In the master bedroom, Mack Banning painted a cloud filled sky on the ceiling.
During the daylight hours it looks ordinary. The stars are invisible in the daytime or when the lights are on in the room.
But when dusk descends the ceiling becomes a glow in the dark starry night. When the lights are off, the master bedroom disappears
and thousands of twinkling stars including all the constellations in their correct locations sparkle overhead. The majestic
Milky Way galaxy, shooting stars, and Haley’s Comet shimmer right above their King-Size bed. In a word, it is simply
magical.
Tonight Jack and Sue get to experience the most unbelievable starry sky right
in the privacy of their own home. Like having their very own planetarium and relaxing/sleeping under the stars every night.
Jack could not believe his eyes when Mack Banning unveiled the rest of his masterpiece. It was even better than Jack expected
it would turn out to be.
The following week, all four murals are done. Jack thanked Mack Banning for
his help and they sat at the kitchen table drinking beers and talked. It was almost eleven o’clock on Sunday night when
Mack got up to leave. Mack told Jack to send him a picture of the twins. And if Jack is ever in South Carolina to look him
up. He lives on the outskirts of Myrtle Beach and loves it there except for the occasional hurricane. Jack shakes hands and
tells Mack Banning he might take his family there for summer vacation when the twins are at least three years old.
By then, they can really enjoy the beach and build
sand castles. After Mack leaves, Sue went into the kitchen to get a glass of milk. Jack took her hand and led her upstairs
to show her all four fantastic murals. Sue was so overwhelmed. She cried tears of happiness especially when she saw the starry
night sky. Sue loved all four murals. It was remarkable that Jack pulled this off without her knowing about it.
In the living room, two weeks later, Jack has just finished reading all
five baby books, absorbing all the information. At this point, Sue could only stare at him. As usual Jack went a tad overboard
with the prospect of twins coming into the world. And he also bought two “What To Name
Your Baby” books so they can decide on names for their twins.
He has another surprise for Sue. Jack showed her a fetal CD player with a
set of headphones and a large belt. He showed Sue how it works. Jack picked up the CD player and moved behind her to place
the belt around her waist.
Jack: The belt goes around your hips. It’s adjustable and has microphones in it so
the baby can hear the music. The headphones are for you, in case you want to listen at the same time as the baby. The book
I read says that classical music is soothing to the baby and reduces stress for the mother as well. There’s a CD ready
to go if you want to listen to it now. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: That is so very thoughtful of you. I think the twins will like it. I’ll listen to the CD
after my nap. (glowing smile)
Jack: Why are you frowning? (concern smile)
Sue: Honey, do I look like a pumpkin to you? Do I remind you of a circus tent, a watermelon,
a whale, or elephant? (nervous smile)
Jack: I say you’re the most beautiful pregnant woman
I have ever seen. It’s true. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: Oh sure. Only I don’t feel beautiful. Admit
it, I look like a whale. (nervous smile)
Jack: That’s just your hormones talking. I’ll
say it again. You are beautiful to me. You know, you remind of sunshine and rose petals just like the first time we kissed
in Paris.
(megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: Thank you for saying that. I came by the office today to see you, ran into Myles instead.
I should have known better than to listen to Myles. (glowing smile and laughs)
Jack: Myles said that to you. He should be shot. (laughs) I’m going to show everyone
his “Marianne” pictures. That will teach him a lesson. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: You always know how to cheer me up. Why is it that I can never stay mad at you even
when you are being stubborn about my diet and me resting in bed all the time? (glowing smile and teases Jack)
Jack: Because you love me and you know I’m only
doing what I think is best for you and our twins. I love your laugh, your honesty, your kindness, and your smile. I love the
faraway look you get in your eyes when you feel our twins kick. And I’m going to keep reminding you of those things
until you believe me. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: Well that is the sweetest compliment anyone has ever
said to me. Look at me I’m positively glowing now. How come you always know what I need to hear? (radiant smile)
Jack: Because I know you so well and I love you more than life itself. (megawatt
smile and his signature wink)
