I could see the open doors to the reception room. I slipped inside, wondering how I’d find Mary Catherine and the gang. I don’t know why I thought that would be a problem. They literally made up a quarter of the audience.
The younger kids gave me a hug as a mob. I kissed Mary Catherine, then focused on the podium. Eight kids stood in line with the mayor to one side. Trent was second from the right. He was dressed in his blue suit with a new, yellow tie. He looked remarkably snazzy.
I actually listened to the mayor for a change. He talked about kids from all over the city writing essays and these were the best. I snuck a glance at Jane. I was worried she still might be a little jealous of her brother. But when I looked over, she seemed okay.
Then the mayor said Trent’s name. I was so thrilled, I felt a little dizzy. Trent beamed. I again looked over to Jane, and she was smiling and applauding like everyone else.
Life did have a way of working out. I realized my stomach issue had resolved itself.
This was going to be a night to remember.
Chapter 105
The next few days flew by. Harry Grissom came by the apartment and admitted he’d been told to put eyes on me in New York City. He was embarrassed. I was amused. Now it was all just a game.
Mary Catherine seemed withdrawn. I danced around the edges of asking her exactly what was wrong but did not get a clear answer. I chalked it up to having to deal with the kids by herself for so long. I gave her space.
Sunday, we attended mass at Holy Name. Everyone attended together. We took up an entire pew. Today Shawna and Seamus were unveiling their project.
Right as Father Calise finished conducting the service, he said, “We have a special surprise this morning. Father Seamus and his great-granddaughter Shawna have a presentation.”
I found myself leaning forward in the seat, making sure I could see the front of the congregation clearly. I couldn’t believe how excited I was to find out what the secret project was.
Shawna nearly leapt from the pew. Seamus and an altar boy wheeled out a small cart covered by a cloth. I had to smile at how well rehearsed everything was.
Seamus yielded the floor to Shawna. She said in her loudest voice, “We’d like to thank Gigi Barborini and Paul Laska for taking the time to teach us the skills we needed to complete our project.”
I glanced around quickly and realized I was not the only member of the church excited to see what they had made. I was completely intrigued. I had no idea what they could’ve created.
With a theatrical flair, Seamus pulled the cloth straight up in the air. He revealed a square-foot stained-glass piece. A whirl of color framed by black painted iron. There were five sections in the square with leading strips separating all the different-colored glass segments. It was perfect. It was beautiful.
Seamus said, “This will replace the window in the side entrance to the church. It’s dedicated to my late granddaughter-in-law, Maeve Bennett.”
The applause was instant and thunderous. Shawna was a star.
I got choked up. I couldn’t say what affected me more, Shawna’s art or the dedication to my wonderful late wife. I needed a minute to gather myself. Mary Catherine draped an arm across my shoulders. She handed me a tissue from her purse. I tried not to honk when I blew my nose.
After the service, we waited as a family while parishioners complimented Seamus and Shawna. I didn’t think anyone could have as wide a smile as Shawna on this Sunday morning.
I could get used to seeing my kids honored.
Chapter 106
Sunday night, we had a family meal. The boys insisted on doing all the cooking and the cleaning up. I was wary of a prank. Then I heard Ricky was in charge. That’s how I knew it wouldn’t go too badly.
We all sat at the long dining room table as the four boys walked out, each holding a platter of food. It was a great presentation. When the platters were set on the table, I saw there were hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, and homemade coleslaw. I knew the coleslaw was Ricky’s contribution. It was a feast. Everyone seemed happy. No easy feat with thirteen people in New York City.
Later, Mary Catherine and I settled in bed with the news on our little TV. I had to watch a story about New York senator Lom Wellmy retiring immediately. The newscaster mentioned Wellmy’s daughter’s arrest for a homicide in Baltimore. The report said that Justice Steinberg had taken his wife’s arrest hard and was in seclusion.
Mary Catherine turned to me in bed and said, “That was because of you. Is it satisfying?”
“Finding Emily’s murderer was satisfying. This is just sort of amusing.” I shut off the TV with the remote.