Kate called Fee on her way to Millers Grove to see Jack. After explaining her feelings, Kate ask Fee for her opinion.
“Well love, I’m inclined to agree with Margie. Don’t confuse intense physical attraction for Agape and Phileo love. I know that you have Phileo and Agape love with Jack. Do you remember what I told you about Eros – or erotic love?”
“I remember you saying that Eros was the name of the little demon deity whose image dances on the Valentines of our time.”
“Many godly people get caught up by Eros and are led astray. Do you feel Phileo and Agape love for Jay, Katie?” Fee asked.
“I absolutely do. I was beginning to have a pretty strong physical attraction to Jack, but that's gone away since I fell in love with Jay.”
“But Katie, Jack s such a godly man. I don’t think that you can go wrong with Jack, love.”
“Fee, you’ve always been partial to Jack. And the thing is that you’ve never even met Jay. How about if we plan on spending the holidays together? I believe in my heart that if you got to know Jay, you'd change your mind. You've always told me to trust my instincts. And I've always trusted yours, Fee, but without meeting Jay, you don't have all the facts -- or instincts. You have to admit that you've always trusted my gut."
“Do what you will, Katie. You know that I've believed in my heart that Jack is your one true love. But I do have to admit that since I've never met Jay, I could be wrong. Do you believe in your heart that Jay is your one true love and that Jack isn't?”
“I think I do, Fee. I just don't know how, if I truly loved Jack the way I should, I could possibly be so very attracted to and in love with Jay. Please keep praying for me, Fee,” Kate said.
“You can count on it, love. The Lord will clearly guide and direct you, Katie. Of that I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever.”
“Hey you,” Kate hugged Jack, feeling totally ambivalent about her feelings for him.
“I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. I hear the funeral went very well and that you sang,” Jack said.
Kate stared at Jack. “How could you possibly know that?”
Jack smiled and pulled out a Boston Globe newspaper from last week. Jack read the article out loud..
Heiress Kate Campbell once again captures the hearts of Hollywood once againas she sang a song which she had written
for the funeral of Bettina Graycinovich, mother of close friend Maryanne Grayson. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church
after Kate’s tribute to Betty. Campbell is described by, who is described by Hollywood A-listers – such as close friends
Margie Martin, Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney – as a fiercely loyal and devoted friend. Aside from saving “Friends”
Matt Perry’s life twice, Kate also attended the 2000 wedding of gal-pal Jennifer Aniston to Brad Pitt. Kate has been linked with
"Death and Taxes'' co-star, sexy heartthrob John James.
“I can’t believe this,” Kate said. "I'm surprised they didn't report that Jay and I were engaged or married," Kate said, rolling her eyes.
"Are you?" Jack asked, holding his breath to hear Kate's answer. Jack had hoped this whole thing with John James would be over by now. Instead, John and Kate seemed to be closer and more in love than ever, much to Jack's chagrin.
"No, we aren't. But since when does the press only print the truth?"
“You should be used to it by now, Kath,” Jack said.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it, Jack,” Kate said.
“Dinner and Bible study on Wednesday, Kath?” Jack asked.
Kate appeared to be very distracted, but said, “I really shouldn’t, but okay.”
Kate was glad to resume working on the job-sharing and balanced living projects. She was very thankful that starting the week of September ninth, she had nothing planned. Kate had the rest of the year to herself – except for October third, Jay’s New York premiere of Serendipity. As long as she used her time wisely, Kate would have all of her part of the work to be done by the beginning of 2002.
Tuesday morning a little after nine, Jack rang Kate’s doorbell.
Kate smiled and said, “What in the world are you doing here at this hour, Jack?”
“Sit down, Kath,” Jack said as he took her hand and led her to the sofa.
“What’s wrong? Who’s hurt? Did someone die?”
“Kath,” Jack said lovingly, and taking her hands into his, “Something has happened in New York City. No one knows the full extent of it yet.”
“Did anyone get hurt?” Kate asked.
“I’m going to put the television on now. I’m sure that just in the few minutes it took me to get here, more events have probably unfolded.”
Kate sat mesmerized as she watched a second plane crash into the second World Trade Center tower. As soon as the news commentators began talking about a terrorist attack, Kate felt as though she could neither move nor breathe.
Jack continued to hold Kate’s hands. As the first tower came tumbling down, Kate said, “I’ve got to call Fee.”
Kate frantically looked for her telephone. She tried to call Fee’s apartment, but all circuits were busy. When the second tower collapsed, Kate held her hands on her face and began to quietly sob. Jack pulled Kate close to him so he could wrap his arms around her. As soon as he did, Kate relaxed against Jack's chest and began to sob uncontrollably. Kate felt safe and secure in Jack’s arms, and she didn’t move for what seemed like hours.
The phone rang and Jack answered it. “No, we haven’t heard from Fee. Yes, Kate will call you when she finds out anything. The phone was ringing off the hook, and Jack suggested that they forward the calls to Nancy. Then if Fee was able to get through to Kate, she’d pick up right away. "Let's pray, Kath."
“Lord, I lift up Kate to you during this extremely difficult trial. We lift Fee up to You. She’s Yours, Lord. We know that You love her even more than we do, and in our mere humanity, we can begin to understand. If You have chosen to take her to be with You, help Kath and the rest of us be comforted in knowing that she is with You, her loving Lord and Savior. We ask for peace that You alone can give. You are the God of all comfort, and we ask for Your comfort and healing touch, not only on Fee and Kath, but for all the many grieving families.
“Lord, we think of when Joseph was talking to his brothers in Genesis 50:20: ‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about the result to preserve many people. Help us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
“Lord, we need Your strength, Your guidance, and Your leading now more than ever before. We need Your peace, which surpasses all human understanding, and we pray that you will be glorified as a result of even this heartbreaking, catastrophic turn of events.
“We thank You for Your promise in Romans 8:28 that ‘ALL things work together for good to those who love You, to those who are called according to Your purpose. We pray these things in the Name of Your precious Son. Amen.”
Kate went limp in Jack’s arms after he finished praying. As he had walked over to Kate’s, he had prayed for God’s wisdom, guidance and direction in helping Kate get through this abomination.
It was clear to Jack that Kate was in shock. He prayed that the Lord would make clear to him what he was to do.
Jack called Nancy, who sounded like she was in a trance. “Kate,” Nancy answered. “Are you watching what’s going on?”
Jack cleared his throat. “It’s Jack, Nance. Kate is in a state of shock. I thought it might be best if her calls were forwarded to you..
“Yes, of course Jack. Has there been any word from Fee? If she was at Morgan Stanley, she’s dead, Jack.”
“I know, Nance. ,hat’s the reason that I suspect Kate will be getting a lot of calls.”
“What about poor Andie? She should be told in person, Jack.”
“I know, Nance. But I can’t leave Kate alone right now.”
“O dear Lord, what is this country coming to? I gather that you haven’t talked to Lex?”
“Not yet. I’m sure she has no idea what’s going on. She’s usually at the Bed & Breakfast by now,” Jack said.
“Forward Kate’s cell phone and home phone to me. While you’re doing that, I’ll talk to Lex. Maybe she can tell Andie – or I’ll track her down if I have to. Do you have your cell with you?”
“I do,” Jack said.
“Then I’ll keep in touch with you on your cell phone. I’ll talk to you a little later. Jack attempted to get up, but Kate clung to him and said, “Don’t leave, Jack.”
“Kate, I am forwarding your calls to Nancy. I’m just going into the kitchen to get the directions on how to do that. I’ll be back in less than a minute.”
Kate mumbled something and freed Jack. She grabbed the quilt hanging across the sofa and laid down and whimpered. When Jack returned, she leaned against him and stopped whimpering. Jack put his arm around her and she cuddled up next to him. His cell phone rang.
“Jack, I can’t get through to anyone. As soon as I dial an area code, I get a computerized message saying, “All circuits are busy. Can you at least call Lex?” Nancy asked.
“Sure, Nance. I’ll get back to you.” Jack called Lex on his cell phone.
“Hey Kat. What’s up?” Lex answered.
“It’s Jack, Alexis. Do you have any idea what’s going on in New York City?” Jack asked.
“One of our guests said that there was an airplane that was flying too low and it crashed into a building. Why?”
“You need to go to a television to see what’s going on. It was a terrorist attack and both towers at the World Trade Center have crumbled.”
“That couldn’t be right, Jack.”
“Just turn on the TV.”
“Are you with Kate?” Lex asked.
“Yes,” Jack said.
“Why?” Lex asked.
“Fee works in one of the two towers that was attacked.”
Lex gasped. “Oh my gosh. I knew my father shouldn’t have gotten her a job in the city. Let me talk to Kat.”
“We’re concerned about Andie finding out,” Jack said.
“I’ll call her now,” Lex said with not much emotion. “Can I talk to Kat?”
Jack handed the phone to Kate. “Lex, this is so unbelievable. Can you go tell Andie what’s going on?”
“I’ll call her,” Lex said.
“Don’t you think she should be told in person?” Kate asked.
“I really don’t have time to traipse over to Harvard right now.”
Kate was overcome with emotion and handed the phone back to Jack.
“Kate can’t talk anymore. Are you going to find Andie?” Jack asked.
“I told Kat that I can’t get to Harvard right now. I’m busy,” Lex said.
Jack was surprised by Lex’s undaunted attitude. “I’ll call her if you want.”
“Why doesn’t Kat?”
“Kat is grieving right now. She can’t talk,” Jack said, frustrated by Lex’s lack of concern for Fee, Andie or Kate.
Jack looked through Kate’s address book to find Andie’s cell number. He was surprised to see the cell phone numbers of so many people from Hollywood. Kate had never mentioned how many stars she had befriended in California. As he was about to call Andie, his cell phone rang.
“Jack,” Andie said, “Nancy told me to call you. We’re watching the news coverage on campus. All I keep thinking about is Fee working at Morgan Stanley. Do you know if she was in the building?”
“There’s no way of knowing, Andie. The circuits are busy and no one can call out or in to New York City.”
Andie began to sniffle. “Jack, she worked from eight to five. Unless she was out sick – which is practically never – she went down with the building,” Andie said, no longer able to control her tears. “I’m coming home.”
“Andie, let me call Kate’s car service and have them pick you up. You shouldn’t drive when you’re so upset,” Jack said. “I’ll get a car there as soon as possible. Where do you want to meet the driver?”
“In front of the main building is fine,” Andie squeaked.
“Okay sweetie. I’ll see you soon,” Jack said tenderly.
“Does Mom know?” Andie barely whispered.
“Yes, she knows.”
The minute that Jack hung up from Andie's call, the telephone rang again.
"Let me talk to Kate, please. It's John James."
Jack sighed. "Kath, it's John."
Kate reached for the phone. "Hi baby. Have you seen what's going on? I wish you were here."
"Annie called. I will be there just as soon as I can, angel. I love you so much. When things like this happen, it really causes people to adjust their priorities. I should never have let you go back to Boston. We belong together, baby. After the Lord, you're the first priority in my life. I'm sorry that it took such a tragedy to make me realize that. I love you so much, baby. I was thinking of calling John Travolta and seeing if I could borrow his jet."
"That's so sweet, baby. I could send the GVPKF jet to get you back here, but I don't think they are allowing any air traffic at all. And by the time they do, I want to get into the city right away."
"How about if I meet you in the city, angel? We need to be together now," Jack said. "I don't ever want to let you out of my sight again, angel. Let's get married."
"I love you, baby. And yes, I'll marry you. But the first order of business is for me to get into Fee's apartment. Call Nance. She'll give you all the info on the pilot and jet. You can use it as soon as you get clearance. I'll talk to Walter about it. Babe, do you have his number and Nancy's number?"
"I do, baby. Don't worry about me. I'll talk to Nance and Walter. You just focus on God's sovereignty and try to get as much rest as you can, angel. Just don't forget how very much I love you, baby."
"Okay, baby. I love you and am anxious for you to get here, babe, Here;s Jack," Kate said, putting down the phone and staring into space.
Jack took a deep breath as he took his cell phone and prayed that the Lord would help him to come alongside of Kate as her close friend and put his feelings of love for her out of his mind. "Yes, John?" Jack asked.
"I’m going to be there as fast as humanly possible -- even if it means getting into my truck and heading for Boston. Take good care of Kate for me until I get there, will you, Jack?”
“Of course,” Jack said, rolling his eyes, wondering if John’s tone was condescending or it was just Jack’s imagination..
“I’ll call every two or three hours,” JJ said, and then hung up.
The next call was from Matt Perry. “I just wanted to see if Kate is all right or if she’s heard from Fee?”
“She hasn’t. She’s doing okay at the moment consoling Andie.”
“Tell her I called and that I love her. I’ll get out there if I can. Thanks, buddy.”
Jack took a deep breath and waited for the next call.
Andie arrived at Kate’s two hours later. When she walked into Kate’s house, Kate came to life. She wrapped her arms around Andie and in an instant she went from grief-stricken to grief counselor. Jack watched in amazement at how Kate changed before his very eyes. She rocked and held Andie, in the same way Jack had held her. Kate said, “Everything’s going to be all right.”
Jack began to make sandwiches, telling Kate and Andie they needed to eat something to keep up their strength. He kept getting interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone.
“Hey Jack, it’s Annie. How’s our girl doing?”
Jack walked past the kitchen out of Kate’s earshot. “She was deeply grieving until Andie arrived. Then she turned into Andie’s comforter.”
“That’s so typical of Kate, isn’t it? She puts everyone else before herself. Listen kiddo, I’ve been talking to JJ and Margie and we desperately want to be there for Kate, but it sounds like it’s going to be a few days before air travel is no longer suspended. Kate gave me the number of the pilot of the jet that Campbell owns in Los Angeles. As soon as we’re cleared to travel, we’ll be there,” Annie said. “Can you stay with her until then, Jack? She may put on a strong front and try to make you leave, but don’t.”
“Not a problem, Annie. I’m going to close the café for now.”
“Jack, call Nancy. She’ll get as many people as it takes to cover for you.”
“That’s a great idea. Thanks, Annie.”
“You have your hands full with Kate right now. I’ll call Nancy and tell her and she’ll contact you.”
“Thanks again,” Jack said.
“You’re a good man, Jack Williams. It’s easy to see why our girl loves you. Tell her that we love her and are in continual prayer for her; okay, Jack?”
“Sure,” Jack said. After hanging up, Jack felt elated. Kate had told Annie that she loved him. His spirits quickly plummeted when he remembered how much Kate expressed her love to John and the fact that she agreed to marry him.
The phone rang again. “Hi Jack. It’s Margie. How is Kat doing?”
“She was falling apart at first, but once Andie came over, she pulled herself together.”
“Did Annie tell you we’re trying to get there?” Margie asked.
“She did.”
“Who knows when we’ll be able to fly. No one seems to know anything at this point. I’m assuming that Kate believes that Fee died in the tower?”
“Yes, but nothing is really known for sure yet,” Jack said.
“Tell Kat I love her and I’m praying for her; okay, sweetie?”
“Will do.”
The phone rang again as soon as Jack hung up with Margie.
“Jack, it’s Nancy. I’ve got the manager and cook from the Ritz Carlton, Boston Common café to run your restaurant. They should be there within the hour. Meet with them at your convenience. They know what to do.”
“Thank you, Nance. Is there anything else you can think of that I should do?”
“Not at the moment. My other line is ringing. I’ll talk to you later.”
Jack was about to return to the kitchen when his phone rang again.
‘Hi Jack. This is Diane. How’s Kate doing? Does she know anything for sure about Fee?”
“No Diane, we don’t know any more than what’s on television.”
“I’m so frustrated that I can’t get a flight out of here for who knows how long.”
“Don’t worry about it. Kate has plenty of support. She’ll probably be up to talking to you later.”
“I’m so glad she has you with her, Jack. Tell her I love her and our prayers are with her. I’ll call her later. Thanks, sweetie.”
Jack sat there shaking his head until the next call.
“Hi, this is Nicole. Is Kate taking any calls?”
“Not really,” Jack said.
“How’s she doing, Jack?”
“As well as can be expected, Nicole. I’ll let her know you called,” Jack said.
“Tell her I’m praying for her. Thanks, sweetie,” Nicole said.
Jack called for a pizza to be delivered. Things were too hectic for him to start cooking.
The phone became quiet and Jack went into the living room. Andie had gone to the bathroom and Kate was alone. Jack sat next to her and pulled her over to him. She buried her head in Jack’s chest and sobbed – but this time she controlled the sobs, knowing that Andie would be back any minute.
“I ordered a pizza, babe. Are you the least bit hungry?”
“Not really. Oh Jack, what would I do without you?” Kate asked.
“All your Hollywood friends called. They said they love you and are praying for you. I think they’d all be here now if flying wasn’t forbidden. And Nicole just called,” Jack said.
“Nic from Chicago or Nicole Kidman?” Kate asked.
“She didn’t say,” Jack said.
“It has to be Nicole Kidman. Nic doesn’t know about Fee working in the city.”
Andie came out talking on her cell. “I’ll let you know if we find anything out, Mom.”
Andie sat down on the sofa and rested her head on Kate who was resting her head on Jack. She removed her arm from Jack’s chest and put it around Andie. They stayed like that until the doorbell rang.
Jack tried to pay the delivery man, but was told, “This – and everything for the next few days – is on us. Please tell Kate that we’re all praying for her.”
“Thank you very much,” Jack said, looking to see the name pinned to his shirt. “I’ll tell Kate about your generosity and your prayers, Paul.”
“Call us if anyone gets hungry.”
Jack got out paper plates, poured coke into cups with ice, and implored Kate and Andie to eat. They each took a bite and put the pizza down, but drank from their cups.
Jack’s phone rang again. “Hey, my name is Matt and I’m a friend of Kate’s. I just wanted to know how she’s doing.”
Jack didn’t think that Andie’s father would introduce himself in such a manner, and since Matt Perry had just called, Jack assumed it was Matt Damon.
“She’s doing as well as can be expected. Right now she’s comforting Andie.”
“Lexi’s daughter? Is she up to coming to the phone?”
“I’ll see,” Jack said. He whispered to Andie that it was Matt Damon and Andie eagerly grabbed for the phone.
“Hi Matty. It’s so sweet of you to call. I’m hanging in there. We assume that Fee was at work at the time. But even if she wasn’t, she’d have no way of calling us. We talked about sending a telegram to her apartment, but New York City is total chaos. Yes, I’ll send your love to Auntie Kat and your regards to Mom.” Andie returned the phone to Jack.
“I think I need some air,” Andie said. “I’m going to see Mom. Do you want to come, Auntie Kat?”
“No sweetheart. I really don’t feel like seeing anyone yet.”
Kate went to the bathroom and as she walked past the kitchen, she put her arms around Jack’s neck. “This seems like a bad dream,” Kate said. “Jack, please tell me I’m dreaming.”
“I wish I could, Kath. But it’s really true. And we won’t know anything for several more days.”
Jack put his arm around Kate. “Do you want to try to take a nap?”
“Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?” Kate asked.
“Sure,” Jack said as he led Kate into her bedroom. He grabbed a quilt and wrapped it around her. Then he lay down and put his arms around her. To Jack’s surprise, he fell asleep as well. The sound of his cell phone woke him. He managed to slip away without waking Kate.
First it was Courteney and then it was Jen. Then Jayne Meadows, George Clooney, Rita Wilson, Kate Capshaw, Julia Roberts and Steven Soderbergh. Sandy called, and Jack assumed it was Sandra Bullock. Joan Cusack called. Tom Cruise and John Travolta also called. Kate’s friends were so devoted to her that Jack found it heartwarming. The one thing that stuck out in Jack’s mind was the fact that Lex – whom Kate considered her oldest and dearest friend – was completely absent. She hadn’t called or come by. The more Jack thought about it, the more astounded he became. Could Alexis be so completely self-absorbed that it never occurred to her what Kate was going through?
Jack meandered back to the bedroom and found Kate stirring. She opened her eyes and said, “Please tell me I was dreaming, Jack.”
“I’m so sorry, babe,” Jack said.
A trace of a smile crossed Kate’s face for the first time since Jack told her the news.
“It’s nice to see you smile. What’s so amusing?”
“You’re calling me ‘babe.’” Kate said.
“I am? Huh.”
“Don’t stop – I like it,” Kate said.
Jack smiled, “Okay, babe. I think the rest of Hollywood called while you were napping. Since when are you friends with Steven Soderbergh?”
“He called?” Kate asked. “He was at a party at Jen’s and we met. That was so sweet. Did anyone out of the ordinary call?”
"“Out of the ordinary'? Besides Annie, Margie, Rich, Ann Jillian, Matt Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Diane Lane, Rita Wilson, Kate Capshaw, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jodie Foster, Sandra Bullock, Joan Cusack, Maura Tierney, Elizabeth Mitchell, Jennifer Garner, J.J. Abrams and David Kelley? No, no one out of the ordinary. Just normal people,” Jack said, smiling facetiously. “For your world, at least.”
“They’re loyal and devoted friends,” Kate said.
“And if flying was not verboten, many of them would be here now,” Jack said.
Kate sighed. “Anything new, Jack?”
“Not much. It’s going to be a long few days.”
Kate gasped. “Jack, you can’t spend all your time here. What about the café?”
“Nancy took care of it. She sent over a manager and cook from the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common.”
“Really?” Kate asked.
“When I come back, the customers probably won’t be so glad to see me,” Jack said, chuckling.
“Let’s drive to New York,” Kate said.
“Kath, they’re not letting anyone in New York – probably for a while.”
“Well, I can’t just sit here glued to the television and do nothing, Jack.”
“I’m afraid there’s nothing else we can do,” Jack said.
“I’m going to call Charlie,” Kate said. “The GVPC Foundation should be donating money and other necessities to the survivors.”
“There are no survivors, Kath. The hospitals have been waiting all day to treat the injured, but there aren’t any.”
Kate began to cry again.
“Come here, you,” Jack said.
Kate got up and obeyed. Jack carried her to the living room. As Kate was in the process of removing her hands from Jack’s neck, she kissed Jack squarely on the mouth. “Thank you, Jack,” she said, as if kissing him had been the most natural thing in the world. “Did I tell you I don’t know what I’d do without you? Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Yes, babe. Many times,” Jack said, feeling a bit flustered and flushed.
“Well, it’s true,” Kate said.
“How about if I warm up some pizza for you, Kath?”
“I couldn’t get it down. But I will take another coke if you don’t mind.”
The doorbell rang and Jack opened it. Sally had arrived with two casseroles.
“How sweet, Sal. Thank you so much,” Kate said.
“Mac and cheese and pasta are always good comfort foods,” Sally said, putting the casseroles down and hugging Kate.
A little while later the doorbell rang again. It was one of the waiters from Jack’s café. “I was summoned to bring pot roast and potatoes by the interim manager. “If you guys need anything else, just call. We’re at your service.”
“Thank you so much, Neill. And please thank the person who’s filling in for Jack for us,” Kate said. “
“How did you know his name?”
“Neill’s been around for several months, babe. Surely you knew his name; didn’t you?” Kate asked.
“I guess I’m just surprised you remembered.”
“We have so much food – we should invite people over,” Kate said.
“Do you feel like seeing anybody?” Jack asked.
“Not really, Jack. How’s Andie?”
“I haven’t heard from her. She’s with Alexis.”
“Tell them to come over, babe,” Kate said.
Jack wanted to tell Kate how callous and uncaring Lex had been. He wanted her to know that Lex was the only friend who hadn’t so much as called Kate the entire day. As much as Jack wanted to tell Kate, he knew that it would serve no godly purpose and would only hurt Kate.
“Oh my word, Jack. Look! Those are people jumping out of the building. Can you imagine being that desperate?”
Jack grabbed a box of tissues and put his arm around Kate, who instinctively grabbed his hand. As they watched bodies fall from the top floors, Kate began to sob again. “Fee might have been one of those people, Jack.”
Jack put his other arm around her and rocked her gently. There were no words to say. They just sat holding each other, repulsed by the carnage played over and over again on the television.
Lex eventually came by with Andie around five.
Jack watched Lex hug Kate, saying, “I’m so sorry, Kat.”
Lex then turned to Jack and said, “Who’s the new dude and the suit managing the café?”
Jack was about to answer, but Lex interrupted him.
“Wow, there’s a ton of food here,” Lex said.
“Help yourselves,” Kate said to Lex and Andie, who each grabbed a plate and filled it with food.
Jack looked at Lex with antipathy. “I’m going to run over to the café for a few minutes as long as you guys are here.”
“Hurry back, babe,” Kate said.
“So we still know absolutely nothing about Fee?” Lex asked.
“I heard that survivors started getting through by phone outside the state,” Andie said. “Fee could call us any minute.”
Kate said nothing, not wanting to dampen Andie’s hopes.
“You should eat something, Auntie Kat. If Fee calls, you’ll need all your strength.”
“I’ll warm up some mac and cheese for you,” Lex said.
“That’s okay, babe. I don’t think I could keep anything down,” Kate said.
“So what are you going to do? Just sit in front of your television and that’s it?”
“What would you suggest?” Kate asked. “No one is being allowed in New York City. All I can do is pray.”
Andie went to the bathroom and Lex said to Kate, “Do you think there’s any hope that Fee’s still alive?”
Kate closed her eyes. Hearing the words out loud made what seemed like a nightmare become stark reality to her. Kate wasn’t sure why she choked back her tears – Lex and Andie had seen her cry many times – but Kate didn’t want to lose control until Jack returned.
When Andie returned she saw Kate’s fragile state. “Don’t give up hope, Auntie Kat. How many times have you told me that the Lord is in control of all things – even this.”
Kate’s dam broke and as she cried, she hugged Andie and whispered between sobs, “You’re so right, sweetheart. Thank you for the reminder.” Kate reached up and grabbed Andie down, hugging her.
Lex watched. Then she heard a key opening the front door. Jack didn’t even glance at Lex. He ran to Kate’s side and Kate put her arm around his neck. Kate patted Andie on the back, which Andie interpreted as a dismissal and got up.
“You have a key, Jack? Good to know.”
Jack glared at Lex but said nothing.
“Finish your food, kid. You’ve got to get back to Harvard,” Lex said.
Kate was crying and laughing. “Jack, even in this horrific catastrophe, the Lord is sovereign. We can’t understand any of it, but He’s in control.”
“He is, Kath,” Jack said.
Lex got up. “I hate to leave this little revival meeting, but Andie needs to get back.”
Kate said goodbye to Andie and Lex as if nothing was untoward or irregular. “Thanks, you guys.”
Jack thought to himself, “Thanks for what? Kath, you are a saint to put up with this uncaring pseudo-friend who drains you until you’re empty and gives nothing in return.” He remained quiet, focusing on Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6.
“I should call some people back; don’t you think, Jack?”
“Are you asking my opinion, Kath?” Jack asked.
“Yes. I’m asking for your advice,” Kate said.
“I think I’d wait until you know for sure about Fee.”
“Okay. Do you think that you should keep forwarding my calls to Nance?” Kate asked.
“Nance has been forwarding your friends to my cell. If you want to take any calls, you can. But you know that grieving is hard work, and you’ll be going through many emotions in a short period of time.”
“Do you know what, Jackson Andrew?”
Jack smiled. “What, Kathryn Leanne?”
“You are a very wise, godly man, and I love you dearly.”
“I feel the same way about you,” Jack said. He tried to tell Kate that he loved her, but old habits die hard, and Jack decided that the Lord would make it clear when he should tell Kate.
“I’d like to pray again,” Jack said.
“Good,” Kate said, closing her eyes and taking Jack’s hand.
“Lord.” Jack began, “We don’t understand any of this, but we know that You are the One and Only sovereign God and You are in control of everything that happens. We lift up Fiona to you, Lord. She is such a loving and humble servant and who lives to glorify you. We know that You love her even more than we do, and if she is with You, we grieve for our loss, but know that she’s in a far better place. Remind us of that continually, for in so doing, it will ease our pain.
“We lift up all the other families who have suffered such a devastating loss. May You be glorified in the midst of what seems to us to be beyond belief and understanding. Lord, we ask not why, but that through this tragedy that many would come to know You. We ask for Your peace – the peace that surpasses all of our limited and frail human understanding – and we pray for Your comfort, for You are the God of all comfort. Help us to turn to You to get through the atrocities unraveling before us. You alone can get us through this senseless and devastating loss, personally and as a country. Lord, we trust You, and when you tell us to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance and that endurance will have its perfect result, so that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Thank You for Your promise that is so difficult to understand during these unspeakable events that ALL things work together for Your good. Help us to see everything that is happening with an eternal perspective, and please help us get through this time by Your grace alone. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Oh Jack, you pray so beautifully. It is such an incredible blessing to have you here. Your support and friendship is the biggest blessing in my life.”
“You’re getting stronger,” Jack said, smiling.
“I am. Between Andie’s simple reminder that God is in control of everything and your prayer, I can feel the Holy Spirit taking control again. Praise God for that. Now let’s strategize.”
“What do you have in mind?” Jack asked.
“I’m thinking that the heiress of the G.V. Campbell Foundations must have a certain amount of pull in the government,” Kate said.
“What government; the state of New York or the federal government?”
Kate thought for a moment. “Both, I should think. I’ve never really taken advantage of the clout I supposedly have. I think I need to pull some strings.”
“To do what?”
“To get into New York City – especially in a day or two. I have an expensive apartment in Manhattan and own at least a dozen or more hotels that bring in a lot of money to the city. I’m going to ask Charlie to get me into the city as soon as possible. Are you with me so far?”
“Yes, Bugsy, I’m right behind you.” Jack said.
Kate laughed for the first time all day. “I can’t be Bugsy – Bugsy’s a man.”
Jack chuckled. “Bugsy Malone or Bugsy Siegel?”
“Siegel was the real one. Bugsy Malone isn’t a real ‘gangsta.’ He’s a fictional character in a musical in the seventies.”
“A singing gangster, huh? Sorry I missed that one,” Jack said.
“I’ll bet you are,” Kate said, slightly grinning.
“So Warren Beatty wasn’t in the singing gangster movie?” Jack asked.
“No. Warren Beatty played Benjamin ‘Bugsy’ Siegel and it was Annette Bening’s break-out performance, in more ways than one. She became an instant star and was the only woman in Hollywood who was able to land a wedding ring on her finger by the perpetually-single fifty-five-year-old Warren Beatty. Can you believe that?”
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight after hearing such a poignant Hollywood love story.”
“Mock me all you want, mister, but believe me, it gave hope to all women everywhere. If Warren Beatty got married and began a family at fifty-five, it could happen to any confirmed bachelor out there.” Kate stopped talking for a moment. “I can’t believe I’m talking about something so unimportant and superficial,” Kate said.
“I think it’s a healthy change,” Jack said. “Laughter is medicine for the soul,” Jack said.
“That’s what I used to tell Matty. He had no idea that the subject of laughter was in the Bible.
“He’s really funny and he’s a big success. And I believe I heard you say he was easy on the eyes and he’s got the smile you like.”
“He’s adorable. But he uses humor to – thanks for the reminder about laughter. That is so true.”
“So you were telling me about Annette Bening.”
“Lex used to say that she wanted to be George Clooney’s Annette Bening. Annette Bening is living proof that any confirmed bachelor can cave when he finds true love.”
They both laughed. “But Lex turned down Matt Damon’s proposal,” Kate continued on, “which literally blew me away. She didn’t want to become an obscure Hollywood wife.”
“That was pretty shocking,” Jack said.
“I thought so too. But Lex has spent her entire life becoming her own person, blatantly distancing herself from her parents. She didn’t want to lose her own identity.”
“But Matt Damon?”
“I know. It just goes to show you how strong-willed and implacable Lex is. We’re so different in that regard. I think I could adapt to any lifestyle if I loved someone enough.”
“Like travelling with a country western band?” Jack teased.
“And being the female lead singer. Exactly,” Kate said. “But as Fee always says –“ Kate stopped. Suddenly reality abruptly overtook Kate and she became somber.
“Jack, I must ask your forgiveness.”
:For what?”
“I just said something that didn’t portray Matty in a positive light. I feel awful. Will you forgive me and try to erase what I said from your mind?”
Jack looked at Kate. This beautiful, godly woman never ceased to surprise Jack. Just when he thought he knew her so well, she’d come up with something new which revealed she continually was growing more Christlike in her sensitivity to sin, her humility and her devotion to the Lord.
“So I’ll talk to Charlie tomorrow and we’ll see what he can do,” Kate said.
Jack took a moment to collect his thoughts and focus on what they had been talking about.
“Would you like me to go with you to Charlie’s?” Jack asked tentatively.
“Yes, please,” Kate said, throwing her arms around Jack’s neck. “Thank God you asked.”
Kate’s childlike enthusiasm always melted Jack’s heart. “And I’m guessing you probably would rather not be alone tonight. Would you like me to stay?”
Kate threw her arms around Jack’s neck again. “Yes, please. All the beds are pillow-top and guaranteed for an excellent night’s sleep,” Kate said. “I’m just going to sack out in here watching television.”
“It would really be better, Kath, if you slept in your room with the television off.”
Jack saw the look on Kate’s face and knew she wasn’t going anywhere. He took off his shoes, grabbed the quilt and plopped himself down on the other sofa.
Neither of them were able to get comfortable.
Finally Kate said, “This Is ridiculous. Grab your quilt and follow me. Kate went into the guest room that had a forty-two inch plasma screen. She threw her quilt on one side of the bed and reached for Jack’s quilt, throwing it down next to hers. She turned the television on and then snuggled up to Jack, who instinctively put his arms around her.
“Isn’t this so much better?” Kate asked Jack.
“Yes,” Jack said. “Definitely.” His gentle breathing began the minute his head hit the pillow.
“Thank you, Lord,” Kate whispered.
Kate fell asleep quickly, but woke up an hour later. Tired of seeing the same repulsive events being shown incessantly on the television, Kate grabbed her Bible and her journal and began to pray for all families that were grieving the loss of their loved ones. She prayed for the president and his advisors to have God-given wisdom on how to handle this unimaginable turn of events.
Kate thought about Fee, who had been the only mother that she had ever known. Fee had such insight into the Word of God, and for as long as Kate could remember, Fee talked about the importance of a Christ-centered heart. Everything that Fee taught her was Bible-based and Christ-centered. Now that Kate knew she wanted to get married and have children, she wanted to raise her children just as Fee and Dad had raised her.
Kate tried to remember the last time she talked to Fee. She recalled wishing her a happy new year. Kate wasn’t even sure that she had seen Fee in the last year. How could Kate have ignored Fee the way she had? Certainly she wouldn’t have gone that long without seeing or talking to Dad for so long, would she have? The tears began to stream down Kate’s face and she didn’t try to stop them.
Jay called Jack’s cell and Kate answered. “Hi baby.”
“How are you holding up, angel?”
“I’m trying to hang in there,” Kate said.
“I’m on my way to Boston, angel.”
“How far have you gotten?”
“Actually I’m still in Beverly Hills.”
“Jay, you don’t have to come here. There’s nothing that you can do.”
“I could wrap you in my arms and comfort you, angel.”
Kate sighed. She loved it when she was in Jay’s arms. But Jack’s arms had been equally warm, inviting and comforting. Both Jay and Jack were so loving and nurturing. For some reason that Kate couldn’t explain, she didn’t want Jay to come to Boston.
“No, baby. Come later when I need you.”
“Are you sure, angel?”
“Positive. Thanks for offering.”
“I love you, Kate. And my prayers are with you. I’ll keep calling, angel.”
“Thanks, Jay. I love you so much, baby.”
Jack got up around five and sat next to Kate. “Did you get any sleep at all?”“A little. Oh Jack, I feel ghastly. How could I not have seen or talked to Fee for so long? She raised me, and yet I wasn’t involved in Fee’s life at all. I’m sure if Dad were still alive, I’d have been in contact with him more than I was with Fee.”
Once Jack came out and she had his broad, muscular shoulder to lean upon, she began to sob again. Jack gently rocked her back and forth and kissed the top of her head every now and then.
“It’s part of human nature to look back on things with regret when we lose someone we love, but the Lord wants us to focus on today only. Fee was extremely busy working, just as you were.”
“I guess that’s one of the reasons that Dad said to live passionately and to act as if each day was my last. I ignored his advice, Jack.”
“No you didn’t, Kath. I don’t know anyone who lives life to its fullest more than you do.”
“But I’ve been working too much. I –“ Kate could not continue. She buried her head in Jack’s chest.
Jack’s cell phone rang. “It’s Charlie,” Jack said, handing the phone to Kate.
“Charlie, I must go to New York and find out for sure about Fee.”
“Kate, she would have called you by now,” Charlie said softly.
“This is something I have to do. Please use some of the clout or influence you’re always telling me I have to get me security clearance. And Jack is going with me.”
“Kate, this is going to be very difficult,” Charlie said.
“Charlie, I don’t think I ask too much of you,” Kate said.
“Kate, you ask nothing of me. I’ll see what I can do. I’ll need Jack’s social security number and driver’s license number.”
“You can get those things directly from Jack. And please let me know when you find out anything.”
Kate handed the phone to Jack, saying, “They need some information on you for security clearance. I’m going to take a shower.”
Kathryn Campbell's Journey to Living a Live Pleasing to the Lord.
Prologue - 1940 - 1970
One might think it is easy to be born into one of the richest families in America, but wealth had its disadvantages, at least as far as George Alan Campbell, Jr. was concerned. For as long as he could remember, Alan – as he chose to be called – had no desire to get involved with any of the family businesses or foundations, as was expected of the sole heir of the G.V.P.C. fortune. He had a passion for medicine and wanted to try his hand at numerous undertakings in a variety of areas, none of which particularly pleased his parents.
It was his mother, Victoria Leanne Packard Campbell, who pronounced Alan an adventurer and softened her husband’s – George Alan Campbell, Sr. – heart toward Alan.“Darling,” Victoria had said to George, “Let him do what he chooses. The GVPC fortune and the Foundation, businesses, estates and all that it encompasses are very adeptly run by our CEOs. I am confident that Alan will always look out for the best interests of anything having to do with the GVPC fortunes.”George Sr. relented. He knew Alan was extremely intelligent and loyal to his family. If he wanted to go through the hard work of becoming a doctor, so be it. George didn’t understand it, but he succumbed to his son’s wishes.Alan always had a cheerful disposition, and although he didn’t care much for the customs of the upper crust, he went along with them for the sake of his parents.
Alan was a strapping, handsome young man with dark black hair and large almond-shaped brown eyes. Women were -attracted to him and his rugged good looks before they even knew his name and financial standing. It came as no surprise to George and Victoria that women would outwardly flirt with and cajole Alan to surrender to their wiles.One thing that George and Victoria were insistent upon was that Alan married an heiress who was also a Christian. From the time he was eighteen until he was twenty-three, Alan was introduced to many different young women from the wealthiest, most prominent families in the United States. Alan knew that this was a battle he could not win, and on his twenty-fourth birthday, he brought home Cassandra Reynolds Johnston, of the Johnston-Reynolds fortune, and announced his intention to marry her.
His parents could not have been more pleased. Alan had picked Cassandra not only because of her breathtaking beauty, but because he liked her quiet yet seemingly confident demeanor. She laughed at Alan’s jokes and readily accepted his compliments.
At only five foot three and one hundred pounds, she had delicate features and a porcelain complexion. Her raven hair was long, dark and thick. Her eyes were the prettiest and, clearest shade of blue that Alan had ever seen. Alan called her “Snow White,” which always made Cassandra smile.Cassandra’s sister Pamela, born in 1947, was eighteen months older than Cassandra, and looked like she could have been Cassandra’s twin.
Both sisters loved being part of what they called “New England’s High Society.” Their father, Franklin Emerson Johnston, was hardly ever home and in the mid-sixties., when the rate of death due to cardiovascular disease was at its highest, he died of a heart attack in 1965. Their mother, Kathryn Marie Reynolds Johnston, was always busy with her philanthropic work despite the fact that she tended to be sickly. Kathryn died two years later as a result of complications of pneumonia that she had contracted while working as a volunteer in a hospital.
Cassandra and Pamela were brought up by their nanny, Margret Davies, who had come directly from England to work for the Johnston family. Margret was proper and formal, and brought Cassandra and Pamela up accordingly. Pamela, who used to call her sister “Cassie,” was told by Margret that nicknames were for commoners. Cassandra stopped calling her sister “Pam.” All rules of proper English society were taught to and followed by the Johnston girls.Pamela married Mitchell Morgan, an heir to the Bryan-Morgan fortune, while Cassandra was infatuated with Alan Campbell, who was even wealthier than Mitchell. Both girls had proper high society weddings within six months of one another. Alan would have preferred a small, intimate wedding, but it was important to Cassandra and her sister to have an elaborate, elegant and proper wedding.
Alan and Cassandra toured Europe for their honeymoon, which lasted for one month. Upon their return from Europe, much to Cassandra’s dismay, Alan announced that he wanted to move to San Francisco and receive his medical training at UCSF. The Campbells and the Johnstons bought a twelve-thousand-square foot mansion on the outskirts of San Francisco in a city called Palo Alto. The mansion was on three acres and included a swimming pool, tennis courts and stables. A maid, chef, butler and chauffeur would also be retained, pending the approval of Alan and Cassandra.
As soon as Alan and Cassandra moved into their new home, Alan began UCSF medical school. Cassandra grew restless with Alan gone so much. She talked to Pamela at least once a day and visited her at least once a month. By the fifth month of Alan’s absence, Cassandra went to visit Victoria in Boston. Not long into their visit, Cassandra discussed the situation with her mother-in-law.
“I just don’t understand why Alan wants to be a doctor. He is gone almost all the time, and from what I hear, it is just going to get worse.
”Victoria was sympathetic and put her hand on her daughter-in-law’s arm. “Alan is a free and an adventuresome spirit, Cassandra. Surely you knew that before you married him, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did.” Cassandra was still not sure what to call Victoria. It didn’t seem right to call her ‘Mother’ or ‘Mom,” but calling her by her first name would have been improper. “I guess I never really gave any thought to how much Alan would be gone. I am so very lonely.”
“Well, dear,” Victoria said sweetly, “You know you are always welcome here. If you would like to get involved with my charities and benefits, I would love to have you join me every other week. We have a jet for that very purpose."
Cassandra sighed. “That is very kind of you. I have not really thought about what I should do.”Victoria removed her hand from Cassandra’s arm and sipped her tea. “I hate to bring this up, dear, but you are twenty-five, and that is a good age to begin having children. When I was your age, Alan was already two.”Cassandra bit her lip. She had hoped that she would get pregnant on their honeymoon and was disappointed that she hadn’t. “We are trying, but it does make it difficult when Alan is gone so much.”
“Oh, my dear, I am sorry. Would you like me or George to talk to him?”After thinking about the question for a few moments, she said, “I would appreciate that, yes. But please don’t tell him that I talked to you.”
“Of course not,” Victoria responded.Cassandra tried to disguise her anxiety. “Do you mind my asking why you never had more children?”
“Not at all,” Victoria said, as she dismissed the question with the wave of her hand. “I am surprised that Alan and you never broached that subject. We had another son – he would have been twenty-three by now – but it ended in a stillbirth. No one knew why.”“Oh, I am so sorry,” Cassandra said, shocked.“We also had a daughter when I was twenty, but we lost her to encephalitis at only six months.”
Cassandra was stunned, “I don’t know what to say.”
“You need not say anything, dear. We are just so thankful for Alan.”
Victoria noticed that Cassandra was staring off into the distance. “Oh, I am sorry, dear. How dreadful to say such things to a young woman who is trying to have a baby. Whatever was I thinking? They have made so much progress in medicine since the late thirties. Just give it some time, Cassandra.”
Being away from Palo Alto had brightened Cassandra’s spirits, and when she returned home, became pregnant right away. She was ecstatic. Twenty weeks into her pregnancy, Cassandra’s doctor advised her to remain on bed rest until the baby was born. Cassandra became depressed from the sheer boredom she had to endure. Alan did his best to be home more and keep his wife company, but each week Cassandra became more forlorn.Alan began buying Jane Austen books for Cassandra to read, since those were his mother’s favorites. He brought poetry by Dickinson, Browning, Emerson and Whitman. With each book Alan brought, Cassandra would grow more discontented. Didn’t her own husband realize that, unlike Alan and his mother, she was not an avid reader? In fact, she had never enjoyed reading at all. Cassandra did not understand how Alan continued to bring her books when he never saw her reading any of them.Cassandra did decide to begin interviewing potential nurses, nannies and butlers. She called several of the women with whom she had done charity work in San Francisco and found an excellent nurse named Olivia. Alan had approved of a butler/chauffeur named Ogden.
On one of her weekly telephone calls, Victoria informed her daughter-in-law about a top notch nanny that the Huntingtons and the Beaumonts of Beacon Hill had highly recommended. Her name was Fiona Darby; she was twenty years old and came from an excellent English-Irish family. Victoria asked if Cassandra wanted her to take care of the details, and Cassandra was more than happy to have her mother-in-law get involved.
With each day that passed, Cassandra fumed about her circumstances and resented the baby even more. Finally, in her thirty-eighth week, her water broke and at long last Cassandra would be free from her forced exile. Unfortunately, after twenty-two hours of difficult labor, an emergency c-section had to be performed to completely free Cassandra of the baby who had been her captor for so long.
Alan had scrubbed in and prayed that Cassandra’s labor would be an easy one. He knew the toll this pregnancy had taken on her. Cassandra was no longer the woman he had married – or at least the woman he thought he had married. She had grown bitter and self-absorbed. Alan prayed that after the baby was born, she would once again be the woman with whom he had fallen in love.The c-section was taking too long. Why hadn’t he insisted on being in the operating room? Alan saw there was something wrong.
The OB pulled Alan aside. “Your wife is hemorrhaging and they are taking out her left ovary right now. She will probably be asleep for two more hours.”Alan sighed deeply as he stared at the Isolette where doctors and nurses were working, blocking Alan’s view. He had a medical degree, but still was afraid to ask about his own baby. Like most physicians, he loathed being on the “other” side.
“And the baby?” Alan braced himself for bad news.
The doctor smiled. “You have a beautiful, healthy girl. She weighed in at eight pounds, six ounces and is twenty-one inches long. Your wife’s pelvic bones were too small, but your baby is doing fine.”Alan was surprised at how elated he felt.
“When can I hold her?” Alan asked.
The doctor responded, “Go with Jane when she takes your daughter to the nursery.”
As they entered the nursery, Alan’s eyes were drawn to a dark-haired baby sleeping contentedly in an Isolette in the corner. He had delivered dozens of babies, but he had never really stopped to think about the miracle of birth.
Alan stared at this tiny human being, created by Cassandra and him, in astonishment. She was absolutely perfect. Clutching her to his chest, Alan asked to use the phone. He called his assistant and asked her to cancel everything on his calendar for at least a week. He had no intention of leaving the side of his precious, perfectly-formed miracle of a newborn daughter unless absolutely necessary.
A nurse came to find Alan. “Dr. Campbell, your wife is starting to wake up.” Alan reluctantly put down his daughter and left to see Cassandra.
“Hey, sleepy head,” Alan brushed Cassandra’s hair from her head. “How are you feeling, Snow White?”`Cassandra grimaced. “What happened? Is the baby okay?”
“The baby is fine. You needed an emergency c-section.”
“I feel as though I have a whole in my stomach,” Cassandra complained. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and then they bolted open. “Do we have a son?”
“No, we have a beautiful little girl.”
Cassandra frowned. “I am sorry, Alan.”
“Hey, Snow White, I am ecstatic. She looks just like you.”
Staring into the distance, Cassandra said, “You need a son to be your heir, not a girl. Now I am going to have to endure another thirty-eight weeks of misery.”
“No, Cassie, you don’t.”Cassandra glowered at Alan. She did not like nicknames. Alan had tried calling her “Sandy,” and she grumbled and rolled her eyes. When he called her “Cassie,” Cassandra told Alan that was the name of a cow, not a woman.
Alan continued. “I am thrilled at having a girl.” Alan pondered whether or not to tell Cassandra about the loss of one ovary, but thought better of it. Cassandra was agitated and the timing wasn’t right.
Alan smiled, hoping to cheer up his wife. “I’ve been thinking of names.”
Cassandra looked away and bit her lip. “I don’t have any names for a girl. I really thought that we would have a son. I was hoping God would make up for my terrible pregnancy by giving us a boy. I have never wanted a girl.”
Alan chose not to respond to Cassandra’s hurtful comment. He forced himself to speak cheerfully. "How about ’Kathryn Leanne Johnston Campbell’? ‘Kathryn’ is in memory of your mother and ‘Leanne’ is to honor my mother. I think it is an excellent combination.”
“Whatever,” Cassandra said disinterestedly. “I need to sleep. Tell the nurse to give me more pain medication.”Alan eagerly returned to his daughter, and fell asleep with Kathryn Leanne Packard-Campbell in his arms. From that day on, Alan thanked the Lord daily for the precious blessing of his daughter, with whom he would never have been blessed but for the grace of God.
It was his mother, Victoria Leanne Packard Campbell, who pronounced Alan an adventurer and softened her husband’s – George Alan Campbell, Sr. – heart toward Alan.“Darling,” Victoria had said to George, “Let him do what he chooses. The GVPC fortune and the Foundation, businesses, estates and all that it encompasses are very adeptly run by our CEOs. I am confident that Alan will always look out for the best interests of anything having to do with the GVPC fortunes.”George Sr. relented. He knew Alan was extremely intelligent and loyal to his family. If he wanted to go through the hard work of becoming a doctor, so be it. George didn’t understand it, but he succumbed to his son’s wishes.Alan always had a cheerful disposition, and although he didn’t care much for the customs of the upper crust, he went along with them for the sake of his parents.
Alan was a strapping, handsome young man with dark black hair and large almond-shaped brown eyes. Women were -attracted to him and his rugged good looks before they even knew his name and financial standing. It came as no surprise to George and Victoria that women would outwardly flirt with and cajole Alan to surrender to their wiles.One thing that George and Victoria were insistent upon was that Alan married an heiress who was also a Christian. From the time he was eighteen until he was twenty-three, Alan was introduced to many different young women from the wealthiest, most prominent families in the United States. Alan knew that this was a battle he could not win, and on his twenty-fourth birthday, he brought home Cassandra Reynolds Johnston, of the Johnston-Reynolds fortune, and announced his intention to marry her.
His parents could not have been more pleased. Alan had picked Cassandra not only because of her breathtaking beauty, but because he liked her quiet yet seemingly confident demeanor. She laughed at Alan’s jokes and readily accepted his compliments.
At only five foot three and one hundred pounds, she had delicate features and a porcelain complexion. Her raven hair was long, dark and thick. Her eyes were the prettiest and, clearest shade of blue that Alan had ever seen. Alan called her “Snow White,” which always made Cassandra smile.Cassandra’s sister Pamela, born in 1947, was eighteen months older than Cassandra, and looked like she could have been Cassandra’s twin.
Both sisters loved being part of what they called “New England’s High Society.” Their father, Franklin Emerson Johnston, was hardly ever home and in the mid-sixties., when the rate of death due to cardiovascular disease was at its highest, he died of a heart attack in 1965. Their mother, Kathryn Marie Reynolds Johnston, was always busy with her philanthropic work despite the fact that she tended to be sickly. Kathryn died two years later as a result of complications of pneumonia that she had contracted while working as a volunteer in a hospital.
Cassandra and Pamela were brought up by their nanny, Margret Davies, who had come directly from England to work for the Johnston family. Margret was proper and formal, and brought Cassandra and Pamela up accordingly. Pamela, who used to call her sister “Cassie,” was told by Margret that nicknames were for commoners. Cassandra stopped calling her sister “Pam.” All rules of proper English society were taught to and followed by the Johnston girls.Pamela married Mitchell Morgan, an heir to the Bryan-Morgan fortune, while Cassandra was infatuated with Alan Campbell, who was even wealthier than Mitchell. Both girls had proper high society weddings within six months of one another. Alan would have preferred a small, intimate wedding, but it was important to Cassandra and her sister to have an elaborate, elegant and proper wedding.
Alan and Cassandra toured Europe for their honeymoon, which lasted for one month. Upon their return from Europe, much to Cassandra’s dismay, Alan announced that he wanted to move to San Francisco and receive his medical training at UCSF. The Campbells and the Johnstons bought a twelve-thousand-square foot mansion on the outskirts of San Francisco in a city called Palo Alto. The mansion was on three acres and included a swimming pool, tennis courts and stables. A maid, chef, butler and chauffeur would also be retained, pending the approval of Alan and Cassandra.
As soon as Alan and Cassandra moved into their new home, Alan began UCSF medical school. Cassandra grew restless with Alan gone so much. She talked to Pamela at least once a day and visited her at least once a month. By the fifth month of Alan’s absence, Cassandra went to visit Victoria in Boston. Not long into their visit, Cassandra discussed the situation with her mother-in-law.
“I just don’t understand why Alan wants to be a doctor. He is gone almost all the time, and from what I hear, it is just going to get worse.
”Victoria was sympathetic and put her hand on her daughter-in-law’s arm. “Alan is a free and an adventuresome spirit, Cassandra. Surely you knew that before you married him, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did.” Cassandra was still not sure what to call Victoria. It didn’t seem right to call her ‘Mother’ or ‘Mom,” but calling her by her first name would have been improper. “I guess I never really gave any thought to how much Alan would be gone. I am so very lonely.”
“Well, dear,” Victoria said sweetly, “You know you are always welcome here. If you would like to get involved with my charities and benefits, I would love to have you join me every other week. We have a jet for that very purpose."
Cassandra sighed. “That is very kind of you. I have not really thought about what I should do.”Victoria removed her hand from Cassandra’s arm and sipped her tea. “I hate to bring this up, dear, but you are twenty-five, and that is a good age to begin having children. When I was your age, Alan was already two.”Cassandra bit her lip. She had hoped that she would get pregnant on their honeymoon and was disappointed that she hadn’t. “We are trying, but it does make it difficult when Alan is gone so much.”
“Oh, my dear, I am sorry. Would you like me or George to talk to him?”After thinking about the question for a few moments, she said, “I would appreciate that, yes. But please don’t tell him that I talked to you.”
“Of course not,” Victoria responded.Cassandra tried to disguise her anxiety. “Do you mind my asking why you never had more children?”
“Not at all,” Victoria said, as she dismissed the question with the wave of her hand. “I am surprised that Alan and you never broached that subject. We had another son – he would have been twenty-three by now – but it ended in a stillbirth. No one knew why.”“Oh, I am so sorry,” Cassandra said, shocked.“We also had a daughter when I was twenty, but we lost her to encephalitis at only six months.”
Cassandra was stunned, “I don’t know what to say.”
“You need not say anything, dear. We are just so thankful for Alan.”
Victoria noticed that Cassandra was staring off into the distance. “Oh, I am sorry, dear. How dreadful to say such things to a young woman who is trying to have a baby. Whatever was I thinking? They have made so much progress in medicine since the late thirties. Just give it some time, Cassandra.”
Being away from Palo Alto had brightened Cassandra’s spirits, and when she returned home, became pregnant right away. She was ecstatic. Twenty weeks into her pregnancy, Cassandra’s doctor advised her to remain on bed rest until the baby was born. Cassandra became depressed from the sheer boredom she had to endure. Alan did his best to be home more and keep his wife company, but each week Cassandra became more forlorn.Alan began buying Jane Austen books for Cassandra to read, since those were his mother’s favorites. He brought poetry by Dickinson, Browning, Emerson and Whitman. With each book Alan brought, Cassandra would grow more discontented. Didn’t her own husband realize that, unlike Alan and his mother, she was not an avid reader? In fact, she had never enjoyed reading at all. Cassandra did not understand how Alan continued to bring her books when he never saw her reading any of them.Cassandra did decide to begin interviewing potential nurses, nannies and butlers. She called several of the women with whom she had done charity work in San Francisco and found an excellent nurse named Olivia. Alan had approved of a butler/chauffeur named Ogden.
On one of her weekly telephone calls, Victoria informed her daughter-in-law about a top notch nanny that the Huntingtons and the Beaumonts of Beacon Hill had highly recommended. Her name was Fiona Darby; she was twenty years old and came from an excellent English-Irish family. Victoria asked if Cassandra wanted her to take care of the details, and Cassandra was more than happy to have her mother-in-law get involved.
With each day that passed, Cassandra fumed about her circumstances and resented the baby even more. Finally, in her thirty-eighth week, her water broke and at long last Cassandra would be free from her forced exile. Unfortunately, after twenty-two hours of difficult labor, an emergency c-section had to be performed to completely free Cassandra of the baby who had been her captor for so long.
Alan had scrubbed in and prayed that Cassandra’s labor would be an easy one. He knew the toll this pregnancy had taken on her. Cassandra was no longer the woman he had married – or at least the woman he thought he had married. She had grown bitter and self-absorbed. Alan prayed that after the baby was born, she would once again be the woman with whom he had fallen in love.The c-section was taking too long. Why hadn’t he insisted on being in the operating room? Alan saw there was something wrong.
The OB pulled Alan aside. “Your wife is hemorrhaging and they are taking out her left ovary right now. She will probably be asleep for two more hours.”Alan sighed deeply as he stared at the Isolette where doctors and nurses were working, blocking Alan’s view. He had a medical degree, but still was afraid to ask about his own baby. Like most physicians, he loathed being on the “other” side.
“And the baby?” Alan braced himself for bad news.
The doctor smiled. “You have a beautiful, healthy girl. She weighed in at eight pounds, six ounces and is twenty-one inches long. Your wife’s pelvic bones were too small, but your baby is doing fine.”Alan was surprised at how elated he felt.
“When can I hold her?” Alan asked.
The doctor responded, “Go with Jane when she takes your daughter to the nursery.”
As they entered the nursery, Alan’s eyes were drawn to a dark-haired baby sleeping contentedly in an Isolette in the corner. He had delivered dozens of babies, but he had never really stopped to think about the miracle of birth.
Alan stared at this tiny human being, created by Cassandra and him, in astonishment. She was absolutely perfect. Clutching her to his chest, Alan asked to use the phone. He called his assistant and asked her to cancel everything on his calendar for at least a week. He had no intention of leaving the side of his precious, perfectly-formed miracle of a newborn daughter unless absolutely necessary.
A nurse came to find Alan. “Dr. Campbell, your wife is starting to wake up.” Alan reluctantly put down his daughter and left to see Cassandra.
“Hey, sleepy head,” Alan brushed Cassandra’s hair from her head. “How are you feeling, Snow White?”`Cassandra grimaced. “What happened? Is the baby okay?”
“The baby is fine. You needed an emergency c-section.”
“I feel as though I have a whole in my stomach,” Cassandra complained. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and then they bolted open. “Do we have a son?”
“No, we have a beautiful little girl.”
Cassandra frowned. “I am sorry, Alan.”
“Hey, Snow White, I am ecstatic. She looks just like you.”
Staring into the distance, Cassandra said, “You need a son to be your heir, not a girl. Now I am going to have to endure another thirty-eight weeks of misery.”
“No, Cassie, you don’t.”Cassandra glowered at Alan. She did not like nicknames. Alan had tried calling her “Sandy,” and she grumbled and rolled her eyes. When he called her “Cassie,” Cassandra told Alan that was the name of a cow, not a woman.
Alan continued. “I am thrilled at having a girl.” Alan pondered whether or not to tell Cassandra about the loss of one ovary, but thought better of it. Cassandra was agitated and the timing wasn’t right.
Alan smiled, hoping to cheer up his wife. “I’ve been thinking of names.”
Cassandra looked away and bit her lip. “I don’t have any names for a girl. I really thought that we would have a son. I was hoping God would make up for my terrible pregnancy by giving us a boy. I have never wanted a girl.”
Alan chose not to respond to Cassandra’s hurtful comment. He forced himself to speak cheerfully. "How about ’Kathryn Leanne Johnston Campbell’? ‘Kathryn’ is in memory of your mother and ‘Leanne’ is to honor my mother. I think it is an excellent combination.”
“Whatever,” Cassandra said disinterestedly. “I need to sleep. Tell the nurse to give me more pain medication.”Alan eagerly returned to his daughter, and fell asleep with Kathryn Leanne Packard-Campbell in his arms. From that day on, Alan thanked the Lord daily for the precious blessing of his daughter, with whom he would never have been blessed but for the grace of God.
