A Savannah Story

[Coopsgirl]

Part One

“Mind if I sit down?” “No” Mary said as a tall, finely dressed older man sat down on the park bench beside her.



“It sure is a beautiful evening” he said in a pleasant tone. “I guess” she said as she put her head down. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I don’t want to bother you with my problems.” “It’s not a bother” he said kindly. “My fiancée passed away about four months ago and today would’ve been his birthday.” “I’m sorry” he said sincerely. “Thanks.” “My wife died three years ago. It’s a hard thing to go through. My name is John Braydon” he said as he took off his black cowboy hat. “Nice to meet you Mr. Braydon. I’m Mary Bennett” she said as they shook hands. “I’m guessing you’re not from around here” she said noting his southern accent. “No I’m from Savannah, Georgia. Just here on a vacation” he answered. “What do you do for a living?” “I run my family’s cotton plantation. It’s not like a long time back though, no slaves I mean” he explained in his easy southern drawl. “What do you do?” he asked Ann. “I work at a bakery.” They continued to talk until the sun began to set. “It’s getting dark, I better go home.” “Mind if I walk with you?” he asked as they both stood up. “I’d feel better knowing you got home safely. You’re about my daughter’s age and I’d hate to think of her walking around the city alone at night” he said with a pleasant smile. “Okay” she replied as they began to walk.

“Have you always lived in New York?” he asked. “No I grew up in a small town upstate. I moved here a few years ago.” “This is where you live?” John asked when they reached the rather run down looking boarding house. “It’s all I can afford” she said trying to act unashamed of her residence. “I didn’t mean to be rude it just doesn’t look like a very safe place.” “It’s not that bad” she said lying. “Have you had dinner yet?” John asked as they stood on the steps. “No.” “It’s kind of awkward eating by yourself, would you like to come with me.” “Alright” she said knowing he was doing this out of some sense of fatherly duty or pity but she was hungry and wasn’t looking forward to another night alone so she went along.

During dinner Mary explained that her parents had died when she was young and she was scuttled back and forth between other relatives and foster homes until she was old enough to be on her own. She worked at a bakery and that’s where she’d met Bill. His family had money and they were on the social register so they were none too happy when their oldest son decided to marry a poor girl with no family who made cakes for a living. “How long had you known him?” John asked. “About a year. He was a wonderful man. He never looked down on me or made feel inferior even though everybody tried to talk him out of seeing me. He was a really sweet guy. I feel so lost without him” she said as she began to tear up a little over the grief that was still fresh. “I felt the same way when my wife passed away” he said handing her his handkerchief. “I’m not sure what I would have done if not for my daughter; we helped each other get through it.” “Thank you” she said handing back the handkerchief after she had dried her eyes. “I wish I could just start fresh somewhere else, maybe I John one of these days” Mary mused as they ate dinner. “Do you mind if I ask how he died? It’s just unusual to die so young.” “He loved to fly and he had just bought a new plane in Colorado and was flying it back here. Something went wrong and he went down in Nebraska” she explained. “I’m really sorry Mary” he said sincerely. “Thanks.”

Since the next day was Sunday and Mary was off work, John asked her if she would like to go to the museum with him. He assured her it was only a friendly invitation since it seemed like she could use a friend and something to take her mind off her troubles. He seemed like a decent sort of man so she agreed. They got along well and had a fun day together. They spent the next afternoon and evening together as well and John had been thinking about something since the night before but he wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. That evening they went back to the park where they had met and were sitting by the lake when he told Mary about his idea.

“I know this might sound strange but I want you to hear me out.” “Alright” Mary replied. “I like you. You’re a nice, level headed young woman and I think we’d make good friends.” “I like you too John.” “You said you wanted to get away from here and I have a big house all to myself since my daughter got married and it’s awfully lonely. Would you like to come and live with me? It would just be a friendly arrangement, I promise” he said before she could get the wrong idea. “That’s very nice of you to offer but it wouldn’t look right, you know a single man and woman living together.” “I thought about that. We could tell people that we were married.” Mary was surprised at this and it rendered her speechless. “To say it out loud now it sounds really crazy. It didn’t seem that bad when I was just thinking about it. I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel uncomfortable” he said truly sorry for the awkward situation he had created. “It’s alright; I was just surprised. It’s really not that bad an idea.” “You don’t have to say that Mary. I wouldn’t have asked but I’ve been gone a month and I really need to get back home and I’m leaving tomorrow evening.” “We’re both lonely and it would be nice to have a friend who understands that” she explained. “If you do want to come back with me I promise I won’t take any liberties with you and you’ll be free to go anytime you want.” “Can I think about it over night?” “Of course” he said cautiously optimistic that she might accept.

The next morning after hearing a knock at his hotel room door, John opened it and saw Mary standing there holding a suitcase in each hand. “If you still want me, here I am” she said giving him a smile. “Sure I do” he said taking her suitcases and closing the door behind her. “I did want to talk to you about something though” she said sitting down on the sofa. John sat beside her and she continued, “I was thinking if for some reason we needed to produce our marriage license we wouldn’t have one and that could cause all kinds of problems and embarrassment.” “Do you want to actually get married?” he asked. “Well I don’t take the institution of marriage lightly but I do want to get away from here and you’re a nice man I can tell…” John took her hand in his and said, “Ann, will you marry me?” “Yes John.”

After a quick trip to a jewelry store they went to the City Hall to get the license and then were married by the Justice of the Peace. While on the train back to Savannah they decided to tell people that they had met shortly after John arrived in New York and had spent most of his vacation together and fell in love instantly. He didn’t like the idea of lying to his daughter but he didn’t want her to know how alone he felt and how depressed he could get sometimes by himself in that big house. Mary fidgeted with her wedding ring as she watched the scenery go by and he wondered if she was having second thoughts. “If you don’t want to do this we can get off at the next station and I’ll take you back” John said sweetly. “I’m fine. I was just thinking about Bill. I wonder what our wedding would have been like. We didn’t get very far in planning it when he passed away.” “I bet it would have been the social event of the year; probably on par with a royal wedding” he said. Mary chuckled a little and John was glad to see her smile. “He knew I wouldn’t have wanted anything too fancy. He wanted to buy me a diamond necklace one day when we were out doing some window shopping but I liked this locket better so he bought it for me instead. It was a birthday present. I still have a lock of his hair in it” she said as she reached down to open it revealing the precious treasure inside. “I put this on here after Frances died” John said showing Mary the ring on his watch chain. “It was her wedding ring. I don’t know, but it makes me feel a little like she’s still here” he said tucking the end of the chain back in his vest pocket.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Two

When they finally arrived at the station they walked to John’s car which he had kept in the garage there and Mary was surprised to how nice it was.



She figured that he probably had a little money since he owned a business but she had no idea how much he really had. “This is your house?” she asked as they drove up to the large, white antebellum style mansion.



“It’s been in my family for generations. It’s really too big for my tastes though.” “I can see how you could get lonely in a place like this. I think 20 people could live here and you’d never see each other” she joked as they got out and walked to the door. He opened it and when they walked inside the smell of fresh flowers filled the air.

“Did you have a nice trip?” a woman about John’s age asked as she greeted him at the door. “Yes I did Kate, thanks.” “Are we going to have a guest?” Kate asked pleasantly as she smiled at Ann. “No, more like a new resident. This is my wife, Mary.” “Your wife!” she said surprised. “I know it’s sudden but we met in New York and it was love at first sight. Mary this is Kate, she helps out around here.” “It’s nice to meet you” Mary said extending her hand. “Congratulations” Kate said as she reached forward and wrapped Mary up in a big hug. “Thank you” Mary replied very glad that the first awkward meeting and explanation was over and had gone so well. “I’ll leave you two alone to get settled and rest. I’ve got you something cooking for lunch and it’ll be ready in about an hour.” “Thank Kate” John said as he picked up Mary’s bags and led her upstairs.

“Does Kate live here?” Mary asked. “No, she comes by and does the laundry and cleaning and sometimes she cooks a little while she’s here. We used to have a full time cook when there were more of us here but since it’s just been me I do it myself. Here’s the double master suite I was telling you about” he said as they reached the rooms and he sat her bags down on the bed. “You have your own bathroom and closet there and my room is just through there” he explained pointing at another door. “Did your wife use this room?” “Just to keep her clothes and things in.” “Are you sure it won’t be weird then because I don’t know if you wanted to keep it like she had it.” “No you can fix it up anyway you like” he said. “Peach is my favorite color and it might be nice to have lighter colored furniture, if that’s okay? I mean, I don’t want to do anything that will cost too much. You’ve already spent a lot on me buying all those new clothes” she said regarding the shopping spree he took her on before they left the city. “You can do it however you want, and don’t worry about the money” John replied with a smile. “Speaking of money, I’m going to set you up an account…” “You don’t have to do that” she said cutting him off. “I can get a job.” “About that, my family has always been kind of well to do and it wouldn’t look right for you be working. Does that make sense?” “I understand. I don’t want to take advantage of you though.” “You’re not. I’ll set it up for $400 a month and…” “That’s way too much” she said interrupting him again. “If you’re not working you’re going to need money and I want to make sure you have enough.” “How about just a hundred then; that would probably be far more than I would ever need.” Finally they agreed upon $200 but only if he let Mary do all the cooking so she could at least do some kind of work to earn it.

After lunch, John called his daughter Beth and her husband David and asked them to come over. The three of them sat in the parlor as John told them he had some big news. “What it is Dad?” Beth asked curiously. “I met a nice woman while I was in New York and we spent most of my time there together and well, we got married.” “That is big news” Beth said a bit stunned. “What do you think sweetheart?” “I’m surprised to be sure, but if you’re happy, then I’m happy too” Beth said as she gave him a big hug. “I am. I’ll go get her.”

“Beth, David I’d like you to meet Mary Bennett-or well used to be Mary Bennett” he said getting a little tongue tied. They all exchanged pleasantries and then Kate brought in some cold lemonade as they continued to chat. “So how did you meet?” Beth asked. “I was sitting in the park and John sat down next to me and we started talking and it just blossomed from there” Mary explained. “I know it’s kind of sudden and I hope you are okay with it Beth.” “I am surprised but I know Dad wouldn’t do anything as serious as get married unless he was sure about it and anything that makes him happy is okay by me” she said sincerely. “I know you’ve been lonely Dad even though you wouldn’t admit it. Besides, you’ve got to live your own life. I’ve tried to get him to go out more but he wouldn’t do it” Beth said to Mary. “I hope you’ll come visit us as often as you can. I want you to know nothing’s going to change between you and your dad just because I’m here” Mary said as Beth and David noted it was getting late and got up to leave. “We will, thanks” Beth said. “Why don’t you stay for dinner?” John asked. “We’re having some friends over tonight or we would” David replied as they all hugged and said goodbye. They lived in a small town about 15 miles away and with the muddy roads from last night’s rain they had to cut the visit short in order to get back in time.

“I’m glad that’s over” John said as he and Mary stood on the porch and watched them drive away. “Me too. Do you think she likes me?” “I think so” he assured her as they went back inside. “They both seemed very nice. I’m going to finish unpacking and then go to bed” Mary said as she headed upstairs. “If you need anything just make a list for Kate and she’ll pick it up for you.” “Okay thanks. Goodnight” she said as she walked up the grand staircase. “Oh wait” John said as he followed her. “Wait just a minute” he said again as he walked into his room. He came back out a moment later and put a key in Mary’s hand. “That locks my side of the door” he explained. “You don’t think that will seem suspicious; if we keep that door locked?” “I hadn’t thought of that.” “I’m a very detail oriented person; I can’t help but think of everything” she chuckled and then handed him back his key. “I trust you” she said with a smile and then went to her room.




The car is a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Sports Sedan and it "lives" at Dick's Classic Car Museum in San Marcos, Tx. It was really neat to get to see a Duesenberg in person!!

[Coopsgirl]

Part Three

“I just can’t get over how beautiful your house is” Mary said as they ate breakfast the next morning. “Thanks. I can’t take any credit for it though; Frances did most of the decorating.” “It definitely looks like a woman had a hand in it. I’m almost scared to imagine how a man would have done it” she joked. “I’ll show you what I would have done” John said with a grin as he directed Mary to his study. Animal hides and heads decorated the floors and walls along with pictures of John on various hunting trips. “Nice, huh?” he quipped as she looked around silently. “I guess” she joked back with him as she walked around looking at the pictures. She noticed one that must have been taken at least 20 years ago as he looked very young.



“Where was this?” “Kenya. I went to Africa with some friends one summer. We had a great time” he explained. “I’d be scared to go that far from home” she said as she continued to look around. “I love to travel. When Beth was a kid we used to take vacations just about every year. We’d go all over the country and even went to Europe a couple of times” he said enthusiastically remembering how much fun those trips had been. “This is the first time I’ve been outside of the state.” “It’s a beautiful world Mary, you need to see some of it. Maybe we’ll take a trip one day.” “Could we really?” she said not quite believing it. “Sure.”

A couple of days later Mary got an invitation to attend a luncheon being held by some of the ladies in the community. John encouraged her to attend and even though she was nervous she decided to go. She felt somewhat out of place though as there weren’t many women there her age but everyone was very cordial and made her feel welcome. “You really landed a prize with Mr. Braydon” Bella March, one of the other young women said as they sipped their tea after lunch. At 45 years of age he could pass for a few years younger and he was a very handsome man. His bright blue eyes and disarming smile had the power to make ladies young and old swoon. “You sure did dearie” Mrs. Minchon said as she and several other women gathered around them. “Is he your first husband?” one of them asked her. “Yes ma’am.” “Lucky girl” she replied suggestively as the others giggled under their breath. “Any plans to have children?” “Well, uh, we haven’t really discussed it” Mary said as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I’m sorry if we’re getting a little too personal sweetie” Mrs. Minchon said. “It’s just exciting to have a newlywed around.” “I understand” Mary said trying to laugh.

“How did it go?” John asked as Mary returned home. “It was brutal” she joked as she sat down at the table in the garden beside him. “What happened?” he asked with a smile. “They all kept going on and on about how lucky I was to have married you and kept asking a lot of rather personal questions.” “What did you say?” he said almost chuckling. “Nothing!” she said laughing back. “Who said you were lucky to be with me?” he asked curiously with a sly smile. “Mrs. Minchon was one.” John made a face as if he wasn’t happy to hear that a 69 year old widow was lusting after him. “Miss March said so too.” “Oh she did” John smiled as she was about Mary’s age, mid-20s and very pretty. “Hey, you better not forget who you’re married to” she said pretending to be jealous as she got up to go inside. “I won’t!” he said.

“Oh, I nearly forgot” Mary said turning and walking back. “Mrs. Everett invited us to a party this weekend and I didn’t want to be rude so I said we’d go. If you don’t want to I can let her know we had other plans or something.” “I guess we can go” John said sensing that Mary wanted to. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done any dancing though.” “Maybe I better give you a refresher course so you don’t step on my feet” Mary said motioning for him to follow her inside.

There was a record player in the parlor and she chose a slow song that would be easy to practice to and they began to dance. “I’ve never danced with anybody this tall before” Mary remarked as he stood 6’3”, nearly a foot taller than her. John, acting silly, squatted down a little and said “Does this help?” “No, that’s worse” Mary said laughing as he stood back up. “Frances was tall for a woman so I’m not used to dancing with someone so little” he said as they tried to adjust to each other. “Is there any hope for me?” he joked after a couple of songs. “I think we should be able to get through it.” “You’re a better dancer than me, maybe you should lead” John joked as Mary laughed. “You’re really not that bad. This reminds me of when Bill was teaching me to dance. We kept getting confused and we’d bump into each other instead of one following the other and we ended up laughing so hard we couldn’t even stand up” she said with a big smile as she remembered the happiness they had together. Kate walked by the parlor and saw them laughing and dancing and she smiled to herself to see her longtime boss happy again.

“Are you doing alright?” John asked tenderly as he and Mary took a break and sat down on the sofa. “Yes, I think being away from New York is helping a lot.” “I heard you crying in your room last night” he said. Mary hung her head and tried to hide her embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I should keep my big mouth shut” he said feeling bad that he had brought this up. “It’s okay. I had a dream that Bill and I were on our honeymoon and it was so beautiful. I guess it just all hit me again when I woke up.” “Well that’s understandable, it hasn’t been very long” he said patting her hand gently. “How long does it hurt this bad?” she said as tears began to well up in her eyes. Before he could answer she began to cry. John scooted closer to her and put his arms around her and just let her sob. He had his daughter to lean on to help him get through the loss of his wife, but Mary didn’t have anyone. He was happy to be there for his new friend and she was glad to have him as well. When she was out of tears he gave her his handkerchief and she dried her eyes and cheeks. “Feel better?” he asked. “A little” she said smiling now. “It will get better, I promise. My dad died five years ago and then Frances and it was hard to get through but the longer it goes the more you just remember the good times and how lucky you were to have them at all.” “I’m sure you’re right” she said mustering a weak smile. “You said your mother lived with your brother right?” “Yeah, in Stutsville about 40 miles north. This house had too many memories for her so she moved after Dad died. We were running the business together and I took it over after that. Frances and Beth and I were already living here since there was so much room and we did some redecorating and fixed it up like we wanted. It was nice when there were so many people around” he said remembering those happy days.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Four

“You look lovely” John said as Mary met him in the parlor to leave for Mrs. Everett’s party. “Thanks, you look very nice too.”



“Well, shall we?” he said putting his arm out. Mary smiled and put her arm around his as they left. They were quickly overtaken by several of the guests who were anxious to meet the new Mrs. Braydon. With John’s reluctance to date after his wife’s passing, they were all quite surprised to hear of his marriage and they were bombarded with questions much like Mary had been at the luncheon earlier. Once the music began the questions died down and John and Mary were happy to get away from the curious guests and dance. “That’s a beautiful locket Mrs. Braydon. I bet John gave it to you didn’t he?” one of the women asked innocently. “No it was my mother’s, but thank you” she said thinking up a quick lie. “I’m sorry you had to lie about your locket” John said as they were driving back home that evening. “Oh, that’s okay. I can’t really tell anyone about Bill anyway. Maybe it’s better to just forget him.” “I miss Frances everyday but I wouldn’t trade the memories I have of her for anything. Don’t give yours up either.” “You know besides Bill, you’re the only real friend I’ve had in a long time.” “So you’re still happy with our arrangement?” “I am, you don’t have to keep asking” she said with a smile. “Sorry, I just want to make sure.” “That’s okay. I know it’s weird but trust me, I’m happy.” “Good, me too.”

The day before Kate was to do the laundry including the bedding Mary sprayed some of her perfume on John’s bed where she would be sleeping if they were a “normal” couple and she also did the same to her bed with some of his aftershave. “You really do think of everything don’t you?” John asked as Mary was doing this just before they went to bed. “I don’t want people to be suspicious. This way Kate will think that we’re just going back and forth” she explained and then went into her room. John lay down and breathed in the sweet magnolia scent. Even though Mary was 19 years his junior and only five years older than his daughter, she was a woman and a very lovely one at that. He thought of her mostly as a friend but it was easy to imagine she was fully his wife as her perfume clung to the empty pillow beside him.

Beth, wanting to get to know Mary better, suggested they spend a Saturday together. Beth offered to teach her new stepmother how to do needlework and Mary was excited albeit a little nervous. She was happy though to have people around who were genuinely nice as opposed to Bill’s family and friends who were only pleasant to her face, and sometimes not even then.“I’ve always wanted to know how to do this and I’ve tried to learn but never got very far” Mary explained as they set up their equipment in one of the sitting rooms that had several windows and gave them lots of light. “It’s not that hard to learn” Beth said as she explained the basics to her. John and David decided to go fishing leaving the girls alone to get better acquainted. “John told me your mother did most of the decorating. She had beautiful taste.” “Thank you. Dad probably wouldn’t mind if you wanted to change it.” “I think it’s beautiful like it is and I wouldn’t feel right doing that.” “This is your home now” Beth said. “Thanks, we don’t need to make any changes though. I did get some new furniture for my room and changed the colors. You want to see it?” “Sure.” Mary showed Beth her newly redone room and Beth liked it. “It’s very nice. I love the color.” “Thanks. It’s nice to have my own bathroom and plenty of room for my clothes and things.” “You like to read?” Beth asked seeing a small bookcase against the wall filled with books. “I love reading especially the old Victorian romance stories.” “Me too. Wuthering Heights is one of my favorites.” “Mine too. I think I’ve read it three or four times” Mary said smiling. “Are these your parents?” Beth said picking up a picture frame on the nightstand beside the bed. “Yes, they died when I was 9, a car accident.” “I’m sorry. They look like nice people.” “They were great.” As Beth set the frame back down she picked up the scent of her father’s aftershave and her curiosity about their sleeping arrangements was satisfied. “I know I shouldn’t be nosey but can I ask how old you are?” Beth said. “I’m 26. I know it’s a pretty big age difference” Mary answered. “I was surprised to see how young you are, I mean you’re only five years older than me. But I guess it doesn’t matter if you’re in love.” “John is a wonderful man. Besides my parents he’s the best person I’ve ever known” Mary said genuinely meaning it. “I was pretty nervous about this because I know how much you mean to John and I was hoping we’d get along” Mary said as they went back downstairs. “I was anxious too. You must have really made an impression on Dad though because he hadn’t been interested in anyone since Mom died.”

“They’re back” Mary said early that evening hearing David’s truck driving up. “Let’s go see what they caught” Beth said as they went outside to greet them. “Looks like you did pretty good” Mary said seeing them laying out the fish in John’s workshop behind the house. “You girls get to clean ‘em” John said acting like he was going to throw them on Mary and Beth. The girls jumped back and then they all laughed. “I’ll cook and eat ‘em but that’s as far as it goes” Beth joked. After the men cleaned the fish and then also cleaned up themselves, the girls cooked them and they had a pleasant dinner together. “How’d everything go?” John asked after his daughter and son-in-law had gone. “We had a great time. Beth is really sweet and we have a lot of things in common.” “I’m very proud of her. I’ve never known her to do anything that wasn’t right” John said as he helped Mary clean up their supper dishes.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Five

A few weeks went by and as March rolled over into April Mary and John were becoming better friends with every day that passed. Neither one had ever really had a close friend of the opposite sex that they weren’t romantically involved with so it was a new experience for them. Because of their friendship and warm feelings for each other they were able to fool everyone into believing they were happily married. The first hiccup came however when Beth suggested they take a weekend trip to Atlanta to see a new play. She was so excited about all four of them going and neither John nor Mary had any real excuse why they couldn’t so they agreed to it. David said he would make all the arrangements and even though John said he wouldn’t mind doing it, David insisted.

When they checked into their hotel they found David had rented a suite with two bedrooms separated by a small sitting room. “Why don’t we put our things up and then go have lunch?” Beth suggested. “Okay” Mary replied forcing a smile. “We’ll take this room” David said as he picked up their bags and took the room on the left. John then took his and Mary’s bags into the other room and closed the door. “I’m sorry Mary” he said upset about their accommodations. “It’s just for one night. I guess we’ll live through it” she said feeling a little more at ease seeing there was a chaise lounge in their room. “I’ll sleep over there and you can have the bed” Mary suggested. “I’ll sleep there and you take the bed” John said sternly. “Don’t be all noble, that’s just silly. You’re too big for the chaise so you’re taking the bed.” “We’ll argue about it later” he said with a smile. “No we won’t” Mary said going into the bathroom to freshen up.

They had box seats at the theater and when they sat down, Dave put his arm around Beth and she sweetly kissed his cheek. They were still practically newlyweds themselves only having been married 10 months. John and Mary needed to keep up the pretext that they were also happy newlyweds so he reached over to hold his wife’s hand. Mary gave him a look to let him know it was okay and then the curtain went up on the show. When they arrived back at their hotel after the play, they had tea and continued to talk about how much they had enjoyed it and how wonderful a job all the actors did. “The actor playing Roberto was awfully handsome didn’t you think?” Beth asked Mary with a giggle. “You can have him, I don’t really like blondes” she joked back. “Good thing for you then, huh Dad?” Dave said with a laugh as John had dark brown hair. John and Mary uncomfortably chuckled back.

“You can have the bathroom first” John said after they retired to their room. While he was then taking his turn after Mary, she got an extra blanket from the closet and lay down on the chaise. “What are you doing?” he said when he came out seeing her there instead of in the bed. “What does it look like? I’m trying to sleep” she said very matter of factly as she closed her eyes again and readjusted her covers. “You’re as stubborn as an old mule.” “You can insult me all you want but I’m not sleeping in that bed. Goodnight” she said pleasantly as she turned over. “Alright, suit yourself” he said as he begrudgingly lay down. “I gotta warn you I snore sometimes” he said as he turned the lamp off. “That’s okay, I’m a sound sleeper.”John woke a couple of hours later and from the little bit of moonlight streaming in through the window, he could see that Mary was fast asleep. He very gently scooped her up and laid her down on the bed. He tucked her in and then took her place on the chaise which he was far too tall for. It didn’t matter though as he felt better now and soon was asleep again.

The sound of running water and a razor banging against the sink from the bathroom slowly roused Mary the next morning. She raised her arms up and stretched and then quickly sat up as she realized this was not where she went to sleep. She looked down to make sure she still had her clothes on which she did. She tried to remember when she moved to the bed but she couldn’t. “Good morning! Did you sleep well?” John said coming out of the bathroom dressed and ready for the day. “I guess. How’d I end up here?” she asked confusedly as she was still trying to wake up. “I put you there after you went to sleep. You better get up and get ready. It’s getting late” he said as he finished fiddling with his tie. “Turn around” Mary said before she got out from under the covers. “I’ve already seen your nightgown” he said just to tease her. “Do it anyway” she said with a smile. He did and she put her robe on. “Thanks” she said as she reached up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “What’s that for?” “For being so sweet” she answered as she went to get dressed.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Six

“You got any big plans for today?” John asked as they ate breakfast. “Clara Bow’s new picture ‘Children of Divorce’ is showing and I thought I might go see it. You wanna come with me?” “Okay, I need to get some work done first though.” “Can I help?” Mary asked. “I need to clean out the tack room and it’s a pretty dirty job.” “I don’t mind” she said enthusiastically. “Okay, go get changed and I’ll meet you out back.”

John mostly worked on the administrative side of the business as he had several employees who did the actual farm work, but there were still some things he liked to do himself like tending to his horses and the vegetable garden. He loved being outdoors and the physical labor kept him in as good a shape as a man half his age. He was waiting for Mary in front of the stable and he couldn’t help but stare when he saw her. She was wearing shorts and a button up blouse that looked about a size too small and he felt as if he was watching a pin up girl come to life. “This’ll be fun. I was getting a little tired of just sitting around looking pretty” she said with a wink, having no idea of the thoughts running through his mind.

As they worked their way through the chores Mary began to take extra notice of John too. He had on a somewhat tight fitting pair of jeans and it was no accident that she kept ending up behind him to do her work. The short sleeve shirt he was wearing showed off his strong and lean tanned arms and with it unbuttoned at the top she could see a bit of chest hair which made her heart beat a little faster. It wasn’t that she hadn’t noticed how handsome he was before, but technically he was old enough to be her father and she was still getting over losing Bill. Suddenly a sick feeling overcame her and she felt dizzy. “I better sit down for a minute” she said. “Are you okay?” John said as he put down his shovel and went to see about her. “I just need a break.” “Your pulse is racing” he said gently holding her wrist. “You’re not used to this kind of work and in this heat you gotta be careful. Why don’t you go inside and cool off?” “I’m alright. Can I have some water?” He poured her a glass from the pitcher they had brought with them and she drank nearly all of it at once. “That’s better” she said as the sick feeling began to subside. “I knew it was hot down south but it’s only April” she said fanning her face with her hands. “It’s not normally this warm this early. It’ll probably cool back off a little again before June and that’s when it really gets hot.”

“What time does the movie start?” he asked going back to work as Mary continued to rest. “It’s at 3.” “If you wanted to go by yourself or with one of the other girls in town that’s okay.” “If you don’t want to go you don’t have too” she said pleasantly. “It’s not that, I just don’t want you to think you have to spend all your time with me if you’d rather do stuff with your other friends sometimes.” “I don’t really have any other friends.” “What about Bella March? I thought y’all were getting along well?” he said stopping to wipe the sweat from his forehead. “She’s nice but…” “But what?” he asked. “It’s not that easy for me to make friends. I don’t really know what to do” she confessed with embarrassment. “Why don’t you…” “I really don’t want to talk about it” Mary said cutting him off. John smiled and went back to work. “So you like Clara Bow huh?” he said changing the subject. “She’s my favorite actress.” “Who else do you like?” “There’s this new guy, Gary Cooper, and he’s in this one with Clara. I just love him” she said with a giggle. “I don’t think I’ve heard of him. What’s he been in?” “Well, he had a bit part in It.” “It what?” John asked confused. “That was the name of the movie. It was Clara’s last picture and it was a big hit. He’s done a couple westerns too and they were both good. He and Clara are a hot item. You’d know that if you read the movie mags” she said teasing him for being out of touch with the goings on in Hollywood.

After finishing their work and having lunch, John and Mary went downtown to the theater. The Grand was a beautiful new theater built in the art deco style. They each got a bag of popcorn and went up to the balcony to watch the show. Clara’s character tricked Gary’s character into marrying her and to save him from the scandal of divorce so he could marry the woman he really loved, Clara killed herself at the end. Mary was so moved by her performance she cried a little. John handed her a napkin and she dried her eyes just before the lights came back up after the show. “That was really good” Mary said as they drove back home. “It wasn’t too bad” John said rather unenthusiastically. “You didn’t like it?” “No, it was okay. I gotta tell you though, I don’t know what you see in that Cooper guy other than a pretty face.” “What?” she said getting a little miffed that he had just insulted her favorite new actor. “Oh come on! He wasn’t very good. He looked so nervous. I could see his knees shaking in one scene” he said laughing at the young actor’s expense. Mary couldn’t help but laugh too as she had noticed the same thing. “Well, he hasn’t had too many leading parts yet and he’s mostly been in westerns so he was probably a little nervous acting like the rich playboy type. I doubt you could do any better” she said teasing him. “Probably not, but I’m not the one up there on the screen” he remarked with a smirk. “I was going to give you a compliment and say that you look kind of like Gary, especially in those pictures I saw of you from Africa but since you were so rude about his performance I won’t” she said playfully. “On second thought he wasn’t too bad after all” he said smirking. “At least you got to ogle a couple of pretty girls so the afternoon wasn’t wasted.” “They were nice to look at but they’re a little too young for my tastes” he said of the actresses in the film who were both in their early 20s. “Don’t let that get around or the jig is up!” Mary joked. “No, I guess I better not” John replied forgetting momentarily that Mary was only a few years older than those actresses.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Seven

That evening as Mary sat at her vanity brushing her hair, she remembered back to that morning when she and John were together in the stable. Bill hadn’t been gone long and she felt bad for having feelings about another man. In fact, she wasn’t really sure now what she felt for John. They had a genuine friendship and she was happy when she was with him but today, something was different. He was so masculine and mature like the cowboys in the movies she had always liked since she was a little girl. She didn’t think men like that really existed. A smile lit up her face as she closed her eyes and pictured him working in those tight jeans.



But then she also remembered what he had said after the movie. “I imagine he thinks of me as just a friend instead of as a woman” she mumbled to herself as she turned off the lights and got in bed.

The first weekend in May was indeed a bit cooler than the spring had been in the weeks earlier and John, Mary, David, and Beth decided to have a cookout at the lake. A lot of other people had the same idea but thankfully it wasn’t too large a crowd and they were having a good time as John and Dave did the grilling. “It looks like the honeymoon hasn’t worn off yet” Dave said to John in a teasing tone while the girls were having a swim. “What do you mean?” John asked as he flipped their burgers. “I see the way you and Mary look at each other. It’s sweet. I’m real happy for you” David said patting his father-in-law on the back. “Oh yeah, Mary’s great. I can’t imagine what I’d do without her.” He really meant that and he wondered if Mary was beginning to feel the same way. David said he could see it but what if it was just an act on her part.

That evening a band was going to be playing at the pavilion by the lake and they decided to stay and listen to the music. Just before the concert began Mary suggested she and John walk down to the concession stand and get some cotton candy. “This has been such a fun day” Mary said as they walked along the shore. “It reminds me of the times Bill and I would go to Coney Island. You know, it’s funny, it seems like that was a lifetime ago now” she said as she looked up at John and smiled. John wondered what she meant by that. Was she beginning to get over Bill? They got back to Beth and David just as the music started. As they sat on their blanket listening to the peppy songs, John’s arm kept brushing up against Mary’s sending goose bumps up and down her body.

A late spring storm awoke Mary one night and she decided to go to the kitchen and get a midnight snack. As she got closer to the kitchen she could see a light on and she found John sitting at the table eating cookies. “Great minds think alike” she said as she sat down. He passed her the plate and she took a couple. “I know it’s childish but I’ve always hated storms” John confessed. “Sometimes I think you’re just a little boy in a big body” she joked. “I resemble that remark” he joked back pretending to be insulted. “That’s not such a bad thing though. Too many adults forget what it’s like to be a kid. As great as Bill was, he could be a little too serious sometimes. I guess he got that from his stick in the mud parents.” “Frances was a lot of fun. I remember one time we were out walking around and she slipped in a big puddle. I laughed at her and she threw mud on me and we ended up getting in a big mud fight” he said as they both laughed. “Sometimes, you remind me of her” John said. For a second or two he regretted making such a confession but when he saw Mary smiling he was glad he did.

Mary wore her locket everyday but one morning near the end of May after she had been there a little over two months, John noticed she wasn’t wearing it. He wanted to ask her about it but he didn’t want to seem nosey. A few more days passed and she still wasn’t wearing it. John also decided to take Frances’ ring off his watch chain and he put it in the small box on his dresser where he kept his first wedding ring. After putting it away he went downstairs to his office and found Mary there looking at some of the books he had on a shelf. “Hey” he said pleasantly. She jumped and said “You scared me.” “Sorry. You interested in boll weevils?” he asked seeing that she was holding a book about how to deal with the cotton eating pests. “Actually I wanted to see if you needed any help. I’m super organized and I can type fast and…” “If you really want to help I’m sure I could you use” he said not needing to hear any more of her qualifications. “I’m guessing you want to change my filing system” he said pointing to the pile of papers on the desk. “Definitely.” By the end of the day Mary had reorganized all John’s business papers and they also rearranged the furniture so that he could work more efficiently and get to everything he needed more easily. “This is gonna be a lot better” he said surprised at how much those simple changes had done. “If you don’t like it we can always change it back.” “No, I like it. It’s working out pretty good having you around. You got me all organized, you’re a much better cook than me, and you laugh at all my bad jokes” he said sincerely. “Thanks” she said blushing. “Sometimes you’re jokes are funny” she added and then she quickly turned and left to go get dinner started.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Eight

John woke up a little earlier than usual one morning in mid-June and went downstairs to get the paper. Instead of reading it after breakfast like he normally did, he sat down in the parlor and began to leaf through it. After going through the local paper he flipped through The New York Times which he also subscribed to. One article in particular caught his eye. “Bill Coleman, prominent member of city society who was presumed dead from a plane crash seven months earlier, has been found. He had temporary amnesia due to a concussion suffered during the accident and has been living in a small town in Nebraska about 10 miles from the location where his plane went down. His identification was burned in the fire and the plane was too damaged to be traced through purchase records. After recovering his memory he has now been reunited with his family and looks forward to getting back to his old life.”

John folded the paper back up and sat quietly as he thought about the news. For him it was bittersweet. He knew Mary would be thrilled to know Bill was alive but he also knew that she would go back to him and he hated the thought of losing her. “Good morning” Mary said as she came into the parlor. “I said good morning” she said again as he didn’t respond. “Oh, good morning” he said flatly. “Is everything okay?” she asked as he seemed troubled by something. “Everything’s fine. Actually I have some good news. You better sit down though.” “What is it?” “You said Bill was killed in a plane crash. Did they find his body?” “No, but he last checked in with air control just as he was going over the border into Nebraska and they didn’t hear from him again after that. It was stormy so we assumed his plane crashed but they couldn’t find it.” “He did crash but he survived.” “What?” she said stunned by this bombshell. “I just read it in the paper. They said he lost his memory because of a concussion and that his id and plane had been burned so he couldn’t be identified. He’s been living in a little town not far from where the plane went down. He finally got his memory back and he went home” he said handing her the paper.

“I can’t believe it” she mumbled as she read over the article. “He’s alive!” she said more exuberantly as the news finally began to sink in. She threw her arms around John and cried as she continued to say “He’s alive, He’s alive.” “I’m happy for you Mary” he said trying to sound sincere. “Wait, what are we going to do?” she said as she pulled away from him and dried her eyes. “You’re gonna get packed and go to New York” he said as he gently caressed her cheek. “Thank you” she said as she embraced him again. “Will you come with me?” “You don’t need me getting in the way” he said. “Please, I want you to come.” He reluctantly agreed and they both went to pack so they could catch the afternoon train. Mary sent a telegram from the station letting Bill know she was on her way.

Mary began to shake with nerves as she walked up the steps of the brownstone where Bill and his family lived in Central Park West. John stayed behind in the hotel and Mary promised she and Bill would get together with him later for dinner. She rang the bell and Bill answered the door instead of the butler. “Mary!” he said gladly as he put his arms around her and squeezed her tight. They stood on the steps for several minutes hugging, kissing and crying before finally going inside. “I can’t believe you’re alive, you’re okay” she said as they walked into the parlor. “I feel so bad about what happened.” “It’s not your fault.” “I know, but still, it must have been terrible for everyone thinking that I was dead.” “It doesn’t matter now” she said as she hugged him again. “Were you hurt badly in the crash?” she asked as they sat close together on the sofa. “I broke my left arm and had a concussion but I was thrown out of the plane. If not for that I probably would have burned up with everything else.” She hugged him again thankful that hadn’t happened. “You took your wallet out didn’t you?” she asked knowing that when he flew any type of long distance flight he would usually take his wallet out of his pocket and lay it on the seat next to him. “Yes” he said sheepishly knowing that caused him to go unidentified for so long. “I guess I shouldn’t be mad at you though” she said holding his hand.

“You don’t know how happy I was to get your telegram. I went to the bakery and the boarding house and they said you just left one day out of the blue and nobody knew where you went.” “What on earth were you doing in Georgia?” he asked noting that’s where the telegram had been sent from. “It’s a long story and I know you’re going to be upset with me.” “No I won’t. Tell me.” “I was heartbroken when I thought you were dead and every day was just so long and empty. One day about four months after you disappeared I met a very nice gentleman in the park and we started talking. His wife had died a few years ago and we were talking about how hard it was and…” “It’s okay for you to talk to other men” he said interrupting her. “It went further than that.” “How much further?” “He was here on vacation and we spent a couple days together and he wanted me to go back to Savannah with him. He was all alone and we got along so well and I really needed a friend so I went with him.” “That’s okay honey. It’s unusual but I guess I can understand. I know you had a hard time here with my friends and family not really accepting you and you really had no reason to stay.” “We’re married!” she finally blurted out. “What?” he asked absolutely shocked. “He suggested we just fib and tell people we were married so that it wouldn’t look bad, you know a single man and woman living together. I always over think things and I thought it would be better if we did actually get married in case we ever needed to show our marriage license for anything. I’m so sorry but I was just so lonely and wanted to get away from here so badly” she said in tears. “I promise though we are just friends and it hasn’t gone any further than that” Mary continued as she dried her eyes. “I’m so sorry” she said again and he put his arms around her and softly whispered to her that it was okay.

That evening Bill and Mary met John in the lobby of their hotel and he was quite different than what Bill had imagined. “You’re not what I expected Mr. Braydon. I thought you’d be a lot older” Bill said as they shook hands after Mary’s introduction. This hurt John a little as he wondered how Mary had described him, but he tried not to show it even as he squeezed Bill’s hand a little harder than he probably should have. “I’m sorry to disappoint” John replied tersely as he finally released Bill’s hand. “Shall we go?” Mary said trying to break the palpable tension. Later during dinner Bill said to Mary, “I was afraid you might have moved on for real thinking that I was dead. I couldn’t wait to get back and see you.” “I think the only competition you have to worry about is that actor Gary Cooper. She seems to like the lanky cowboy type” John joked as he loved to tease her about her Hollywood crushes and Mary chuckled at his remark. “Mary didn’t tell me what you do for a living Mr. Braydon” Bill said trying to change what he felt was an awkward subject. “I have a cotton farm and I raise horses on the side. I guess you could say I’m just another lanky cowboy” he said with a smirk as Mary nearly choked on her water and began coughing as Bill patted her on the back.

After dinner they went back to the hotel and John went up to his room leaving Mary and Bill in the lobby. “I wish you would have been a little more truthful with me about him” Bill said disdainfully. “What do you mean?” she asked genuinely confused. “I thought he was some sweet old widower who just needed a friend and maybe a little help around the house. Instead he’s a tall handsome cowboy.” “I can’t help how he looks or that he wears western style clothes.” “Oh come on! I know how much you love that. I think we’ve seen every western picture that’s come out since we’ve been together and you always coo and drool over everyone of them.” “Would you be happier if he dressed more like a farmer and wore overalls and an old straw hat?” she asked sarcastically. “It wouldn’t change how he looks or the fact that he’s not an old man.” “You’re being ridiculous Bill. I love you and I was crushed when I thought you were dead!” “I’m sorry sweetheart” he said in a calmer tone taking her in his arms. “I guess I just got a little jealous, I’m sorry” he said sweetly. “You don’t have anything to be jealous about” she said as she also tried to convince herself of that.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Nine

“Can I come in” Mary asked after knocking on John’s door. He opened it and invited her inside. “I bet Bill hated to leave you” he said. “I’ll see him tomorrow.” “I don’t think he likes me very much but I guess I can’t blame him.” “He’s just jealous because he thought you would be an old man but I don’t know why. Maybe because I told him about your wife passing away, I guess he just assumed.” “Well if you were my fiancée and I was gone for a while and then came back to find you married to some other guy I’d be jealous too” he said hoping he wasn’t letting his feelings show too much. “I’m going back home tomorrow” he said to Mary’s surprise. “Oh” she said a little disappointed. “This time I’ve got it all planned out” he said and then he explained. “We told people we were coming up here for you to visit a friend. Well I’ll go back home saying I needed to get back to the farm and you decided to stay for a while. You’ll realize that you’re happier here and we’ll argue about it and agree to a separation and then a divorce.” “I think I’ve rubbed off on you a little” she joked. “I hope you’ll be happy Mary. I’m sure you will be” he said trying to give her a smile. “We haven’t actually made any plans so I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen” she said. “I imagine he still wants to marry you.” “Would you do me a favor?” she asked and he nodded yes. “When you go back home wait until you hear from me before you say anything about us having trouble.” “Sure” he told her. “I know Bill’s parents are going to try and meddle in whatever we do and I want us to have our own life so I’ve got to be sure he can stand up to them. I’m sorry if that kind of leaves you hanging for a while.” “Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I can do for my best pal” he said. “I’ll miss you” Mary said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek and then quickly turned and left before he could see the tears in her eyes.

No one spoke of Mary’s already having a husband as she and Bill began to plan their wedding. It was hopeful that the divorce could be obtained very quietly and discretely within the coming months so there was no need for anyone outside of Bill’s family to know of it. Mary’s fears regarding his family and their overbearing behavior were sadly confirmed all too soon. It had only been two weeks and already Bill’s mother had proceeded to not only arrange every detail of their wedding but also of their lives. “Here’s the formal dining room and here’s your suite and mine is right across the hall here” Bill said as he showed Mary the blueprints of the house his parents had just purchased for them. “First, I don’t want separate bedrooms and second I thought we were going to choose our own house. You promised me we would.” “I know but they’re just trying to help us honey.” “Bill’s father and I have had separate rooms our entire marriage; trust me you’ll like it and it’s much more civilized” his mother chimed in. “What’s civilized about two married people not even sleeping in the same room. It’s not a sin you know” Mary spat back at her finally speaking up. “What’s come over you lately? My parents are trying to set us up right and you don’t seem to like any of it” Bill said annoyed at her attitude. “Shouldn’t we be making these decisions for ourselves?” “I shudder to think what kind of a home you would choose” his mother said. “Mother, that was out of line” Bill said sharply. “I’m just trying to look out for you, son. It’s bad enough that she’s not like us but you love her so I am willing to over look it. I think I’m also taking the fact that she is already married very well. How do we know that it’s like she said and that they haven’t had intimate relations? For goodness sakes Bill she knew him three days and they got married!!”

“I know I’m not a society girl but I’m not trash either and I won’t let you treat me like I’m dirt under your feet!” Mary exclaimed loudly at Mrs. Coleman. “This is the kind of a wife you want, a woman with no respect for her betters” his mother said to her son in a pitiful tone. “Bill, I want us to have a wonderful life together but we can’t if you won’t stand up to her and be your own man.” Bill didn’t know what to do and he just stood there silently looking back and forth between two women he loved very much. Mary realized she had lost the battle and she left the room and walked outside to hail a cab. “Where are you going?” Bill asked coming after her. “I told you this wasn’t going to work if you couldn’t stand up to her.” “She’s my mother I can’t turn against her.” “I didn’t ask you to do that and you know it. I just want us to plan our own lives and make our own decisions and have her treat me like a person and not some wretch who crawled out of the gutter.” “You’re going back to Braydon aren’t you?” he said with a defeated tone. “Yes, if he’ll take me back. But not for the reasons you think. He’s my friend and he treats me like a lady. He’s helped me so much to not be afraid to try new things and to come out of my shell a little and he’s got as much if not more money than your family but he’s never lorded it over me or made me feel like I’m beneath him. I’ll never get that kind of respect from your family and what kind of marriage could we have like that?” “I’m sorry Mary” he said knowing she was right. “I’m sorry too. You are a great guy Bill and I’ll never regret the time we had together. I’m just not the right one for you but I know you’ll find her.” “I hope you’ll be happy with him, and don’t tell me you don’t love him because I know you do” he said and before she had a chance to interject he helped her into the cab which had just pulled to a stop in front of them.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Ten

“Hello” John said answering the phone early one evening. “Hi, think you can spare a few minutes to come pick up your long lost wife?” Mary asked chipperly. “Where are you?” “At the depot.” “I’ll be right there!” he said as he slammed the phone down and rushed out. “Can we go back to how it was before?” Mary asked on the ride home. “If that’s what you want” John said with a smile. “It is” she said smiling back as they rode quietly the rest of the way. “Have you eaten yet?” she asked once they got home. “No.” “If you’ll take my stuff up I’ll go cook dinner” Mary said happily as she walked towards the kitchen.

“You gonna tell me what happened or just leave me hanging in suspense” John said as he took the plate of food from Mary and sat down at the table in the kitchen. “Oh, I just realized it wouldn’t work. His mother was even worse than before and he wouldn’t stand up to her. They even bought us a house without asking first and he didn’t see anything wrong with that. I finally confronted him about it in front of her and he took her side. I knew it would just lead to too many problems so I ended it” she said sitting down as well. “That’s got to be tough if you still love him.” “I guess.” “Are you sure you couldn’t work it out?” “Maybe I didn’t think it was worth it” she said defensively. “I’m glad to have you back but I am sorry that it didn’t work out” he said trying to be a supportive friend. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore” Mary said looking down at her plate and picking at her food.

“I really missed your cooking” John said after eating a second helping. “Even though I make Yankee food sometimes?” she asked as he loved to tease her about being from up north. “Yeah.” She smiled as she picked up their plates and began to clean up the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves and stood beside her at the sink helping her wash the dishes. His bare arm brushed against hers while they were working and he noticed her trembling. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I’m fine” she said as she handed him a soapy plate to rinse clean. When he reached for it his fingers brushed against her hand and she dropped it. “You’re shaking all over. What’s wrong?” he said putting his hands gently on her shoulders and turning her towards him. She pulled away and sat down at the table with her back to him. He pulled his chair around in front of her and sat down too, imploring her again to tell him what was bothering her.

“I don’t know how to say it” she said as she tried not to look him in the eye. “We’re friends. You can tell me anything.” “What if I wanted to be more than friends?” she said meekly while still keeping her eyes down. John smiled and took her hands in his and said, “That would be fine with me sweetheart.” Mary looked up surprised at his words. She smiled at him and then they moved closer until their lips met in a sweet kiss. He picked her up and sat her down on his lap. They began to kiss very ardently, so much so they didn’t even hear the knocking at the door. Beth cleared her throat rather loudly to let them know they were not alone and this startled Mary so much she jumped up and out of John’s lap. “I forgot we were going to go out to dinner tonight” John said remembering the plans he had made with his daughter. “That’s okay.” “Mary just got back a little while ago” he said. “Did you have a nice trip?” Beth asked. “Yes, thanks. I’m glad to be back though.” “I can see that” she said laughing at the two of them. “Well I’ll go and let y’all get back to your catching up.” “Oh no stay, we have plenty of leftovers” Mary said. “Are you sure?” “Sit down” John said as he pulled a chair out for her. Mary made her a plate and then she cut a piece of cake for her and John from the one Beth had brought by for him a couple of days ago. “I’m glad you’re home. He’s been sulking and cranky ever since he got back” Beth told Mary. “I wasn’t planning on staying that long but the time kind of got away from me.”

After waving goodbye to Beth they sat down on the porch swing and Mary teased him about missing her. “You missed me so much you were sulking?” “Oh, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about” John said trying to be serious. “I missed you too” Mary said kissing him on the cheek. “It just didn’t seem right, you not being around” he said as he held her hand. “I like being with you more than anybody else” she said as a big smile formed on her lips. “I’m just an ornery old cowboy” he said in his self-deprecating way. “You know how much I like cowboys” she reminded him as she nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. “Also you’re not old. I know there’s a big age difference between us but I don’t care. I think you’re wonderful and so handsome and sweet.” “If I’d have thought for one second that you felt that way, I wouldn’t have let you go” John said. “If I thought you liked me, I wouldn’t have left” she said as she kissed his cheek. “John” she said pensively a few moments later, “I want to be with you.” “You are with me sweetie.” “That’s not what I meant” she said blushing. “Oh” he said embarrassed as he realized he had misunderstood her request. “Are you sure?” he said with tenderness in his voice. “I’m sure.” With that said he took her hand in his and gently kissed it. She smiled back at him and he swooped her up and carried her inside setting her down again only after they had crossed the threshold.

“I’m going to take a shower and change and then I’ll meet you back here” Mary said happily as she reached up on her toes and kissed him as they stood in front of her bedroom door. “Okay, but make it quick” he said impatiently as he kissed her back. After her shower she put on a silky pink robe and dabbed some perfume on her neck and wrists. “Is that what you call quick?” John joked when Mary finally emerged. He was lying on her bed and had brought in a few candles which gave the room a soft glow. “I’m sorry. I wanted everything to be just right.” “Everything is perfect” he said as he walked over to her and held her close. “I love you Mary” he said looking down into her eyes. “I love you too” she said and they slipped off their robes and lay down together.

The End