with them I’d like as well.”

“You understand that Jamie always has her kids, right?” Elizabeth said. It wasn’t really a question. I nodded and took another sip of my drink.

“How do you feel about Tony’s photo being up and us, his family, being around for birthdays and holidays?” Karen asked with a challenging tone. I took another sip.

“Look, guys, I understand this is weird. I knew from our first date that Jamie was the girl I wanted to spend my life with but I was young and stupid and going through a huge change in my life at the time. I wasn’t ready for her and I thought I’d have time to get ready and get her back. I f—ed up. While I was working towards being the man she deserved, she met Tony. He offered her everything she wanted and he loved her and made her feel secure. She fell in love and they made a beautiful family together. I went through a very dark place when I found out. When I snapped out of it, that’s when I met my now ex wife. It was casual and comfortable until we got pregnant and then it was an unplanned family. We had another child and got along alright but it was never a real romantic love. We mutually ended it and I went to Key West to clear my head and there was Jamie. Talking to her that night, my life snapped into focus and I knew this was it for me. Back to your original question: I know Jamie and Tony were in love and happy. I know he made all her dreams come true and supported her in every endeavor she pursued. I know he was a wonderful father to his kids and supported the whole family. I know he did nothing wrong. It’s not like a divorce. She never chose to leave him. I wish it had been me. I wish I hadn’t messed up all those years ago and I had been able to have kids with her and help her dreams come true, but I wasn’t and he was. He took care of her and never wavered in his love for her and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. It never occurred to me that I was hurting her back then but I realize now that I hurt her terribly and Tony healed her. I respect the hell out of him; what he created here and how he loved his family. He will always be the father of their kids and you all will always be welcomed here. I’m not a petty or jealous guy. My regrets with Jamie marrying someone else are only mine. They have nothing to do with Tony. I would never try to replace him or erase him. His kids need to know him. I just want to love and protect them all for the rest of my life.”

I felt hands on my shoulders and relaxed. I knew it was her.

“Hi Licausis.”Jamie greeted them. “Is everyone doing alright?”

“We were just getting to know Jordan here.” Sophia said, smiling.

“I see.” Jamie said. “And?”

“I think I speak for everyone when I say, we get it.” Karen said.

We all laughed. Bryan reached out to shake my hand and I accepted.

“Jordan.” Bryan said, “It’s great to meet you. We appreciate your openness and candid answers.”

Jamie tugged on me and I got up. We walked back into the house together.

“Everything alright?” She asked, eyeing me over her wine glass as she took a long sip.

“Yeah.” I assured her. “They wanted to make sure I wasn’t erasing Tony. I get it.”

“I’m not sure what you said right before I came over but they all looked emotional and ….I don’t know, soothed.”

I smiled and pulled her in for a hug. “Good, I’m glad I could ease their worries.”

I kissed her head and we returned to the party outside, more relaxed than when it started.