Angela's Song by AnnMarie Creedon

Author:AnnMarie Creedon [Creedon, AnnMarie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Full Quiver Publishing
Published: 2012-10-07T04:00:00+00:00

17

It’s Jack’s birthday. He took the whole day off to spend with us. It’s a school day, so Jack and I meet for morning Mass, and then we go grocery shopping together.

Jack wants me to make a big Italian meal…macaroni, meatballs, bracciole…the whole nine yards. It’s going to take hours, but Jack is constantly pampering me; so I am happy to be able to reciprocate for once.

While Jack finishes unpacking the car, I put a large pot on the stove and pour in some olive oil. Then I add some water to a small pot and put two eggs in it to hard boil for the filling for the bracciole. I’m dicing onions when he walks into the kitchen holding a small gift bag.

“What’s this?” I ask, wiping my hands on my apron,“You bought all the ingredients for dinner and now your own gift as well?”

He winks at me, which makes the color rise in my cheeks. “No, Angela, this is for you. I wanted to give you this today,” he says, handing me the bag. I’m touched by his thoughtfulness.

In the bag is a small box, obviously made for a piece of jewelry. Carefully, I lift the lid. Inside is a pair of exquisite emerald cut diamond stud earrings set in white gold. They must be at least a carat each. I draw in a breath. “Jack…I don’t know what to say…”

“Say you love them,” he says.

“I’m sorry. I... I was caught off guard. They are lovely and I do love them. Thank you.”

He embraces me and tilts my head up to look into his eyes. “I love you, Angela,” he whispers.

Tears roll down my cheeks. “Jack, I’m not sure if I’m there yet. I’m not sure if I know what love is…”

Is it possible to be both elated and devastated at the same time? Knowing that Jack is in love with me sets my heart soaring, but my inability to know my own feelings brings it crashing right back down to the ground.

“I want you to take all the time you need,” he says. “I hope you don’t think I’m pressuring you.”

“No, Jack. I can’t imagine you pressuring me to do anything. You have to be the most patient man I have ever known. I’m frustrated with myself, though. I wanted to make this day…everything…special for you.”

“Then put these on,” he says, taking the earrings out of the box. “I want to see them on you.”

I take one out of his hand and put it in my ear. It has some weight to it, but it’s not uncomfortable.

“They were Zia Mina’s. My uncle gave them to her on her fortieth birthday. She always hoped I would give them to the woman I loved and so I am honoring her wishes.”

My hands tremble a bit as I put the other earring in. “Jack, I don’t feel worthy to wear these. After all, from everything you have told me about your aunt, she was practically perfect in every way.” I sigh.

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