Eve Bowen: Family

The loud beep-beep of a car horn startled Eve, who was lost in thought as she poured over the old photo albums that Jackson had brought back from his last trip to see his parents. His mother, Liliana, was an avid photographer, and never missed an opportunity to capture any moment with her camera. And Jackson, being an only child, was her favorite subject. Eve couldn't help but smile as she touched each picture, almost as if willing it to life. 

"Oh, I love this one," Eve said as she gazed at the page marked "Jackson's Thirteenth Birthday." It was a picture of Jackson with his dad, Mac, and their family dog, Millie - a Flat-Coated Retriever that Liliana and Mac gave to Jackson for his thirteenth birthday. They were at the lake, having returned from a boat ride, and Millie was soaking wet. Jackson was holding onto her; his face lit up with laughter. His father, Mac, a serious man, was doing his best stoic look. That's what Liliana called it, even to this day. But Eve could tell from the photo, and the twinkle in Mac's eyes, that he wouldn't have traded that moment for anything.

Eve roared as she looked at the next picture, still engrossed and not even realizing that Jackson had come in - and was watching her from the kitchen. He loved that Eve got such a kick out of the old Bowen family photo albums, and Jackson's heart swelled as he thought about what was about to happen. Although the anticipation was killing him, he knew it would be worth the wait. 

"Oh, holy shit. This picture gets me every time!" Eve could barely catch her breath from laughing so damn hard. It was a picture of Jackson in his bathing suit, or what Eve lovingly referred to as his "banana hammock." Jackson had no idea that Liliana had snapped the picture of him and his friends at the lake house party, but she figured that for posterity, blackmail, or pure embarrassment, it needed preservation. 

She told Eve that she had no idea Jackson had a suit like that, and later found out he wore it on a dare. Nevertheless, it was priceless and served up a fair share of ribbing at gatherings throughout the years. Eve was pretty sure Jackson still hadn't forgiven Liliana for it, and it was one picture that always made Mac shake his head and say, "Damn, son, what on earth were you thinking?" 

As Eve got to the last page of the photo album, she heard the doorbell ring. Still thinking that Jackson was out, she set down the collection of memories and went to the door. She looked out the sidelight window to see that no one was there but noticed a beautifully wrapped package instead. 

"What on earth?" Eve said, opening the door to pick up the package. As she turned around, Jackson was standing in front of her holding a bouquet of brightly colored daisies - the same flower he had given her on their first date. 

"Oh my gosh, Jackson, what is all this for?" Eve gushing as she kissed Jackson tenderly on the cheek and smelled the daisies. "It's not our anniversary, and it isn't my birthday. Oh, shit, Jackson, did you do something and are buttering me up?"

"No, Eve. Everything is good. I think you are going to love what is in that box. Come on, Eve, open it up."

"Okay, Jackson, okay." Eve headed to the living room, Jackson following and wearing a big grin, and both of them settling in on the sofa. Eve immediately shook the box, like she always did, and Jackson laughed. 

"Are you going to try and guess what's in it too, Eve?" knowing all too well that anytime Eve had a present in her hands, she tried to guess what was in it. 

"I can't tell, Jackson. It doesn't move. It isn't ticking, and it isn't overly heavy. Maybe 15 pounds. What the hell is it, Jackson?"

"Just open it, Eve."

Eve, rolling her eyes, unwrapped the ribbon and carefully tore away the tape securing the wrapping paper adorned with brightly colored daisies, just like the bouquet Jackson gave her. As she removed the paper and looked at the box, a card attached read:

"To Eve. My love, my best friend, my partner in crime. You are the woman who captivated my heart. I know how much family means to you, and how deeply your heart ached when you thought these were gone forever. 

   All my love, 

Jackson"

"Oh, Jackson. Is this? Can it be? How on earth?" Eve's heart was racing, anxious about what was inside. 

Jackson only smiled and put his arm around her, pulling her close. "Go ahead, Eve. Open it." The tenderness in Jackson's voice nearly brought Eve to tears. 

As Eve opened the box, she stared in disbelief, as the tears begin to trickle down her flushed cheeks. 

"Jackson, I never thought I'd see these again. How did you get them back?"

"An elderly man returned them to the moving company last week. When he realized what was inside, he knew whoever lost them would be missing them. He made the moving company track me down while he was there to be sure."

Eve, through clouded eyes full of tears and a heart so full of love, smiled as she touched the photo of her family, staring back at her from the old worn album.