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Awkward Marriage 10
Jake spent the rest of the week fuming despite his best efforts to put Sue Lewis far from his mind. He wasn’t married to her yet, and he was already dreading having her around his house. He hadn’t even been aware of her a month ago, and suddenly, she was a big part of his world. Six months. All I have to do is survive the next six months and I’ll be free again. Justin did his best to console him. “I don’t think she’s that bad of a woman. My wife speaks highly of her. She may not be rich but she has found a way into the hearts of many prominent women in town. They can’t wait to invite her to their luncheons.” He grimaced. “Before I know it, she’ll insist on dinner parties at my house. The next six months of my life are going to be a living nightmare.” “I don’t know. She’s got a lot of passion. It could help warm up those cold winter nights. You might enjoy yourself so much you won’t want to end the marriage.” “No way, Justin. I’m not going to lay a hand on her exce
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The moment of the wedding finally arrived and Jake stood by the preacher in front of the altar. He knew that this day was the bride’s day and everyone would be interested in her which was why he spent so much time preparing Sue for this day. The wedding colors were light blue and white. He picked light blue since it went with his tie. He had ordered blue ribbons and bows throughout the church, and the bridal bouquet featured white roses with a blue ribbon tying the flowers together. He supposed that women would prefer pink but he couldn’t stomach that color at his wedding, so he didn’t bother to ask her opinion. He didn’t want her opinion on any of the wedding plans for that specific reason. He was associated with this wedding, even though he wasn’t the main attraction. People would want to remember this day and he didn’t want pink to be associated with that memory. He considered the irony that she didn’t complain about the colors. She was bothered by the lace on her dress.
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“I think I’ve just been insulted,” Jennifer pouted, looking at Jake. “Are you going to let her talk to me like that?” “Yes, dear husband. Are you going to dictate how I talk to other people?” Sue pointedly wondered, staring at him in interest. “I agree with my wife. You were way out of line,” Jake quickly responded. Jennifer gasped. “I can’t believe you said that. I will tell Mr. Leroy that he has a rude employee.” He shrugged. “I don’t care what you do as long as you apologize to my wife.” “I’d rather eat snake.” “Wouldn’t that be cannibalism?” Sue reflected. She ran off, ready to cry on her father’s shoulder. Sue sighed. “I probably just lost you a customer.” He chuckled. “Are you kidding? That was worth it. Jennifer’s father isn’t that prominent in this society, and even if he was, I wouldn’t let his daughter get away with her comments.” “Really?” He noted that she seemed touched by his confession. He grinned
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Afret Sue cleaned up from the wedding mishap, she arrived at her new residence and marveled that Jake had such immaculate but beautiful taste. No wonder he got away from me and my family as soon as that mouse ran across the table. He doesn’t like to get dirty. He had wanted to stick around and go home with her so he could give her a personal tour of the place, but he was called to business at the last minute to discuss plans to buy the building that would house the future bank. So Henry took her and her things from the apartment to the house. She only had two worn suitcases that summed up her entire life. Her apartment had been furnished. It felt strange to know she was making such a drastic change in her economic status. She climbed out of the buggy, acutely aware that her old clothes were sorely out of place there. Henry carried her suitcases to the front door for her. “Am I supposed to pay you?” She searched for any money she might find in her purse
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He walked over to his desk and sat in the chair behind it. “I know husbands who are controlled by their wives. It’s not pretty.” He took out some paper he had neatly folded into his breast pocket and set them on the desk. “It’s official. I own a building which will become Mitchell Bank in a matter of weeks.” “That’s wonderful!” He smiled. “I already asked Justin Monroe to be the vice president. He and I will turn in our resignation letters to Conrad Leroy right after New Year’s Day.” “You would be surprised how many people in this town are afraid of what will happen when Conrad retires. George doesn’t have a very good reputation with the women I’ve talked to. He keeps a mistress in another town, and women don’t like the thought of their own husbands being unfaithful.” “Is that why you said you could hurt his reputation in this town?” “Women are as upset about infidelity as they are about children being forced out of their homes because of foreclosure.” “
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OuT of curiosity, Jake decided to attend the Christmas play at the auditorium later that day. He was surprised by how many people went to the event. Mrs. Walker was at the table collecting donations. “You don’t have to give if you don’t want to,” she told each person who walked through the door. “Where do your donations go?” one man asked. “To fixing the library, costumes and other supplies for future plays and additional books,” she warmly replied. “My goal is to provide a fun place for adults and children to enjoy the thrill of reading.” “I can handle that.” “Oh, you can just slip the money into this box. I don’t want to know who gives what. I’m just pleased people offer so much. This donation takes care of the entire year most of the time.” “Well, I can’t wait to see Trevor’s play this year,” another man commented. “My son is one of the lead characters.” “Really? My little Annabelle is one of the Temptations. I believe she’s named Lazy Time.” J
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The next afternoon after Jake came home from work, there were five dozen flowers sent from different bachelors congratulating Sue on her part in the play. What are single men doing going to these events? It was clearly a family-oriented production. “Has Sue seen these?” he asked Lydia. “No, sir. She’s been at work all day,” she replied, her eyes wide. “Who knew she would become so popular after marrying you?” “Indeed. Who knew?” He scowled at the flowers. “Throw them out. This is my house and she is still my wife. Those men have no right to try to court her. They should at least have the decency to wait until May 21.” “Right away, sir.” “Wait!” He took the cards. “I want to know who I need to watch out for. And I don’t want Sue to know about this,” he growled before he headed for the den. He sourly sat at his desk and sorted through the cards. Dear Sue, I saw the performance last night. You did a wonderful job as director, and Trevor’s writing cont
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He took an early lunch from the bank so he could get to the library a little before noon. He carried the dress in a brown paper bag so no one would know he was carrying it around. He had to ask the woman at the front desk where Sue was, and the woman directed him to the children’s room. He quietly entered the room and stood behind a bookshelf so he could watch Sue without her noticing him. She still wore her hair down, except today she had it pulled back with two barrettes. She wore a navy blue dress that showed off her hourglass figure. It was a good thing he was here to stop Mr. Martin before he got started. A group of about thirty children and their mothers sat in a semi-circle to listen to her. He didn’t recognize eight of the women. Mrs. Monroe, Mrs. Hawke, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Edwards, and Mrs. Gregory were the women he recognized because of their husbands who did business with him. He shook his head in amazement when he noticed Mrs. Parker sitting with three children. M
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Awkward Marriage 85
It was about time Jenny‘s brothers stopped their harassment, Owen thought as they took in the bright, shiny deputy badge that Sheriff Meyer returned to him. Owen‘s chest puffed up with a sense of pride as he closed the door of the jailhouse and placed his hat on his head. ―Afternoon, gentlemen,‖ he said and buttoned his coat. ―Getting ready for Christmas?‖ ―We had some errands to run,‖ Tom replied. ―Even if women say they don‘t want anything but our love, they don‘t mean it.‖ Joel snickered. ―And you had to learn that the hard way.‖ Tom‘s face grew red. ―I can‘t wait until you get married, Joel. I don‘t care what you argue about. I‘ll take her side each time.‖ ―Unlike you all, I have no desire to tie the knot,‖ he replied and gave them a smug smile. ―I‘m going to stay single forever.‖ ―Since when?‖ ―Since I saw how you all ended up. No woman is going to tell me what to do.‖ ―Oh really?‖ Dave asked. ―Then what are you doing in town looking for gifts?‖ Joel sighed. ―I g
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Jenny flung a dish at Clyde‘s head. Drats! She missed! ―Get off my property!‖ She picked up another plate from the stack she held to her chest and threw it at him. Again, he expertly dodged it as he made his way to the porch. She grunted and threw the whole stack at him. This time two plates hit him in the face. He yelled and touched his cheek which had a bloody cut on it. Glaring at her, he took a step toward her. ―Not this time, Jenny! I‘m getting my boy.‖ She grabbed her broom and swung at him. Unlike last time, he jumped back. She stepped forward but someone came up behind her and held her arms in place. She screamed and kicked at her captor, but his hold only grew tighter. ―Get the boy and let‘s get out of here,‖ the man growled at Clyde. ―Run!‖ she yelled at Jeremy who was supposed to be in his room. She prayed he would make it to the attic before Clyde found him. Clyde climbed the rest of the porch steps, and as he passed her, sh
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Owen recognized that gruff voice anywhere. And there was no way he was going to play possum now. He leapt over the counter, nearly knocking over the startled owner who ran to retrieve his gun. ―This is my store. You have no business being here!‖ the owner barked. Then he fired his rifle at the doorway. Owen didn‘t bother seeing if the man hit Big Roy or not. He just ran. He ran down the narrow space that led to the backdoor and found himself in another alley. The scene was eerily familiar. Except this time Mitch and Lance weren‘t chasing him. Nope. Big Roy was doing the honors this time. Owen raced past the dumpsters. He heard a door open and almost got hit with a bullet. He swerved to the right and found himself on a less traveled part of the business district. He bent to hide behind stagecoaches and buggies as he scampered as fast as he dared without giving Big Roy ample opportunity to get a clear shot. Where was Irving anyway? Some stellar deputy he was turnin
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It was a week later when Big Roy finally arrived in Omaha. And Owen had just finished breakfast when the fateful knock came at the door. He put his napkin down and went to answer it. ―Amos?‖ he asked, surprised to see the boy with his two friends standing on his porch, holding fishing rods. ―Isn‘t it a little cold to be fishing?‖ It was December after all. ―Big Roy‘s in Omaha,‖ Amos said, looking unusually excited by the prospect. Owen‘s eyes grew wide. ―How do you know this?‖ ―We saw him. Oh, he‘s big and angry alright. He was asking where you were.‖ ―You didn‘t tell him, did you?‖ Owen demanded as he watched the boy practically dance with glee. Was everyone but Jenny and Jeremy eager to send him to an early grave? ―Course not! We‘d never do that,‖ Amos assured him. ―In fact, no one‘s telling him anything. But Irving wants you down at the jailhouse.‖ Amos motioned to his fishing rod. ―You don‘t need to worry about a thing. We‘re ready to help you!‖ Amos and h
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Jeremy ran to the front door and jumped into Owen‘s arms. Surprised, Jenny turned from the sandwiches she‘d been making and went over to him. ―They let you out of jail?‖ ―As long as I promised not to run away.‖ He gave Jeremy a big hug. ―I missed you, squirt.‖ ―Was it scary in there?‖ Jeremy asked. ―No, but it was lonely. It‘s good to be home with my family.‖ He leaned forward and gave Jenny a kiss. ―I can‘t believe how much I missed you two.‖ ―We missed you too,‖ she said, hugging him as much as she could with Jeremy between them. ―I was just making supper. Are you hungry?‖ ―I didn‘t get much to eat, so yes.‖ He set Jeremy down and took off his coat and hat. ―It‘s nothing fancy. Just sandwiches,‖ she warned. He put up his holster on the hook next to his coat and hat. ―After eating nothing but beans and jerky, sandwiches will be a treat.‖ He turned to them and gave them another hug. ―It feels so good to be back home.‖ She laughed and hugged him back. ―It
Awkward Marriage 80
Jenny heard Sally knock on the front door but hesitated to answer it. No one had been out to see her since the day they found out about Owen, probably because Mary managed to talk them into giving Jenny time to herself, so she didn‘t know why Sally came out. She pushed the curtain aside in the parlor. Sally was alone. She exhaled. At least, the cavalry wasn‘t coming out again. She quickly thought of a way to distract her sister from the matter at hand and opened the door while Sally was in mid-knock. ―Oh good! I wanted to talk to you.‖ Jenny pulled her into the house and peered out the door. Good. Sally really was alone, just as she thought. She shut the door and turned to Jeremy. ―Take your blocks and play upstairs. I have to talk to your aunt.‖ Jeremy obeyed and went up the steps. As soon as he was in his room, Jenny led Sally into the kitchen and sat her down. ―Would you like a snack?‖ ―No thanks,‖ Sally said. ―I came to talk to you.‖ ―Yes, and I‘m glad yo
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She relaxed. ―Oh. I thought you meant...‖ She had thought he meant that he didn‘t want her to stay married to Owen. But he hadn‘t, and she didn‘t want to explain it. Looking at Irving, she knew that they wouldn‘t have made a good match. She would have married him for her son, but he wouldn‘t have been her first choice. She glanced inside the jailhouse. There, in the cell, sat the man she would have chosen. Returning her gaze to Irving, she asked, ―So I can talk to him?‖ ―Follow me.‖ He led her into the building. ―Meyer, I got the wife wanting to see her husband.‖ Jeremy broke free from her and ran over to the cell, calling out ―Pa!‖ Owen‘s face lit up and he eagerly ran over to the bars so he could hug Jeremy... Well, as much as he could with the bars between them. The tender moment brought tears to Jenny‘s eyes. How many times had she seen fathers and their sons and wished Jeremy could have a pa that loved him too? Wiping her eyes, she turned to the sheriff and de
Awkward Marriage 78
Jenny didn‘t feel like dealing with anyone at the moment. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and her relatives weren‘t helping. Her brothers and Sally sat around the kitchen table trying to decide what to do about the situation while Greg, Jeremy, and Isaac played with the dog in the backyard. Mary stayed out there to watch them from where she sat in the chair next to the house. Maybe Jenny shouldn‘t have come to Sally‘s house after they left the jail. Maybe she should have just gone home. She watched the children as they laughed and took turns throwing the ball for the dog to catch. It was simple for them. Children didn‘t sit and analyze things. They either liked something or they didn‘t, and they acted accordingly. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the cool glass of the window. Her hand fell to her abdomen. She should‘ve realized it sooner, but she and Owen had stayed up well into the night to enjoy lovemaking. The fatigue was ea
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Owen jumped up as soon as the door to the jailhouse opened. He rushed over to the bars to see if Jenny came. She did. But she also brought Sally and her four brothers with her. Four very angry looking brothers. He immediately stepped back as the four glaring men surrounded the cell. He examined the bars. He hoped the steel was strong enough to keep them out. They looked like they were ready to rip him apart and feed his remains to the vultures. ―You‘re lucky you‘re in there!‖ Tom barked, pointing an accusing finger at him. ―Because if you weren‘t, we‘d run you out of town.‖ ―How could you do this to our sister?‖ Richard demanded, shaking the bars. Owen swallowed the lump in his throat and backed up until he hit the wall. He glanced at the small window and wondered if he could escape if he squeezed through it. No. That was ridiculous. He was much safer here with the bars protecting him than in the open where these men could chase him down. ―First Clyde an
