Kate Educates Jacob #61
Talk Of The Town
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Hi reader, I’m sorry this chapter is a day late. I’ve been caught up with meetings in London after arriving in the UK early this morning. My flights were a bit staggered, but I should get on top of my writing later today and for the rest of the week. I appreciate your patience.
Jacob’s Point Of View.
“I’ve been over the wedding day security arrangements, Jacob. The outdoor location where you and Kate will exchange vows is simple enough since we control the trail in and out.”
“That’s great, Claude. I want security to be unobtrusive.”
“Kate won’t know that we’re around.”
“Then you don’t know Kate, but I appreciate the effort you’ve gone to.”
I laughed, toasted Claude’s optimism with a large, brilliant white porcelain bowl of coffee, then sipped, enjoying the caffeine exchange that invigorated my exhausted body. Kate and I ran through the woods, where she gave me the maintenance spanking I needed over her knee with a stiff birch.
I recalled our making love in the shower, vigorously pounding my beloved until my semen was decanted deep inside her.
“Jacob?”
“Jacob”
“Sorry, Claude, I was somewhere else.”
“I was just saying that the local press will stay away but asked if they could have photographs of the happy couple and a ten-minute phone call with Kate and you.”
“No problem. Isabelle is handling all of that.”
“I like her and Karl, by the way.”
“She’s astute, and they make a nice couple.”
Claude and I sat at Lizzie’s Bar alone, piecing together security plans for our wedding day. The choice of our surname had been Kate’s decision for reasons Claude couldn’t understand. Once I told him so he could pass it on to others, I knew he was bursting to discuss the reason why but was too polite to ask.
“Is there something you’d like to discuss, Claude?”
“Yes, but it’s not my business to ask, brother.”
“Is it about us becoming Mrs. and Mr. Kate and Jacob Granger-Singleton?”
“Yes.”
“Do you feel it’s important, Claude?”
“Yes, of course, and I’m not criticizing. I’m just curious.”
“Kate chose our surname because she wants to combine our life stories. I would have gone along with becoming Mr Jacob Granger quite happily.”
“Why, though, Jacob? This is what I don’t understand.”
“The Granger name has equity in America, and that’s not just about money or Kate’s business portfolio. We have the foundation and other charitable work Kate wants us to do. Our kids need that identity, and the businesses will benefit from continuity. The Granger name is an advantage, but Kate wanted to have mine there too.”
“Is that all it is?”
“When Kate makes decisions like this, it reaffirms why I love her so much, buddy.”
“It’s not the traditional way.”
“We’re making our own traditions, together… all the way.”
“So you would have taken your wife’s surname entirely?”
“Yes, but she chose not to.”
“You seem happy, Jacob. I shouldn’t probe.”
“I enjoy submitting to Kate. That’s the most simple way to explain my happiness. If my fiancee is happy, she makes me happier. It’s a circle of positive love.”
“She doesn’t appear to be controlling.”
“Kate isn’t in the slightest bit manipulative. We have fun with our relationship, but it’s far from coercive or controlling. She’s not built that way.”
“But she is the dominant one between you?”
“Yes, I’ll always defer to Kate, but if that’s all you see going on between us, I’d say you are missing the key point.”
“Tell me what that is, Jacob, please.”
“We play to our strengths, combining them. Kate makes our life decisions, but she never does that without consulting me. I don’t ask to be involved, she does it on her terms. The main thing is, we’re happy, but it’s obvious you aren’t.”
He rocked back on the kitchen stool, looking deeply upset. I’d never seen Claude so troubled. When the French Special Forces man knocked back a double espresso without it touching the sides, I knew something was awry.
“Am I so obvious in my unhappiness, Jacob?”
“Only to me. Well, actually… probably to Kate as well, she doesn’t miss much.”
“What gives me away?”
“You seem negative lately.”
“It’s all about Hannah and me, my friend.”
“Is the relationship not going well?”
“It is going very well, but I want more. I don’t want this old lifestyle to return. Working for Jess was great fun, but I have developed deep feelings for Hannah, and I like my job here.”
“I enjoy having you as a friend, too, Claude. Aside from the great work you do, it’s good to have someone with the same background in soldiering to talk to.”
“Kate has helped you so much with your troubles, Jacob. It is clear to me what an advantage being in love with a great woman can be.”
“Most of all, she taught me that having PTSD is not a weakness, and neither is seeking help and sharing the load. Have you talked to Hannah about why you’re unhappy?”
“She is burdened with a new job and ongoing divorce. I don’t want to make her life any more challenging, especially for such a trivial matter as my feelings.”
He clammed up when Kate closed our bedroom door, heading over, smiling at both of us. She kissed Claude on the cheek, then me on the lips, pausing delectably so I felt her warm breath until I squirmed with delight, and she giggled.
Kate took a Cappuccino offered by Lizzie, who seemed to arrive when needed, departing silently afterward. I liked her company because she always had an anecdote to share but was never one to offer strong opinions.
My fiancee eyed Claude as though plotting her next move into check-mate for an opponent unaware of their coming downfall. She looked divine, with perfectly styled hair and the gorgeous complexion of a woman in love, bearing my child.
“Are you still brooding around about Hannah, Claude?”
“How did you know, Kate?”
My fiancee eyed him gleefully, enjoying Claude’s surprise. Kate could be provocative but only out of kindness unless she were crossed, and she was lightly teasing our friend, likely with good reason.
“I suppose you’ve been discussing your gloomy disposition with Jacob? Looking for a bit of guy-to-guy consolation, right?”
“Yes. We men are different.”
“It’s what makes you such a wonderful indulgence, Claude.”
“I’m sorry if it detracts from this important week.”
“Family and friends are always more important than a day.”
“Even your wedding day, Kate?”
“Even that, Claude. Why haven’t you told Hannah about your feelings?”
“How do you know I didn’t?”
“It’s a classic guy mistake to assume we girls see the world the same way you do. Our ability to read body language evolved out of necessity to protect ourselves and the kids when our menfolk were out hunting.”
“Are you saying you can see through me?”
“It’s not hard to be honest. You French guys especially wear your hearts on your sleeves. I think even Jacob probably can see you’re bottling something up. Hannah certainly knows you are.”
“Did she tell you anything?”
“That’s not Hannah’s way. I can see she is preoccupied whenever you are nearby. She’s worried about you.”
“Yes, I guess I am a bit obvious.”
“Do you love her, Claude?”
“Yes, very much. I didn’t realize how quickly my feelings would grow after arriving at Granger Hall.”
“Have you told her that?”
“No.”
“Another classic guy error. Being emotionally unavailable and bottling it up.”
“I don’t think I’m doing that.”
“Assuming you already told Jacob how you feel about Hannah, that makes two of us who know, and you still haven’t said a word to her.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m a coward, Kate.”
“I doubt anyone in their right mind would call you that. You are as brave a knight as any I’ve met, but you are wrong not to share how you feel with Hannah if you want the best for both of you.”
“I will do it. Thank you, Kate.”
“No problem. Jacob and I must leave now to drop Alicia at school, and no doubt you’ll want to follow at a distance that convinces you I don’t realize you are there.”
“I’m sorry about that, too.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Claude. Knowing you are nearby makes me feel safer. What daughter of ours would be better protected than having you two around.”
“I love Alicia. She’s such a kind and intelligent child.”
I turned towards a noise across the room as Alicia swung her oversized rucksack onto her back, grinning at us before marching over like a tiny mountaineer, wrapped up warm. She dropped the bag, jumped into my arms, then Kate’s, and finally Claude’s.
“I’m looking forward to school today.”
“Said no child ever, sweetheart.”
“I am Jacob. I’ll get to see my friends.”
“Why haven’t you brought them here?”
“Some don’t have cars, others parents say they don’t know if they would get through security.”
“Claude can arrange security clearance, and I can collect anyone you’d like. We can go together.”
“Are you sure, Jacob? I didn’t want to pester anyone.”
I felt slightly disappointed that Alicia felt so happy about something so simple. Kate saw what I did and got in first.
“Alicia, honey. This is your home, and we are your family. If you want something, you must ask, please. We’ll do all we can for you.”
“I know Kate. It just takes a little getting used to.”
“I’ll follow you and Jacob to collect your friends this weekend if you want to invite them to the wedding.”
“I would like that. Everyone in town wants to come. They are all talking about the wedding and both of you.”
Kate looked as surprised as I was. We hadn’t been at A Walk In The Clouds for long, didn’t know many people, and maintained a low profile to avoid being in anyone’s face.
“Promise Jacob and me you’ll ask for anything you want next time. We aren’t mind readers, baby girl.”
Kate deliberately stared at Claude, who grinned, then nodded an apology like the kid caught with their hand in a sweet jar. He shifted his weight, slipped off the kitchen stool, and left us to prepare his truck for the trip to our daughter’s school. He’d follow at a discrete distance, ever vigilant, especially now, after the revelation of Alicia’s Uncle Craig and his connection to an underworld I didn’t want my family involved with.
Outside school, dropping Alicia off amid a furor of parents kissing their children and school busses decanting an army of gossiping pre-teenagers was a pleasant departure from my planned day. Kate enjoyed it as well, both of us bathing in the wholesome feeling of being a family and part of a community.
“We should do this more often than once a week, Jacob.”
“She enjoys taking the school bus as well, sweetheart. Alicia enjoys socializing.”
“I know, but I love her so much. I want us to be close always.”
“We should plan some activities with Alicia, maybe with her friends as well.”
“What like?”
“We have an entire forest to camp in. I could easily set up a few tents, light a fire, toast marshmallows, and sing songs.”
“Can you sing outside the shower, Jacob?”
“Maybe not.”
“Can you handle a campsite full of girls?”
“I’ll have them learning forest tracking signs in no time.”
“Enjoy that for another three years, Jacob; then it all changes.”
“The small lodge that Alicia hid in would be a nice place to spend a night. We might cycle together, canoe in the river half an hour away, but we’ll leave climbing till after our baby is born.”
We watched our intrepid mountaineer march up the concrete steps leading to the school. At the top, Alicia turned, beamed, and waved from the front door, and my heart soared. Kate turned to mush, almost tearful, and I felt the same way, showing it a little less.
When she disappeared, we glanced at one another, hugged, and laughed.
“Can we go for coffee together, please Kate?”
“Yes, of course. Let’s head back to Lizzie’s right away.”
“I mean for us to go somewhere else?”
“Where do you have in mind?”
“The coffee shop right here in town.”
“Lead on Jacob.”
I grinned at my beloved, linked my arm with hers, and set off into town, a short walk to the main high street. A sumptuous coffee flavor of local repute awaited us, served by a man who eternally pretended to be grumpy. His shop front was all well-fitted wooden framed large windows painted pastel mint green, curtained at the sides and above by fine lace.
Inside, old square four-seater farmhouse tables were arranged perfectly in OCD-induced rows and columns, each covered with smart, freshly laundered white linen and wooden salt and pepper grinders. A menu poked up at ninety degrees, announcing the food and beverages I’d heard a great deal about.
A surly-looking man with a boss eye stared at us unpleasantly, leaning heavily on his counter.
“Are you Joe?”
“Are you Jacob?”
“Yes.”
“Then I am Joe. Welcome, Jacob.”
“They say you do great coffee.”
“I just brew it. Liza Bourne roasts the beans and won’t tell anyone from where they come or how she does it. It’s the same grinds you have at Lizzie’s Bar, only I have a few more varieties than she can keep fresh.”
“What do you recommend?”
“Strong or a Medium roast for you. A light roast for the lady expecting a baby. That way, she can have a large cup.”
I laughed, but Kate spluttered and was shocked. It wasn’t often I saw my fiancee lost for words, so I savored the moment, unwilling to admit how entertaining it was.
“You know that I’m pregnant, Joe?”
“Everyone in town knows you are pregnant, Kate. A new baby around here is a big deal. Our town population rises, as does my future customer base, and we have another son or daughter belonging to all of us.”
“We’re not locals, though.”
“Do you and Jacob live around here?”
“Yes, you know we do.”
“So you are locals then?”
“How do you even know about us?”
“You are Alicia’s new parents, saved the orphanage, and you get married this coming Saturday.”
“Yes. I guess the smoke signals hereabouts work then.”
“It’s just a shame you didn’t invite the town to your wedding. I hear it’s happening at Chester’s Pass.”
“Yes, but we didn’t invite people because we don’t know anyone. What do you mean Chester’s Pass?”
“Lovely man, sponsored local writers. They named that spot after him because he built the benches up there. You should know this now that you’re a local, Kate.”
“Clearly, my education is lacking, something I shall remedy with your help, Joe. Any advice?”
“I heard you’re a smart lady, but surely you can tell it’s impossible to know anyone if you don’t meet them.”
“And you think our wedding is a good place to meet people?”
“Not if you don’t invite them.”
They eyeballed one another in good spirits. Old Joe had a twinkle in his eye, more so when what I assumed must be his wife walked up behind him, encircled her arm around his waist, and leaned on the counter, shooting us a welcoming look.
“Never mind my Joe. He’s just being surly.”
“I’m curmudgeonly, Eve.”
“It amounts to the same thing. I prefer cantankerous.”
“No, we’ve discussed this long enough. Curmudgeonly befits my age and is a badge of character. Surly is just an angry, unfriendly goat. Cantankerous makes me argumentative.”
“Let’s go with irascible then, Joe. That makes you old and difficult.”
“Be quiet now, please, Eve, I think we’re about to be invited to a wedding.”
They both eyeballed me, then Kate, expecting a positive outcome. My fiancee tossed her head backward, laughing heartily, glancing at me with an expression of undying love.
“Oh, Jacob. You found this house and made me the happiest woman in the world in so many ways. Do we have room at the Inn for an unspecified number of guests on Saturday?”
“Always, sweetheart. We can erect marquees at the house for everyone to join us after the wedding.”
“Will they all fit into Chester’s Pass as well?”
“Some might have to climb a few feet up a tree to watch, but yes, that’s no problem either. Claude will have puppies about all of this, but it’s manageable.”
Kate leveled her gaze at the playful old man who loved to mislead people about a curmudgeonly nature that he had not an ounce of.
“My fiancee says it can be done, Joe. Would you be the man to let others know they are welcome to join us?”
“Am I a free town crier now?”
“I don’t know… are you?”
“For the lady and gentleman who saved our orphanage, yes, Eve and I definitely are.”
“My mother saved the orphanage. Henry, the Child Protection Services Officer and Town Hall, also pitched in.”
“But it was your family, Kate and Jacob.”
“Thank you, Joe.”
“Coffee’s are on the house. Now… are you certain everyone can come before I start passing out the word?”
“If my fiancee says it can be done, trust me, Joe, it will be done.”
Next Chapter:
Joe certainly made some good points, but security for the wedding will be interesting!
Alicia's import continues to grow. Now a whole community but a security nightmare. More possibility for intrigue. And all while you're traveling. Hard work. Don't worry about timetables you have to earn a good income. The writing is icing, even though you wish it could be your all. Until you become a published author (which is very difficult) I don't think you can give up your day job.