" I feel like a prisoner in my own home," Jacqueline said, looking out the window with a frown on her round, full face, " I don't like it, I am used to being able to go out anytime I please. If this snow keeps up for too much longer, I’m either going to go crazy, or go out in this weather anyway, even if I have to freeze half to death walking in the snow, because nothing and no one ever keeps me from doing anything that I want to do." She stared out the window, glaring at the snow, wishing that just by magic her gaze would make it all disappear. She shrugged and went to light a match, which she threw in the fireplace. She shook her head, she had never used her fireplace so much as she had this winter, it was the worst storm ever in Nebraska, and she had a feeling that she would dread winter, which, until now was her favorite season, from now on. As she sat reading, which was one of her favorite hobbies, there was a

Knock on the door. Again Jacqueline frowned, " Who would be crazy enough to be out in this?" She wondered aloud, she got up from her chair and tossed the book on it. Jeffery Gardner, her next-door neighbor, whom she was quite fond of, was at the door. Jacqueline smiled, and invited him in. " So, what brings you by?" Jacqueline asked, though her neighbor, and good friend Jeffery never had to have a specific reason for coming by, she always enjoyed his visits.

" I came to keep you company, if that's alright with you?"

" Of course it is, please sit down and make yourself at home." Both Jacqueline and Jeffery lived alone, so they would occasionally go to one or the other's house and talk, play games, just keep each other company, as Jeffery was now doing. Everyone in the neighborhood thought they looked like they would be a good match for each other, they were both like big kids, always playing jokes on each other, and they looked so good together and got along so well, people wondered why they hadn't gotten together a long time ago.

" So, Jackie, how are things going for you?" Jeffery was the only one Jacqueline allowed to call her Jackie, accept for some of her close family members. Jacqueline sighed and again looked out the window " Oh, things are going well for me personally, but I just am so tired of this snow, I am used to being able to go out whenever I want, and I am just not brave enough to go out in this weather although if it keeps up I will just get over my fear of being out in the snow, because I am even more afraid of being stuck in the house."

Jacqueline blushed realizing she had just babbled, something that she hardly ever did but was embarrassed every time she happened to find herself doing it " Anyway, enough about my problems, how are things going for you?"

Jeffery nodded "Can't complain." Then to try to cheer his pretty neighbor up he said " Don't worry Jackie, this snow will be gone before too long, then everything will be back to normal again, you'll see."

Jacqueline smiled, she hoped he was right. She stood up from the chair and said " if you'll excuse me, I’m going to make some hot chocolate, would you like some?"

" Ummmm, that sounds good, yes, please."

As Jacqueline was in the kitchen, Jeffery got up from the couch, which was just across the room from the chair Jackie had been sitting on, and went to look at the pictures on her fireplace. One was of Jackie and her parents a few years back. They were at a beach, standing in front of the clear blue ocean water. Jackie held a beach ball and smiled as she held it up pretending to be about to throw it at the person taking the picture.

Another picture was of Jackie's pet basset hound, who had been run over and killed last year Jeffery frowned as he looked at the picture, remembering how devastated Jackie had been at the loss of her only companion Jack...she never got another dog, using the typical excuse that no dog could take his place, but she soon got over her loss, either that, or she did a good job of acting like she had. Jeffery shook his head and looked at the next picture, which was a gift to her for Christmas, just last week, a vase of roses, her favorite flower... " here is your hot chocolate," said Jacqueline, as she came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray with a steamy cup of hot cocoa. " I hope you enjoy it."

Jeffery picked up the cup and said " ummm, looks good, thank you." Then he took a sip and quickly swallowed it down. Then with a scrunched up face

Said " e-e-e-w-w-w. What is this stuff? What ya tryin' to do kill me? I mean this stuff almost burnt the hair off my tongue, what, did you make it from old laundry water?" Then he laughed.

" Yes, I did Mr. Smarty pants," she said as she handed him a second cup of cocoa. " to get you back for the last time you played a joke on me. Putting that pet tarantula of yours in my mailbox last week. It scared me half to death. But it was quite ingenious. Who helped you think that up, your grandma?"

" Well, she was visiting for a few days last week, for Christmas." He said as he smiled at her, then winked.

" This weather really lags you know, I can't go anywhere." Jackie said.

" That's another reason I came over, I knew you would be extremely bored, and I have something outside that would cheer you up, and you won't have to be stuck inside all the time." She got her coat and boots on then he took her outside, there, sitting behind the old weeping willow were two quad-runners.

" You know that I’ve been wanting one of these for a while now and good old rich grandma thought I should have a pair so I would get out and date a little more."

Jacqueline smiled, " You spoiled brat, you are so lucky, what did you do, go crying to grandma 'oh, my dear, sweet generous grandma, you know I have been wanting a quad-runner for so long now ' like hint hint, and she took pity on you and got you two instead of one? What makes you so special?"

" I don't know, maybe she doesn't think I date enough. Of course, it is only obvious why I don't date.." He said, laughing " I can't drive, my looks aren't the best, I don't have a decent job, I am on welfare to pay me for sitting on my butt all day doing nothing, you know, I just don't have a lot going for me."

" Ha ha very funny, Mr. Accountant person you. You know that is not true, now why are you being so silly, I have never heard you talk badly of yourself, even to be joking around. You make more money in a week, than I do in a whole month. So, who do you have in mind to take on a date? That is if you think anyone would want to date you 'Mr. Welfare person."

" Well, I didn't drag you out in the freezing cold weather to show you these for nothing, miss poor school teacher lady. Now come on, let's try these out."

" Well, I have never ridden one of these things, but I’ll try anything once." Jackie

" Good, then let's go." Jeffery took Jacqueline’s hand and led her to the quad-runners. He showed her how to ride, to his amazement, she learned pretty quickly.

They rode around in the snow all afternoon and enjoyed themselves. It felt good to Jacqueline to get out in the snow after being trapped in her house all week. She smiled, Jeffery always knew what to do to cheer her up and make her feel better. It didn't surprise her that, when she was at home depressed, not wanting to be stuck in her house, he came along to get her

Out to do something. She couldn't remember when she had had so much fun. But she thought the last time was with Jeffery. To her, he seemed to always know what she was thinking, but there was one thing that she was sure that he had no clue about, that she wanted to be more than just friends with him. After they finished riding, and were chilled to the bone, they took the quads back to Jeff’s house. She asked him if he would like her to cook dinner for him.

" I don't know," he said as they walked back to her house " after that cocoa incident this morning I’m not sure I can trust you in the kitchen anymore.. Without proper supervision you might blow something up."

"Come on now, I’m not that bad. And I promise you I won't spike your food. And if that's the way you feel about my cooking, then I think i’ll come over to your house and eat all the time, but on second thought, I did see smoke coming out of your kitchen window and a fire truck outside your house the other night."

" Very funny miss burn the house down, trying to boil water. I'll accept your invitation. Only one condition, two bad cooks are better than one, I have to help you." " Oh, so the whole fire department can be over here, and everyone in town will know that we were trying to cook something 'together?' heaven forbid. Now Mr. Guest of honor, what would you like?"

" How about steak and lobster?"

" Oh, ok if you go to the ocean and get a lobster, then go kill a cow for some steak then i’ll make it for you. Try thinking of something that I have the ingredients to make it with."

" O.K. Then how about bloody worms then."

" Spaghetti it is."

" You do have fire extinguishers in here don't you?" Jeffery said, then busted up laughing. " ha, ha, ha it is to laugh." Jackie replied with a smirk. As they got out things to make the spaghetti, Jeff told Jackie that he was in the mood for biscuits too and asked her if she had ingredients to make them. In answer, she got out some bisquick, and the other ingredients to make biscuits. She got some eggs out of the refrigerator and as she turned around she tripped over the telephone cord and splat! The egg she had in her hand went right on Jeff’s face.

" EW, you did that on purpose." Jeff said and picked up the milk.

" no, it was an accident, I didn't mean to, really, please forgive me." Jeff put the milk down and put his hand in the bisquick instead.

" Ahhh, no, please, we don't want to make a big mess in here, I-I-I just cleaned, please, don't throw bisquick at me."

" Oh, now don't give me that, you are the one who shoved that egg in my face...and don't say I’m an egghead, either."

" Ah, schucks." Jackie couldn't help but giggle. Jeff came after her and poured the bisquick right on her head. She squealed then grabbed a rubber spatula to defend herself.

" Oh, what's that gonna do to me?" He asked, then she conked him on the head.

" Ouch, that hurt."

" That's what you get. Mr. Egg face."

" Very funny" he said. Then he grabbed her and started to tickle her.

" I’m not a tickle me Elmo doll" she said between giggles. While he tickled her she looked around for something to do to him. The only thing she could think of was to tickle him back. So she did. She liked these times with him, when they could just have fun and be like little kids.

" Don't you think it's about time we start on the dinner Jeff?" She asked between laughs.

" I suppose so." Then he stopped tickling her and she got up off the floor. And started with the dinner. When it was done, they ate their spaghetti, hoping for the best, and were pleasantly surprised that it turned out good. After dinner Jackie and Jeff sat out on the sofa in front of a warm fire. And watched " the Lion King" since they had both watched it over a hundred times together, for it was the only movie that she owned, Jackie wasn't really watching it so she started to talk. " Jeff," she said, he was intensely into the movie at that point, " Jeff," she said with a louder tone.

" what?" He replied. " can I talk to you seriously for once? I would like to thank you for saving me today."

" saving you from what?" He said with his eyes still glued to the TV

" can you stop watching that for a minute?"

" O.K. What do you want to talk about?" He asked as he clicked off the VCR

" I said-I would like to thank you for saving me today."

" saving you from what?" He asked again.

" from boredom," she said. " it was getting tiring being here in the house all the time, I needed to get out and do something. You always seem to know when I need to be cheered up."

" to tell you the truth I was kind of bored too, and I just had to get those quads broken in."

" but you said your grandma got those for you so you would have something to do for a date, and since you took me riding on them, what would you consider that to be?"

" Two friends out riding quads." Jeff said

" You're avoiding the question."

" What question?"

" Come on you ignoramus, do I have to spell it out for you? W-a-s- t-h-a-t- a- d-a-t-e-?"

" Would you like it to have been?"

" Do you think I would ask if I didn't?"

" Knowing you...probably"

" Be serious"

" I can't be serious with you, we're too silly to be serious together, but to answer your question, um-m-m-m sure why not."

Jackie frowned, not liking Jeffery to be silly when she was trying to be serious and said " now I know why you never get to go on dates, who would want a guy that is silly all the time and can never be serious?"

" Oh, come now Jackie, I can be serious, it is just too hard to be serious with you because you are my best friend, and I like to joke around with my friends and have fun."

" Yes, like a little kid right?" Jackie asked, wanting to hurt him as much as he was hurting her.

Not realizing Jacqueline was trying to hurt his feelings, Jeffery said " sure. You know I act like a kid sometimes, you wouldn't call putting my pet tarantula in your mailbox mature, would you?"

Jacqueline threw her hands up in exasperation and frustration. She sighed and decided to give up on her talk with Jeffery. It was plain to her that right now it would be pretty useless to try to tell him her true feelings for him. " Go ahead and turn the VCR Back on and continue to watch your movie, or leave it off and watch a TV Show if you like."

" O.K., Thanks." Jeff clicked the VCR back on and got engrossed in the movie again. Jacqueline shook her head and tried to imagine her life if she had actually gotten together with, and even married, Jeffery. But all that came to her mind was playing all the time and tarantulas in the mailbox. But once more, just to see if she could get his attention she said " I’m going out tomorrow night." To her surprise, it worked, but she didn't get the reply she was hoping for, she was hoping he would frown like he was jealous and say " You are going on a date? You never told me, until now. Who are you going out with?"

Instead he smiled and said " That's great, I’m happy for you. Who are you going out with?"

Jacqueline gritted her teeth feeling bad for lying just to get Jeffrey’s attention, and wondered if she should continue her lie. She figured maybe she could call one of her friends to see if they could do something together, even if it meant going out in the snow, just so she wouldn't be lying. " Just one of my good friends that live on the other side of town. "

" Oh, I thought you meant an actual date... With a man...well, hope you have fun with your friend." He turned back to the TV

Although the two at the time didn't realize it, this was the most serious, non-serious relationship in the whole town, of Willowbrook, called that for the many willow trees in the area. In this small town everybody knew everybody, and everybody knew that these two ... Were going to get together. The only problem with that was, they didn't have a clue. That was one reason Jeffery didn't have any dates, all the girls liked him fine, and

would go out with him if he asked. But he didn't, because with out realizing it, he had Jackie to hang around with, and that's all he really wanted.

It was quite late when Jeffery left. Because even after his movie got over he wanted to continue to watch TV and Jacqueline, being the good friend that she was to Jeffery went ahead and let him stay and watch all the TV he wanted, because she liked it when he was there, although at the time she was frustrated with him and was quite tired and knew he had a perfectly good TV at home to watch.

As she walked him to the front door Jackie said " I had fun today Jeffery, thanks again for taking me out to ride the quad-runner, I really enjoyed myself."

" I enjoyed myself too, as I always do when I’m with you. Thanks for dinner and for letting me stay here half the night watching TV Goodbye and goodnight."

" Goodbye Jeff." Jackie watched Jeffery go home wishing the night didn't have to end, even though she was disappointed that Jeffery watched TV All night instead of talking to her and had decided that she would get to be more than just his friend.

As Jeff walked home, he thought how glad he was that she wasn't going out with a man, he would be jealous because he liked Jackie. He thought about the good time he had with Jackie riding on the quads with her and spending time with her. He always had fun with her, and he hoped she enjoyed spending time with him as much as he enjoyed being with her. He smiled, remembering the food fight they had. It was a mess, but he had to admit he actually liked it. Maybe because it was an excuse to really get close to, and touch Jackie in a way he had never touched her before, but he hoped he would be able to do more than just tickle her and be more than just her friend someday. But he didn't think she thought about him the way he thought about her.

Jackie watched him as he walked a few feet, then went inside and closed the door and stood at the window to watch him walk the rest of the way home. She wondered what she would have been doing that day if he hadn't come by to get her out of the house, probably read, or watch TV She really enjoyed her day, thanks to Jeff.

She thought about the big mess in the kitchen she would have to clean up, but she didn't mind, she had actually enjoyed the food fight with Jeff, she liked it when he tickled her, because she had been able to be close to him and feel the touch of his hands. She hoped that one day, his hands would touch her affectionately and tenderly, out of love for her because they would no longer be just friends, but, they would be lovers.

The next morning, there was still alot of snow on the ground, but fortunately a lot of it melted too, so Jackie decided to bake some cookies. That afternoon it was better outside, the snow was more cleared up on the roads making it easier to get around. She thought that it was nice that Jeff took her riding the day before, so she would return the favor by taking him some cookies. One thing she did know, that he liked her cookies because he would always raid the cookie jar when he came over, which is most of the reason why she made them. When she was finished cleaning up she called Jeff to see if he was home and told him she had a surprise for him.

When she got there he asked " So what is the surprise?"

" These" she showed him the cookies.

Then he asked " Did you take extra special care not to burn them, and catch the house on fire so the firemen wouldn't have to come over and put it out ?" " Jeffery Gardner, with a statement like that, maybe you shouldn't get any of these award winning cookies, after all they did win first prize at the fair last year."

" Well if they're that old I don't know if I want them then."

" The recipe you silly goof, but you know that since you ate them all after the fair was over, like you always do."

" I know, I love your cookies..." He started to say. " Then why don't you marry them then." She interrupted.

" The marriage wouldn't last long because I would eat them all the first day. But they do look good and I do thank you for them"

" Well, I baked these for you to say thank you for taking me out riding yesterday, and saving me from a day of boredom."

" Well," he said " I have something for you too." " You shouldn't have, what is it?"

"This!!" He gave her a kiss right on the cheek.

Jackie could feel tingles going up her spine with the touch of Jeff’s lips on her cheek. Somehow she couldn't help wishing that he was kissing her somewhere else and she was tempted to turn her head so that her lips would meet his, then he would be really surprised, especially since kissing him on the lips would show her true feelings for him. To her embarrassment she blushed, knowing it was because of these thoughts she was having. Jeff noticed her blushing and, thinking his kiss made her blush, he smiled and said," Made you blush didn't I?"

Jackie was so engrossed in her intimate thoughts that she barely heard him. " hmmm? Oh yes, I-I guess you did," she lied. " You surprised me, and I was coming here to surprise you." That at least wasn't a lie.

" Oh, well you succeeded, I am especially surprised that you came out in this weather, even though the weather is getting a lot better."

" Oh well, I had to do something special to thank you for taking me out yesterday, I don't want you to always do things for me and have me never do things for you, it wouldn't be right."

" Well I appreciate it. By the way, what do you have planned tonight to do with your friend?"

" Friend?" Jackie almost forgot what he was talking about then remembered last night's lie to get his attention, " Oh, yes,' she frowned having that guilty look that a person has when they are about to confess to a lie, " I was trying to get your attention when you were watching TV Last night, I didn't really have plans to go out tonight, I am so sorry for lying, you will forgive me, won't you?"

Jeff tapped his chin in thought as if to make her wonder if he would really forgive her or not, though he wasn't upset with her, then nodded " Sure, I will forgive you this time, but don't expect me to trust you from now on."

" Oh, Jeff please..."

He smiled " Just kidding."

Jackie laughed then jabbed him in the arm "You are terrible, you know that?"

" Come now, I had to have some way to get back at you for lying, didn't I? But really I wasn't upset with you. Actually I should apologize to you for watching TV Last night and practically ignoring you, friends shouldn't ignore each other, so, I’m sorry."

Again Jackie was surprised, she knew apologizing wasn't easy for most men and she thought he didn't think there was anything wrong with him watching TV At her house the night before, so she was really touched that he had apologized to her. " It's alright, really. I enjoy your company, and even if you were just watching TV We were still together..." Jackie stopped, realizing she was starting to babble and wondered if she was starting to hint to Jeff that she liked being with him because she really liked him and not just because they were friends, " So anyway, I accept your apology." She finished, looking away so he wouldn't see her blush again and her irritated look for not letting herself just ramble on even if it meant telling Jeff how she really felt about him. But she knew the time wasn't right, not yet, besides, being the old-fashioned woman she sometimes tended to be, she wanted Jeff, if he felt the same way about her, or ever starting having feelings for her, to make the first move, but somehow she kind of doubted Jeff had any feelings for her other than friendship, especially after last night when he had told her he could never be serious with her because of their good friendship. She sighed... Jeff looked at her with a hint of concern and empathy

" Are you alright? Is something wrong?"

Jackie closed her eyes and swallowed, annoyed to find her eyes starting to water with her feelings of frustration 'Why can't I just tell him that I love him as more than just a friend...?' she asked herself, then blinking and taking a deep breath to try to compose herself, she turned to Jeff and smiled to cover up the fact that she was about to cry, and trying to sound as normal as possible, she said " I’m fine, just fine." 'Another lie,' she told herself angrily 'all I ever do is lie to him now.' she said.

" I really ought to be going now."

Jeff frowned " but you haven't been here for very long. I was hoping we could sit down and visit and maybe play games or do something together. I wanted to make up for last night. So please stay, at least for a little while."

Jackie sighed again, they had already spent practically all of yesterday together. " oh, come now, surely you are tired of me by now." She said, trying to find an excuse not to stay, even though she wouldn't mind staying, she just wasn't sure how she would act with him now.

" of course I’m not, otherwise I wouldn't have asked you to stay, and don't call me Shirley." Jeff said, half serious- half joking. But Jackie wasn't in the mood for joking around "There you go, joking around again."

" I told you last night that I...."

" I know, I know, you can't be serious with me because we're too silly to be serious together,' Jackie finished for him. " well, I would like us to be serious together once in awhile too, Jeff. Don't you have enough respect for me as a friend to do that for me? For once I would like us to act like adults and be serious with each other, I am not saying we can't joke around with each other too but we do that too much and I am getting tired of it. Please Jeff, can you at least try to not joke around so much?" She said, annoyed with him.

" Sure I’ll try, for you. Are you sure there is nothing wrong? I mean you have never had that tone of voice with me before and I

Don't like to see you upset."

" I am sorry, Jeff, i’ll try not to blow my top like that again. Now if you would still like me too, i’ll stay...on one condition,"

" What's that?"

" You don't joke around with me even one time while I am here."

" It's a deal." As always, the two enjoyed themselves doing all the things Jeff had mentioned, talking, playing games, and after eating their meal, which was chicken, corn-on-the-cob, mashed potatoes and tossed salad, they went out to a movie matinee. This time Jackie didn't bother asking if it was a date, because she already knew the answer. They were just two friends going out to do something fun together. For now, that was good enough for Jackie, but someday, hopefully they would go on actual dates as a couple and not just do fun things together as friends, like they were now doing. When they got back to Jeff’s after the movie, Jackie was surprised to see an elderly woman sitting on the couch playing Jeff’s Sega screaming at the tv "Kill Him, Kill him!!!". What really impressed Jackie was how elegantly the woman was dressed. Now she didn't have to wonder where he got his sense of humor from.

Jeff, too was surprised " Grandma! What a nice surprise, I mean I saw your caddie out front, but I-it's nice to see you." His grandma stood up and came over to give her grandson a hug, "Hello, Jeff-I knew you would be surprised to see me. I had to go to the city to meet a former high-school friend I just tracked down and got in touch with, and this is on the way back home so I thought I would stop by and say hi, if you don't mind." Jackie wanted to spend the rest of the night alone with Jeff so she was disappointed that Jeff’s grandma came to visit, but this was his house and he hardly saw his grandma even though they didn't live that far away from each other, so she said, " oh, no, I am sure Jeff doesn't mind at all now if you will excuse me I will be on my way home so you two can visit." Jeff didn't want the night with Jackie to end. He really wished they could have some more alone time together but he couldn't be rude to his grandma and tell her to leave so he introduced them " Grandma this is my friend Jackie, Jackie this is grandma, I’m sure i’ve told you about her but now you get to meet each other in person. Oh, and please call her Grandma. Anyone close to her grandchildren call her that."

" Nice to meet you, uhh, Grandma" she said " Well I really had fun today Jeff, but I will be going home. I don't want to impose on your grandma's visit."

But inside she was sad that his grandma had come because she wanted to spend more time with him, she was actually practicing in her mind how she would break it to Jeff that she liked him, for more than a friend. But then Jeff’s grandma said " Oh, please stay, Jackie. We can all visit, wouldn't you like that Jeffery?"

" Sure, of course. Have a seat, make yourselves at home."

Grandma put down the sega controller and said "I already did, thanks for the key so I could get in when I come"

" Are you sure I won't be imposing?" Asked Jackie.

" No dear," his grandma replied. " Actually, I’ve been wanting to meet you. Jeff tells me all sorts of wonderful things about you."

Jackie blushed when she said that. "Does he really?" She asked.

" Oh, yes, he thinks the world of you. Now I can see why. You are so pretty. You remind me of his mother when she was your age, so full of sparkle."

" You never mentioned that to me Jeff," Jackie said.

" Well I was real young when my mother was your age." Jeff replied.

" That is true, but I was old enough to remember of course." His grandma said " And remember, men usually pick out women that remind them of their mother. That must be why he likes you so much." "Grandma." Jeff whined.

" Well, it's only obvious. The way he talks about you all the time, the way he looks at you, there's love in his eyes when he looks at you."

" Grandma, you're embarrassing me." Jeff said.

" You only say that because it's true. Look at him Jackie he's blushing."

She replied turning her attention towards him again." Oh I’ve never seen him act this way over a girl. I guess I didn't need to get you those quads after all, seems like you have already gotten your self a girl."

" But we're just friends grandma" Jeffery said, with Jackie amused by all of this.

" That's the problem Jeff," Grandma said," everyone else in this town knows about how you two carry on. How you're always at each others houses. It's only obvious. Everyone knows I notice people and speak my mind, and I have waited long enough to let you two figure things out for yourselves, but you haven't yet and it's about time something was done about it. I can see it in you too Jackie. Right now, how you're blushing. You have the look too. Of a girl in love. Have you wondered why an available, handsome, successful, young man never went out on dates? It's not that the other girls wouldn't go out with him. It's because he's found one already. Now why do I have to be the one to tell you these things? Well I have to go now, it's getting late, for this old woman. So I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone to talk about this in private. But if I don't get a wedding announcement soon I’ll have to take both of you over my knee." With that she giggled, gave them a hug and left.

Jeff and Jackie both sat there speechless. The truth they had been hiding from each other had finally come out in the open. And what was worse, it came from someone other than either one of them.

" Is it true?" Asked Jackie. With a hope inside that it was really true. And if it was, then it would be easier for her to tell him what she wanted to for so long.

" She is very observant isn't she" Jeff said trying not to be too blunt.

" You didn't answer my question."

" Well," he sat silently for a moment, searching his mind for the right words, to tell her his feelings. He put his hand on hers, took a big gulp and said shyly

"Yes, it's true. I would like to be more than friends, but I didn't know how to tell you because I didn't know how you felt."

" Jeff," Jackie said with a sweet, gentle, voice "Remember last night when you were watching TV And I wanted to talk..."

" Yes."

" Well, I was trying to tell you then, how I feel about you. And all throughout today I was planning in my mind how I would tell you. I’m not thrilled that your grandma did it for us, but I am glad that she did because it's easier for me to tell you now. I love you Jeffery Gardner. I have for a long time. "

" Now I have another surprise for you, Jackie"

" What's that?" She asked.

"Something I’ve been wanting to give you for a long time." Then he leaned over and kissed her gently on her lips. Jackie's heart raced-just earlier she had been wishing that he was kissing her on the lips and now he was. As she had earlier, she felt tingles go up her spine but it was a different kind of tingling this was much more serious then earlier when he was just giving her a simple peck on the cheek-now they were being intimate, and touching each other in just the way Jackie was hoping they would touch each other some day, affectionately and tenderly, out of love for each other.

" Oh Jeff," she said after they got done kissing. " you don't know how long I have been waiting for this." She returned his kiss.

" Couldn't be any longer than I have been waiting." Jeff whispered caressing her nape gently but passionately. His lips traveled from her lips to her cheek then her neck, slowly moving to find the spot where his hands had just stroked so lovingly and tenderly.

Jackie closed her eyes, breathless, wanting more. Her hands were on his arms and she reached one up to bring his lips back to hers and started to caress his face, then went up to his head to run her fingers through his soft brown hair.

" Mmmm" Jeff purred, " That feels so good, Jackie..." Jackie smiled with pleasure at the compliment and started kissing him all over his face and neck as he had just done to her.

" Copy-cat." Jeff joked, forgetting his promise not to joke around. But Jackie didn't seem to mind, she just brought her lips to his ear and began to nibble on it. Jeff felt his heart race with each kiss and caress from the woman who had been his friend for so long and now they were more than just friends, at least they were doing the things that lovers do with each other.

" Does this mean we are now more than just friends?" He asked.

" I guess so, friends wouldn't do the things we are doing, would they?"

" I guess not."

Since they were hungry but didn't want to take the time to cook dinner, they ordered pizza. While waiting for it to be delivered they held each other and continued kissing and caressing each other, then Jackie thought back to earlier when she had been upset and was about to cry.

" You know earlier, when I was upset, when I yelled at you?" She asked.

" Yes." He replied, wondering what she was getting at, was she still mad? After all he did just joke around with her after he promised not too.

" Well, I was upset with myself, because I wanted to tell you then how I feel about you but somehow the time didn't seem right, so I didn't, so I was mad at myself because I figured if I didn't tell you then I might never tell you, but then I took my anger out on you, so I’m sorry. To be honest though, I would have liked you to make the first move, that's how old-fashioned I can be sometimes."

" It's okay. I’m just glad you weren't mad at me."

Jackie smiled. " When you kissed me on the cheek earlier, I was wishing you were kissing me on the lips. I’m almost embarrassed to be telling you this, but I was fantasizing that we were doing the things we just now did, the caresses, the kisses...well anyway, my fantasy just turned into reality all thanks to your grandma. By the way, what is her real name?"

" Oh, it's Evelyn-she's my mom's mom as you probably guessed earlier with her remark about you reminding her of my mother."

" So you don't remember your mother much when she was my age, which is twenty-eight, as you know."

" well, no, I was only two when she was twenty-eight, I don't have the world's greatest memory as you know. Now where were we..." He was about to take her in his arms and kiss her once more when there was a knock on the door.

" That must be the pizza" he said and went to get it. They ate hurriedly that night, wanting to pick up where they left off before it got to be too much later. Unfortunately the night had to end sometime, so Jeff took Jackie home and kissed her goodnight, knowing this had been the happiest day of his life, and he hoped it was for her too.

Before he left he said " How about we go out again tomorrow night, but this time it will be an actual date."

" I’ve been waiting for one of those too. Why do you think I asked you about that yesterday when we rode the quads?"

That night came slowly for Jackie. She could hardly wait for the actual date with Jeff. The kids in her class noticed something was different about " Miss Hilton." As they put it, she seemed to be in the clouds. Something was definitely up for she didn't even give them homework, which they were happy about. Since everyone knew everyone in this small town, and knew the things that were going on with each other, it didn't take long for even the 6th grade children to figure out what was going on.

One child asked at lunchtime " Miss Hilton, are you and Jeff Gardner boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

" Yes, Melissa, how did you know?" She replied.

" Something seems different about you today, and I figured it must be love, we have been wondering when you two would get together, I mean it was so obvious that you two like each other."

" Melissa!" Jackie gasped " I’m surprised at you! Now get along and go play."

Melissa ran off to her friends saying " Miss Hilton and Jeff, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G..."

Jackie just stood there and giggled to herself and imagined her and Jeff pushing a baby in a carriage.

Jeff could hardly concentrate on his work either. He often stared out the window to Jackie’s house wishing he could be there with her, but she was at school, and he was working also. They would be together tonight though, and he was looking forward to that night and many more nights with her. That night Jeff went to pick up Jackie. When he saw her he was pleasantly surprised, she always looked great, but tonight she looked so beautiful, her hair was naturally straight, but tonight she curled it and it had more body and style to it. She had on a new dress made of satin, it was red which complimented her and showed off her model-like figure. And it was only obvious she took a long time getting ready for this date, because she wanted to look her best for her date with her new boyfriend.

Jackie too was impressed with the way Jeff looked, he had on a suit and tie that really made him look like a distinguished gentleman.

" You look wonderful tonight." Jeff told her.

Jackie blushed " Thanks, so do you."

Jeff had his hand behind his back

" I brought you these." He held out some red roses.

Jackie gasped " Oh, Jeff, they're beautiful, you're so sweet, thank you so much."

" You're welcome. As for them being beautiful, tell the guy that grew them in his garden."

" You mean you picked them on the way here?"

" Just kidding."

" You brat!"

" Is it okay to joke around now?"

" Well gee, what are we doing now you silly goof?"

Jeff just smiled, then said " Shall we go now?"

" Sure. Where are we going?" She asked.

" My favorite place to eat, Joe’s bar and grill. We will eat road kill"

" Jeffery!..." She said, surprised.

" No, really, it's a surprise."

" Oh, I like surprises." Jackie was getting even more excited now.

"Good then let's go." They hopped in his truck and were on their way. They drove to the city nearby. The whole time Jackie wondered what he had in store for her. On the way they talked and joked as they usually did. They pulled into Mc'Donald's drive-thru. Jackie frowned, she really was surprised " Jeff, this is your surprise?" She asked, disappointed, but then decided to go along with it " Well, I wasn't in the mood for fast-food, but I guess it's okay."

Jeff started laughing.

"What?" Jackie asked wondering what could be so funny.

" Fooled you again, didn't I?" He said. Then he drove through and parked.

" I thought we weren't coming here." She said

" We're not, just come with me." He said. Then he went and opened up her door, and helped her out of the truck. "what a perfect gentleman.. Oh, so you aren’t taking me to McDonald’s with a coupon?" She joked.

"Oh very funny smart-aleck!" Jeff said. As he escorted her to the fancy restaurant next door, Jackie asked

"Why did you park there?"

"Because the restaurant parking lot is full, don't worry I know the manager. Hopefully the truck will still be there when we're done."

When they went into the restaurant, the hostess showed them right to a table.

" This is lovely, very cozy, I like restaurants with a 'homey' atmosphere where you can be comfortable and relax and feel right at home." Jackie said.

"Well I’m glad you like the restaurant I chose for us to eat at tonight . I wanted this to be a special night for us. We've gone out to eat before, but usually to a fast food, or pizza place. I wanted this to be for lack of a better word 'romantic'. But I DO have a coupon"

" I’ve often dreamt about us at a fancy restaurant, sometimes even when we went out to eat at fast food, I was wishing that we could be in a fancy restaurant on a real date and now we are, I’m so happy, even though you do have a coupon I don’t mind"

" I’m glad you are, Jackie. I always want you to be happy"

They ate their dinner, and then went dancing afterwards. This truly had been the best day of Jackie’s life up till now.

The next day at school when Jackie went into the classroom, she found a red rose on her desk. So the whole day went by slowly for her. All she could think of was getting out of class and being with Jeff. The children didn't mind though. They were happy for her, plus she didn't get as much homework for the next week.

Marian Gardner was taking a nap when the phone rang, startling her. She sat up and yawned and stretched and picked up the phone next to the couch. "Hello?" She said sleepily. It was Evelyn.

" Marian dear, this is your mother. I never hear from you so I thought I would call you and tell you what is going on here, something very interesting and very exciting has happened."

" Really?" Marian was curious now " you have piqued my interest, please do tell."

"Your son, Jeff-he has a girlfriend now."

"Does he? You CAN’T be serious!!"

" Yes. Isn't it great? I’m surprised he didn't call you to tell you the news himself, but he has probably been so busy working and spending so much time with his new girlfriend. I put them together you know."

" Who is this young lady?" Marian asked

" Remember his friend Jackie?"

" Yes, of course, he talks about her every time we talk on the phone."

" Well they are finally together. Everyone knew it was going to happen, except them. It's about time they figured it out for themselves, of course I had to help them along."

" From what I’ve heard, she seems like a real nice lady and a real looker, she really seems too good to be true."

"Oh, she is dear. Actually she reminds me of you when you were her age-twenty-eight. She has that same spunk and beauty that you had at that age."

" Really? Are you sure we are not related?"

" You silly person. Where do you think we are, in the south?"

Marian just laughed, not knowing what to say to that. She was being silly when she asked her mom if they could be related to Jackie. But Jackie just seemed to be too much like her, and as everyone knows, no two people are alike. She knew she had to meet this woman that had been a part of her son's life for so long and had just now became his girlfriend.

'What do I write?' Jackie thought to herself. 'I want to write him a poem for this card I am making him, but I just can't seem to think of what to write. I never was good at poetry. I love him so much, I can't believe it's been six months since we've been together. He makes me so happy. Wait a minute why don't I just write that, even if it doesn't rhyme. I've given him silly cards before but this time I wouldn't mind being romantic. I hope he likes it.'

That night Jeff planned a romantic candlelight dinner at his house. He made her favorite dinner, chicken enchiladas. He didn't even have to use the fire extinguisher. He chuckled to himself, that would be a good one to tell Jackie later.

When she came over, that night, she was surprised. She wasn't used to him doing things like this. Usually they went out to pizza or burgers, or had something simple. But this was their six month anniversary, and was special. The lights were low and romantic music was playing in the background. He escorted her to her chair, like he was a waiter and brought out a vintage 1997 bottle of sparkling cider. (they didn't drink alcohol) then he brought her the menu of choices. On it were three items, liver and onions, which he knew she hated, yesterdays leftovers of TV Dinner and soggy spinach, or the last item. Fresh, made from scratch, chicken enchiladas, made especially for her at Jeffardos Mexican cantina. Then went in the kitchen to make sure the smoke stayed in the kitchen.

She laughed when she read the menu and called for her private waiter. " Oh waiter, I’m ready to order now."

" O.k." He said, when he came over to her " What would you like?"

" Well what I really wanted isn't on the menu." She said.

He felt a little sad, for he thought she would want the enchiladas. " What would that be miss?" He asked.

" You and me over on the couch kissing each other all over."

His spirits perked up. " Sorry miss, that is a desert item. You need to eat your dinner first, so what would you like? "

" Well how about the leftovers? That sounds good."

" Sorry miss, I ate them for lunch."

" What kind of liver is it?"

" today we have a lovely yaks liver with baby onions on the side smothered with chicken gravy and mushrooms"

" I’ll pass. I think i’ll take the enchiladas then, they seem safe."

" Good choice. And the cook didn't even need to use a fire extinguisher when he made them."

Jackie giggled, then Jeff was off to the kitchen again. While he was in there she placed the card she had made him in the place he usually sat. He came back with two plates and put one down in front of her, and then one at his place. He noticed the card and smiled at Jackie thinking how nice it was of her to take the time to get him a card.

" Shall I open this now?" He asked her.

Jackie looked at the enchiladas hungrily, her mouth watered and she couldn't wait to sink her teeth into them.

"Actually, if you wouldn't mind I would like you to open it later, right now I just want to eat, if that is okay with you."

" Of course."

" I must compliment the chef, these look delicious." She sniffed them, " they smell wonderful too."

" Well, I’m glad they look good enough to eat, now try a bite and see if they really are."

" You don't have much faith and confidence in the cook, do you?" Jackie smiled then picked up her fork. She made a big show of cutting into the enchilada, raising it up to her mouth and opening it to put the food in. She chewed slowly, to get a good taste of the cook's handiwork and nodded her approval " um-m-m I must say, Jeffery Gardner, I am very, very, impressed."

Jeff breathed a sigh of relief. He knew she would like his enchiladas, but it still felt good to have her compliment his cooking, especially after all the effort and hard work he put into this special anniversary dinner.

" I’m glad you like it."

" Like it?" Jackie said between bites " I love it!"

" Then why don't you marry them then?" Jeff said, remembering her saying the same thing when he said he loved her cookies.

Jackie too remembered and decided to tell him the same thing he had told her that day she brought her cookies over " The marriage wouldn't last long because I would eat them all the first day. But they are good and I do thank you for making this lovely dinner for me."

Later, after dinner, they sat in front of the fireplace, holding each other and listening to the romantic music that had been kept on throughout dinner. Jeff got the card and asked Jackie if he could open it, she nodded. He opened the envelope and took the card out. He was surprised

" You made this for me?"

" I sure did. And I don't mind telling you, it was not easy."

Jeff was touched that she had taken time to actually make a personalized, homemade card and he had to admit, it was a nice card

" You did a great job on it." He told her.

" Thank you. Go ahead, open it and read it."

Jeff did so, it read...

" Dear Jeff:

I’m not good in poetry, so I will just tell you how

I feel. I love you so much. You make me so happy. I

Can not tell you enough how much you mean to me. I

Feel so good when I’m with you. I hope I do the same

For you. These past six months have been the best in

My life. You are so special to me. I appreciate all

The things you do for me. I only hope that I can show

You how much I care about you.

Once again I love you Jeffery Gardner

Love Jackie

xxxoooxxxoooxxxooxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

When he got done reading it he smiled at Jackie and gave her a hug. Then he kissed her " Thank you, I love you too," he gave her a peck on the cheek and got up " I have something for you." He walked over to the desk and opened the drawer and took out a small gift. He walked over to Jackie and handed her the package.

" Oh, Jeff...you shouldn't have, I only got you the card and you made me a special dinner and now you're giving me a gift." She couldn't help but feel guilty for not getting Jeff anything except the card, although it had taken a lot of time and was a lot of work. She took the gift and said " what is it?"

" Open it and find out."

Jackie carefully unwrapped the present to find a gold box. She opened it and there was a gold bracelet with diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. She gasped, knowing this had to be expensive, after catching her breath she said " Oh my-I- it's so beautiful, Jeff you really shouldn't have."

" Yes I should, I had to have some way of showing you how special you are, and how much you mean to me."

As much as she tried, Jackie couldn't keep the tears from coming and Jeff put his arms around her

"Sh-h, Jackie it's okay, don't cry."

"I can't h-help it," she stuttered through her tears, " I feel like you always do things for me, I hardly ever do anything for you."

" You do more than you think."

" Really?" Jackie started to calm down a bit " like what?"

" See, I do the materialistic things like get you things, or take you places. You do nice romantic sentimental things that really show how you feel about me, like the card for instance. I can't tell you enough how much I love you and how happy you make me, Jacqueline Hilton."

" Oh, Jeff," Jackie smiled and wiped her eyes " How sweet. I may sound like a copy-cat when I say this but I can't tell you enough how glad I am to be with you either-I love you so much Jeffery Gardner. Thank you for the lovely bracelet I will cherish it for as long as I live."

They kissed then stood up and started dancing and just laughed enjoying being together. They didn't even want to think about when the night would have to end, they just made the most of their 'anniversary' and had a good time like they always did when they were together.

To their surprise, there was a knock on the door. Jeff frowned wanting to punch the lights out of the person who would come and ruin his night with Jackie. He felt foolish for feeling that way when he opened the door..." Mom!" He gasped, shocked to see Marian standing on his porch. " what a surprise!"

" I knew it would be," Marian said flatly then raised her eyes at her son " Well, are you going to invite your old mother in or make me stay out here until I grow older?"

" Oh yes, of course come in, please." Jeff stepped aside and let his mother come in. "So, what brings you by?"

" Well, I just know you are going to find this so hard to believe," Marian said sarcastically " but your grandmother called me to tell me you have a girlfriend and I know you talk about her all the time but mother said she was so much like me at the age of twenty-eight, I just had to meet her. I am surprised at you for not calling me and telling me the news, son-but I understand." She gave him a peck on the cheek then noticed Jackie standing by the fireplace. She smiled and walked over to Jackie, extending her arm for a handshake. Jackie took her hand. Marian shook it and said " you must be Jackie, nice to meet you. My name is Marian Gardner."

Jackie smiled politely but was quite disappointed that Jeff’s mom chose tonight of all nights to come see Jeff, 'It's not like she couldn't come some other time to meet me,' she thought 'this is supposed to be a special night for just Jeff and I to be together.'

" Nice to meet you Marian." She couldn't help but have a bitter tone to her voice, though she felt she should make a good first impression on her boyfriend's mother, especially if she might some day be her daughter-in-law.

Marian frowned " Did I come at a bad time?"

Jeff noticed how upset Jackie was at their special night being interrupted " Actually mom..." He was about to tell her in as nice of a way as he could that she could have picked another time to come but Jackie cut him off

"Oh no, not at all Marian. Please-sit down and make yourself at home."

Jeff appreciated Jackie for being as polite as she possibly could to his mother, even with as irritated she was with her for dropping by so unexpectedly. But he didn't want this night with them to end and with his mother there it would have to. Of course he couldn't just tell his mom to get lost after coming all this way from New York, either, he frowned knowing he couldn't very well send either one of them home because his mom wanted to meet Jackie, so he just sat down with his mom on the sofa and invited Jackie to sit by him, which she did.

Marian studied the young woman who had been a part of her son's life for so long and nodded approvingly, her mother was right, Jackie was a lot like her when she was younger. She hadn't given it much thought before but seeing Jackie made her wish that she was young again, not that she was old, but she just didn't have the spunk and beauty that she once had.

" My mother was right, Jacqueline, you are very pretty." Then she looked at Jeff " It doesn't surprise me but I must hand it to you, son, you got good taste in women."

Jackie blushed and looked at Jeff who smiled and said

" Don't I though? I tend to think so. After all, she does remind me of you, mother."

Marian smiled affectionately at her son, she knew how much he loved and cared about Jackie, he thought the world of her and Marian never got tired of listening to him talk about her on the very few occasions they spoke to each other. Like everyone else, she wondered why they hadn't gotten together a long time ago, she rather liked this young lady that had stolen her son's heart, and she knew they would get along great as husband and wife. Marian also knew that if this girl reminded him of her, then he must have great esteem for his mother. Now she wondered when, not if, when Jeff would propose to Jackie, she just hoped it wouldn't be too much longer because she knew how happy her son would be, married to this woman who was so special to him...

Another six months later

Jackie got called to the office to talk to the principal, she wondered the whole time there what could be the matter. While she was there Jeff went into her room and wrote something on the board. All the kids were excited and wanted to help. So Jeff wrote letters on pieces of paper and handed them in order to the children then instructed them what to do, they were all in agreement and nodded their support.

When Jackie came back into the room she once again started her lesson. One of the children rose her hand and said " Miss Hilton, there's a message for you on the board." So she looked at the board it read 'Jackie, the children have something to show you."

" What is this?" She asked. She knew Jeff was up to something because she recognized his handwriting on the board.

One by one starting from the back of the room, the children rose up their letters.

It read " J-a-c-k-i-e w-i-l-l y-o-u- m-a-r-r-y m-e-? L-o-v-e- J-e-f-f." Then she sat in her chair not knowing what to say. Another of the children said " look on your desk."

There she saw a box with a bow on it. By this time Jeff had slipped in through the back door. With quivering hands she picked up the box and opened it. In the box she saw a diamond ring. Then, mouth wide open she looked up and saw Jeff standing there. She was so surprised that all she could do was say " Yes."

Then the two embraced and he gently kissed her because there were children in the room, and all the kids cheered. By then the other teachers were in the room also applauding. The children once again went home without homework, for the rest of the week.

Later, after school Jeff was in the parking lot waiting for his FIANCÉE'. It seemed to take forever but he finally saw her come out and before she could even take one step toward the parking lot, he ran over to her, picked her up and swirled her around a few times.

She squealed " Did you miss me already?" She asked " after all, we did just see each other earlier you know." She laughed, looking at her engagement ring remembering the proposal, which she had to admit, was pretty good, different then anything she had ever heard of. Of course she wouldn't have minded him doing it the old- fashioned get down on your knee way, but she really liked the creative way he had proposed to her and she wondered how long it had taken him to think of it.

" I just thought you might like to do something special to celebrate this joyous occasion." He told her.

" Sounds great. What did you have in mind?"

" Actually, I thought you might like to choose, since I have been taking you places and doing things for you lately. Like the 'anniversary dinner'. So what would you like to do?"

" How about we do what we did on our first date? If you could call it that."

" What would that be?" He asked.

" Have you forgotten already? You're not even that old yet and you're getting senile already. We rode the quads that your good old rich grandma gave you, now do you remember?"

" You consider that a date? I thought we just went as friends."

" Well, I asked you a long time ago if that was a date, did you forget that too?"

" I guess I did."

" Jeffery, Jeffery, Jeffery, what ever am I going to do with you?" She shook her head.

" You're going to marry me, that's what you're going to do."

She laughed then said " Well, let's not waste time standing here, let's go ride those quads of yours."

Just like last time, they had fun and enjoyed themselves. Jeffery was glad that Jackie had suggested riding the quads because he didn't ride them unless he was with her, it wasn't as exciting without her. He couldn't wait to get married so he could be with her all the time.

They rode to his grandma's house to tell her the exciting news.

When she opened the door she saw that they had ridden the quads all the way over there. " Hello you two love birds, I’m glad you're making good use of those quads I gave you for Christmas. I wanted you to go out more, but even better you have a girlfriend. I guess that was a good investment I made."

Then they told her the news.

" It's about time you two. What took you so long? Well, if I hadn't have butted in a year ago you two would still be trying to figure out how you felt about each other. I should have given you those quads years ago, then you two would have been married already and I would have several great-grandchildren by now."

" I was going to propose sooner, but I had to think of some creative way of doing it."

" So how did you do it?" Grandma asked.

He told her about the proposal. She thought it was different but also it was ingenious " But what happened to getting down on your knee and saying 'Jackie, will you marry me?'"

" Grandma, this is the 90's. Sometimes people do it differently now. Besides, it took a lot of thought and preparation to do it the way I did."

Jackie said " I liked it fine."

"Do you have a date set?" His grandma asked

"Not yet, we haven't gotten that far yet" Jackie said

" I always have liked June weddings myself, when the flowers are all in bloom, the sun is shining, and the summer breeze is blowing so gently, and the birds are singing..."

" Grandma. Grandma!"

" Oh, sorry dear. Was I babbling again?"

" Sorry to say, but you were. What about it dear, when do you want to get married?"

" Well," said Jackie, " June is only few months away, and that is to soon to get a wedding together, especially how I have always dreamed of getting married. And to wait a year would be too long to wait because I would like to be married soon. How about in the fall.?"

" Sounds good to me," Jeff replied. " How about September. All the leaves are turning color, and it isn't that cold out yet."

They finished discussing the time for the wedding and talked some more to Evelyn then went on their way and finished their ride.

As the months went on the wedding plans were made and the whole town got excited about this wedding that they had been waiting for since they heard that these two were engaged.

The church was beautifully decorated. There were all sorts of flowers all over the place, and ribbons and bows were everywhere.

Practically every one in the whole town was there. All the pews in the church were filled, and they rented the biggest hall they could find.

Jackie was in the dressing room nervous, and wanting to get the wedding over with, but at the same time was excited and wanted this feeling to last forever, which she was sure it would, being married to the goof off she was about to wed. She asked her mother, and brides maids to look her over and see if everything looked right. She was wearing a beautiful dress, filled with lace and sequins, that her mother had worn when she got married. Her slender body fit perfectly into this dress with no alterations being made to it, her mother was the same size at that age.

Jeff was standing near the minister, shaking, anticipating this moment that he had been waiting for. He looked at his watch wondering when Jackie would be ready to walk down the aisle to him.

Finally there was a signal from the back and the organist started the wedding march. Finally after all the wedding party had walked down the aisle, Jackie took her fathers arm and was escorted to her awaiting groom. As the minister started the ceremony, Jackie’s mother started to cry. She was so loud that the bride and groom could not hear the minister. When she quieted down, the minister continued:

" Jeff Gardner, do you take this woman to be your wife?"

He was so into looking into Jackie’s beautiful eyes, that all he could say was " Huh? Um-sure, uh, o.k. What ever."

He felt a little jab in his side.

" Oh, sorry," he mumbled " I do!"

Then the minister turned to Jackie and said " Jacqueline do you take this man to be your husband?"

Looking at Jeff, she wanted to get him back so she said " What?, Oh, sure, I guess so, I mean yeah, I mean...I do!"

Then the minister said " By the power vested in me by the lord, I now pronounce you two, man and wife..."

" Can I kiss him now?" Jackie interrupted

The minister finished " You may now kiss your husband."

They kissed for the first time as husband and wife and everyone clapped and cheered, Jeff and Jackie were married at last! Evelyn murmured to Jackie’s mother, " It’s about time them two got married!"

Finally at the reception that night, after Jeff and Jackie stood in the receiving line for an hour, it was time to cut the cake. Jeff and Jackie went up to the cake with Jeff standing behind her with his arms around her waist, together they picked up the knife and each cut a slice for the other. Jeff picked up Jackie’s piece and gently put it in her mouth. Jackie smiled mischievously and picked up Jeff’s piece, he said " Don’t you even think about it." But Jackie laughed and said, " I already did." And crammed the piece of cake in his face, smearing the icing all over. Jackie grinned and laughed at the sight of him, " You are supposed to eat it, not wear it" she joked. Jeff took another piece of cake and smeared it all over Jackie’s face. Jackie didn’t want to be out done so she took his face and slammed it down into one of the smaller cakes on the side. Both were laughing hysterically. Some wedding guests laughed with them, while others looked at them as if they were crazy and wondered how they could act like this at their wedding, but it didn’t surprise them, because they knew that Jackie and Jeff always acted like little kids, because Jackie taught kids and was with them all day long. Jeff was just a kid at heart.

After the newlyweds got cleaned up, it was time for the garter. The Best Man put a chair in the middle of the room and Jackie sat down on the chair, with her long dress flowing around her, she looked like a queen on her throne. All the single men came out to catch the garter. Jeff came up to Jackie, with a half-cocked smile and a raised eyebrow. Jackie sat there wondering what was going through his mind, and felt she had no choice but to just wait and see, she just hoped it wasn’t anything too embarrassing, but knowing Jeff, it probably was. Jeff knelt down and lifted her dress, and engulfed himself under the dress. The crowd went, " OOOOH, AHHHH!" Then Jeff, under her dress, where no one could see, took the garter with his teeth, and flipped the dress back up to show everyone that he had the garter in his teeth and slowly removed it from her leg. The guests cheered.

Next, it was time for Jackie to throw the bouquet. She stood in the front of the room, while all the single ladies lined up behind her ready to catch the flowers. Jackie tossed the bouquet and the women ran into each other and fell down only to find that the bouquet was stuck in the decorations on the ceiling and wouldn’t come down. They had to get a stick and took turns hitting it like a piñata trying to get it down. Jackie’s younger sister caught the bouquet. And their mother started to cry again. " My baby is going to get married now." She said because she actually believed in that tradition.

The rest of the night was filled with dancing and laughter, and embarrassing stories about them being told.

When they got to the hotel, they found their room T.P.ed.

With all sorts of kinky goodies around- courtesy of Jeff’s grandma, and their friends.

" I told you not to tell her where we were staying," Jackie said.

" I had to, she’s paying for the room. I didn’t expect this from her though. I was wondering though why they all arrived a little late for the reception though."

" We better watch it then, knowing them they got a camera or something in here, or they are hiding in the closet. " Jackie said.

They searched the room and found everything was ok.

She said, " Honey, I’m gonna go to the bathroom and freshen up a little, so be ready for a big surprise."

Jeff sat on the bed and waited for Jackie to come out. All sorts of fantasies ran through his mind about what they were going to do that night. He waited, and waited and waited some more.

She locked herself in the bathroom

He bangs on door and asks, " Are you ok in there?"

" I’m not ready yet."

" I’ve been waiting an hour."

" I’ve been waiting 28 years, but I mean I’m not ready for THAT, yet."

" You sure seemed to be earlier"

" I changed my mind"

" Please come out, we don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to."

She came out with her robe on and went to the bed and slipped under the covers and pretended to go to sleep.

Jeff was depressed.

She laid there thinking about all of this. After all it WAS her wedding night, and she wanted it to be special, but she was scared. All of her life she had dreamed of this moment, and how it was going to be, she didn’t want her memories to be of them just going to bed. So she got an idea and smiled. Without him seeing she turned on the radio and got out of bed. When he looked she did a dance for him in her slinky lingerie. And did a strip show for him, not that there was much to take off.

He laid there and just enjoyed the show. Then he finally grabbed her and pulled her onto the bed with him.

With all the passion built up inside for 30 years they unleashed it onto their partner and made mad passionate love all night long.

IN THE MORNING

" Was that good for you?" Jeff asked.

" I’ve had better." Jackie said.

" What? What do you mean??"

" I’m kidding. Loosen up a little," she said. Then in a soft loving voice she said " It was wonderful. I never knew I could feel that good. And you are the only one I’ve been with, dear."

"I knew that," he said with a smile. They kissed.

After some more passionate moments together, they got hungry and ordered room service.

" Room service." The Bellboy called. Jeff went to get the food and Jackie said " Let me help you with that" She took the tray and pushed him outside, with him only in his underwear.

" Let me in" Jeff yelled, pounding on the door. An old couple came out of the room two doors down from his and looked at him with wide eyes, and the old lady said " Must be your Honeymoon, huh?"

Jeff said " How did you know?"

The old lady pointed to her husband and said " I did the same thing to him, on our honey moon!"

Just then, Jackie opened up the door and pulled him in. She said " Now that you are embarrassed, we can eat breakfast." She went to the tray, ready to get them some food. Jeff grabbed her and pulled her to the door and said " No, wait, you haven’t been embarrassed yet, it is your turn, missy, then we can eat" He opened up the door and pushed her out with her only wearing her bra and panties. She banged on the door " Let me in!" The same couple who were just out came out again to see what was happening this time. Jackie said " I can’t believe he pushed me out!"

The old man turned to his wife and said " I should have done that to you, after you pushed me out on our honeymoon!"

Jackie pounded on the door again and hissed " Jeff, there are people out here, let me in, NOW!"

Jeff opened the door and Jackie ran into the room.

" I can’t believe you did that to me," Jackie said, " I have never been so embarrassed in all my life!"

Jeff had no sympathy for her whatsoever, " Good," he said " Now you know how I felt, being out there in my underwear. Now let’s eat!" So they did.

They went on the rest of their honeymoon to Disney world and had a good time.

The rest of their lives was filled with fun and frolic. They had three children and the kids ended up raising their parents.

The End