Chapter Sixteen
ROBERT WILSON
The train arrived just ten minutes late, and Jake was waiting in the terminal when it arrived. It had been over two years since he'd last seen his dad, making this trip extra special.
His father, Robert, had been widowed nearly four years ago when his wife (Jake's mother) lost her battle with cancer. Robert had a few friends at the country club near his home, but it had been a lonely existence since the passing of his wife.
Jake has many fond memories of his childhood. He grew up in a small upper Midwest town similar to Springfield. His dad held the same job for years while his mother stayed at home to care for the household needs and see that Jake and his brother had what they needed. Both parents believed in the importance of discipline, something for which Jake was grateful to this day. It helped him become the man he was.
While he and his father hadn't always enjoyed the closest relationship, Jake respected him and wanted a happy retirement and golden years for him. He knew the toll his mother's death took on him. So, when he visited, Jake wanted to show him a good time.
His relationship with Ann had been a little rocky, but she respected the bond between father and son as well, so she tried to put on a good front while Robert was there. That meant sleeping with Jake and not staying out all night. That lifestyle had started to lose its charm for Ann anyway, so this visit, she didn't have a problem playing the good partner. She still held hopes of an improvement in their relationship anyway. This would give them a chance to put that theory to the test.
Robert's visit naturally meant that Jake stayed home at night and put his best foot forward, just the same. He didn't have a problem with that idea either.
After a couple of days in Springfield, Robert felt right at home. He always commented on the town's livability and thought he might someday be a part of the town. After all, he wasn't getting any younger. It would be nice to see more of Jake, knowing that he could help watch over him as he reached the age living alone might be difficult. He'd envisioned a little cottage right there in Jake's back yard.
Saturday morning quickly rolled around, and it was time for Jake and Robert to walk down the street to Carlene's house. Carlene's breakfast invitation would be a treat for Robert, but he wondered if Carlene might be of more interest.
Jake's dad had always had an eye for the ladies, much like himself. Not in a bad way, though. He had learned his respect for women from his dad. It seemed to be appreciated by the women whose paths he had crossed. Both men had always abhorred stories of men who abused their wives or other women.
When they arrived, Carlene met them at the door, wearing a nice pair of white linen shorts and a red and white striped top. Both enhanced her mature beauty. Although he should have expected she'd not welcome Robert in her usual morning robe and nightgown, it was still somewhat of a surprise to Jake, seeing her nicely made up for his father.
Jake received a nice kiss on the cheek with a squeeze of his hand. When he introduced his father, Carlene smiled and welcomed him warmly. The sparkle in her eye hadn't gone unnoticed by Jake.
Breakfast was an elaborate spread of standard fare with Carlene's special touch. She had gone all out to impress Robert, an effort not wasted. He was obviously impressed, not only by breakfast but also by Carlene. The two engaged in a steady conversation that carried over into the clearing of plates and platters that Robert had insisted on being a part of.
Jake had a few small chores to do while there, so he left Carlene sitting with Robert in her comfortable sunroom. Jake smiled as he walked outside, wondering if Carlene knew what she was getting herself into. Still, he was happy to see them enjoy each other's company.
As the two men walked back to Jake's house, Robert was full of complimentary comments about Carlene. It still came as a bit of a surprise when he announced he was taking her to dinner the following evening. "Well, good for them!" Robert thought they'd make a great couple. "God knows they both need someone," he thought as they arrived home.
The weeks passed, and Robert returned on three separate occasions. Jake saw very little of his father on any of the visits that were designed for Robert and Carlene to spend time together. On the third visit, Jake wasn't surprised when his father's room was unslept in during the visit. The relationship had clearly matured into something more physical.
On the following weekend, Jake was surprised to have his father open the door of Carlene's house when he came to see if she needed help with any chores. As the three visited, Jake soon saw his handyman talents were not likely to be needed here any longer.
When Robert spent Christmas week at Carlene's, the couple came to see Jake on Christmas Eve morning to share a big announcement. The happy couple was to be married on New Year's Eve. His father asked him to be his best man. Jake happily agreed, giving them both his best wishes.
That afternoon, Jake sat in his family room, reflecting on all that had occurred during the year now ending. Had he been asked at the start of the year if he could envision any of this happening, he'd have laughed it all off.
