Dr. Colby came in the next day and told Jennifer that a therapist was coming to try to get Jonathan out of bed…perhaps in a wheel chair. She was devastated. Why a wheel chair? she asked. Dr. Colby did not want to tell her, but, he had to. I don’t think Jonathan will walk again, or will he ever be able to express his love for you. This she did not want to hear…that’s what you say, she said. He is going to come out of this and we are going to make passionate love. Dr. Colby just looked at her with saddened eyes, as he knows the love they have for each other.
The Hyatts arrived home earlier than planned, and went to the Harts as soon as they arrived home. Jack was very upset, and sat with Jonathan while Monica visited with Jennifer and tried to get her out for lunch. Jennifer would not leave Jonathan, she was beginning to look very worn. The Hyatts left, and Jennifer was back in next to Jonathan. She held his hand and with great surprise, he squeezed her hand, and smiled at her. Jennifer screamed with joy, Maria and James came running, they couldn’t imagine what had happened. Jennifer told them that he squeezed her hand and they were thrilled, Maria started to cry. Jennifer called Dr. Colby, and he came as soon as he could. Dr. Colby tested Jonathan’s reflexes and did get a response, he looked at Jennifer and said, I think we are on the road to recovery, but, it will be a long time for the results you want. Jennifer said, I’ll wait.
Maria had dinner for them and served it in their bedroom. After dinner Jennifer and Jonathan watched a little TV, and she could see that he was getting sleepy, she got him ready for bed, and then got herself ready for bed. She crawled in next to him and her cold feet touched his leg and he jumped. Jennifer screamed and Maria and James plus Freeway ran in to see what had happened. Jennifer told them and they called Dr. Colby. Dr. Colby came and checked Jonathan’s reflexes again, and touched his legs with a cold instrument and Jonathan moved. Dr. Colby was thrilled, and said looking good, looking good, he said I will see him again tomorrow. Jennifer went back to bed, held Jonathan until he fell asleep. She lay awake, and thought Christmas will be here in a few weeks, and Jonathan is ill, will we have a Christmas or even any of the children from the Mission Street Orphanage. She then dozed off.
The next day a male nurse came in to take care of Jonathan’s needs, and bath him and redressed him in clean pj’s and had him ready for the therapist. The therapist arrived and starting exercising Jonathan’s legs, and arms and he seem to be more agile. This was good news. He told Jennifer, then made a report for Dr. Colby. The therapist picked up Jonathan, and Jonathan seem to be helping a little, and said Mrs. Hart, I think he will be okay, Jennifer said, I know he will.
Jonathan was put in a wheel chair downstairs in the living room. Freeway jumped up to greet him, and Jennifer came in to kiss him. The therapist left and the nurse said he would be back later. Jonathan shook his head yes.
That afternoon people from Hart Industries came to visit. They talked about what was going on and Jonathan seem to be very happy, but he was tiring, and Stanley Frieson said, I think it is time for all of us to leave. I will be back in a few days alone Mr. Hart, said Stanley. Jonathan smiled.
Jennifer wheeled Jonathan out on the patio, and fed him a drink. As she went to put the drink down, he reached over and her pulled her down on his lap and kissed her hard, over and over and over. He said to her, I missed you in my arms darling. Jennifer was left with her mouth opened, and said to him, darling your back. Yes, I am he said, a little weak and tired, but I am back. Oh I love you he said, and he kissed her again. When did you know that you could speak she asked…this morning after you dressed and left me in bed alone waiting for the nurse to arrive. The nurse and therapist knew this, but, I wanted to be the one to surprise you, he said. Surprise me you did, said Jennifer. Jennifer called Maria and James, they saw Jennifer in his arms, and they both kissed him and said welcome back Mr. Hart.
Jennifer got up and wanted to call the Hyatts. Jonathan said not now, tomorrow is good enough. I just want to be alone with you. Jonathan said I know Christmas is right around the corner so next week we have to go shopping then go to the orphanage and put our order in for some children. Not so fast darling, Jennifer said, we have to wait to talk to Dr. Colby. He may not want you exposed to too many people. Well, I am no longer quarantined, and I am no longer sick. In fact I have a better idea let’s take all the children that are left for the holidays and bring them all here and have one big celebration with them. When we are alone again, we will have our own Christmas celebration, the works.
Jennifer loved him for this. She said, let’s talk about this tomorrow right now take it easy darling. Jonathan said, I am not taking it easy tonight, I have to get reacquainted with you. They were both ready for bed, she kissed him tenderly and said to him, I am yours. Jonathan was sound asleep within minutes from the medication. Thanks, Jennifer said, I’ll get you for this.
The next morning Jennifer was still asleep and Jonathan tried to get out of bed on his own and fell on the floor. Jennifer jumped out of bed, what happened she said, and saw Jonathan sitting on the floor. She went over to him and sat next to him and they both laughed, then he kissed her. Good morning darling he said. Jennifer remarked, I think you still need the wheel chair. She called for James, and he helped Mr. H get up and got him into the shower. Jennifer said thanks James, I will call you when he is ready to come out of the shower. Jennifer showered him down, then showered herself. When they were through, she called for James, and he came to help him into the bedroom. Jennifer dressed him in clean pajamas, and robe, and he pulled her down on the bed…not now she said, you missed your chance last night. In fact, the nurse will be here shortly and I still need to get dressed.
When the nurse arrived, she told him what had happened and they all laughed, and the therapist walked in, did I miss something, he said. Jennifer then told him and they all laughed again. The therapist worked with Jonathan, and got him off the bed, and started him on two canes. He did real well. He had breakfast, the therapist helped him into the bathroom, where he brushed his teeth, and shaved. After a few hours Jonathan tired, and laid down on the sofa. Jennifer put a quilt over him and looked right into his eyes. He pulled her down and hugged her, and kissed her. Not now darling, she said, we have company…who he said, the nurse and therapist? They will be going soon, and then watch out…promises, promises, Jennifer said.
Jonathan napped a bit. It was early afternoon, and lunch was ready on the patio. He walked there pretty well, Jennifer at his side. After lunch he said, I want to call Stanley Freison and have him come out to the house. When Stanley arrived he was shocked to see Mr Hart walking with canes. Mr. Hart, how wonderful, and oh yes, I brought you some work to go over.
Jonathan said, I have a very big job for you to do. Anything, said Stanley. I want you to get some decorators to come in and decorate this house for Christmas. After that, I want you to go to the Mission Street Orphanage and tell them that we want all of the children that are left there for Christmas to come here along with counselors. Will do said Stanley. Jennifer walked in and said why are you letting Stanley do all of this…because it will be too much for us to do and besides, we have to go shopping, and that will take an eternity, with your selections, and my immobility. Your wonderful she said, Stanley left.
Jonathan went to his desk, and looked over a few of the papers that Stanley had brought to him. Jennifer called Monica, and told her of Jonathan’s progress. She was so happy to hear this as she and Jack felt responsible for what happened since they knew that Jennifer did not want to go. Jennifer said, that’s ridiculous…he probably would have gotten the flu anyway since he didn’t go for his flu shot. Monica asked Jennifer if she would like to go to lunch tomorrow, sure Jennifer said, can Jonathan come along, of course, said Monica. Okay Jennifer said, I will see you tomorrow about one o’clock? Bye. Jonathan asked , what was that all about…Monica asked me to go to lunch tomorrow, well you go darling, he said, I can catch up on a few phone calls to the office I have to speak with Stanley Freison about the reports he sent, but right now how about a game of gin at a nickel a point. Sure why not, she said you feel lucky? I am very lucky, he said, I have you don’t I? Ooh, she said, your so adorable. They played gin for awhile, and that relaxed Jonathan to a point where he began to yawn, and said he needed to rest for a bit. Why? Jennifer said, because you owe me a few hundred…poor loser.
Jonathan took a nap on the sofa…Jennifer did some of her writing, and made a few phone calls. Dr. Colby called, and said for Jonathan to go on with his normal life, and for Jennifer to start to wean him off of the medication, but was to continue with the exercises that the therapist recommended he do. Jennifer asked if he can swim around the pool, and Dr. Colby suggested that he do that when the therapist was around. Jennifer agreed and thanked Dr. Colby for all he did for Jonathan. Jonathan is anxious to get back to the office for a bit, said Jennifer, how do you feel about him doing this Dr. Colby? Sounds okay, but tell him not to do too much. We are planning on having children here for the Christmas holiday from the orphanage, do you think Jonathan will be okay doing this? Jennifer asked. Sure Dr. Colby said, but, then again tell him to take it easy. Thank you Dr. Colby, Jennifer said.
Jennifer woke Jonathan for dinner, he complained of a headache, wasn’t sure that he wanted dinner, but she insisted that he eat something. When are we going out for dinner Jonathan asked, don’t you think it is about time? Yes, Jennifer said, and Dr. Colby called and said that you can do whatever it is you want to do but do it slowly. Oh Jonathan said, that I like, so darling you had better watch out tonight, because your in big trouble now.
Jonathan wanted so much to go to his office, therefore, the next morning Jonathan’s limo came to pick them up and took them to Hart Industries. There was a big WELCOME BACK MR. HART sign from one end of the office to the other. Coffee and cake was set up for Jonathan’s come back, and this made him very happy. Jennifer stood in the background while everyone shook his hand and wished him well. It was very emotional but, Jonathan managed to get through the morning pretty good. Jonathan had a short meeting with his Executives, thanked them all for carrying on and doing a superior job. It was close to noon, and he and Jennifer left. His limo driver took them to Pierre’s in Beverly Hills for lunch, and then they did a little Christmas shopping on Rodeo Drive. Jennifer pointing out some of the fine pieces of jewelry that she would like to have for Christmas. Jonathan had ignored it as her Christmas gift was already on order. They had many gifts to buy for the children, so they did some of that. Then it was on home where Jonathan needed to rest before dinner.
Jennifer woke him and he took her in his arms and kissed her and said your something you know that? I know, I know, she said, but not now Jonathan, Dr. Colby said you have to take it easy, oh pooh on Dr. Colby, like I said in the past he isn’t married to you, and I can’t resist you for too much longer. They both laughed and he kissed her again, and she responded lovingly, I love you she said, I certainly hope so, he replied. Freeway was sitting outside the bedroom door and barked, okay Freeway Jennifer said, we will be right out.
It was a very warm evening so they had dinner out on the patio. They talked about Max – Jonathan said we need a drink, today would have been Max’s birthday and Jonathan wanted to toast him. James poured them both a little champagne and they both looked up to the heavens and said Happy Birthday Max. Jonathan looked at Jennifer with sad eyes, and Jennifer interrupted him and said, let’s go for a walk. They walked through the garden and Freeway came running up to them and walked with them. Jonathan was feeling wonderful, he stopped, took Jennifer in his arms, hugged her tight and kissed her. Darling, he said I don’t know what I would do without you, she hugged him back.
The next day Jennifer told Jonathan that she was going to meet some of her friends for lunch to work on the Charity Christmas Ball, oh good he said. Good? She said – you won’t miss me, of course, he said I just have to do things with Stanley today. Okay darling Jennifer said, just don’t over do it. She dressed for lunch and helped Jonathan put on his socks, slacks, and sweatshirt, she kissed him goodbye.
Stanley arrived and he and Jonathan talked about the Christmas holiday at the house. He told Jonathan there are approximately 42 boys and girls and 6 counselors that would come for Christmas day, great Jonathan said. I want you to rent however many limos are needed for all of them, have them picked up at 4:00 pm and taken to the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they have accommodations, then picked up and taken to the house for about 8:00 pm. They will be taken back to the Beverly Hills Hotel after Santa arrives at midnight. Then be back here at the house around noon for a Christmas day of their lives, partying, swimming, eating, dancing and then back to the orphanage. I will take care of everything Mr. Hart…I will keep you posted as to the process I am making…I know you will Stanley, you are Mr. Organization, they both laughed.
Stanley left and Jonathan did his shopping for Jennifer over the phone.
He called the Porsche Dealer and spoke with Tim, the dealer and wanted to know what was available in a 2 seater Dark Purple, Porsche loaded. We will be sure to get something for you…the color may be a problem, said Tim. Do what you can, said Jonathan, but do not call me at the house deal with Stanley Frieson, at Hart Industries, and he will relay any messages to me. Sure thing said the dealer.
Jennifer arrived home about 3:00 pm, and Jonathan was lying down on the sofa. The therapist was there this afternoon early, and he had Jonathan swim around the pool, Jonathan did it well, but tired easily.
Hi darling, she said, think I will just relax a bit before dinner. She sat next to Jonathan and told him all about the Charity Christmas Ball. It would be held at the Beverly Hills Hilton. Sounds great Jonathan said, but don’t I get something, what is it you want she said, he pulled her down to kiss her, that’s what I want, I missed those lips today. She just shook her head and laughed at him then bent down and kissed him. Did Stanley say when the decorators were coming to decorate for Christmas? She asked. No, but I will check with him, Jonathan said.
Christmas was quickly approaching, and Jonathan was getting panic stricken since he had not heard from Stanley about the car. He wanted the car delivered the day after Christmas since this is when he and Jennifer decided to celebrate Christmas together alone. Jennifer still had to get something for Jonathan, but didn’t know what. He could use a new car she thought. When Jonathan was not around, she called the Porsche dealer and said that she wanted a black two seater sports car loaded. She dealt with a Salesman, John. He said he would work on something and get back to her. No, no, no she said, I will call you. Oh okay the salesman said. Everything was ready to go for Christmas which was one week away. Jonathan nor Jennifer had heard from their Salesmen. Then Stanley called Jonathan and mentioned that there is a car available like he wanted but not in dark purple. Would dark blue do? Sounds good, Jonathan said. Make the deal Stanley but the car is to be delivered on December 26 in the middle of the night with a big red bow, no problem sir, said Stanley.
Jennifer had reached her salesman and he had a car for her just as she wanted, black, two seater loaded…good she said, but I want the car delivered on December 26 in the middle of the night with a big red bow…no problem the salesman said, Jennifer said I will send you a check in the mail. All was set on that deal and Jonathan’s deal was taken care of by Stanley.
December 20th the house was getting decorated, the fireplace, the living room, but no mistletoe, the outside was decorated, and when Jonathan came in and saw no mistletoe, he said, oh no, I need mistletoe just for me and my wife, and I want it right here in the foyer. The decorator said, you will have mistletoe, we will be here tomorrow to put the tree up and we will bring mistletoe, I certainly hope so said Jonathan. The house looked absolutely beautiful. When Jennifer saw it she was thrilled, she said where is the mistletoe, my husband and I want mistletoe. Darling it is coming tomorrow, do we have to wait that long she said. He shook his head and said oh I love you, put his arms around her and kissed her.
Everything was all set for the children, the house was decorated, the cars would be delivered on the 26th, but the Harts were lost without Max. Freeway was running in and out, and they laughed at him, and Maria had dinner for them. Jonathan said, no dinner Maria, I am taking my best girl out. Sounds great, said Maria, the Harts went to their room, showered together and dressed. James had driven them to the Jade Chinese restaurant, and Chen Lee made their favorite dish. They had fortune cookies, and had tea, and after a wonderful dinner for two, they headed for home. They talked about Christmas, and their trip with the Hyatts, but Jonathan did not want to talk about his bout with the flu.
On December 24, the Harts were ready for their big celebration. At about 7:45 pm, 7 limousines pulled up, and the children stepped out in an orderly fashion. They were all dressed alike in their uniforms, and all looked handsomely dressed. They walked in and shook Jonathan and Jennifer’s hand, and looked around in amazement. The house looked beautiful, and so did the mistletoe. They sat very orderly, and were offered soft drinks, and snacks, and soft music was playing. One little girl got up and walked over to the piano. Jennifer asked if she played, yes the little girl said, may I, of course, Jennifer replied. The little girl played a beautiful concerto piece, and then started playing Christmas carols. The other children all stood up by the fireplace and began singing. It was the most beautiful sound that one would ever hear. One girl sang "O Holy Night" in soprano, and the others harmonized along. It was just beautiful, Jonathan sat very close to Jennifer and held her hand, and she can feel his palm sweating with happiness. After the caroling, they talked about the orphanage, and told stories of their past, and so did Jonathan and Jennifer. Some of the children knew of Max and talked about him, and others played with Freeway until dinner was served. There were many servants serving the children and they enjoyed every bit of it. It was midnight, and this big crash came through the front door, it was Santa Claus, and everyone was thrilled. The children were given many gifts and within two hours it was time to return to the hotel. They all hugged Jennifer and shook Jonathan’s hand and left. Jennifer and Jonathan were getting tired, but he had to kiss her again under the mistletoe. Jennifer responded and kissed Jonathan back. It was like old times, as Max would say. Freeway barked and went into the kitchen to his bed. Sure good night Freeway, they both said, and laughed. Merry Christmas darling, Jonathan said to Jennifer.
Christmas morning the children had returned again, and went swimming, danced and ate everything in sight. By early evening it was time for them to return to the orphanage, this made Jonathan very sad, as he knew what it felt like when the holidays came around.
But, the next day, the Harts would celebrate their Christmas, Jonathan couldn’t wait. The children were ready to leave, and they kissed the Harts and thanked them for a wonderful time. One little girl said to Jennifer, may I come again anytime…and Jennifer melted and said, of course, you can. Jonathan picked up the little girl and hugged her and she hugged him very tight. Off the limos went back to the orphanage. The little girl looked out the window and kept waving until the Harts could no longer see the limos pull out of the drive.
The Harts had retired after the children left, Jonathan was exhausted, and Jennifer was beginning to get tired, so off to bed they went.
It was about 2:00 am in the morning when Jennifer heard this racket outside. She woke up Jonathan, and he said what is that racket. I don’t know she said, maybe Santa Claus had to come back because he forgot something for someone. Oh yeah, Jonathan said. Oh well darling go back to sleep, I don’t hear him anymore. Both lay there with their eyes opened wide. Okay Jonathan said, let’s go see what is going on. They got up put their robes on, and Jonathan got his canes and down they went. Jonathan said, you had better let me open that door darling, she agreed, as both knew there would be a car delivery. As he opened the door the outside lights went on and the two cars sat in the driveway with red ribbons….Jonathan looked at Jennifer, and she at him, and both said what the hell is this….he looked at her and said Merry Christmas darling, it’s your Christmas present, she said to him Merry Christmas darling, it’s your Christmas present, they both handed each other a set of keys. They hugged each other and went to look at the cars together, they had a very good laugh, but most of all they had a Hart filled Christmas. They looked up at the heavens together, and said Merry Christmas Max, Freeway came running out and barked.
