Chapter Twenty-six

 

Everything went well the rest of the night. Everyone got along and that’s all Ellie wanted. She started getting tired around nine O’clock which Jon noticed. A little earlier than usual but she was usually in bed reading by then and drifting off so the party seemed to be a little more than she  anticipated. So she had excused herself and went upstairs to get settled.

Before Jon could join her, Jimmy asked him to join him in his office. Once inside, Jimmy was pacing which was making Jon antsy.

Finally Jon wanted to join Ellie and just about split. “JIM! Please you’re making me dizzy. Just say what you need too ok?” he finally got out before he jumped out of his skin.

“Sorry Dad. I just need to ask you because the rest of them are going to ask me when Uncle Richie disappears too. But is everything ok between the three of you? It seemed it before Uncle Richie gave Mom the cape but then you really snapped and you and him had that talk. But between you and me, I just have to know you’re not going to say, hurt him in his sleep?” Jim asked his Dad seriously.

Jon chuckled as he told him, “No I’m not going to hurt Rich. As long as he doesn’t pull more crap like that. Look I get that he’s had this crush on your Mom since they met. I really can’t blame him can you?’ Jon asked his son.

“Well no but I’m prejudice about her Dad.  She did raise me for the first five years I think she’s great.” He smiled proudly.

Smiling also, “Well she did have help Jim. She had her family right there helping her with you, that way she could work. She told me she didn’t want to be a burden on her parents.” He said to Jim.

“You bought that? Look I loved Grandma and Grandpa but they told her if she wanted to stay with them and not give me up she would have to get a job because they weren’t going to pay for all the expenses I was going to cause. She told them she wasn’t asking them to. She also told them that she would look for a place to stay and someone to watch me during the day and night if she had too. But she wasn’t going to tell them why she wasn’t going to give me up.” He said trying not to cry.

“Your Mom never told me this. She just told me that they loved to watch you and help her out. Why didn’t she want to give you up at Seventeen?” he wanted to know with all his heart.

Well it didn’t have anything to do with her religion but more about the man who’s baby she was carrying. "Dad she was so much in love with you that she wasn’t going to get rid of any piece of you. (choking) Having me at least would have a little bit of you in our lives and to be honest I don’t really think she thought she would ever see you again and if she did you would be with your own family and she would never ruin that for you.”  Jimmy told him as the tears ran down his face.

Jon walked over to his son and hugged the hell out of him. What felt like hours was only a few minutes. “I was so blessed to have found you and your Mom. (smiling) Hey what did your Grandparents do when you were born?” Jon asked him curious.

“Basically what Mom told you. It was a comedy act. She was the only one with a clear head. You would think because Grandma and Grandpa had five kids so this should have been easy right? Mom was early with me so nobody was ready and she didn’t have anything so they had to do all this shopping before we were released. Which apparently was a trend in our family.” Jim laughed and Jon just rolled his eyes.

“Your telling me. Every time I was out on tour the jets were on standby weeks ahead of time just in case which was a good thing because three more of you came early. I mean come on both your Mom and I weren’t getting any younger you know.” Jon chuckled.

“Well if you got off of her once in a while Dad…” Jimmy rolled his eyes at his Dad and snickered at him.

“Oh very funny but if I did there wouldn’t be any of you. Plus the more grandkids we gave your Grandparents on both sides the happier we made them and this time we were married which made them even happier. It was also nice you were old enough to play with and talk with but then when we had Stef she was the baby that everyone wanted to hold and coo at and it gave your Mom time to kick back and relax a little.”  Jon reminisced.

“Yeah like you two go nuts over your grandkids?” Jimmy reminded him.

“Ok, ok you got me. But now we understand what our parents felt. (sighing) I can’t tell you love you feel for them. Watching your children taking care of their children. But like your Mom says the best part is you can give them back then lock the doors.” Jon chuckled maybe a little bit harder this time.

“DAD!” Jimmy loudly said smiling.

“Hey don’t be mad at me both your Grandfathers told us all that they were going to change the locks when the last kid moved out. Your Mom told her Dad don’t threaten her because she’ll set up camp in the backyard and she’ll bring a port-o-potty with her.” Jon laughed turning off the lights. Walking towards the den.

“Well knowing Mom and I think I do seeing she would never squat behind a bush or tree or anything, she needs a toilet I can see her installing one and a tent.” Jimmy laughed as they walked into the den.

The rest of the guys were sitting watching the news and just talking. Jake turned and asked them what was so funny. Jimmy told them that he was just reminiscing about a few things.

“Oh come on was it something we haven’t heard before?” Jake asked him looking at his Dad and chuckling.

“Nah I probably told you before. Well talk later.” Jimmy waved to him smiling.

“Alright boys knock it off. I’m going to go join your Mom. Have a good night.” He told them and went up to their room.

Finally making it to the door he quietly opened it just in case she was asleep but when he waked in she was sitting up reading her book.

“Oh  Dear I was wondering when you were going to come to bed.” She asked her husband.

Shutting the door, he walked over to the bed and sat on his side. “Why aren’t you asleep?” he wanted to know.

Putting her book on her lap and then looking at him she smiled and said, “I wasn’t tired.”

“It’s probably because of all that tea you drink.” He said sarcastically.

“For your information the girls put me on decaff tea which really isn’t that bad with my sweet n’ low and milk. Didn’t you notice when you were making it?” she asked him snickering.

“No I didn’t because you said you hate decaff. I’m sorry I don’t mean to snap I guess I’ve been too busy fixating on Richie that I haven’t notice a lot around here.” Jon explained to his wife.

“No! Really? I would never have guessed.” She started to laugh.

“Oh you think that’s funny so you?” he asked her as he was going to go in to tickle her when he stopped short. Both of them had sad faces on and just looked at each other. “Sorry Babe I forgot for a sec. See I still think of you as my young, beautiful wife.” He told her with tears in his eyes.

“Well that means more to me than you know. Hey why don’t you climb in next to me and we’ll get some sleep. How does that sound?” she asked him as she looked him up and down as he started to take his pants and shirt off.

God she still loved looking at his body. It was a little bit more wrinkly but to her she could see where the muscles still are. He hasn’t changed much as he tried to still keep in shape (he was health conscience and maybe a little vain) only because he didn’t want to look his age. Ellie didn’t see any flaws thou all she saw was her handsome husband, the boy she met when she was sixteen. She was surprised her heart never burst when she met him or thru the years only because she loved him so much. She should have died at least a hundred times over by now.

Jon turned around and saw her staring at him. “Are you ok Babe?” he asked her concerned.

“Hmm what? Oh yeah I’m fine why?’ she shot back at him as her heart pounded.

Getting into bed and scooting next to her, “Well you were looking at me funny.” he told her wondering where this was going.

Chuckling mostly to herself, “I was just looking at you that’s all. I didn’t think it was a misdemeanor or anything.” She told him and went back to reading her book.

Looking at her he noticed a little bit more color in her face. “Are you blushing Babe?” he chuckled.

Not lifting her head, “No I am not blushing. It’s hot in her.” she told him continuing to read.

“Ok that’s fine. It’s not like we can do anything anyway.” He told her seriously.

Now looking up and over to him, “What?” she said peeved.

“I said it’s not like we can do anything anyway Babe. I’m not risking you to get all excited like the last time because you saw what happened and I’m not going to let that happen again. I would rather have you here with me than us doing something stupid that might take you away from me.” He explain to her lovingly.

“Who the hell said I wanted to in the first place? Just because I looked at you and ok you caught me I was having some elicit thoughts but I can because your my husband dumbass. But that doesn’t mean I want to fuck your brains out. Maybe. Do I miss our intimate times like that? Yes of course I do. But Sweetie there are things we can do we just need to becareful that’s all. If you want we can talk to the doctor about it but I kinda already did. And I downloaded the info that he gave me. So if you want to see it I’ll get for you to look over.” She told him hoping that he would at least read thru it.

He sat there just looking at her before he said anything. “Fine I’ll read it. But I’m perfectly happy just to hold you in my arms you know and fall asleep like that and then wake up to your beautiful face in the morning. (Chuckling) You know we kind of have a lot of…well…making love let’s say over the years in the bank so to speak so we should be good don’t you think?” he looked at her grinning ear to ear.

“Jon Francis! Yes we should I did marry a horn dog after all.” She laughed.

“Well you didn’t seem to mind Babe.” He shot back at her giving her a shocked look.

“Oh don’t you even start with those eyes and the pouty look. That’s how you got me in the first place and how we got six kids.” She laughed with him.

“Well it worked didn’t it.” He said as he leaned into her and kissed her firmly as her toes curled as they did most times. Parting, “I love you Ellie Bongiovi.”

“I love you too Jon Bongiovi forever and ever.” As she leaned into him and Jon turned off the light.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By morning Jon woke and didn’t want to wake Ellie as he didn’t like to because he knew she needed the sleep. Plus he loved to watch her like he use to do when he was on tour and she would come with him when she could. He would just run his fingers thru her hair or softly on her cheek thinking how lucky he was to have someone who loved him for him. And now what seems like forever she still loves his sorry ass. As he was getting out he notice that beside her there was something sparkly next to her. So he quietly got out of his side and walked around to the other side. Then easily turned down the blankets next to her and there it was. The Cape. Jon didn’t know what to think about her sleeping with the damn thing. He knew it was Elvis’ so she wasn’t going to let go of it. But did it have anything to do with Richie that’s what he wanted to know.

He was going to have to have a very uncomfortable talk with her soon or he was going to bust. He just had to know. He already talked to Richie about it and it was her turn. He kinda knew what her reaction was going to be and hopefully he could put it to her that it wasn’t jealousy driving his concerns, it was more peace of mind for a crazy person. Yeah that should do it.

He got dressed and went downstairs to get some coffee so maybe he could see more straight. He found some of his kids in the kitchen and Richie.

Walking in he heard, “Oh look it’s up.” Laughing hard as Richie drank his coffee.

“Very funny jerkoff. Did you guys leave me any?” he asked walking over to the counter.

“Yeah Dad I made another pot for when you got up and if anyone wanted seconds.” Jake told him.

“Thanks Jake. Are the girls up too?’ he wanted to know?

“Yeah they have been bopping back and forth filling up on coffee, tea and juice then going back to the bedrooms and packing so we can get a head start this afternoon.” Romeo told his Dad.

“Just be lucky you have enough bedrooms for all of us to have stayed the past couple of nights Dad. We all don’t live that far away except Ava, Dylan and Uncle Richie so they have to bring more thing with them.” Jake said as he bit into his bagel.

Jon just looked at Richie as he put his head down. “Well when we would go on tour Dave, Tico and Alec would bring the right amount of luggage that normal people would use. I myself would bring I believe what was it Rich two bags? Right?...and then there was Richie and they would always say I was the girl of the group. (Richie dropped his head on the table) Mookie over there would bring his whole wardrobe with him. Oh and like Doc said we could never go to Europe by boat because Rich’s luggage will sink the ship.” Jon told them as it made everyone chuckle, even Richie.

“Alright but you have to admit I was better dressed than all of you.” Richie smiled. While everyone was laughing Stephanie came running downstairs yelling.

Jon nearly fell over himself thinking there was something wrong with Ellie. “Stef what’s wrong with Mom? Jess, Jim call the ambulance quick!” Jon screamed.

Stef stopped to catch her breath. “Yes call the ambulance but it’s not for Mom. It’s for Ava. She’s in labor and the way her labor pains are coming the baby is on its way NOW!” she told all the men. Well Dylan stood there white as a ghost and staring into space. “Dylan Honey now go to her now come on follow me.” Stef told him as most of the guys told him to go and they will bring the EMT’s to them.

Richie got up and started to pace because well he didn’t know what else to do. Jon walked over to him and slapped him on the back. “Hey Grandpa are you ready for this?” Jon asked Richie who looked about to blow his cookies.

“I think so. I don’t know what’s worse, when Heather was in labor or Ava. It’s bad enough to see my baby going thru this. Heather’s lasted thirty-two hours. I really don’t want Ava to go thru it that long. “ Richie said worrying.

“Rich she’ll be fine. They have better drugs now and I know how you feel both Ellie and I went thru the same thing when the girls went thru this. Plus when it’s your child you just worry more.” Jon told him.

“Yeah but if I remember correct Ellie went early for all five kids and no drugs.” Richie said as he started to pace again.

“Yeah it’s a good thing we schedule all the dates close to home. I walked in the rooms while she was just about to deliver each baby. Talk about cutting it close.” Jon told him as they heard the ambulance pull up in the driveway. A couple of the guys were waiting for them outside and led them in.

Upstairs Ellie was with Ava and Dylan. “That’s good Honey keep breathing. I believe the ambulance is here now.” She told them smiling.

“Aunt Ellie thank you for staying with me.” She told her.

“Your welcome Sweetheart. Now everything is going to be fine. Your right on time and your contractions are eight minutes apart so we have to get you in that hospital.” Ellie told them hoping they would hurry.

“Aunt Ellie how much longer do you think before the baby comes?” Ava sounded scared now.

Smiling, “Well let’s see both Rachel and Romeo were three minutes apart when we left and I was seven centimeters when we got to the hospital. So it took two to three hours between them before they came so we have time. Don’t worry.” She said as her fingers were crossed.

Just then the EMT"s came in and Ava calmed down. Jon and Richie also walked in and Jon quickly got to Ellie to make sure she was fine. Richie bent down to check on Ava.

“Hey Sweetheart how are you doing ?” he asked as the EMT”s had her on the stretcher and got an IV into her.

“I’m ok now Daddy. And Aunt Ellie calmed me down too right Dylan?” Dylan nodded as he held her hand that wasn’t being worked on.

“That’s good. Everything will be ok. Dylan when you need a ride back here just give me a call and I’ll come pick you up. I don’t think they’ll let me see you or the baby right away so I’ll come up later or when Dylan wants to come back for a rest ok?” he told his daughter. The EMT”s gave a nod to get going.

“Dad I’ll call as soon as she has it and let you all know. Thank You everyone.” Dylan said as he caught up to them.

Richie stood there watching them load her up and Dylan jumping in and watching them drive away to the hospital. Jon noticed he had tears running down his face and nudged Ellie to look also. They both just smiled at each other knowing the feeling that he had.