Chapter 47 - Not running Anymore

Mara, listened to the very end, then she spoke, not to me but to the Detective.
"So, let me check I have this right, Dorothea stabs Jon, so to get let off she concocts this story about him raping her, when in actual fact she rapes him?, Detective; I hold my hands up to not being a cop but does this not alert you to her unstable state of mind?, why even if it is a counter allegation, do you want to call and put Jon, no wait a second , us through all this pain?, Between Dorothea and her mother she burned my house down and nearly killed me. Can I suggest you concentrate on the Arson and attempted murder and stop wasting our time with pathetic counter allegations."  moving to the door, she opened it for the Detective and his colleague to leave.

Detective Ross remained where he was; "Miss Goodward, I am an officer of the law, it matters not how lame you feel the allegations are, inline with Ms Hurleys human rights; I have to investigate. I am sorry for the stress, to you and Mr Bongiovi,  but you must understand I am just doing my job. The case involving Ms Hurley and her Mother is very complex. For us to receive Justice for all parties we have to go through the protocol to reach the other side." then turning to me he added; Mr Bongiovi, thank you for your time and explanation. I will investigate and check with the hospital against the times Ms Hurley has given, and I hope I will not be bothering you again." prompting his assistant, he walked to the door, " We will take our leave, no need to show us the door;  we can find our own way out; thank you for your time." with a nodded acknowledgement to us both he with his assistant left the office; leaving the huge Elephant standing between Mara and me.

I still hung my head in shame, the old Jon of years ago was creeping back into my bones. I felt a total failure. True to me I was hanging on by a thread to the only women I have ever loved with all my heart. I could not think straight on what to do or say next. Mara was quiet and sat on the arm of the arm chair thinking through the events the detective brought to the floor. She sat silent for what seemed like hours but in reality it was only minutes. Lifting her head she spoke, 

"Jon, are you ok?" She forced me to look at her, not allowing me to hang my head, as i looked across to her, she looked beaten and drawn too. I shook my head.
"no, not really. I am so sorry to put you through all of this"
"All of what?"
"Dorothea, me, I-I-I..." the words would not come, but the tears flowed and again I had my head in my hands. As soon as I broke for the second time Mara walked over to me and pulled me to her, she held me tight, and reassured me she believed me and that Dorothea would not get away with what she was doing. I did not know what I did to deserve Mara, but despite what she had heard there was no doubt in her mind I was totally innocent. What really upset her was that i did not share what I had suffered that night at the hands of my ex wife. Once I had fully explained my reasons she softened towards me, i felt more relaxed her knowing too, there was never going to be another situation like this again, or where it could have just been mentioned by accident, I guess in someways the Detective had done us a favor. 

"So, you still on for the day with Rich and the kids?, hes waiting in the nook? Everything is ready."

If i was honest, going off to have a fun time was the farthest thing I wanted to be doing right now ; but I could not give up on my new life and kids, hell they needed me more now than ever, standing straight  i moved across to Mara and gave her a kiss, 

" Well Bongiovi whats it to be?" 

"Yeah, lets go!!"

" and Dorothea?"

" ill sort it, your right, we'll prove her a liar"

"Good, so you ready?"

I nodded and with our arms wrapped around each other we left the office and went to find Richie and the kids and go enjoy our day. 

Chapter 46 - The Fighter

As I sat with my head in my hands, tormented by Dorothea's accusations, we were interrupted by a knock on the office door.
"Yeah come"
the door opened and Mara stuck her head round the corner,
"Richie's here....." She looked across at me and immediately saw how distressed I was.
" Oh My god, Jon; what's wrong?"
concern was etched on her face, as she stepped inside the office and closed the door, behind her.
"What's going on, why are you so pale?.... why have you been crying?..."
She looked at me and then the Detective.
I answered.... "Dorothea has accused me of rape, I didn't do it though I swear"
"What? how? when?"
"The night I stayed over to see the kids,  but ..... I paused, I needed Mara to know what Dot had done to me. I wished to god she never had to find out; but I couldnt lie. If she found out from somone else, well it would kill her. I continued, "

 there's more too it than just that"
Mara perched on the chair by the door, she still eyed the Detective, then focused her attention to me.
"I'm listening.."
every time she looked at the Detective her eye's had a steely cold look of determination, I had puposely not told Mara about what Dorethea had done to me, as I wanted in many ways to block it out, I could then pretend it never happened, pretend it was just a dream; i mean how lame does it sound that I was man raped? Plus with the arson attacks it would have been wrong to share that information too, honestly; Until it happened to me I never thought that it was possible or real.... but it was; and now I was having to share this intimate detail with Mara; something I was being forced to do, something I was really uncomfortable with. More thoughts flew round my mind; i was torn mentally and physically,  I mean; would she believe me, or would she think I had cheated on her with my ex wife. After all I had cheated in the past, why would she believe what I was about to tell her...... Still I had no choice, the elephant was in the room and not going any where; with Dot's accusations now laid bare, it was time. swallowing really hard, and holding onto the desk until my knuckles went white,  and taking a deep breath I began.... 

"Thing is, the night I stayed over, I had not slept for over seventy two hours as I had been by your side in hospital, we had all eaten dinner together and then gone into the mini theatre to watch a movie, I crashed before the movie started and Jake and Dot carried me to bed, or so I was told.... then Jake went downstairs to join the others to watch the movie and left Dot with me, she undressed me to my shorts."
"She stripped you near naked?"
"I guess, I don't know babe, I was out cold, my body was exhausted.." sweat started to bead on my brow, my throat was dry, and my heart was beating so hard it felt like it would burst out of my chest; but I forced myself to continue.
" well, the off shot is because she was missing for ages, Jessie went looking for her,  he called out but she never answered, so he climbed the stairs and headed to the guest room where I was, just as he was about to enter; through the crack in the door he saw Dot with her hands in my shorts.........I had no idea, and Jessie told me the following morning.... he was traumatised" the whole time I was explaining I looked at the floor, ashamed at what I was having to explain to my fiancée. after I had finished  I just stood with head down, racked with guilt and shame....

Chapter 45 - Moving On... or Can we...

After the party everything kind of returned to normal, Mara, bit the bullet and moved in with me full time, Her burns were healing fast, and we were now just waiting on the last appointment for her final skin graft before being fully discharged, me, well, my shoulder had all but healed too, although if I lifted my arm to quick I felt the nip and pinch where the scar was.

It was a reminder to take things slow, something over the last few months I had started to enjoy.

I had begun writing songs again, on my own and with Richie, add into the mix the guys, and you had the re start of a new refreshed older more mature Bon Jovi.
Time was new, and we were taking things steady, we had talked and were working on the album and the possibility of a new tour and prelaunch next year, but not until we were all happy.
The guys had families too now; and being older we all loved spending time with them.


Something we really struggled with at the height of our fame. Getting older meant we were wiser, and definitely much happier, yeah, the kids were happy and everything seemed to be going well, then just as It was getting comfortable and relaxed; something was heading in like a tornado and things were about to change.....

I was in the kitchen preparing the food hamper with Mara when the doorbell chimed; breaking into the tranquillity of our family normality. 

I thought it was my band brother Richie with his daughter Ava, as they were joining us for the day; we had all planned a trip on the boat, now named Secret Dreams by the kids and Mara, we were off to have a picnic and play water games, so on the way to answer the door, I was thrown to find Detective Ross, on the other side.

I'm gonna be honest now, whenever I saw this man my throat tightened and I felt uneasy. The last time I had seen him it was under bad circumstances and I had a feeling this time was not going to go any better.

Trying to hide my shock and discomfort I spoke,

"detective, what bring's you to my neck of the woods on a Sunday Morning?"
"Good Morning Mr Bongiovi, I am sorry to bother you, but  may I come in?"
"What's it about?"
"Questions sir, please, I would rather talk inside and not on the doorstep"
I sighed but held the door open wider to allow him to enter, he walked past me with his assistant into the lobby.  Closing the door I turned to face them.
"What are your questions Detective?"
"they are regarding your ex wife."
"What now?, Detective I have told you everything there is to know regarding Dorothea, what more can I tell you."
"It's not what you can tell me sir, Ms Hurley has made a counter allegation against you."
"A what?"
"Counter allegation"
"What the fuck is a counter allegation?"
"Could we go some where private to discuss this, it is delicate, I am sure you would prefer this to be kept between us and not the whole house." He stood looking at me, waiting for me to speak.
"Can't this wait? I have plans with my family, can I come to the station tomorrow?"
"No, sir sorry I need to ask these questions now. the sooner we get started the sooner I will be gone"

I knew I had no choice, I called out to Mara, she came out from the kitchen, as she walked into the lobby she saw the Detective but never flinched. I am sure she was a stunned as I was to see him there but she never showed it. Casually she spoke,

"Oh, sorry I did not know you were here Detective Ross, I gather this is not a social call?,"
"M'am, no its duty I'm afraid."
" can I get you anything to drink? some breakfast? or juice maybe?"
"no nothing for us thank you, we are fine, I am here as I have some questions for Mr Bongiovi."
Mara walked over to me and stood at my side, she slid her hand around my back and rested it just above my jeans waistline. looking directly at the detective she asked,
"So what is this about then? Dorothea?"
the detective nodded and spoke,
"Yes M'am it is."
"So what is it?"
I spoke, "Dorothea has made an allegation about me."
"For what?"
"I don't know the detective was just about to explain. Right Detective."
"Yes, can we go somewhere private?"
I drew a breath and answered,
"Sure, this way,"

I walked  out of the lobby along the hallway to the office,  the cops followed behind me; with Mara tailing the rear. 
opening the door to my office, we all walked inside. Mara was last but instead of coming in she made her excuses to go be with the kids and wait for Richie, but not before she said to call her if I needed her. leaving me with the Detective; she closed the door. Hearing her foot steps walking away,  I moved round to the side of the desk and sat on the edge, and the detective and his assistant took the easy chairs facing front.

I was really feeling uneasy and a knot was in my stomach, I just wanted this over, Dot had spent so much energy trying to break me, and failed, now she was starting again, I was tired of it all what was it now...  one things for sure, I was going to find out...

Clearing my throat I asked,
"So, what are these allegations then Detective.?"
"Dorothea has said that when you said she man raped you, it was in fact the other way round and you had raped her earlier that day, she claims that what she did to you, with the knife attack was in revenge for the hate she carries and the hurt you have caused her, she also claims your marriage was one full of infidelity and lust, and that you regularly hit her."
"Seriously Detective, that is bullshit, you know it is?"
"Mr Bongiovi, I have to ask the questions when a counter claim has been made, I am sorry."
I stood and started to pace, running my fingers through my hair, I was taking in the ludicrous accusations that Dot had made against me.

"Detective, look, my ex wife and I when we were together I made mistakes. I was an up and coming rock star with women throwing themselves at my feet, there was only so many times, as a man, I could refuse. I hold my hand up to the fact I had a few indiscretions throughout my marriage, hell its public knowledge; but for Christ's sake, I have never laid a finger on Dot in my life ever, period; and I sure the hell have never raped her?. ask anyone, ask my kids, Jesus the night she is saying I raped her I had not slept for 72 hours, I had been at the hospital with Mara. Check the hospital records, I only agreed to stay at her house the night she raped me so I could spend time with my kids, maybe you have forgotten Detective, but Jessie my eldest boy gave you his statement, remember"
"Your ex wife claims, she and her son did not get on well and you paid him to lie for you."
"What??"
"Mr Bongiovi was here anyone else that could prove attest to your ex wife man raping you, other than your eldest son?"
"No, Detective, there is no-ne else."
My head was spinning, I felt sick to my stomach, I could feel my will crumbling and leaving my body. how the hell could I prove I was innocent. What if Mara believed it...... sitting down onto the chair with my head in my hands I began to cry. Dorothea had won, I was broke.

Chapter 44 - And the answer is.....



Mara's Ring
 

My heart was pounding so hard in my chest as I waited for Mara to answer me I thought it would leap out of my body, her eye's looked down at me, melting my heart even more to a complete liquid mass..... I was sure, if she kept me waiting much longer it would spill out onto the floor for everyone to see.
Taking the Microphone from my hand she lifted it to her lips, still holding eye contact with me, she said.... "Yes,"

The whole room erupted with sounds of clapping and cheering, getting up off my knees we embraced each other, and kissed, then I gently slipped the ring, my late Great Grandmothers ring, newly restored onto her finger. She looked down at the ring and then at me,
"Oh Jon, its the most perfect ring I have ever seen. its beautiful, just what I would have chosen if I had a choice" kissing me again, she stood admiring her ring. 
"It was my Great Grandmothers, it is a Bongiovi antique. I know your liked antique rings and when I mentioned it to my mom, it just seemed perfect, it brings real meaning and love into our celebration."
Her eye's were so soft as she listened, then she spoke,
"It does, it means that you all trust me and love me enough to give me one of your relatives precious memories, and I want you to know that I will treasure it forever, with a proviso should anything ever happen to me, or god forbid us I will return it to you. Deal? "
"Deal.."
Helping Mara off the stage, I waved at the guys to join me, they took there places and as I kissed the back of Mara's hand I climbed back on stage to sing, the music started and I sang,

Maybe it's intuition
But some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes
I see my future in an instant
and there it goes
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than
a little crazy but I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life

There's just no rhyme or reason
only this sense of completion
and in your eyes
I see the missing pieces
I'm searching for
I think I found my way home
I know that it might sound more than
a little crazy but I believe

A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I found you.......

 

http://youtu.be/jjnmICxvoVY

Chapter 43 - She took my breath away!











Jon







Mara

As mom and I got to the bottom of the stairs, my mom removed her arm, placed a kiss on my cheek and went off to check that everything was as she wanted it to be.

I walked over to Richie and the guys, after thanking them for coming I showed them where we would set up, I explained my plans and they were all good with it.

"you nervous?"
"Hell yeah..."
"mm thought so...."
"you know me to well Rich"
"Yeah, I do like a brother, I know tonight really aint the time, but you know that detective that's investigating Dot and her mom?,"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"He came to see me."
"He did?, what's he want?"
"To know about your relationship with Dot, why you split and stuff,... man I gotta tell ya, I was not comfortable answering those kind of questions."
"What questions?"
"he wanted to know how many times you had cheated on Dot, if I had ever seen you hit her?, don't worry, I told the truth, but I think you need to contact him Jon, seems like he is digging deep for something."
"yeah, thanks, I will.. strange... I'm guessing Dot has given him some bull shit story and he has to follow up on it, thanks for telling me anyway, Ill talk to him tomorrow "

I thought over what Richie had told me and I was concerned, why was Detective Ross investigating me?, I shook my head, and pushed it to the back of my mind, tonight was not about Dot, her mom or the case, tonight was about Mara.
Richie touched my shoulder, making me jump.
"Relax bud you will be fine, we are right here to support ya."

I smiled at my band brother, just as my attention was caught and I looked to the stairs, to see Jessie and Jake coming down, dressed in their evening suits they looked great. making my excuses I left the guys and headed over to my son's.  Jesse spoke first,
"Hey pop, will we do?"
"Do?, with you too dressed like that I Gotta be careful you don't steal Mara away from me..."
"Where's grandma?"
"out back in the marquee bossing... again I guess... hey you guys want a glass of champagne?"
Jesse and Jake nodded, I summoned the Matre'd over and took two glasses and handed them to Jessie and Jake.
Jake took a mouthful and spat it out....
"Yuk, that's grosse, can I have coke instead?"
I laughed, sure go find Mandy in the kitchen and she will sort you out Jake, and stay clean ok, no running round in the yard."
As he went off to the kitchen he either didn't hear me or chose to ignore me. I stood with Jesse while he sipped his champagne.
"Mmmmm you know I could get used to this..."
I laughed, "Well don't, one glass and the toast ok?"
he nodded,
"You know pop; none of us have had a great life so far, and well... I just want you to know that I am; no we are all real happy you have found Mara and we know that you will be really happy together. I guess what I am saying is, we love her too and if you want it, we give our blessing to you marrying Mara."
A lump formed in my throat, my teenage son had grown into a man right before my eye's. "Thanks Jesse, that means the world to me."
he smiled at me, I stood looking at my son and I knew that my relationship with Jesse was one based on trust and love, he respected me, and I respected my son; a far cry away from my own father.

lost in my own world I was brought back to earth as Richie came over,
"Jon, Mara and Stephanie are here." he pointed over towards the entrance as Mara walked in;
I found myself catching my breath as she took it so quickly from my lungs.
she wore the evening gown I had chosen for her and it fitted like a glove, her hair was hung in a side pony tail with a jewelled encrusted head band around the tail, the jewels on her gown shone and sparkled and fitted round her waist perfectly showing off her trim svelte figure, her make up was flawless kept fresh and simple highlighting her total beauty that shone from within. Jake was tugging my jacket which broke my attention,
"Dad,"
"Yes lil man."
"The necklace, can we give it to her now?"
"Five minutes ok, I'll wave you over" he nodded he understood. I walked across to my finance.  Watching her as I walked, I could see her eye's were alive and shone and sparkled, all the drama and upset and distress of the last few months totally forgotten, her face was totally happy and relaxed.  reaching her side; I lent in and gently kissed her lips, and whispered  "You look stunning and beautiful, I hope you know how much I love you" as I stood back my eye's continuing to feast on the vision standing before me, as she replied,
"well you don't brush up bad yourself; and for the record, I love you too" I was totally mesmerized by Mara, for the second time tonight a tugging on my jacket got my attention, looking down to an impatient Jake scowling at me, " Now?"  I laughed, "Yes ok now."
Clearing his throat, he looked up at Mara with the biggest grin on his face, then without any prompting from me  he held out the velvet box containing the pear drop diamond necklace that I had bought as a gift for her to wear with her gown, 
"This is for you, from Dad, Jesse and Stephanie and most importantly me. Welcome to the family, Mara, we love you."
Looking down, her eye's melted and filled with tears as she took the box and opened it. she bent down and gently kissed Jake who blushed from his head to his toes, but had a grin the size of Wyoming on his face.
"Thank you Jakey, I love my gift and I love all of you too, and most importantly... she lent further in to his ear, and continued, but I love you the most." his grin spread even wider and he got redder, but he refused to leave until he had completed his task and had helped put the necklace on.

I lifted him up so he could secure the clasp around Mara's neck, all done and putting him down standing tall; he told her how amazing she looked, then went off to get himself another coke and something to eat. That left me standing with Mara, she looked at me and mouthed silently" Thank you, I really love you."

Taking her hand I lead her over to meet the family and the guests that had arrived for the party, and I introduced her to the rest of the guys in the band, they were all getting on and having a great chat, the guy's had set everything up earlier, and were just waiting for my lead. Now it was time; making my excuses I left the guys and went to search out my mom, I found her laying into my pop again, taking her elbow I managed to calm things down and let her know that I wanted to make a start.
"so, I will go and make our family announcement, then you can come over and make the acceptance speech and then the proposal."
"Yeah, so you good?"
"Yeah I'm good, ... and Jon.... "
"Yeah"
"I'm so proud of you..... and I am really happy for both of you, I love you both... with all my heart..."
"I love you too mom..." I hugged my mom, as she finally broke free and headed to the stage to make the announcement. I returned to Mara's side and taking her hand I made sure we were at the front of the stage for my mom.
Picking up the microphone, and tapping it to ensure it was on, causing it to squeal, proof it was working my mom began....
"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention please....."
Silence fell on the room as the guests listened to my mom...

"thank you for coming tonight and at short notice; as you may be aware my eldest son Jon, yes the gorgeous blonde one that takes after his mom; she paused hearing dimmed laughter through the marquee, then continued " has finally met the women of his dreams and has asked her to marry him, thankfully this young women has been brave enough to take him and the rest of Bongiovi brood on and I just want to say, Mara, welcome to the family and congratulations babies, ladies and gentlemen please now raise your glasses to Jon & Mara."
 Their were echo's and applause as everyone repeated "To Jon and Mara" I watched Mara the whole time and she was glowing, now with my hand in hers I lead her to the stage, the guests watched and a few whistles were heard followed by, "don't do it hon, have me."

Mara eye's were totally focused on me, taking the microphone in my hand I walked us into the middle of the stage then turning to face Mara, I dropped to one knee,

"Mara Goodward," she looked down and I saw her face was slightly blushed...
"the start of this year I was on a self destruct road to hell, I had no reason to live and was wallowing in self pity, then a light emerged at the end of a very black tunnel, and standing in that light was you. as the months have gone on the light has gotten brighter and my love for you has gotten stronger, you rescued me from my self loathing, and have taught me about trust and real love, you and you alone, have brought meaning back into my life, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mara, to make my life perfect and complete, together with my children I ask, will you do me the honour of agreeing and accepting my proposal to be my wife and marry me?" reaching inside my pocket I produced the ring and in traditional style held open the ring box whilst waiting for an answer......

Chapter 42 - Tonight is the Night!

Tonight is the Night!

It took us next to know time to arrive at my mom's, tony and I talked on the way about him becoming a dad. It was very clear that he wanted that more than anything, Jenna was scared. Having giving my bro some tips on what to do, I was sure they would work it out, one way or another.

Pulling up on the drive my mom had gone over board, one things for sure she never misses a chance to celebrate with style. The driveway was lined with lights hanging from the tree's, and  huge arch was formed at the front door with a banner that had Jon & Mara across the top. A little too much fuss and cheese for me, but I decided to just go with it.
Tony looked at me "See what I mean?"
I smiled at him and nodded. We walked through in to the lobby; there were matre'd's, standing waiting to hand out the champagne and strawberries to everyone as they arrived.  after refusing myself, Tony took too glasses and disappeared. looking around the chaos I could hear my mom shouting instructions to someone in the near distance. Then as if by magic she was at my side.
"Sweetheart, your here, good, now the fifth bedroom upstairs is for the boys and you can use the annex to change,"
"hi mom, nice to see you too..."
"Oh, hi, sorry sweetheart; I'm a little busy right now, do you need anything? cause I need to go check on the marquee at the back its wonderful, go drop your bags off and come check it out..."
with that she took off to carry on what she was doing... and knowing my mom as well as I did, that meant bossing everyone around.
Jessie, Jake and me made our way to our rooms and dropped off our bags, Jessie and Jake decided they wanted out until they were needed and grabbed the remote and sat down to watch MTV in their room; I had no such luck and taking a deep breath I headed back downstairs to the tide of activity and out the back to check out my moms handiwork.
As I walked in my mom was shouting again, "No, no, no, just follow the table plan, I want happy people here tonight, I want them to mingle, not tangle... can you follow those instructions?, can you read?"
Touching her shoulder I made her jump, "Take it easy Ma,"
"Ooh Jon, that's not funny....do you want me to have a heart attack, making me jump like that...." catching her breath she continued," What do you mean, take it easy?, I am taking it easy, but there is still so much to do....where is that man, that you call a father, I have not seen him for ages... he was suppose to be...."
"Chilling?"
"What?"
"Chilling"
"What? eh? Why did you say that?"
"mom, relax a little, eh, it's just a party, and before you snap at me, it all looks great and I love what you have done, but Mara and I don't care about the dressings and stuff, as long as our family are here and have a good time and are happy for us, well that's alright by me.... now why don't you let the caterers do there job and go and start getting ready, I'll go find Dad... "
"but... I "
"No but's go...."
I pushed my mom gently in the direction of the stairs and watched as she went off to her room to be pampered.

The hard work she had done was amazing, really a mom at her best.....walking round the house she had thought of everything.  walking through to the garden I saw my dad, sat on the bench smoking by the Cherry tree."
"Pop."
"Jon"
"Can you believe this shit?, your mom is unbelievable, if this is for your engagement, god help you when its your wedding... its been like this for days, thank god I have my own place to escape. Matt and Tony are at breaking point too. She never knows when to stop. Tony wants to talk with me, but every time he tries your mom appears out of no where and gets him doing other stuff.... I just had to escape her before I did something I would regret."
A few words of talk and already my pop was grating on my nerve " Yeah and your so fucking perfect right?, sure mom is intense, but fuck, you were married to her so should know better than any of us......" trying to calm down I took a breath and carried on, " She is just happy for Mara and me and wants us to see how much she loves us and wants us to have a good time, so let me tell ya, you better not spoil it ok?"  I looked at a blank uncaring face, one that said he was not taking advice from his son, true to pop, he changed the subject.
"So, whats with Tony, Has he spoke to you?"
"Yeah, he has, but its not for me to say, finish your smoke and go find him, move your ass and find out for yourself"
"right like that is it now; no respect for your ol man,"
"what do you want me to say? eh?, Please pop and all that shit?,  I can't lie, to you or me, and pretend we have a great father son relationship when we don't. You saw to that"
"I brought you up to know respect."
"No, you beat me up to show you respect, that aint the same thing... and you know what, I don't wanna get into it right now, lets leave this for another time ok?." I turned my back and started to walk away, I always got a knot in my stomach when my pop started in on me, I was not gonna let him spoil Mara's and my night.
 "ok, ok, steady, eh, you and I, we have a lot of bridges to build don't we?,"
"Bridges, are you kidding me?"
"Yeah, I'm holding out a branch here?"
"I don't want ya branch, now or ever.... what you did to me, Tony and Matt,.... well it's unforgiveable...... they may forgive you pop, I can't...."
"Look alls I want to say is, I know you don't think it, but you are my first born son and no matter, I love you Jon......... " He waited for  my reaction that never came, then he continued...." you know I never liked dot, but I have met Mara and she seems like a great girl, and... well... I like her... I'm happy for you son.. really happy" I felt numb inside and went through the motions of being polite so just said,
"Thanks"
being honest, I really did not care if my pop was happy for me or not, he had been anything but a father too me, inside I had no real love or feelings for the man at all. He had a cruel streak that no one should see, but that was the past, I had to tolerate him for one night, taking a real deep breath I psyched myself up to do just that, this night was about Mara and me; not John Bongiovi snr.

Walking back through to the main house, I checked the time, 6.30pm, time for me to go and get ready.
The evening had to be perfect, as I headed to the stairs the doorbell rang, the staff answered and in walked my band mates, Tico, Dave and Richie., Seeing me on the stairs they raised there hands in salute to me. I was shocked that Richie had managed to get the guys to agree to perform for me, the plan was for me to sing to Mara after the proposal, I know I could have used the house band my mom had booked but I wanted to do it right and with my band to back me, I knew it would be.
"Yo, Richie, have some drinks, and find a seat I'll be right with ya" Richie nodded and the guys followed suite and took the Champagne being offered, while I went on up to my room to get ready.

Standing in the room I checked out my reflection in the mirror, I looked ok. checking my pocket for the ring, I was set and headed for the door.

Walking down the hallway I knocked on the boys room and told them it was time to get ready. Jesse said ok, closing the door I walked to the stairs just as my mom came out from her room, she look amazing wearing a lilac dress, her hair pimped to perfection, with a corsage, shoes and bag to match, her makeup was flawless and she was beaming....
"Ooh another scare, twice in one day, Jon Francis...."
smiling, I bent down and kissed her on the cheek, "Sorry mom, and you look beautiful."
"Do I?"
I nodded my head in approval, offering her my arm I said
"Shall we?"
she smiled at me, and took my arm as I escorted her down the stairs. Neither of us noticed the gathering guests in the lobby and were both stunned as they gave us a round of applause. My mom loved it, she was glowing and I knew this really was as much about it being her night as it was for us.

Chapter 41 - Getting Nearer To The Party





Mara



Jon



Mara's Ring
 

 

Jon relaxing...

 

 

Mara got up and went to shower first, we had spent most of the afternoon in bed together, but with the party now only a couple of hours away it was time to get things moving. The hair and make-up team would be here in fifteen minutes for the girls, walking back from the bathroom after taking Mara her body douche, as I sat on the bed, there was a knock on our bedroom door.
"Dad, you in there?"
I opened the door to find my very excitable daughter with a list on a clip board and a pen, pushing past me she headed straight into the room.
"Hey dad, right,... oh where's Mara,?"
"in the shower, do come in..."
"Sorry, look, I have been thinking and this is what I'd like to do. I want tonight to be really special so I have arranged with grandma that you and the boys will get ready at hers, that means Mara and I can get ready but you won't see Mara until the party, I want it to be a surprise. You have chose the dress and stuff now leave it to me and the professionals to do our job" pausing for a second she continued... "If that's ok?"
I smiled at my daughter, "Of Course it's ok, but I need to get my stuff together before you kick my ass outta here ok ma lady?"
"Sure pop, I'll go tell the boys, ... oh and dad, the car will be here in thirty minutes to get you..."
"Car? what car?..."
"Grandma organised it, you and the boys are being picked up, by Uncle Matty or Uncle Tony, I can't remember which..." waving her hand in a flippant manner she shot off in search of Jesse and Jake.
 Closing the bedroom door, I walked across to the suit bag hanging on the closet door, my evening suit and shoes were there ready for tonight, sliding my hand into the suit pocket I checked on Mara's ring, taking it out I looked at it again it shone and sparkled in the light from the window, A smile spread across my lips as I played out in my mind how I was going to propose tonight and give Mara the ring. closing the lid I returned it to my suit pocket and re zipped the bag, content in my mind how it would go,  just as Mara came into the bedroom wrapped in a towel and looking delicious...
"Hey gorgeous are you ready for round five....?" walking over to her I slid my arms around her and kissed the tip of her nose..
"I don't think you have the energy Giovi, I do... but I think I'll give you a break... don't want you collapsing on me tonight do I?"
"Sometimes Mara Goodward I think you need a spanking..."
"Mmm as I say, you need your energy," Laughing she walked over to the closet and grabbed her robe, then went in search of Steph for a little girl talk, all alone I entered the bathroom and took a shower. 

All fresh and clean I dressed in jeans and t shirt and was finalising my speech and proposal for tonight when Steph came and knocked on the door again, "Dad, can I come in?"
"Sure,"
a head appeared round the door, "Erm just thought would let you know, Mara is in my room and the makeup team and stylists are here, and dad, Uncle Tony is on the way to get you and the boys."
"Ok, thanks sweetheart."
Steph smiled as she closed the door and went back to her organising.
Leaving our room I headed down the hallway to Stephs room and gently knocked on the door,
"Babe?"
The door opened. "Listen babe its nearly time for me to go, so I just want to say goodbye for a couple of hours, but know that I love you and can't wait to see you again tonight, I really am a very lucky man, thank you..."
Looking into my eye's she slid her arms wrapped around my neck and lent in for a kiss goodbye, parting from our kiss, I paused for a moment before I reluctantly let go of her; dropping her hand I walked over to the door, I turned to look back before blowing her a kiss and closing the door and heading back to my room to collect my suit.  Suit collected and back out of the room and on the landing, I looked over the stairway into the downstairs reception area and could see a hive of activity, Jesse had been given a haircut, and Jake was sliding up and down the stair bannister, Steph was in and out checking things off on her clip board.

I started down the stairs just as the doorbell rang, I shouted out; "I'll get it" as I approached the door I could hear my brother on the other side,
"jeez hurry up its freezing already..."  I opened the door  and Tony burst through, wrapped like it was winter in Siberia.
"Yo, what's with the clothes?, it's not that cold?"
"Oh right smart ass you think, its three below out there, but hey when your loved up I guess you forget mundane things like the weather eh?"
"nice to see you too bro."

Tony moved through the lobby and headed straight to the kitchen and mumbled under his breath "Whatever" something was not right, normally out of the three of us, he was the calm unflustered one, what was eating him, I followed him into the kitchen.
"So come on give, what's up?"
"Oh nothing, I'm sorry man, but.... well... it's mom, for days all we have had is Jon this, Mara that, don't sit here, don't use that, man it's like the house aint a home anymore... and well, I guess I am just sore and a little pissed at it all, when Jenna and I got together there was nothing.... she barely glanced at us, no congratulations no nothing..."
"Tony, you know Mom, she either gets over excited to this state or its nothing, she don't mean anything, wait until you tell her your getting married she will flip just like she has with us..."
"I know your right, but its more than that."
"Yeah?"
"Look if I tell you, don't tell anyone ok, I mean not a soul."
I gestured with a cross over my heart, " Ok I swear, give"
"Jenna, she's pregnant...I'm gonna be a dad"
"Congratulations, so what's with the secret?, this is great news you should tell mom... shed be stoked"
"No, Jon, thing is Jenna does not want the baby, she wasn't  a termination."
"Oh bro I'm sorry, have you talked through your feelings about it?"
"Yeah I've tried, she won't listen... she don't know if I am the one, I mean two fucking years and I aint the one?"
" how long have you both known?"
"week or more, not long."
"ok, this is all new to Jenna, her body is gonna go through some serious shit, man, I know your pissed right now, but give her space and time, trust me, it will all work out and before long we will  be having another celebration... ok? trust me I'm your big brother"
I slapped him on the back and walked over to the bourbon that was sitting on the counter, grabbing a shot glass I turned to him and asked,
"so what time are we to be at ma's, what are her orders..."
"my orders were to call and collect you and the kids and hurry back..."
"Look we have a few minutes right?," Tony nodded, "Right here drink this?" I poured him a shot of bourbon, and handed it to him.
"I can't man, I'm driving..."
"Its a small one, c'mon, I'll drive there,  no one will no, go on, it will take the edge off, lessen the stress of the day, besides you look like you need it."
he took the scotch and poured it down his throat. handing me the shot glass he thanked me.
"no worries bro, you good now?"
a smiled broke his tight lips as he nodded and grabbed me for a hug. "Right lets get this posse on the road."
"yeah, Jesse, Jake?"
"yeah pop right here,"
"you guys got everything?"
"Yeah, think so..."
"Go check please,"
"Ok"
The kids went off to double check on their bags for tonight and the weekend, just as Steph was heading upstairs to Mara with the stylists and makeup artists.
As she turned to look at me, I waved up to her, "See you later ok?"
"Ok dad, now go already" with a final goodbye and the boys in check we headed out to Tony's car and set off to my Mom's ready for the party.