Chapter 23: Jack's Birthday Bash

Next Saturday night May 8^th, Jack’s surprise birthday party is in high gear

Sue: Bobby, you know what to do?

Bobby: No worries, Sue. I will get Jack there on time, 8PM. Just make sure everyone is there waiting to shout Surprise!

Sue: Then I guess we’re all set. See everyone there. Don’t forget to bring the presents.

Jack: Bobby, where are we going? And why are you blindfolding me?

Bobby: Hey mate, you’re in good hands. I’m just following orders. (Laughing)

Jack: What orders? Who put you up to this? And why are you listening to them?

Bobby: No talking. We’re here. Now I can take the blindfold off. (laughs)

Jack: Why are we at Cavanaugh’s Place? Why it is so dark?

Bobby: Anyone ever tell you; you ask a lot of questions, Sparky? (laughs)

Jack: Yes, but that hasn’t stop me so far. (laughs)

Tara: Everyone be quiet. Bobby is outside with Jack. Get ready to shout Surprise! I’ll turn on the lights after they walk in.

Bobby and Jack enter Cavanaugh’s Place and everyone in the place, shout out: Surprise! Happy Birthday! He is so shocked, speechless at the moment. Then he looks around the room and sees his family and all his friends are here. They all came to celebrate his birthday. Jack is wearing Armani navy suit with white shirt and red silk tie. Sue is wearing a red satin spaghetti strap dress with sweetheart neckline and high heels. Jack can’t take his eyes off of her.

Jack: Whoa! This is a really nice surprise. Whose idea was it?

Bobby: Who do you think? I’ll give you one guess, mate.

Jack: Signing-Sue? You did all this for me?

Sue: Yeah. Well, I wanted you to have a nice birthday with all your family and friends here.

Jack: I can’t believe this. This is the best party ever.

Myles: We’re just getting started, you don’t know if the party is going to turn out well.

Garrett: Happy Birthday, Jack. Enjoy it while it lasts. Pretty soon you’ll be old just like me.

Jack: Thanks, Ted. Glad you came. Enjoy the party.

D: Happy Birthday, man. This is one awesome party.

Donna: It sure is. Sue went all out tonight. Doesn’t she look great?

Jack: She does. How long have you known about this and how come you didn’t tell me?

Dimitrius: Hey, I wanted to tell you. But the ladies said no. My kids are at their grandma’s tonight, so we get to have fun all night long.

Donna: Enjoy your birthday and all your presents. I’m going to steal my husband away for a dance.

Marty: Happy Birthday, Jack. Quite a turn out, of course I would expect nothing less than this grand party for yours truly. Just try to stay out of trouble, as a favor to me, huh? (laughs)

Jack: Thanks for coming, Marty. Enjoy my party. Don’t worry; I don’t plan on getting into trouble at my own party. (laughs)

In a little while, Jack catches up with his family. Jack’s mom come up and gives him a bear hug. Jack gets lots of hugs from his Dad, Meg, Abby, Matt. He gets two hugs each from Little Sarah, and his buddy, Tom. After talking with his family, Jack sees Helga and they share a moment together. Next, Jack sees Wes and Patrick; all three men pat each other on the back and hug each other. Soon after, Jack’s old friend from Wisconsin comes up behind him. Then he turns around and sees Diane Groves. He looks across the room and sees Hannah, Danny, and a man talking to Sue.  Hannah introduces Jack to Brendan Miller. In a short while, Jack sees Bobby, Stanley, Howie, Charlie, and Troy hanging out together. As he is chatting with the men, Abby and her dad come over to add their birthday wishes. Later on, Andy Shepard and his mom head over to talk with him.  Jack and Mia hug, someone comes along, and Jack is in trouble with her again. (laughs) More mingling; he spots Billy and Judge Kendall coming over to him. Afterwards, Dennis and Melissa Harmon add their birthday wishes for Jack and Katie Harmon talks with him as well. Kenneth Monroe and his son also come by to chat with Jack. After a long wait, someone comes up behind him and closes her hand over his eyes.

Jack: I’m glad you’re all here for my birthday. I still don’t know how Sue arranged that to happen but I will find out from her later.

Jack’s Mom: We’re so glad Sue invited us to come. She is really nice. Are things serious between you two?

Jack: Mom, Sue is very nice and we have a professional relationship. That’s all I’m going to say on the subject.

Jack’s Dad: Sweetheart, don’t bother Jack. He is old enough to know what he wants out of life and how to go about picking the right woman. That’s all I’m going to say on the subject. Good to see, son. (Father and son share a smile)

Jack: Thanks, Dad. You look great. Can I talk to you for a minute?

Jack and his Dad are talking about Sue, outside Cavanaugh’s Place so that his family can’t overhear them. Later, they go back inside to talk to his mom and sisters.

Jack: How do you know if you’ve met the right woman already?

Jack’s Dad: That is a conversation for another time. But I will tell you this. It’s the way your eyes light up when she walks into the room. You just know when the person you are thinking about is always in your heart and on first on your mind each day. You want to make that person smile and laugh all the time. You want to take away all their fears and doubts. You want to share the good and bad with them because that person makes everything bearable for you. You just know when you have hope, faith, and love to give to that special someone which can only come from deep within your own heart.

Jack: Thanks, dad. You have given me a lot to think about.

Jack’s dad: That’s my job. That’s what fathers do. I want you to know how proud I am of you. You are my son, my hero. Happy Birthday!  (Jack hugs his father)

Meg: It’s good to see you big brother. But now you have an excuse to not come visit us in Wisconsin like you said you would, am I right?

Jack: Well you are all in town. I could show you all around D.C.

Meg: You’re on, big brother. I would like to meet Sue and swap gossip about you.

Matt: It’s great to see, Jack. These little ones miss their uncle Jack. All week I heard I want to show Uncle Jack this, Uncle Jack that. (laughs)

Abby: Hey, there big brother. Did you forget about me?

Jack: No way. It is so good to see you. You look great.

Abby: Thanks. My real estate firm is doing great also.

Jack: Speaking of which, Jessica moved to Illinois but she wants to rent out her house in Middleburg? Do you think you can take a look while you’re here and give her a call to explain her options?

Abby: Sure. I’ll do anything for my big brother. It seems that you are quite the ladies man if rumors are to be believed. (Laughs)

Jack: Let me guess. You talked to Bobby and he told you more exaggerated stories about me, which are all false. I’m telling you right now, Bobby made everything up. (laughs)

Jack’s Mom: Honey, tell us about Sue.

Jack: Not right now. It’s a party, mom. I will tell you about Sue later. By the way, you all are welcome to stay at my house.

Jack’s Mom: I’m glad you said that. We still have our luggage in the rental van.

Jack: Done. How long are you staying in D.C.?

Jack’s Mom: Just a few days. So don’t disappoint your mother.

Jack: What are you talking about, Mom?

Jack’s Dad: I think your mom wants you to invite Sue over for dinner tomorrow night. Isn’t that what you had in mind, dear?

Jack: Oh okay. I will ask Sue later. Here’s a key to my house, see you all there later.

Jack’s Mom: Thanks, sweetie. I bet you can’t wait for your mom’s home cooking, am I right?

Jack: Absolutely. I hope you make all my favorite dishes. (smiles) Right now, I have to go mingle with my other guests.

 

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