Special Occasions Chapter 1 Life isn’t about making money. It isn’t about social status. It’s about being kind and making a difference in the lives of those around you. It’s about doing good things, not expecting anything in return, and being all the better for it. Thank God for Mom and Dad teaching me these important life rules. At the time I didn’t appreciate it, but as I wandered the path of my life, their words became my mantra. I look back in time and shake my head. It’s a wonder I survived living in our haze-filled home. I went through most of my life in this weed fragranced stupor. It amazes me that I graduated high school with honors and continued on to college! Mind you, I never had to take a toke, I was high from the residual smoke that filled the house! Marijuana was a normal diet at my house. My parents, God love them, considered the leafy green plants part of the basic food group. They were open about using around my brother and I, offered it to us if we wanted to try it, and in some instances supplied a couple well known Acorn Hills businessmen, as well as a few housewives. Honestly, I wouldn’t change my life for anything. I learned good morals and values from two of the best people in the world. My parents, Bob and Sylvia Stevens, were both highly respected psychologists in the community. After my brother, Christian, was born, Mom and Dad decided they needed to spend more time with us kids. As you well know in the 70’s women were just beginning to find their voice. My mother certainly found hers. There were very few female psychologists in the field of crisis counseling. Eventually she sacrificed her professional office to be a stay at home mom. Dad decided to try something new and work from home. He talked Mom into joining him. They had the best of both worlds…they were home, could parent us kids during our teenage years, and still work to put food on the table. We were a normal, middle-class family…you know pets, house, fence, and kids involved in any and everything possible. Mom and Dad had weekly card club at our house, Chris did his thing in the garage with cars or his makeshift band. I…well, I spent my last four years of school in the journalism department at Acorn Hills High. I was editor of the school paper. I went to every event, well, it seemed like every event. I wrote and edited articles, shot the pictures, put together the school year book, sold ads. I truly was a Jill of all things. My freshman year in high school I remember well. Here I am fresh out of junior high, scared of my own shadow, trying to make it with the big dogs of AHHS. I was far from a big dog, let me tell you. I didn’t wear designer clothes, nor did I have the desire to do so. I dressed how I wanted to dress. I think Mom was ecstatic that I mimicked her style most days: typical 70’s attire, hip hugger bell bottoms, peasant blouses or just under the boobs crop tops, fringe vests, Birkenstocks, huge flowers in my long Sun-In tinted hair, and my signature rose colored sunglasses…that really didn’t make the world look any better. My best friend, Ginger Farnsworth, and I were inseparable. She was the dance team lead and head cheerleader, so we went to most school events together. Her mother, whom I loved to pieces, had an old VW bus. She was the official herd driver: meaning she’d leave their house, drive a two blocks radius, pick up everyone on the route, and deposit us in front of the school. When she couldn’t, one of my parents would. It’s sad, really, how you make friendships in high school and wind up going different ways. I really wish today’s society knew how to cultivate friendships up close and personal. It seems everything is done through social media or in text messages. No one has time to do face to face relationships. I can’t say that I hate social media because, thankfully, in some cases it’s how we all found our way back to each other later in life. Have no idea what I’d do without Ginger and Jordan, Denise and David, and of course, my Richard. I remember the homecoming football game my freshman year. I was shooting action pics of both teams. I was on the opposing sideline shooting and nearly got tackled. Had it not been for one of the players, I’d have been squashed flat. This pair of strong arms lifted me up and out of the way of a two hundred and fifty-pound moose of a kid. I yelled at the guy who’d picked me up to be careful not to break my camera. He put me down, shook his head, pointed his finger directly at me, and told me to stay out of the way. Later that night at the dance, I found out whose strong arms were around me…Brett Halloran, the QB for the opposition! Imagine my surprise when he came over to me. “I think you better watch where you’re going from now on,” he’d said. My face was hot and I know I was as red as red could be. All I could do was smile. I was too chagrined to do anything else. Brett wouldn’t leave my side at the dance. I found myself dancing every dance with him and laughing so hard at his corny jokes. He walked by my side out of the gym, grabbed my shoulders, and kissed my forehead. He headed to his car with a “see ya later, Stevens.” Mom knew something was up when I got home. The damned woman had ESP or could time travel, I swear. She always seemed to know every stinking little thing that happened in my life before I told her. She sat down on the avocado green couch and pulled me down beside her. Man, I remember it so well. “Well, who is he?” “Mom, seriously!” “I know that look, Jillian Marie. Who is it?” I sighed, looked my mother square in the eye, and began gushing. “Brett Halloran. Oh, mom, he is just dreamy! We spent the entire evening dancing and laughing. He is so funny, Mom…” “Jillian, I think we better get you on birth control pills.” Those were the last words of the evening. I shook my head in disbelief that my mother would be thinking in those terms. Honestly, I thank her today for her forward thinking. Three dates after the dance in the back of his copper two door Cougar with the black top and leather interior, I lost my virginity. We were sexually active throughout our entire relationship. I can honestly say Brett was my first love. The first time he kissed me tingles ran the full length of my spine…and it was only a sweet little kiss on my forehead! Holy Mother of Pearls! As our relationship blossomed, those kisses turned into blazing infernos that set my soul on fire. No wonder the back seat of his car was initiated…several times! Brett accepted a full ride scholarship to play baseball at Montana State University. Of course there was no way I was going to be away from him any longer than I had to. I applied at MSU and was accepted into their business program. We ran off to the Justice of the Peace in Bozeman and got married our senior year of college. Oh God, I remember Daddy’s wrath! Brett and I had driven back to Acorn Hills for the holidays. Everyone was at the house. Mom and Dad knew we’d planned on getting married, so they were in the throes of making this huge wedding happen. The look of disappointment on Daddy’s face when I not only told them we were married, but that we’d lost a baby, too, was more than I could handle. Mom, in true mom-style, welcomed Brett into the family, much to Daddy’s chagrin. Her words still ring in my head today. “Well, Bob, there’s nothing you can do about this now. We need to love Brett and pray he is a good provider for our daughter.” I ran from the room. I couldn’t handle it any more. I’d brought shame to the Stevens’ house, to the Stevens’ name. More than that I was upset that I’d upset my Dad so much that he was angry…angrier than I’d ever seen him. In time, Daddy warmed up to the idea of me being married. I think he was hurt that he didn’t get to give his little girl away at the altar. Neither Brett nor I wanted a traditional wedding. It just wasn’t who we were. Do I regret that today? Yeah, sometimes. Do I regret marrying Brett? Not on your life. He was my first love, and I loved that man with every ounce of me. It’s true, Brett and I had a rocky start, but the rest of our life together was an adventure I wouldn’t trade for the world. Richard walked up behind his wife and kissed her neck. He rested his chin on the top of her head. His strong arms encircled her shoulders. “What’re ya doin, Jilly Bean?” Jillian laid the pen and her glasses on the open book in front of her. “Gathering my thoughts. I’ve been wanting to document a few things for a long time. Now that I have the time, I try writing some each day.” Richard massaged Jillian’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “For the boys?” Jillian shook her head in agreement with her husband. “I guess. Actually, I think it’s more for me.” She stood up and her arms instinctively surrounded Richard’s waist. She lifted her head briefly, smiled, and looked Richard directly in the eye. “Do you know how much I love you?” Jillian pressed her face into Richard’s broad chest and squeezed her arms around his middle. There was something so comforting about him holding her, smelling his earthy uniqueness, knowing he was her forever happy ever after. It seemed a thousand years ago when she kept looking over the fence that separated her parents’ property from the Dempsey back yard. That back yard saw more action on a daily basis than the best whore from the downtown district. Kids were coming and going all the time. If it wasn’t basketball, it was a game of touch football. If not that, then just a get together with music and refreshments. Mrs. Dempsey always had food, including cookies. She always had time for her children, Richard and Stephanie, as well as all of their friends. She joyfully served them, laughed with them, and engaged in conversation; but she knew when to step back and leave them alone to do their thing, too. “What are you thinking about, my Jilly Bean? It must be happy thoughts since I can feel your mouth crook against my chest.” Jillian sighed. Yes, most happy thoughts. Thoughts of a much simpler time than today, that’s for sure. Jillian raised her head again and gazed lovingly into her husband’s eyes. “Do you remember when Ginger and I tossed water balloons at you and the other football guys? I think you were hosting one of the weekly team dinners.” Richard let out a hearty chuckle. “How could I forget? You had dead accurate aim with your throw, and you never missed your target…ME.” Jillian giggled. Back in the day, she’d always hoped Richard wouldn’t be angry at her antics and take out after her. He never did. He just smiled or sometimes winked at her across the fence. “You never got angry at me.” “Why would I? I knew you wanted my attention. The other guys thought you were so cute. They all thought of you as their little sister. Did you know that?” “Honestly, if the truth be known, I think at the time the only thing I was interested in was how you felt about me.” Jillian unwound her arms from her husband and tried walking away. Richard would have no part of that. He pulled her in closer and kissed her lips lightly. “Aw, Jilly. I didn’t realize what a gem you were until I thought it was too late. I’m glad you didn’t push me away when I kissed you under the mistletoe in the foyer of your folks’ house.” Jillian grabbed Richard’s hand and led him to the sliding glass doors that led to the patio. “Let’s sit outside.” It was a beautiful, warm evening as dusk settled on the Dempsey terrace. Richard opened the door and made sure the screen was pulled shut once they were outside. He led Jillian to the love seat by the glass topped umbrella table and nestled her into his side. “I was so shocked when you kissed me. I mulled that over for months, trying to figure out if you had feelings for me. I’ve always watched you from afar. I’d always wished you’d ask me to be a more permanent part of your life.” “Honey, why didn’t you say something?” Richard questioned. “It wasn’t until the guys and I left for Saigon that it hit me. I mean, how much you mean to me. I was such a dolt.” Jillian placed her left hand on Richard’s chest. The sunlight reflected on the stones in her ring. The glimmer caught Richard’s eye and he traced his fingers over her hand and rested on the ring. “Yup, this is much better than the cherry flavored pop ring.” It still amused Richard that he’d even thought of that little gem, no pun intended. He was so thankful that his physical therapist went along with his idea. He wanted to make sure during the wedding ceremony at the hospital he had something to put on Jillian’s finger and the silly candy ring was the only thing he could find on such short notice. Three weeks prior to leaving on their European honeymoon, Richard took Jillian ring shopping. He didn’t like the fact her left ring finger was bare. He wanted something there signifying his love for her, more so an indication she was taken. Richard made an appointment with Acorn Hills Jewelry. With Jillian in tow, they set off to purchase a ring that was unique to their relationship. After looking at several emerald, oval, princess, and round cut diamonds, including every tint available, nothing struck Jillian’s fancy. They all were beautiful, and she could afford to purchase the largest one in the place, but none of them stood out as the one for her. Mr. Reynolds, the jeweler looked from Richard to Jillian and folded his hands on the counter. He smiled. “My only suggestion is that we fashion one for you. Our team of designers is top notch in the state and have won numerous awards. You tell me what you see as your ring, and we can create it.” Mr. Reynolds handed a blank sheet of paper and pen to Jillian. Jillian looked at Richard and back to Mr. Reynolds. “You’re serious?” “Yes. We are more than qualified to create for you the ring that signifies the love you have for each other.” “I want it to be timeless,” Jillian stated. Richard patted her hand and nodded at the paper in front of her. “Jilly Bean, anything you want. Just start creating.” Jillian pushed the paper back across the glass case so it sat in front of Mr. Reynolds. She roughly sketched as she explained her drawing to the jeweler. Richard sat in awe as Jillian began describing her dream ring to the jeweler and he began sketching it on a paper of his own. It would be fashioned from the finest platinum. The stones would be one carat heart-shaped diamonds: two of them, one for Jillian and one for Richard. They would be off-set, one higher than the other, and held together with three swirling strands of platinum. One of the three strands would have two smaller diamonds signifying Devon and Alex. A simple platinum band would accompany the engagement ring. Mr. Reynolds showed Jillian and Richard his mock-up of the dream ring. He needed their signatures and approval to begin this unique project. “This will be beautiful, Mrs. Dempsey. Our designers will get started on this as soon as they can. I will phone you within the week with a progress report.” Three weeks to the day, the day they took off for France, Richard drove Jillian to pick up her rings. Mr. Reynolds greeted them and went to the back to retrieve the rings. He made sure they were cleaned and polished before placing them in Richard’s palm. “I think this lady needs to have you slide these rings on her finger.” Another salesman whipped out his cell phone and captured the moment as Richard slowly slid the plain platinum wedding band and custom ring on Jillian’s lithe finger. He smiled and wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. Mr. Reynolds folded his arms and beamed with pride as he watched what was happening. Fulfilling the dreams of clients never got old. He, too, brushed away a tear or two. “This is beautiful. Just beautiful.” Richard kissed Jillian then shook the salesman’s hand, who was busy writing down the phone number to send the photo. Now they could go on their honeymoon. Richard smiled as he remembered how happy they both were as they walked from the jewelry store to the car. It really did seem like eons ago, but then again like it was only yesterday. Jillian broke the silence between them. She raised her body and kissed Richard square on the lips and vocalized his own thoughts. “Richard, it all seems like such a dream,” she gestured with her hand. “All of this, you. I still can’t believe I have you forever.” Without responding, Richard shifted his position and gently laid Jillian back against the pillows of the loveseat. One arm was under her and the other was bracing himself so as not to fall on top of her. His eyes glazed with passion as he sighed, lowered his head, and growled low in his throat before kissing his wife. “Jilly, God I love you.” Richard continued exploring Jillian. His hands warm, smooth against her silky skin. Soon their clothing was in a pile on the tiled terrace. Jillian caressed Richard’s lower back as she returned kiss after kiss, matching his heat with her own desire. Gleeful sounds emitted from her soul as Richard continued masterfully making love with her. They moved in unison to the music of the age old dance until each flew into the stars. Their hands entwined as they climaxed together and rode the waves into a sated state of physical satisfaction. This wasn’t the first time they’d had sex on the terrace. In fact, it’d happened quite a lot. There was something to be said for being naked outside making love…it was freeing. Definitely a ‘70’s thing. Richard sat up, his breathing still labored. He snugged Jillian close to him and covered them with the afghan from the back of the loveseat. “Jilly, my God, honey. Each time I’m inside you, I wonder how it could be better. Each time I kiss you and hear you as I love you, you prove me wrong. It does get better…you get better…we get better…for old farts we aren’t…” Jillian raised her fingers to Richard’s lips and kept them there until he stopped talking. She just wanted to enjoy being with her husband. There was no need for words. She lifted her legs to his lap, put her head on his shoulder, and wrapped her left arm around his waist. Richard smiled and kissed Jillian’s fingers. He tucked the blanket around her shoulders. Jillian closed her eyes. He got it!
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