Jack wasn’t blind to the exchange either. He knew that kind of look very well; like Katelynn, he knew it was the kind of loving look the two of them had often shared. He squeezed his wife’s hand softly, and chewed his lip for a moment as he tried to find words.
“I do remember. And …” He turned back to the screen. “I still don’t think this is a good idea. But, if the two of you are really serious about this … then I’ll support you, however I can. I promise.”
I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, Ulric. At least you’re talking to us this time. Maybe we really can find a way to make this work.
Giving Mira’s hand a light squeeze, trying to reassure her and enjoying that she was still wearing the ring he’d given her, Ulric tries to maintain the grin on his face even if it slips slightly.
“We are.” Nudging Mira lightly and looking toward her, Ulric glances down toward their joined hands questioningly.
Her eyes darted between her future mother and father-in law as a shaky smile grew across her lips. She sniffled a little and looked down, trying to hide any tears that could escape the corners of her eyes. This had to be hard for them, but Mira was relieved they’d come to some sort of an understanding. Jack was starting to accept it all and Katelynn was definitely helping.
Of course, he still didn’t like the idea of the two having a baby which Mira could understand. But she knew, she knew that things were going to be okay. It was like what she’d told Gail. Throughout all the fear and worry of having a baby, being a mother, and time travel, there was this feeling there, deep inside her. This knowing feeling that things would turn out for the best.
Mira dabbed at her eyes with the side of her palm and looked back up with another little sniffle. “Very serious.” she answered with a small nod and a smile, trying to lift their hands up enough so Jack and Katelynn could see the engagement rings.
“Then it’s settled, right?” Unable to help it, she bounced in her seat a bit. “My babies are coming home? Love, imagine how wonderful it will be to have little ones in the house again! Ulric’s first and eventually Gail when she marries someone.”
Though she knew it was also work, all she concentrated on were the good times she had with her own children when it came to raising them – the lullabies, games, helping them stop their tears or fix ‘owies’. She was ready to do it all over again with her grandchildren. She was already excited to fawn over Joey the way no grandmother ever would.
“Hey now, one thing at a time!” He raised his hands defensively at the mention of Gail having children. “Let’s just concentrate on the children we know are coming."
Jack smiled at his wife. He remembered the days of raising kids a bit less rosily than Katelynn did; the crying, the messes, the tantrums, the money for clothes and toys and saving for school … and yet, he’d loved those days just as much as she had.
He and Katelynn had often talked about having more children after Ulric was born. They’d never gotten around to it, but they’d both liked the idea. And the two of them were only in their fifties – they still had plenty of energy. Yes, they could do this.
Jack Maple 