want people to feel sorry for her. But, if Jason asked her she would never go back to Minnesota. While everyone chatted during dinner Vicky noticed that Jason’s father never said another word. Throughout dinner Jason helped to feed Angel. Then, he reached over to hand Angel her sippy cup. Miriam could see that Jason was really in love. She also tried to make up for her husband’s silence. Vicky had resorted to one word answers herself. Vicky couldn’t wait for dinner to be over. This was a disaster. At the end of dinner John needed a cigar. “Jason why don’t you, Ed and I go on to the terrace for a cigar and let the ladies talk”. Jason looked over to Vicky to see if she’d be alright without him “You’ll be ok?” She nodded, “I’ll be fine please go with your dad”. Jason bent over and kissed her “We’ll be right back”. Ed rolled his eyes “oh come on Jason. She’ll be here when we get back and we’ll only be gone a minute”. The men walked away to the club terrace. Lilly announced she needed to make a trip to the ladies room. Once they were alone Miriam thought maybe she could get Vicky to open up a little more. “Angel is a beautiful child. How old is she again?” Vicky smiled “She is three.” “Would you and Jason like to have more children together?” Vicky’s smile faltered “Do you think….Jason is not…Angel is not Jason’s daughter.” “Oh honey I know that. If she were, wild horses wouldn’t have been able to keep Jason away from her. But, it’s obvious Angel has charmed him too. Can I be perfectly honest with you?” Vicky nodded. “Today was the first time that Jason has mentioned you to us. And he’s never mentioned your beautiful daughter. So, if it seems like we’re asking a lot of questions it’s because we’re very curious about the woman who seems to have captured our son’s heart. Vicky we are not bad people and John is not a bad guy but we’ve had to be cautious over the years. John is just very protective of Jason. However, Jason has proven to be a pretty good judge of character, so if he trusts you then so do I. John on the other hand, it takes him a little longer to warm up. Jason is so much like John that it’s scary. They fight all the time but they love each other very much. However, know this Jason is his own man. If you are Jason’s choice, then that’s all there is to it.” Vicky was grateful for her honesty. “Miriam, I do love Jason. I just hope I can make him happy. Every day I ask myself how I ended up such a lucky woman. When we first met I didn’t even know who he was I thought he was a sales man” Vicky giggled. “I believed that up until just a short time ago. Obviously, we don’t travel in the same circles so no-one I knew would have told me his real identity. And, as angry as I was that he kept his true identity hidden from me for a little while I’m glad he did it. I think we got to know each other pretty well during that time. I have to admit I am overwhelmed by all of this though and not just the money. I come from really humble beginnings and a completely different culture. I must admit it’s been interesting watching the dynamics play out between you guys”. Miriam turned to Vicky at the table “I think you will be good for Jason. I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. All I ask is that you take good care of his heart.” Vicky’s throat became a little thick and all she could do was nod. Miriam reached out and squeezed Vicky’s hand silently giving her her approval. “Now that’s that. Jason and John have had all the alone time they need. Anything longer than 15 minutes doesn’t tend to end well. Let’s go join them shall we?”
John Rutherford had excused himself and left for the men’s room. So, it was just Jason and Ed on the terrace. “Jason you can’t be serious about Vicky. Yes, she’s a beautiful girl but Jason she works in customer service? Is she pregnant? Is that it? Or, is Angel yours?” Jason looked incredulous, “Ed, not that this is any of your business but you can run and tell Bridget that no she is not pregnant and yes, I hope to adopt Angel one day. You should know that if Angel were mine there is no way in hell you would just now be finding out about it”. Ed was genuinely dumbfounded. “Jason, you are the head of CkR International, Inc. what are people going to think when you show up with that woman on your arm?” “What do you mean ‘that woman’?” “You know what I mean Jason. She is not like us. She works in customer service for god’s sake. You screw women like that you don’t make them apart of your life.” Jason couldn’t take Ed’s condescension any longer he grabbed Ed by the lapels and shoved him up against the wall. “Don’t ever and I mean ever let me her you talk about Vicky in that way or I swear I’ll….” John Rutherford returned at the perfect moment to diffuse the situation. He put a strong hand on his son’s shoulder while looking directly at Ed. “You should probably know that there is nothing worse than a Rutherford man feeling like he has to protect a Rutherford woman.” Jason held Ed for another moment before he let him go. John Rutherford lit his cigar as he focused in on Ed “Just a suggestion, but maybe you should go find Lilly. We’re probably going to be calling it a night here soon”. Unbeknownst to Jason, his father had overhead the last
