Page 55 of Justice for Aleta

Jack nodded there in his car alone. “Yeah. Live my life.” He knew exactly what kind of living he was going to do next.

And it all hinged on Aleta.

* * *

“And I got these,”DeniseFletcher said, “and these, and these.” The boxes were full, and Jack looked down into them. Dishes, towels, curtains, flatware, pots and pans?his mother had outfitted their whole kitchen.

“Thanks, Mom! Although don’t you think it would’ve been better if Aleta had been able to choose?”

“Oh, don’t pay any attention to him, Mrs.Fletcher,” Aleta chirped. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”

“See?” his mother scolded. “Your girlfriend is grateful.”

“I am too, Mom. Really, I am. I just don’t want Aleta to feel like she has no say.”

Aleta shook her head. “I’m fine, really. It’s all fine.” She began unloading the boxes and laying things out on the counters.

“All the dishes, flatware, and cookware have been washed, and so have the towels. Everything’s ready to just be put away. If you’ll tell me where you want things, I’ll help you.” Denise pulled more items out of the boxes, and Jack watched as the two of them laughed and chatted together, working shoulder to shoulder.

Jack ducked his head into the bedroom. The painters were working to get it finished that afternoon, and if they could, it would be dry by bedtime. The new bed and bedroom suite were out in the garage, covered with plastic, and he really wanted to get it all moved inside. It seemed like every time he walked into it, the apartment got smaller, and it had become claustrophobic to him. Christmas there had been almost intolerable. They’d bought a tiny two-foot tree, but there really hadn’t even been a place to put it. His mom and dad had invited them there, and that was the only thing that saved the holiday, but there was one thing that made it exceptional. They were together. They were safe and healthy. That was what really mattered.

Still, it would be nice to be able to relax in their own home. It was almost finished, and they could just walk right in. He wandered through and looked at the hewn beams in the cathedral ceiling of the living room, the chandelier in the dining room, and the matching fixture in the hallway. And the bathroom was nicer than the one he’d had before. They were walking around on subfloors, but the installers would be there the following Monday to do the floors. The house was beautiful, and it was theirs, one that was built by the two of them, their own design. In some ways, he was glad Aleta had gotten the chance to pick out everything. She deserved things that were hers, not things Heather had picked out.

He’d had a little trouble with his parents at first. They’d loved Heather, but she was gone, and he made sure to remind them of that every time he mentioned Aleta. But it wasn’t until they actually met her that they fell in love with her just as he had. She and Denise had become fast friends, and his dad liked her too.

And then there was Amos. Who gave a shit what he thought? But Jack laughed. Amos liked Aleta. That had been obvious when he’d been around her. If they were lucky, maybe his older brother would find somebody. Oh, who was he kidding? Nobody wanted that dickhead! The thought made Jack laugh.

He was nearing the kitchen doorway when he heard Aleta say, “I don’t know. He hasn’t asked me. So I’m just waiting.”

There was no doubt in his mind?his mother had asked when they were getting married. God, she just couldn’t give it a rest! Even his dad had been on his case about it. Couldn’t they understand that he wanted everything to be ready before he did that?

Everything had to be perfect. Everything had to be ready. And when all the stars aligned, AletaCulp would be his wife. He could barely wait.

* * *

“Oh! They’re here!”Aleta was darting around the big kitchen, pulling things from the refrigerator and uncovering them, placing them just so-so on the dining table, wiping here, picking up there.

“You want these out?” Tiki asked, carrying a tray of deviled eggs into the dining room.

“Yes! Thank you. Right over there,” Aleta said and pointed.

“Babe, calm down,” Jack told her and kissed her on the cheek as he passed.

She didn’t even look up when she asked, “Did you get that picture hung like I asked?”

“Yes. I did. And it’s perfect. I promise. Enjoy this, babe. It’s not every day we get to have an open house for a new home.”

“I know, I know, but I want it all to be perfect. I want you to be proud,” she said, still not looking at him.

“Too late. I already am,” he replied and laughed.

One car after another pulled up and friends and family got out. Fifteen minutes after Jack had hung the picture, the house was full of laughter, beer, and food. Aleta led one tour after another through the place so their guests couldoohandahhover their hard work. But Jack kept an eye out. He was expecting some special guests.

Thirty minutes after the open house had begun, a car pulled into the drive, followed by another, just as Jack had planned. An older couple got out of the front one, and a younger couple from the second, the woman packing a toddler on her hip and the man leading a preschooler. Jack met them at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m so glad you guys could come. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The man shook his hand heartily, but the woman grabbed him and hugged him. After he’d been introduced to the younger couple and their children, he led the way back into the house and called out, “Aleta?”

“Yeah, babe! I’m back here! We’re in the bathroom! I’m showing them the heated towel bars!”

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