The Swear Jar (42 page)

“Meara and I have an announcement,”
Duncan said solemnly.  “I’ve asked Meara to marry me and she has said yes.”

The room erupted in cheers and
hugs.  Diana, Anne and Lisa wanted to see the engagement ring.  John looked
puzzled while Sean and Andrew clapped Duncan on the back.  Kay walked over to
Meara.

Taking Meara’s hand, Kay looked at
the ring.  “It’s very pretty.  Congratulations, Meara.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Meara said
warily.

Duncan moved to stand next to
Meara.  He braced himself for Kay’s comments.  He noticed Sean hovering close
by just in case he was needed.

“Duncan, I wish you the best.  I
hope she makes a better wife for you than she did for Hank.  Hank was always
such a warm, loving man.  Meara can be difficult at times, but I’m sure you’ll
find out, if you haven’t already.  She could never change to make him happy
even when he treated her like a princess.  Let’s hope she’s learned her lesson
before she loses you too,” said Kay.

Meara gasped, her eyes filling with
tears.  Instantly, Duncan’s face flushed red.  He was about to let Kay have it
when Sean intervened.

“Kay, maybe Hank was the problem
and not Meara.  In the six months they’ve known each other, I’ve never seen my
father happier.  Meara’s the heart of our family.  I’ve never met someone so
warm and unselfishly loving,” said Sean.

“Yes, Kay,” Lisa stepped forward. 
“When my son realizes Meara’s going to be his grandmother, he’ll freak out. 
He’s only met her twice.  Do you even know your daughter?”

“Ems is going to be my Grandma?”
asked John, bouncing up and down.  “Ems?”

“Yes, John, it’s true,” Meara
whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks.

“Ems?” asked Diana, annoyed.

“It’s a long story, Di,” replied
Meara, swaying.

Duncan steadied Meara as John
jumped squealing into her arms.  Lisa flourished her hand towards them.

“I present to you Exhibit A,” Lisa
said.  “What do you say to that, Kay?”

“Give it time.  Meara will show her
true colors.  Duncan’s already buying her affection with jewelry.  It’ll get
worse,” Kay said.

Duncan stepped forward, ready to
fight.  Ben held up his hand to stop Duncan.

“Diana and Meara have to put up
with your crap.  I don’t.  I won’t let you poison Duncan and Meara’s happiness,
you old witch.  You should have been the one to keep the family together, but
it wasn’t.  It was her.  She’s been the backbone of this family.  She’s put
aside her own wants and desires for years.  I won’t allow you to say anything
to disparage her.  If you hadn’t been so blinded by Hank’s charming ways, you
would have seen Meara dying right in front of you.  You think she should have
changed?  I’m thankful she never did.  It would have been a horrible loss if
she had.  Now if you can’t behave, get out.  Pack your things and we’ll call
you a cab.”

Duncan held tight to Meara, who was
holding John close to her.  Lisa, Andrew and Sean stood next to Duncan.  Diana
stood next to Meara.  Anne shook her head at Kay and stood between Diana and
Meara.  Ben glared at Kay.

“What’s it going to be, Kay?  It
looks like you’re outnumbered.  You can apologize or you can go.  You decide,”
said Ben.

“I should go.  I’m feeling a little
uncomfortable,” Kay said, angrily.  “You’ll see I’m right in the end.  Meara
acts like a martyr, but she’s fooling all of you.  She’s not capable of loving
anyone.”

“MOTHER!” snapped Diana.  “Don’t
EVER speak about Meara like that.  That’s a lie and you know it.  Anne, pack
your grandmother’s things.  I’m calling a cab.”

Quietly, Andrew listened to the
conversation.  He watched Meara lean against Duncan.  Knowing she was upset,
John clung to Meara’s neck.  Duncan looked like he wanted to kill Kay, but he
was more concerned with Meara at the moment.  Sean and Lisa were balling their
fists.  Glaring at Kay, Ben’s face was still red.  Anne ran up the stairs. 
Diana stalked out of the room.

“Meara, what do you want?” Andrew
asked softly.  “Do you want your mother to leave?”

Duncan shot Andrew a cold look. 
Pulling away from Duncan, Meara let John down to his feet.

“I want my mother to love me for
who I am.  Not who I could be or who she thinks I should be.  I try to be a
good daughter and sister.  I try to be a good librarian.  I love Duncan and I’m
trying to be part of two families I love very much.  If she can’t love me, then
she needs to go,” Meara said sadly.

Duncan saw Andrew had given Meara a
chance to speak her mind.  Now it was Duncan’s turn.

“It’s your decision, Kay.  But let
me say this, Meara has asked nothing of me but to love her.  That’s what I’m
going to do.  Your hateful words aren’t going to change the fact we love each
other.  You don’t know Meara.  And I pity you because you’ve missed an
opportunity that will never come your way again if you make the wrong decision
right now.  So are you staying or going?” Duncan asked.

“I’d like to go home,” Kay said,
sniffing.  “It’s obvious I’m not wanted here.”

Meara was heartbroken.  “If that’s
how you feel, Mother, then go.”

Andrew said, “It hasn’t been a
pleasure meeting you, Kay.  You don’t know Meara and since you’ve hurt her, we
won’t be inviting you to any future family events.  Unless Meara changes her
mind, and even then I’d hate to be you in a room full of her family.  You’ll
never again experience the easy ride you’ve been given with your family’s
feelings.  Merry Christmas, Kay.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

“Let’s help Anne pack your bags,”
said Sean, walking upstairs with Kay.

Holding John’s hands, Andrew and
Lisa led him into the kitchen.  Ben hadn’t moved since the beginning of the
argument.  He was still angry, but his mood was deflating.

“I’m sorry,” Ben said.  “I lost my
temper.  I didn’t mean for it to go this far.  I couldn’t take her anymore.  I
couldn’t let her talk about you that way.”

Meara had buried her face in
Duncan’s chest.  Now she turned to face Ben.  He felt miserable.

“No, don’t be sorry.  You’re
right.  It was time to stand up to her.  I’m glad it happened.  Thank you,” she
smiled weakly.

Ben hugged her.  “I love you, Ems.”

Duncan had never heard Ben use her
nickname.  Ben smiled grimly at Duncan and quickly left the room.  Now Duncan
and Meara were alone.  He pulled her back to him and held her close.

“Are you all right?”  He whispered
into her hair.

“I will be.  I need a few minutes. 
You know I love you, right?” she asked, her eyes filling with tears.

“Yes, I do.  Don’t let her make you
start questioning everything.  We had no doubts walking in here today.  We’ll
have no doubts walking out of here.  Got it?”

“Yes, Duncan.  So much for a quiet
dinner with both families.”  She giggled slightly, burying her face in his
shoulder.

“That’s better.  When you giggle, I
know everything will be all right.  Once she’s gone, we’ll have a good
Christmas.  I knew she was a sourpuss, but she’s awful.”

“She’s always been that way.  She
only cares about herself.  Duncan, I’m so tired.”  Her eyes were heavy.

He pulled her down onto the couch,
tucking her into his shoulder and kissing her forehead.  “Relax until she’s
gone.”

“Mother!  Your ride is here,” Diana
screamed upstairs.  “Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.”

“The Swear Jar will burst at the
seams after today.”  Meara covered her mouth as she yawned.

Andrew, Lisa and Sean blocked the
entrance to the living room while Anne helped Kay out to the cab.  Diana and
Ben stood on the front porch, speaking with the driver.  Kay’s face was red. 
No one said a word to her.  The driver took the bags from Anne and helped Kay into
the cab.

“Hey, lady, you must be on Santa’s
naughty list to get kicked out on Christmas,” the driver said.

Without looking back, Kay huffed
and got into the cab.  The driver shook his head and waved to Ben and Diana. 
The cab sped away, ending the awful family gathering.

“Best Christmas present ever,”
muttered Ben.

“Yep.  And I used her credit card
to pay for it,” laughed Diana.

“You didn’t,” Ben said, amazed.

“I sure as hell did,” Diana said. 
“No one hurts Meara.”

They walked arm in arm back into
the house.  Everyone in the hallway waited expectantly.  Diana nodded.

“Ding dong, the witch is gone!”
yelled Sean, throwing his hands up in the air gleefully.  “Let’s have some
fun!  It’s Christmas!”

Everyone laughed except for Duncan
and Meara.  She looked up sleepily.  He kissed her cheek.

“Wake up, sweetheart.  It’s
Christmas and we have lots to celebrate,” he cooed.

“That’s true.  There are presents
for everyone and lots of food.  And I’m going to be Mrs. Duncan Phillips.”  She
snapped awake, grinning happily.  “Meara Phillips.  I like it.”

Andrew smiled.  “Let’s open those
bottles of champagne and get this party started.  I’m hungry.  Is there any
more of that cheesecake?”

Meara laughed.  “Yes, there’s a
whole new one sitting in the fridge.  There’s a big wedge with your name on it,
Andrew.”

The champagne was poured.  Ben and
Andrew took turns toasting the happy couple.  The family had a wonderful
dinner.  Their bellies were stuffed with good food.  As the adults sat around
the table and groaned, Anne and John stared into the living room.  The
Christmas tree and presents were waiting.  Everyone looked at Meara.

“We better open presents or they’ll
snap,” Meara said quietly.

Soon the living room was a sea of
wrapping paper and ribbons.  Anne loved the new books Duncan had given her. 
Sean and John were enchanted with John’s medieval castle LEGO set from Diana
and Ben.  Andrew and Lisa were snuggling with the knitted blanket Meara had
made for them.  Diana and Ben were drooling over the wine and cheese basket Andrew
and Lisa had given them.  Duncan and Meara sat holding hands, smiling.

“I hate to be a party pooper, but
we have to go if we’re going to get home before John’s bedtime,” Lisa frowned.

A collective protest went up.  No
one wanted the day to end.  John was getting tired.  Everyone knew it would be
a struggle if he got cranky.  John ran to Meara as Sean began to clean up the
LEGOs.

“Ems!  Can I call you Grandma now?”
asked John.

“Not yet, John.  I’ll tell you when
you can,” said Meara, hugging John.  “Can you help Uncle Sean pick up the LEGOs
and get ready to go home?”

“Okay, Ems,” said John, racing off.

“Can we take you home with us?”
asked Andrew.  “He’s never been this good for us.”

“Your father’s Duncan magic is
rubbing off on me,” Meara replied.

“No, my love, you have your own
magic,” Duncan said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her
waist.

Despite the bustle around them,
they found themselves alone in the living room.

“Is that mistletoe above our
heads?” he murmured into her ear.

“I don’t think so.”  She looked up.

He nuzzled her neck and moved her
around to face him.  He kissed her.

“Duncan,” she said shyly.

He nibbled her lip.  “Yes, Mrs.
Phillips?”

She sighed.  “I’m not Mrs. Phillips
yet.  Behave.”

“Only until I get you back to your
house, then all bets are off.  I missed you last night.  No you to cuddle with
and no phone call.  There’s only so much I can take.  I want to see what you
look like wearing nothing but the ring,” he whispered.

She giggled, “Aren’t you interested
in seeing your presents?”

“I’ll have fun unwrapping them. 
Then I’ll get what I want.”

“You’re pretty confident.”

“Yes, I am.”

She giggled.  He kissed her
dimple.  One party might be over, but another was about to begin.

“Duncan?” asked Meara.

He was standing next to her in the
hallway while Andrew, Lisa, Sean and John were hugging everyone goodbye.  “Yes,
dear?”

“New Year’s Eve.  Your house,” she
whispered, nodding towards everyone else.

His face clouded.  It meant another
holiday without her sleeping next to him.  He sighed.  She was right but he
didn’t have to like it.

“What’s everyone doing for New
Year’s Eve?” he asked.

Plans were made for Duncan’s family
to arrive Friday night and stay for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.  Meara’s
family would join them for New Year’s Eve and a brunch on New Year’s Day. 
After his family left, Duncan and Meara said goodnight to her family. 
Silently, he took her hand, leading her across the backyard to her house.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.  “You’re
too quiet.”

Once inside the house, he took a
deep breath.  “I agree with you the families should spend the holidays
together.  I don’t have a problem with that.  I do have a problem with the
sleeping arrangements.   I understand how you feel, but can’t it end now we’re
engaged?”

“I’m sorry, Duncan.  I can’t sleep
in the same bed with you if family is around.  I might be the only one who
thinks this way, but I respect Brenda too much to dishonor her memory.  Once
we’re married, it won’t be an issue, I promise.  Please don’t be upset.  I
think I have a solution.”

“It better be a good one because
I’m cranky and it’s ruining my mood,” he pouted.

“Your family will come Friday
night.  You sleep there and I sleep here.  New Year’s Eve, we both sleep here. 
We can have the families here for breakfast.  It’s a small house, but we’ll
manage.”

He wasn’t worried about her having
nightmares.  He simply missed her.  Her body, her breathing, her bent index
finger curled by her lips.  Reaching out during the night and knowing she was
there.  Pulling her close and burying his face in her hair.  He still wanted to
be placated.

“Will I get a phone call?” asked
Duncan, his mood brightening slightly.

“Let me show you my new outfits and
you can pick the one I’ll wear when I call you.”  She breathed into his ear. 
“Will that make it better?”

“It’s a start.”  He acted aloof. 
“Why don’t you go slip into something sexy, bring the others, and we’ll talk
about it?”

“Yes, dear.”  She kissed him before
running off down the hallway.

He went to the spare bedroom.  He
grabbed the blue blanket and the rainbow pillows.  He arranged the blanket in
front of the fireplace.  He placed the pillows and extra throw pillows around
the edges.  He retrieved two glasses and the champagne from the refrigerator. 
He started a small fire in the fireplace.  He stepped back and admired his
work.  Perfect.

She was still in the bedroom, so he
ducked into the hall bathroom.  He slipped on a pair of blue silk boxer shorts
she had given him and a soft gray t-shirt he knew she loved.  Returning to the
living room, he sat on the floor, pulled the blanket over himself and waited
for her.  He caught his breath when he saw her.

She was wearing a floor-length,
white cotton nightgown with a line of buttons from her bosom to her feet.  She
was smiling mischievously because she knew buttons made him nervous.  Her hair
fell freely around her shoulders.  Her feet were bare.  She was carrying
something black and red.

“What’s that?” he asked, pointing
to her hands.

“When I call you, do you want me to
wear black or red?”  She held up each outfit for him to see.

“Black.  And I want you to wear red
New Year’s Eve,” he said hurriedly, patting the floor next to him.  “Now come
here.”

“What’s all this?  Are we camping
out?”  She smirked.  “Maybe I should put on my flannel pajamas instead of
this.”

“NO!”  He howled.  “Please come
snuggle with me.”

“Someone’s a little grumpy.”  She
laughed as she slid down next to him.  “You’re wearing the shorts I gave you.”

“Yes, I am.  Now I’m going to get
you tipsy and have my way with you.  Those buttons won’t stop me.  Merry
Christmas, future Mrs. Phillips.”

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Phillips. 
Are you sure about the champagne?  I might squirm on you while you undo the
buttons.”

“I’ll go get my paddle.  I’m a
determined man this evening.  I want to see you among the pillows and blanket
in front of the fire, wearing nothing but a smile and my ring.”

“Mr. Phillips, pour the champagne. 
The buttons won’t be your only challenge this evening.”  She unbuttoned the top
button to reveal a pale blue bra.

He handed her a glass.  He
recognized the bra as one of the tricky ones that unhooked in front.

He huffed.  “You’re trying my
patience this evening, you naughty girl.  Maybe I should put you over my knee
first.”

Smiling, she touched glasses with
him.  “To us.”

“To us,” Duncan said.

After they sipped the champagne, he
put his glass down and nuzzled her neck.  “Finish your glass.”

She did as she was told.  The
champagne was acting quickly.  She felt warm all over as she propped herself up
among the pillows.

She beckoned to him.  “Duncan.”

“I could slip the nightgown over
your head, but it wouldn’t be as exciting.”

He started at the top and slowly
worked his way down.  Her breasts were tempting him, so he kissed them.  He
continued undoing her buttons and found she wore a matching pair of pale blue
panties.  He exhaled loudly.

“Mr. Phillips, tomorrow’s a work
day,” she teased.  “It’s getting late and we need our rest.”

“No, it’s still Christmas and I’ve
been a good boy.  No one’s getting any sleep until I have what I want,” he
said, sounding like a toddler about to throw a tantrum.

“You missed me that much,
sweetheart?  Pour me another glass of champagne and I’ll give you what you
want.  I’ll show my fiancé how much I love him.  How much the dragon loves her
knight.”

His face lit up gleefully.  “Now
you’re talking.”

He poured her another glass.  When
she was done, he covered her face with kisses.  He nibbled her lips and bit her
neck.  He grasped the front of her bra and unhooked it expertly.  She gasped.

“I’ve been practicing.  Merry
Christmas, my love,” he whispered.

She slipped off her nightgown and panties. 
“Merry Christmas, my very good boy.  You have your present now.”

She showed him the ring as she
curled up naked among the pillows and blanket.

“I’m not done yet,” he said as he
wrapped his arms around her.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” she
moaned.

“Time to wake up, slug-a-bed!” Duncan
growled in Meara’s ear.

She opened one eye.  “Who are you
calling slug-a-bed?”

“You.  It’s time to get up.  It’s
going to be a long day.  It’s the day before New Year’s Eve and someone invited
the families over.  I wonder who that was.”

“Someone who’s regretting it now. 
I’m glad we’re at my house.  I can wait until the very last minute to get up.”

“Not if I instigate a tickle
fight.” He held out his hands and wiggled his fingers.

“You wouldn’t.  No.  Duncan, no!” 
She shrieked, leaping out of bed.

“Good.  I’ll make breakfast.  Get
going!”

“I have to make your lunch.  At
lunchtime, I’m going with Sherrie to the South Branchville library.  Anne has a
half day, so Diana’s going to pick up their passports.  I’m bringing Anne back
with me.”

“I can fend for myself.  Don’t
worry.”  He kissed her.