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We'd told our guests to come around 4:00 for dinner at 6:30 so, of course, Daryl and Jasmine came at 4:15 and Dan and Marie a few minutes later with Lucy's parents at almost 4:45. I wondered silently how they'd feel if we made our announcement before they arrived. Jonathan was suitably contrite when they arrived. "I am so sorry, Lucille. Your mother was moving like mud going uphill."
"Now, Jonathan," she replied. "You know that isn't true. My dress had a stain on it and I had to change almost everything. I'm sorry we're so late, Lucille…Matt." I hugged her and told her it was no big deal. Then she continued with a wry smile on her face. "I was wondering…is there some special reason why we're all here?"
I couldn't resist. "There's no fooling you, Marylou. There is. I heard from my advisor at UNC and with a few minor adjustments my Master's thesis will be complete. It's the final step for my degree in Criminology." I looked at Lucy and could see that she was barely holding back the giggles.
Then Jasmine stepped forward to say, "I thought we were celebrating my appointment to the City Council."
"Not to mention," Daryl chimed in, "Jasmine and I are officially engaged." Everyone agreed that was a great reason for celebrating so there were hugs and kisses and hearty handshakes all around as I stepped behind the bar to make a few drinks. Nobody said a word when Lucy and I opted for ginger ale.
"Aren't you having a celebration drink, Lucille," her mother asked.
"I can't, Mother. I'm pregnant." That announcement was met by stony silence for a few seconds while it sunk in, then there was as much pandemonium as six people could make. Jonathan actually jumped for joy as Marylou, Marie, and Jasmine hugged Lucy, doing that jumping thing that women seem to enjoy so much. Finally, Ingrid appeared with trays of cold boiled shrimp and assorted canapés that featured several kinds of cheese, bacon, and caviar. I was sorely tempted to try them all, but instead I opted to kiss my bride.
Finally, Daryl walked up to hug me. "Nice going, bro; you are one lucky man."
"And you're not? You got yourself a fine woman in Jasmine. I wish you all the luck in the world."
"I think I've had my share. I have you for my best friend. I have a dream job in a beautiful community and I have the love of an incredible woman. All I need are a couple of kids and a dog and I'll be all set."
"The dog I can help you with. The kids are your problem." We shared a laugh at that as Lucy and Jasmine joined us. They must have been conspiring because they reached up to kiss us at the very same instant.
Just then my mother-in-law walked up to hug me for at least the fourth time. "I thank you every day for what you're doing for our town, Matt. Now I have an even better reason. I've always wanted to be a grandmother with a couple of grandkids to spoil rotten."
I knew she was kidding me so I played along. "I told Lucy that I wanted a dozen, at least." Marylou laughed as Lucy elbowed me in the ribs. I grunted in mock pain, but leaned down to reassure Max that it was all in fun.
We had a great time and I did credit Daryl for coming up with the menu. My on-the-bone slice of prime rib was an inch thick yet so tender that I rarely had to use my knife to cut it. Whatever Lucy was paying Ingrid, it wasn't anywhere near enough. She really was an outstanding cook. There was excitement in our conversation which was augmented by plenty of wine for Jonathan and three of the four wives. Lucy was pregnant and Daryl, Dan, and I were on call whenever we were not officially on duty. That's the reality of small town police departments so only Coke or ginger ale for us.
Eventually, Jonathan asked about Monday's Council meeting. "It went extremely well, Daddy," my bride answered. "Asshole Carl Haynes was suspended as were the two police officers. Jeremy Haynes' resignation was accepted. Jasmine was appointed to fill Carl's term and she'll be with us for at least a year until next Election Day. Matt gave us his budget requests for next year and he told us of his plans for the two city rec centers/police substations. I mentioned your generous offer of support. It turns out that there are two large parcels of land that would be ideal for the centers. All we'd need is thirty acres for each."
"Thirty acres? What the hell are you planning to put up there?"
"In addition to the building we were thinking of several outside basketball courts and Mr. Ferguson suggested at least one field each for football, soccer, and baseball. You know we really need these facilities."
Jonathan just shook his head then broke out laughing. "A word of warning, Matt; never underestimate my daughter, Lucille. Okay, have someone from the Planning Board get in touch with Morton Stafford and I'll make it happen. Can I consider my contribution to the project?"
"I think so, Daddy. Mr. Ferguson suggested prefab buildings that he thinks will cost us about $280,000 each so we should have enough to clear and grade the land. There are no wetlands or endangered species there unless the possum or the gray squirrel suddenly go on the list so I think we'll be good to build once we get the permits."
"Well, just don't actually do anything until you have the money."
"Daddy! I'm not a child, you know! I've been on the City Council for six years and, don't forget that forty-five percent of that land is mine."
"Here's another warning, Matt," Jonathan said while he was laughing. "Don't ever let your daughter get an MBA. She's been running me ragged for years." Then he laughed some more and all of us joined him. I leaned to my left to kiss my wife's cheek, but she turned her head, bringing her sweet lips to mine.