Love Without You

another sedative. She went right back to sleep. Fortunately they had not done any redecorating to the house and not even started painting the nursery yet. They had picked up a couple of outfits but that was about it.
    Jessica had a hard time recouping from losing the baby. It was several months before she felt like her old self. But finally she did and life was the same happy day to day pleasure that it had always been with them.
They laughed and played and talked all the time and life was good and they felt secure. Sometimes they had such a good time it was like they forgot they weren't married.
    By this time Jessica had gotten a promotion at work and now was doing most of her work at home. So they turned the other bedroom into an office for her. For her birthday that year Josh bought her an engagement ring and asked her to marry him. She knew that this was the one so she had no problem saying yes. It had been almost two years since her break up with Ben and she knew she loved Josh so why not? Now they were busy planning the wedding and deciding where, what, who, whom? There was a lot to do in a short time because they wanted to get married at Christmas.
    The planning went well and they decided on a small ceremony right there on the beach so just about all they had to do was put up a harbor. They were only inviting close friends and some family and get the reception together which would be at their house. It was really a no brainer. The most important job they had to do was going to the liquor store and stocking the bar for that night. They needed champagne and lots of it. They were both so excited about their future together and so in love, it was a magical time for them. It seemed like nothing could ever go wrong in the world as long as they were together and they could fight off anything together.
    Three months be fore the wedding Jessica’s Dad had a heart attack and died. She was fortunate enough to be with him when he died and he told her to go ahead with the wedding. He knew he wouldn’t be there but made her promise that she would continue with the plans. Naturally Jessica didn't want to do this but she knew she would keep her promise to her Daddy. It was important that she keep herself together because her Mother was a basket case. She tried to help her all she could but she literally acted like she was helpless. Jessica didn’t realize how much her Mother depended on her Father till then and it would take a while for her to adjust to being alone. Jessica and Josh both knew this would take patience but they didn’t realize how much they would have to give of their life for her Mother’s life.

Chapter 5 - Tomorrow is Never Guaranteed Today.
    The day of the service started out very bleak. When Jessica got up she had a headache the size of Texas. When she had to start off taking Aspirin she knew she would have a bad day. The service was scheduled for 2:00 at the funeral home in the chapel. Her father had been cremated so there wouldn't be a grave side service. She knew they had to get dress and go to her Mom’s house and pick her up. Then they would go back there and help her after the service when people came over to pay their respects and have something to eat. The neighbors were to set the food out while they had the service and then everything should be ready when they arrived home. There was plenty of food that had been brought over by friends and family for this day so everything was in order except for her Mom.
    When Jessica and Josh got to her Mom’s house that day her Mother was still in her bathrobe and hadn’t even put on her makeup. She was talking constantly and drinking coffee like it was water. She hadn’t even had a shower or anything. So Jessica had to step up and take control of the situation and put all the gears in order for the day to get going. There were a few friends that were wandering in and out bringing food but Jessica took care of them now and put her Mother in the bathroom to take a shower and get ready. There was enough food there to feed an army and she was sure they would have enough to eat on for a week, especially since her Mother wasn't eating at all. Maybe that would change after today they would have to wait and see.
    Finally her Mother was ready and they left for the funeral home. Everything was set up just like they had asked it to be done and she and her Mother both were very pleased. It was a service and they were proud of the way it turned out. But Jessica