Chapters 9- 11 are a Jixemitri CWP #5

Chapter 9

Jonesy began spending a lot of time at the Frayne farm. There constantly seemed to be a reason for him to spend his Saturdays there. He needed to replace the brake pads on the truck. He repaired the house’s air conditioner. He packed up all of Win’s woodworking tools to sell. Jonesy always did a lot of work and managed to get invited to dinner, especially when Katie was serving her homemade pecan pie for dessert.

Jonesy and Jim’s relationship was strained. Both were trying to keep their deal, although for different reasons. Jim knew his mother needed assistance. He wanted to live up to his father’s last request, and he knew he needed help to do that. As much as Jim hated Jonesy, he knew Jonesy cared about his mother. Jonesy, while coarse and demeaning to Jim, always treated Katie respectfully and even tenderly. He was knowledgeable about repairs and seemed quite willing to help Katie any way he could.

Jonesy’s reasons for keeping the deal were not quite as altruistic. He knew Katie would not like his "teasing" of Jim. He personally thought he was assisting the boy in growing up. Katie, however, might not see it this way, and Jonesy didn’t want to hinder his chances with her. He knew if he wanted to marry Katie, he had to appear interested in being a "good role model" for Jim. Katie was still a long way from accepting a marriage proposal. He knew his best chance was to capitalize on Jim’s need for a father.

Jonesy was busy that particular day helping the Fraynes pack their belongings in boxes. Katie and Jim were moving the following Saturday to their new apartment. Currently, they were working in Win’s old study. Packing her husband’s possessions was making Katie sentimental. She told several stories, emphasizing her husband’s accomplishments and talents. Listening to Katie talk about Win was making Jonesy ill, but he knew he had to endure it.

Katie was lovingly staring at an old family photo. "Oh, Jimmy. You look just like your dad. He was so handsome." She ruffled Jim’s red hair. "Just like his son."

"Mom!" Jim protested with a grin. Normally, he didn’t mind when his mother did that, but he didn’t want Jonesy to tease him about it later. He sensed that the older man was brooding about something.

Jonesy was brooding. He was tiring of the talk about Win. Once again, he was consumed with feelings of inadequacy. Could he ever measure up to the dead man in the picture? Every time he looked at Jim, he was reminded of Katie’s perfect late husband.

Still, Jonesy was on his best behavior. He bit his tongue many times when he had wanted to say something nasty to Jim. He arrived at their house that morning and dutifully helped Katie pack. Jonesy had never been so domestic in his entire life. If the guys at the bar could see me wrapping up this junk in bubble paper, I’d be ruined. He shuddered at the thought as he carefully wrapped an autographed picture of John Wayne that Win had acquired at an auction.

"Thank you for helping us, Jonesy," Katie said, a large smile on her pretty face. "I didn’t think we’d ever get all this packed. You’ve been a big help today."

"No problem." One of Katie’s smiles always strengthened his resolve to make this woman his. Her smile always made him weak in the knees.

"Look at this, Jim!" Katie exclaimed, picking up a silver cup from the top shelf of Win’s bookcase. "It’s your christening cup from Uncle James." She gently rubbed the mug, trying to remove some of the tarnish. "A little silver polish and this will shine like new."

Jim took the cup and studied it. "So Uncle James got this for me?"

"Yes. He brought it when he came to see you for the first time. He was so proud that we had named you after him. That’s why he’s giving you such a large inheritance."

Jim put down the mug, and Jonesy nonchalantly picked it up. He studied the cup’s fine craftsmanship and the delicate inscription. James Winthrop Frayne II. Looks expensive. Very expensive, he thought to himself. Wonder how big an inheritance Jimmy boy has coming to him? He put the cup down before Katie noticed.

Katie was too busy to observe Jonesy, however. She was holding the family photo album. "You may want to look at this, Jim," she said, handing the album to him. "I don’t know if you’ve ever looked at it before."

Jim took the album and flipped through the pages. He became uncomfortable seeing the brooding expression on Jonesy’s face. "Maybe we can look at it later, Mom," he said nervously. As he handed the album back to his mother, a piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. Jim picked it up and opened it. "Look, Mom! It’s a wedding announcement for your wedding to Dad!"

Katie took the piece of paper. She smiled as she read it. "I wondered where that was. Your dad said he put it in a safe place. I should have known it would be here." Her smile turned wistful as memories of her wedding day filled her mind.

 

Katie and Win had a small wedding as neither of them had much family. She wore her mother’s gown. She would never forget the look of total love on Win’s face as she walked down the aisle. Win said she seemed to float. When she took Win’s hand, he winked at her and whispered, "I love you." They said their vows earnestly. Katie meant every word. Richer or poorer, better or worse, till death do we part…

The ceremony passed quickly. At the reception she and Win danced for the first time as husband and wife. The band played "their" song, "Could I Have This Dance". Katie had never been happier as she was held in her husband’s close embrace. She snuggled closer to him. "So, where are we going on our honeymoon?" she whispered.

"Oh, I thought I might take you to the drive-in and see the original King Kong."

Katie smirked at him, only antagonizing him to tease her more. "Well, I thought I’d throw a blanket in the backseat of the car and find a nice, secluded spot in Central Park, and then we could…Ooof!" His teasing was interrupted by a quick punch in the gut. "I can’t tell you. It’s a secret."

"A secret, huh?" Katie raised an eyebrow. "Now I’m really interested."

"Patience, Katje Vanderheiden. Patience." Win kissed the end of her nose.

Katie sniffed indignantly. "I’ll have you know, Mr. Frayne, that my name is Katje Frayne. I don’t think my husband would appreciate you calling me by my maiden name."

"A thousand apologies, Mrs. Frayne. Do you think your husband would mind if I kissed you?"

Katie giggled and raised her lips. "Not at all, Mr. Frayne."

 

"Mom!" Jim’s voice brought Katie back to the present. "Where do you want me to put this?" He was holding the album out to Katie.

Katie shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "Just lay it on the desk, Jimmy. We’ll look at it together later." Jim only nodded at his mom. He noticed her cheeks were flushed and she seemed short of breath.

"Are you feeling all right, Mom?" he asked, putting a freckled hand on her cheek.

"I’m fine, son. Just a little tired from all this packing." She picked up a picture of herself from Win’s desk to wrap. Suddenly, there was a thud and the sound of shattering glass as Katie fell to the floor. Both Jim and Jonesy were at her side, carefully picking up the glass so Katie would not get cut.

"Are you all right, Mom?" Tears filled Jim’s eyes. Not Mom too! he thought.

Katie tried to sit up but couldn’t. "I just got a little dizzy. I’m fine, Jim."

"But you passed out, Mom! We need to take you to a doctor!" Jim pleaded tearfully.

"Katie, you do need to see a doctor," Jonesy said, examining her. "Even if it was just a dizzy spell from working too hard, you do have a nasty cut on yer hand from that picture. You probably need stitches."

"You don’t understand," Katie protested weakly. "We don’t have any insurance since Win died. And money isn’t exactly plentiful either." She tried to get up. "I’ll be fine."

Katie’s protests abruptly ended, however, as Jonesy picked her up in his arms. "You need to go to the hospital, Katie, and that’s final. Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll take care of it myself."

Jim followed Jonesy to his truck. It was starting to storm. Jonesy’s truck had a large king cab, and Jonesy laid Katie in the back seat. "Get in the front with me, boy, before you get drenched out here!" Jim quickly obeyed, eager to get out of the pouring rain. "Yer ma will be more comfortable back there," Jonesy explained as he pulled on the main road. "Now, which way to the hospital?"

Jim gave directions to the nearest hospital. The two did not talk much during the trip. Their former squabbles were inconsequential at the moment, with their worry about Katie. Jonesy drove quickly. He squealed his tires as he made the turn into the hospital’s emergency entrance and slammed the truck on the corner. He ignored the hissing sound of air leaking from his tire as he gathered Katie in his arms and ran into the hospital. He quickly gave the nurse at the desk all the necessary financial information, then took a seat while the nurse asked Katie about her medical history.

Jonesy sat in the waiting room and grabbed a magazine to occupy his time. Soon Jim made his way over and sat in a seat across from Jonesy. "They aren’t busy, so they already put Mom in an examining room. Our family doctor is the attending physician today, so he has our medical records." Jonesy nodded and continued looking at his magazine. "Thanks for bringing her."

Jonesy looked up at the boy. It was obvious that the words had been hard to say, but that they were totally heartfelt. "Yer welcome, kid," Jonesy choked out. "I may not like you much, but I really do care about yer ma." He looked out the window. "Well, I better get out there and change that tire now that the rain’s slacking off." He exited out the door, leaving Jim to worry alone.

 

Chapter Ten

"One size fits all!" Katie thought in exasperation, studying the hospital gown she was wearing. "How about one size fits none." The nurse had already been in and checked her blood pressure, weight, temperature, and all those other things that seemed to waste time until the doctor graced the patient with his presence. She was thankful that their family doctor was on call in the emergency room. She would feel more comfortable dealing with him than a stranger.

There was a quick knock at the door and Dr. Phillips entered. He was a large man with a thick shock of graying hair. He had kind brown eyes that seemed able to diagnose with a glance. He had treated the Frayne family for years and knew of Win’s recent death. "So, Katie, what’s the problem today?" He looked over her chart.

"I’m not really sure, doctor. I felt a bit faint and the next thing I knew, I was on the floor. I broke a picture when I fell, and it cut my hand." She held out her hand for the doctor to examine.

"Hmm. Looks like it might need a few stitches." The doctor gently put down her hand and studied Katie’s face. "So, any reason you would faint?"

Katie shrugged. "I’ve been doing a lot of packing. It was probably exhaustion."

The doctor studied her face carefully. "Packing, huh? Are you selling the house?"

Katie sighed. "Yes, I can’t make the payments. Jim and I are moving to an apartment next week. It’s been stressful making all the arrangements."

"Have you been sleeping well?"

"Not really," Katie admitted. "It’s so hard to sleep without Win there."

Doctor Phillips studied her chart. "I see you’ve lost a few pounds since your last visit."

Katie nodded. "I guess so. I haven’t had much of an appetite since Win died."

"Any other symptoms?"

Katie hesitated for a moment, then answered honestly, "I have been having a few chest pains."

"How often?" The doctor began furiously scribbling something down in her chart.

"Not very often. I’ve only had a few."

"Like when you worry," the doctor suggested. "Or maybe when you’ve been thinking about Win?" Katie nodded. "You had a complete physical a few months before Win died, and according to it, you were healthy as a horse. A bit too skinny, in my opinion, but healthy nonetheless. I can order some new tests to see if anything turns up, but in my professional opinion, I think you are suffering from extreme grief."

"Grief?" Katie asked. "Can that cause these symptoms?"

The kind doctor nodded and took Katie’s hand. "Katie, I’m going to be totally honest with you. You’ve lost a lot of weight, which you didn’t need to lose in the first place. You’re not sleeping. You’re working too hard. Now you’re having chest pains and fainting. If you don’t be careful, you’re going to grieve yourself to death."

Katie gasped. "Nothing can happen to me, doctor! What would Jim do if I died? There is no one to take care of him!"

Dr. Phillips patted her arm. "Now don’t start worrying about that, Katie. I’m going to write a prescription for you. It will help you sleep at night. Be sure you read all the directions before you take them. I’m going to call this in at the pharmacy, then I’ll be back in here to stitch up that hand. You be sure and come back if you have any more of those chest pains."

The doctor left the room and went to the nurse’s station in the waiting room. He whispered some directions to the nurse. Jim saw him and ran over to the doctor.

"Dr. Phillips! How’s my mom? Will she be OK?"

The doctor put a kindly arm around Jim’s shoulder. "She’ll be fine, Jim. We’re going to put a few stitches in her hand and I’m writing her a prescription to help her sleep."

"Is there anything I can do to help her?"

"Jim, your mother is suffering from a severe form of grief. As you know, she loved your father deeply. Her physical health is being affected by her emotional turmoil. She’s had a few chest pains that I’m worried about, so you need to try not to upset her. Just help her out as much as you can."

"Chest pains?" Jim was filled with fear. He knew some kids at school whose parents died from heart attacks. "Does she need to have surgery or anything?"

The doctor smiled. "Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do for a broken heart. You just help her out all you can and try not to worry her. I’m sure she will be fine. Now I need to go see about her hand." The doctor walked away down the hall. Suddenly, he turned back to Jim and called, "You keep an eye on her and make sure she comes in if she has any more pains."

Jim nodded and hung his head sadly. He felt the weight of the world on his young shoulders and helplessness in his soul. How do you heal a broken heart?

 

Chapter Eleven

Jonesy had patiently waited at the hospital until Katie was released and then went to the pharmacy to fill her prescription. When they arrived at the house, he helped her inside. He promised that some acquaintances of his who moved furniture would be there the next week to finish packing. He ordered Katie to take it easy and let them take care of everything. Then he gently persuaded her to go up to her room and rest. She tearfully thanked him and climbed the stairs to her bedroom.

Without a word to Jim, Jonesy turned and went out the door of the house. Jim followed after him. As much as Jim detested the man, Jonesy had greatly helped him that day. Gathering up his courage and biting back his animosity, Jim called out Jonesy’s name. "Thank you for all your help today," he said solemnly when Jonesy faced him. "I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here."

Jonesy’s hard expression softened momentarily. "Like I told you earlier, kid, I did it for yer ma. I really do care about her, you know."

Reluctantly, Jim nodded. "I know," he said softly.

"You take care of her," Jonesy ordered. "Don’t you be worryin’ her none."

"I won’t. The doctor talked to me at the hospital. He told me not to worry her, and I won’t." Jim looked at his feet sadly. "I’m really worried about her."

For a split second, Jonesy almost felt empathy for the boy. He quickly dismissed that feeling from his mind. "She’ll be fine. She’s just wore out and has a bad cut on her hand."

"The doctor said she has a broken heart."

Jonesy chuckled in disbelief. "That’s a bunch of bunk, kid. Yer ma will be fine after she gets some rest."

The fire returned to Jim’s green eyes. "I’m not lying," he insisted. "When I talked to the doctor, he told me that Mom was sick because she misses my dad."

"That’s foolishness! This is the real world and not some fairy tale!" Jonesy sputtered.

"It is not! My parents had a love for each other that you’ll never understand!"

"What yer ma needs is a real man to take her mind offa yer dead daddy!"

Jim stared at Jonesy in disbelief. He couldn’t believe what a monster this man was. He wanted to lash out at the man and hit him as hard as a nine-year-old boy possible could. Somehow, he controlled his redheaded temper and looked coldly at Jonesy. "My mother will never love anyone the way she loved my father. Especially somebody like you."

Jonesy angrily stalked over to Jim. I hate Win Frayne and I hate his kid! He balled up his fist, intent on punching the boy, but something stopped him. I’m not going to let this brat get to me! Katie will be my wife and she will love me! "You better watch yerself, little prince," he growled in Jim’s ear. "Someday the little crown prince won’t have his loyal subjects around to take care of him." Then Jonesy strode to his truck, got inside, and spun out of the driveway.

end of CWP#5

Chapter 12

True to his word, Jonesy sent some movers to the Fraynes' house, and by the end of the following week, they had everything packed neatly in boxes. Katie followed Jonesy’s orders and tried to relax as much as possible. To Katie’s surprise, Rick, her boss from the diner, called and told her to take a week off from work. When she insisted that she could not afford to miss, her boss assured her that it was already taken care of. Somebody had provided her a weeks’ paid vacation.

Jim bothered his mother as little as possible. Every morning he brought her juice and toast in bed. He finished his chores without being reminded. He insisted upon helping her cook and clean. While the movers were there, Jim kept a suspicious eye on them to make sure they satisfactorily performed their appointed task. He watched as each item was packed, making sure nothing was broken or stolen.

On Friday evening, Katie and Jim were enjoying their last night in their home. They had gone out for burgers and fries for their dinner, since all the kitchen things were packed away. They settled on the sofa, looking at the photo album that had been in Win’s study, taking one last trip down memory lane.

"Here’s a picture of the house when we first moved here, Jimmy," Katie said, flipping through the album. "Your father insisted upon carrying me over the threshold, even though we had been married over a year, already.

"And here you are when you were born." Katie sighed wistfully. "You were just the image of your father the minute you were born. Aunt Nell and Uncle James brought baby pictures of your father to compare with you, when you were small. I couldn’t tell you apart!" She smiled and ruffled her son’s thick, red hair. "You definitely inherited the Frayne red hair."

Jim picked up a picture apparently taken at his parents’ wedding and studied it closely. "Who’s this guy, Mom?"

"That was your father’s best friend in college. His name is Matt. He was the best man at our wedding."

"Gosh, he looks a lot like Dad!"

Katie laughed. "They were often mistaken for brothers. I’ll never forget how surprised I was to see the two of them standing there when your father knocked me over in the library that day. I thought I was seeing double."

Jim examined the photo carefully. "Mom, what happened to Dad’s friend?"

Katie shrugged her slim shoulders. "I’m not sure, Jimmy. After our wedding, we lost track of him. He got married soon after we did to a girl from a wealthy family. Matt had majored in business, and the last I heard, he was very successful. I’m not sure where he is now. I wonder if he and Maddie had any children."

"Well, Mom, if he was good friends with Dad and is rich, maybe he could…" he stopped when he saw the warning on his mother’s face.

"Jim, it’s very important that you work for what you have. Your father would be very disappointed in me if I begged money from one of his old college chums. Besides, I don’t even know where they live. If it’s meant to be, maybe we’ll run into Matt someday.

"I would like for you to meet him. He was a wonderful man, and your father thought the world of him. They were very much alike. I’m sure your dad would like for you to get to know him." She ruffled Jim’s hair once more. "Of course, he has that same red-headed temper that you inherited from the Fraynes."

Jim nodded his head. "Boy, I sure would like to meet Mike someday!"

Katie laughed. "Matt, not Mike."

Jim gave a lopsided grin. "Whatever his name is, if he’s like Dad, I really want to meet him. Maybe if he’s got lots of money, he can help me build my school."

Katie looked puzzled. "What school are you talking about, Jimmy?"

"I’m gonna be a teacher like Dad someday. And I’m gonna make learning fun, just like Dad did." Jim suddenly looked serious. "You know, there’s a lot of boys out there who have never had a father to teach them neat stuff, like mine did. So I’m gonna build a place someday to help those boys out."

Katie’s eyes filled with tears. "I think that’s a wonderful idea. If I know you, someday you’ll build a school just like you’ve described."

"Dad and I talked about it some," Jim admitted quietly. "Dad said it was his dream to help out poor kids. He didn’t get to do it, but if I ever get heaps of money someday, I’m gonna do it, just like me and Dad talked about."

"You’re father was such a generous person," Katie replied softly. "If he had gotten to accomplish his dream, so many people could have been helped. Some people have such difficult lives. Like Mr. Jones, for example."

Katie didn’t notice the way Jim stiffened at the mention of Jonesy. "He had such a difficult childhood. It’s so sad that he’s been left all alone. Just like us. It’s depressing when you think about it. He’s really been so generous to us. I think he gave me much more money than the plow was worth, and he did all that work on the truck. And I’ll never be able to thank him enough for taking me to the hospital. Then he called those movers to pack everything for us. You know, I’m sure it was he who paid for my vacation. Waitresses usually don’t have a weeks’ paid vacation. Oh, I’m babbling on and on." Katie looked at her son. "You’re being awfully quiet. Is something wrong?"

Jim shrugged his shoulders. "I’m okay."

Katie studied her son’s face. "What do think of Mr. Jones, Jimmy?"

Jim tried to ignore the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to tell his mother what he really thought of Jonesy, but he didn’t want to worry her. "Oh, he’s all right," Jim finally said without much enthusiasm.

"He’s been so kind to us, Jimmy. He’s very thoughtful. He’s called several times this week to check on me. He’s made sure that I’ve been resting and letting the movers handle all the packing." Katie chuckled. "I thought your father was protective!"

Jim sat silently with a stony face. He wondered if he should tell his mother how mean Jonesy had been to him.

"You know, it’s been very hard for me since your father died," Katie continued. "I was so young when we were married. Your father was the type who liked to take care of everything. He never wanted to worry me about finances or anything like that, so it has been a big adjustment for me taking care of all the responsibilities. It’s been such a relief to have someone look after me for a change."

Jim continued staring straight ahead. His heart pounded. This was a perfect opportunity to tell his mother everything.

"He called earlier while you were out riding Blackie. He said he’ll be here early in the morning to help with the moving. He wants to make sure the moving company he hired does everything properly. He teased me that he had another surprise for me. I certainly hope he doesn’t buy me more flowers. I feel so guilty already that he’s spent too much money, with the repairs and the hospital bill."

Jim finally spoke. "He brought you those flowers?"

"Well, yes," Katie stuttered in surprise. "I thought you knew that."

Jim’s eyes blazed a brilliant green. "Why did he bring you flowers? Dad said you only got flowers for your special girl!"

Katie tried to calm her son, although she was confused why he was so agitated. "He was just being nice, Jimmy. He heard me say that I would miss my rosebushes, and so he brought some to cheer me up. He didn’t mean anything by it."

"Sure he didn’t," Jim spat out sarcastically. "Does he think you’re his girlfriend?"

"Of course not, son!" Katie sputtered. "He was just being thoughtful!"

"Yeah, right! I’m sure he fixes everybody’s trucks and air conditioners and takes everybody to the hospital and pays their bill!"

Katie put her hand on Jim’s arm, but he pulled away from her. Her eyes filled with tears at her son’s rejection. "You don’t understand, Jim…"

Jim’s redheaded temper was flaring full force. "You’re right, Mom, I don’t understand! I thought we weren’t supposed to get help from anybody else! We can’t go ask Uncle James or Dad’s old friend for help! We have to move to some crummy apartment and leave everything I love because Dad wouldn’t like it if we begged for money! But you let some guy bring you flowers, fix stuff, and take you to the hospital! Mom, you don’t really know him!"

Tears fell down Katie’s cheeks. "That’s not fair, son. I’m doing the best I can. This is just too much for me to handle alone."

"So you let some stranger take care of it?"

"He’s not a stranger, Jim. He’s kindly offered to help us out occasionally, and I’ve had no choice but to accept. He’s been nothing but a gentleman to me. I think your father would be happy that someone was helping his family out."

"And I think Dad would hate him!" Jim yelled. "You don’t know what he’s done! He’s mean and…"

"That’s enough!" Katie rarely lost her temper with her young son, but this was one of those times. "I know you loved your father. I loved him, too, with all my heart! Do you think I like being alone? Do you think it’s easy raising a boy by myself? Sometimes I need help too!" Katie began sobbing.

Your father is not coming back, Jim! If I could bring him back, I would! But I’m helpless and alone! I don’t know what to…" Katie stopped suddenly and grasped her chest. Her breaths became shallow and her face turned a deadly white.

Jim watched in horror as his mother suffered. This is my fault! he thought. I shouldn’t have upset her! It’s my fault! He knelt at his mother’s side, worry filling his soul. He was ready to call an ambulance when her breathing regulated and some color returned to her face.

"Are you okay, Mom?" he asked in a soft voice. He nervously touched her hand.

"I’m…fine…" she gasped.

Jim began to cry. "I’m sorry, Mom! I shouldn’t have upset you!"

Katie weakly took her son in her arms. "Don’t worry…Jimmy. I’ll be…fine."

"Are you still having pains?"

"It’s gone…now." Katie took some deep breaths. "I’ll be fine."

"I’m so sorry, Mom! I’m so sorry! Please don’t be mad at me!" Jim sobbed in his mother’s arms.

Katie stroked his hair. "I’m fine, Jimmy. If you don’t want me to…"

"It’s all my fault!" Jim interrupted. "I don’t want to hurt you, Mom! I’ve been selfish, and I’m sorry."

Katie pulled back and looked her son in the eyes. "You know that I would do anything for you, don’t you, Jimmy?" Jim nodded. "Everything I do is for you. You are the most important thing in this world to me. I would move heaven and earth to keep you happy. I’m doing the best I can, honey. If there was some way I could avoid moving to that apartment, I’d do it."

"I know," Jim sniffed. "It’s okay. Really, it is."

"Someday, Jimmy, I’ll make things better. We’ll live in a big house, and you’ll have another horse, and we won’t be alone. I promise you, Jimmy."

"I’ll help you, Mom. Any way I can."

Katie sadly smiled. "I know you will, son." She took him in her arms once more.

Jim relaxed in his mother’s embrace, comforted by the steady beating of her heart. I mean it, Mom. Any way I can, he vowed again to himself. I’ll never complain about Jonesy, ever again. No matter what, I’ll never upset Mom. If I worry her, she might have those pains. I can’t lose her too! I’m just being selfish! I’ll never tell her about Jonesy…Never!

 

Chapter 13

Katie sighed unhappily as she watched her young son climb the stairs to his bedroom. She looked longingly at the picture of Win that was in the album on her lap. Oh, Win! How do I help Jimmy?

Katie’s heart ached for her son. Tears of frustration welled in her blue eyes. She was overcome with feelings of helplessness.

Katie dreaded moving the following morning. She had so many special memories at the farmhouse…

 

"Win, put me down!" Katie giggled as her handsome husband carried her through the front door of their new home. "You’re going to drop me!"

"Drop you?" Win repeated in mock horror. "You’re light as a feather, babe! How could I possibly…" He pretended to let her slip out of his grasp, but easily caught Katie before she fell to the ground.

"You goof!" she exclaimed, punching his arm.

Win laughed in that hearty way that Katie adored. He set her on the ground, then leaned down to kiss her. "Have I told you recently how much I love you?" he said, stroking her blonde waves.

Katie giggled. "Hmmm… not since lunch time. I could stand hearing it again, you know."

Win took her gently in his arms. "I love you very, very much, Katje Frayne." Tenderness filled his green eyes.

"And I love you, Winthrop Frayne. With all my heart." Katie pulled her husband closer to her and kissed him. "Thank you for my house. When you said our first anniversary gift would be worth the wait, I certainly never expected something this wonderful!"

"Do you really like it?"

"It’s perfect, Win! I love it!" Win smiled at the sight of his wife’s sparkling blue eyes.

"I’m so glad, Katie. I wanted to give you a beautiful home and make you happy."

Katie stroked her husband’s strong jaw. "You didn’t need to buy me a house to make me happy, silly! I would be perfectly happy living in a cave if you were with me! But I have to admit, your timing was perfect."

Win raised a ginger eyebrow and studied his wife’s pretty face. "What do you mean?"

Katie got a secretive smile on her face. "Well, our apartment was a little cramped. The extra room will come in handy…" she paused dramatically, "for the baby."

"Baby?" Win gasped. Katie laughed as she watched her husband stagger around in circles with a dumbfounded look on his face. "You’re having a baby?"

Katie nodded, trying to discern Win’s reaction. Could he be disappointed?

"A baby!" he yelled excitedly. He picked Katie up and began swinging her around. He stopped short when he heard her cry.

"I’m getting nauseous, Win! Put me down!"

"Sorry!" Win grinned sheepishly. He gently laid her on the couch in the living room. "Guess I’ll have to start behaving myself."

Katie snorted. "Is it possible for Winthrop James Frayne to behave himself?"

Win kneeled on the floor beside Katie. He gently took her hand. "Are you feeling better, babe?"

"Yes, I think the room has finally stopped spinning. So you’re happy about the baby? I know we weren’t planning on children for a while."

"Are you kidding? I’m on cloud nine! I wanted to start a family, but I thought you might want to finish your schooling first."

Katie laughed. "I guess that will have to wait."

Win studied Katie carefully. He stroked a piece of blonde hair away from her eyes. "Are you happy, babe? I know you wanted to get your degree."

"I couldn’t be any happier," Katie sighed contentedly. "I know I could go back before the little one comes, but I’ve been having some morning sickness and…"

"Morning sickness?" Win interrupted. "Are you okay? Can I get you something? Do I need to boil some water?"

"You can be so silly!" Katie teased, lovingly. "I’m fine. It’s very normal for women to have morning sickness. And I’m sure you won’t have to boil water any time soon. They just did that in the old days when they had their babies at home."

"Well, you better take it easy, hon. No lifting heavy boxes. I’ll take care of everything."

Katie giggled. "I think I like this pregnancy thing."

Win looked lovingly at his wife and gently rubbed her still flat stomach. "I can’t believe there’s a little baby growing inside you."

"I know! I’ve wanted a baby so badly ever since I held little Juliana before they left for Holland. I miss my family so much!"

Win kissed her nose. "And just think, maybe someday we’ll have a little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, just like her cousin."

Katie smiled. "You know, we might have a little boy with red hair, green eyes, and freckles."

Win rolled his eyes. "Oh, Lord! Not another Frayne with a fiery temper!" he exclaimed in mock terror.

"That’s quite possible!" Katie laughed. "You know what they say, you reap what you sow! You might end up with a boy who is as stubborn and temperamental as you are!"

"Me?! Have a temper?! You must be joking, Mrs. Frayne!"

"Well, I would love to have a little boy who looks exactly like his handsome daddy!"

Win nodded. He wistfully imagined days filled with teaching a son to ride a horse, bait a hook, load a gun… "Whatever we have, I will be happy," he said, tears filling his green eyes.

"You’ll be a wonderful father."

"And you will be a wonderful mother. Have I told you lately that I love you?"

Katie giggled and buried her head in Win’s shoulder. "I think we already had this conversation ten minutes ago. You’re getting forgetful in your old age, Pops."

"Old, huh?" Win easily gathered Katie in his arms.

"Where ever are you taking me, Mr. Frayne?"

"There’s something upstairs that I need to show you, Mrs. Frayne. We better get busy christening every room in the house before the baby comes."

Katie laughed and pointed to the stairs. "To the bedroom, Winthrop!"

So many happy memories, Katie thought, flipping through the album. Win had taken a plethora of pictures during her pregnancy. After every doctor’s visit, he snapped a picture and had written a note on the back of the picture after it had been developed. He even insisted on attending the baby shower that some of the neighbors had given her. He snapped pictures of the cake and all the gifts, before and after opening.

Finally, on a sultry afternoon in July, Katie began having contractions. Win calmly got the bag he had packed ever so efficiently weeks before and helped Katie out to the car. He somehow managed to obey all traffic signals and speed limits while driving to the hospital.

Once settled in a room, Win had brought out his trusty camera once more. Katie couldn’t help but giggle at the captions written beside the photos. Katie dilated to three centimeters. Katie dilated to four centimeters. Katie eating ice chunks. Katie screaming for pain medicine…

 

Katie gripped Win’s hand and held her breath as another painful contraction swept over her.

"You’re doing great, baby," Win cooed. He fed her some more ice chips and adjusted her hospital gown. He glanced at the monitor that was measuring his wife’s contractions. "Wow! This is going to be a big one!"

Katie leaned over to slug him, but before she could, a horrendous contraction stopped her. She groaned in exhaustion as it faded away, and then slapped her husband in the gut. "You’re not helping by watching that monitor!" she gasped. "It’s almost like you’re enjoying this!"

"It’s fascinating how your pains register on that thing," Win replied, clicking a picture at the screen on the wall.

The hours passed, and the pain grew worse. By the time Katie had reached seven centimeters, she was exhausted and cranky. A nurse had just finished an examination. "Not too much longer now, Mrs. Frayne."

Win hurriedly picked up his camera and snapped another picture.

"If you take one more picture, Winthrop Frayne, you’ll be taking that camera home in a million tiny pieces!" Katie yelled. Another contraction quieted her before she could elaborate and tell Win exactly where he could store those pieces.

Win grabbed Katie’s hand. He brought over a cool washcloth and began wiping her sweaty forehead. "I’m sorry, babe. The camera will not make another appearance until the baby does."

Three hours later, James Winthrop Frayne the Second was born. Katie held her son in her arms and cried with happiness. She lovingly stroked his little head, covered with dark red fuzz.

Win cried so much that he couldn’t even work his camera. He had a nurse take pictures of him, his wife, and his newborn son. Little Jim gripped his father’s finger as he nuzzled his mother’s breast in search of food.

"The little guy has a strong grip already," Win said fondly. "Just like his mama." Win rubbed his hand, sore from all of Katie’s squeezing.

Katie giggled. "Sorry about that, sweetie. I don’t know what came over me." She undid her hospital robe and began feeding her son. "Are you hungry, Jimmy?" she cooed to her son.

"Before you know it, Jim will be riding and fishing and hunting with me," Win stated proudly.

"Well, let’s get him home from the hospital first," Katie teased. "Did you call Uncle James and Aunt Nell?"

"Yeah, I slipped out while the nurses were helping you into a new gown. They had taken Jim out to be weighed and measured, so I decided to slip out then and call Uncle James and Aunt Nell. They were thrilled about the news."

"What did he say when you told him what we named the baby?"

"He was tickled pink! He gave the phone to Aunt Nell so he could rush out and buy the baby an expensive gift!"

"Uncle James is too good to us," Katie replied. "It was the least we could do after all the generosity he’s shown us." Little Jim finished his meal, and Katie gently laid him on her shoulder shoulderand patted his back. After a faint burp was heard, she looked at her husband. "Would you like to hold your son?"

Win’s eyes glistened as he carefully picked up the precious bundle. He had never handled anything more valuable. He securely held his son close to his heart. With one finger, he gently stroked Jim’s cheek and wondered at the miracle in his arms.

Katie wanted to rest, but she was too captivated by the sight of her husband and son to fall asleep. Win walked over to the window in the hospital room and softly talked to his son. She watched as he gently rocked Jim in his strong arms and whispered adoring words. Finally, the tiny baby drifted off to sleep, safe and secure in his father’s embrace.

Katie turned the pages slowly in the album. First tooth, first word, first step… It all had been captured on film by Win. She laughed at the picture of Jim’s first birthday. Uncle James and Aunt Nell had come to Rochester to help them celebrate. They had brought a beautifully handcrafted rocking horse for Jimmy. They had all laughed as they watched the young boy toddle up to it and try to climb on it.

Jim’s fiery temper was evident, even at that young age. After his third failed attempt at mounting the horse, he stomped his foot and squalled angrily…

 

"Jim certainly has inherited that infamous Frayne temper," Aunt Nell commented.

"Why, Nell, what temper are you talking about?" Uncle James asked, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly in amusement.

Aunt Nell chuckled. "You know what temper I’m talking about, James. You have it. Win has it. Now little Jim has it as well."

On his fourth attempt, Jim mounted his rocking horse and began giggling as he rocked back and forth. He squealed in delight as he rode his new toy.

Win was close by, as usual, with his camera. "That’s my boy! It won’t be long until Daddy buys you a real horse to ride! Then we’ll have us a time, riding the trails around here."

"Win, dear, you’re going to blind Jimmy before he’s five with all the flashing from that camera," Katie teased. She loved watching the interaction between her two favorite "men". It was obvious they adored one another. "Daddy, now we need to get the little man in his high chair so he can have a piece of birthday cake."

Win reached for Jim, who was still enthralled with his toy. Jim cried and clutched the horse’s yarn mane. "Nooo!" he sobbed, holding on to the horse as if his very life depended on it.

Win looked a little sheepish. "Maybe he does have a little of the Frayne temper."

Uncle James chortled. "That will get you into trouble someday, Jimmy! Win, you and Katie will have your hands full with that little rascal!"

 

Jim does have that Frayne temper, but he was really never any trouble, Katie thought, remembering Uncle James’ comment. He was always such a good little boy. He had a natural curiosity and a low frustration level, but he was always quick to obey. After being disciplined a few times for temperamental outbursts, Jim had tried to learn to control his fury.

This was especially true after his father’s death. Katie knew that Jim was trying his best to be on his best behavior. In fact, he had not lost his temper ever since Win had died. So why did he get so angry talking about Jonesy? Katie wondered. Jim is as honorable and honest as his father was. What was that he said about Jonesy? Katie tried to remember what it was, but she had been so upset that she didn’t hear him.

Did Jonesy do something to upset Jim? I don’t care how good he’s been to me, Katie thought. If Jonesy has been mean to my baby, I’ll tell him to never set foot near us again. But surely Jim would tell me…

Katie was close to her son. She knew he would confide in her if anyone had hurt him. Feeling better, she closed the album and packed it away in a box. Yes, Jim would tell me if Jonesy upset him. After all, Jonesy wants to help me and my son. He wouldn’t hurt Jim. Jimmy is just upset about having to move…

 

Chapter 14

Jonesy pulled into the Frayne driveway early Saturday morning. The movers had just begun loading their trucks with furniture. His swagger as he climbed out of the truck belied the fact that Jonesy was fraught with insecurity. His heart beat furiously inside his chest as he knocked on the door. However, when Katie opened the door, his heart stopped completely. Each time he saw this woman, he was taken by surprise by her beauty.

"Good morning," she said pleasantly. "You must have gotten up at the crack of dawn to get here so early. You had a long drive."

Jonesy mustered all his courage and lightly kissed her cheek. "I’m an early bird, anyway. But, it would be a lot easier if you moved a little closer to Albany." He laughed like it was a joke, but in reality, he meant every word.

Katie stiffened slightly at his greeting, but soon she relaxed. It had been a long time since any man besides Win had touched her so familiarly.

"Are these workers gettin’ the job done right?"

"They are doing a wonderful job! Thank you so much for hiring them. I’ve just been a lazy goose all week while they did all the work."

Jonesy smiled. "Good, good. You needed a break. You’ve wore yerself out. I’m glad to hear that you followed my orders."

"Oh, yes. I knew if I did too much I’d have to answer to you, as well as Jim."

"Where is yer boy?" Jonesy tried his best to sound like he actually cared about the answer.

"He’s taking one last ride before we leave. He’s upset about having to leave his horse." Katie sighed sadly. "I’m just so worried about him."

Jonesy once again tried to look concerned. "He ain’t sick, is he?"

Katie shook her head. "He’s just having a difficult time adjusting to all the changes. He was very close to his father. And since his death, I’ve had to go to work. I stayed at home when Win was alive. I always planned on returning to college after Jim got older, but I never did. Now I wish I had. Maybe I could have gotten a better job. I have to work so much and get paid so little. Last night he was very upset about moving. He’s not used to living in town, and he’ll miss the country. He spends most of his free time now fishing at the pond or riding his horse on the trails. It will be a big adjustment living in a tiny apartment in town."

"Maybe you and the boy could visit me sometime at my farm," Jonesy suggested. "I have a pond nearby where Jim could fish, and there’s always lots of animals around."

Katie shyly smiled. "That would be nice. I’m sure Jim would enjoy that. I would really appreciate you spending some time with him. He needs a fatherly influence."

Jonesy coughed. Me?! A fatherly influence? I was thinking more along the lines of Jim goin’ off to the pond, leaving me alone with you! he thought. He recovered quickly, however, and smiled in the charming way he had practiced.

"I think that sounds like a fine idea, Katie. You know, I think it would help yer boy out a lot to be around a man."

Katie nodded, sadly. "He is really missing his father. I just can’t take the place of Win in Jim’s life. I’m so worried about him. I know that a boy needs the influence of a good man in his life. I just don’t know what to do!"

Jonesy heard how shaky Katie’s voice had become and saw that she was near tears. He slyly put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Don’t you worry, none. I’d be happy to help out with yer boy any time you need me to. I know how a kid feels to not have a good daddy around. I wouldn’t want anyone to suffer like I did as a boy."

Katie looked up at him gratefully. "I’d do anything in the world for my son. He means the whole world to me."

Jonesy continued comforting, the whole time in deep thought. There’s yer ticket, Jonesy boy, he told himself. Make nice with Jimmy and it won’t be long until his ma is eating outta yer hand.

 

Chapter 15

Three months later…

Jim sat miserably in front of the television with his mother and Jonesy. He refused the popcorn his mother offered him. He sulked when he saw Jonesy’s arm creep along the back of the sofa behind his mother’s back cringed when he heard her giggle at a comment that Jonesy had made.

Jim had hoped that once they moved to the apartment, Jonesy would lose interest and disappear. However, his presence became even more frequent. And, sadly for Jim, the small apartment offered no barn to run away to.

Jonesy had not said one cruel word to him since their last confrontation. If they were alone, Jonesy totally ignored him. If Katie was there, he would play the concerned adult, asking about friends and school. Jim almost gagged at the patronizing tone that Jonesy used when he spoke to him. It was all Jim could do to remember his vow to never complain about Jonesy ever again to his mother.

"Are you all right, Jimmy?" Katie asked him tenderly.

Jim tried to smile. "I’m all right, Mom. I just have a lot on my mind."

Katie studied her son’s face. "Are you sure?"

Jim nodded and attempted a happy expression. "I’m fine, Mom."

"I thought we’d have hot dogs for lunch," she mentioned. "I know they are your favorite." She got up to go in the kitchen, which was only a few steps away from the living room. She noticed that her son’s face brightened.

However, Jim was not happy about the hot dogs. He was happy that his mother had moved away from Jonesy.

"I think we need some more buns," Katie informed them. "Jimmy, can you walk to the store next door and pick some up?"

Jim looked hesitantly at Jonesy. He didn’t like leaving him alone with his mother. "Uh…sure Mom."

Jonesy dug his wallet out of his jeans. "Here, kid. This’ll take care of the buns and you’ll even have some left over to get yerself somethin’."

Jim reluctantly took the money. "I’ll be right back," he stated for Jonesy’s benefit. He hurried out the door, determined to be gone as short a time as possible.

Jonesy listened to Jim’s footsteps down the hall. When he was sure the kid was gone, he sauntered into the kitchen. "Need any help?" he asked wrapping his arms around Katie’s waist.

Katie laughed nervously and wiggled out of his grasp. "I’m busy," she gently scolded him. She got the baked beans out of the oven and stirred them. Jonesy sat down at the kitchen table and watched her.

"Don’t you think Jimmy has been quiet?" she asked, putting the beans back in the oven.

Jonesy shrugged. "I guess so. I thought maybe it was just ‘cause I’m around." He studied Katie’s reaction.

"I’m sure it’s not that," Katie insisted. She took a package of macaroni and cheese down from the cupboard and filled a large pot with water. "He just hasn’t been the same since his father died. I’ve been worried about him lately."

"Is he causin’ you trouble?"

"Not at all! He’s just been quiet, and I can tell something has been bothering him. I know he’s still grieving for his father, but recently, it’s been more than that." Katie banged on a jar of relish, trying to open it. Jonesy grinned and got up and took the jar from her.

Jonesy easily opened the jar and handed it back to Katie. "Is he still mad about moving?"

Katie nodded sadly. "I think that’s partially it. I can’t say that I blame him. Everything that made him feel safe and secure has been ripped away from him." A tear trickled down her cheek.

Jonesy put a comforting arm around Katie. "He still has you." This time, Katie did not pull away. She moved closer and laid her head on his shoulder. Jonesy hesitatingly embraced her and rubbed her back.

"I’m not much," she sniffed. "I can’t be the parent that Win was. I can’t take him on campouts or mountain climbing. I can’t even give him a decent place to live!"

"Yer too hard on yerself," Jonesy whispered. "A good ma goes a long way in raising a boy. I wonder how my life mighta been different if I woulda had a ma like you."

Katie looked sympathetically at Jonesy. "I’m sorry you had such a rough childhood."

Jonesy shrugged, uncomfortable to reveal so much about himself. "Life stinks sometimes," he muttered.

Katie moved away, once again unnerved by Jonesy’s nearness. "I just wish I knew how to help my son. I’d do anything for him."

"I bet it would help yer boy out a lot to have a man nearby," Jonesy casually suggested.

"I’m sure it would, but unfortunately, this apartment building is full of old ladies and single women," Katie laughed. "Maybe I should just pack up and go to Sleepyside. Uncle James might let us stay with him."

"No!" Jonesy refused. "I thought you said he hadn’t been well since his wife died. You wouldn’t wanna be a burden to him."

Katie shrugged. "Maybe Jim was right. Maybe it would help Uncle James for Jim and me to be there."

"I wouldn’t want you to live with him. If he’s crazy like you said, he might not like havin’ a kid around. If he’s not right in the head, he may end up hurtin’ the boy." Jonesy knew he had succeeded in convincing Katie not to turn to Uncle James. Her face had turned white with fear.

"You might be right," she agreed. "I don’t want Jimmy to get hurt." There was a long moment of silence.

"You could always come to Albany."

Katie abruptly looked up at Jonesy. "I couldn’t just pack up and move there. This is our home now, as pathetic as it is, and I don’t have the money to relocate to a new apartment."

"You wouldn’t have to worry about all that. You could marry me, and I’d take care of everything."

Katie’s mouth flew open in stunned silence. She dropped the glass bowl she was holding and didn’t react as it shattered on the linoleum. "I-I couldn’t m-m-marry…"

Jonesy hurried to her side and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I care about you, Katie. You need takin’ care of. Yer boy, too. He needs the firm hand of a man around."

"I can’t marry you."

"Why not, Katie? It all makes sense! I need you, Katie, and you need me. I need someone to love me, and you need a husband and a father for yer kid. Marry me, Katie." Jonesy looked at her pleadingly. "Please?"

"But I don’t lo…" Katie was interrupted by the slamming of the front door. Jim was home. Katie hurriedly began cleaning up the broken glass on the floor.

 

Chapter 16

Katie hurried to the diner Monday morning. "Hey, Rick!" she greeted the owner. "Sorry I’m late."

Rick grinned. "You ain’t late. You still got five minutes."

Katie smiled at her boss thankfully. She tied on her apron and began pairing forks and butter knives to stick in plastic bags. "I had to drop off a permission form for a field trip Jim is taking today. Then his teacher wanted to talk to me," she explained.

"Any trouble?"

Katie shook her head. "No, not really. His grades are wonderful. He never disrupts class. He’s very polite and helpful."

"So, did the teacher just call you in to tell you what a great kid you got?" Rick asked.

"No. It seems Mrs. Moore is worried about Jim. She said he looks sad all the time and has withdrawn." Katie sighed unhappily. "I just don’t know what to do for him."

"He misses his dad, huh?"

Katie nodded. "Yes, but it’s more than that. He’s been upset ever since we had to move. And he’s worried about me."

Rick carefully studied Katie. He had noticed that she was still pale. And her uniform was looking baggy. He was sure she had lost more weight. "You feelin’ better, Katie?"

"I’m okay," she replied nervously. Thankfully, the phone rang. "Good morning. Rick’s Diner. How may I help you?" She listened and then covered the receiver. "It’s for you, Rick. A Mr. Sellers. He said it was business."

"O-okay," Rick stammered. "I’ll take it in my office." He quickly left the room. Katie hung up the phone when he picked up the other line.

"Wonder what that was," she muttered under her breath. Soon, Betty, the other waitress on the morning shift, hurried in.

"Whew! I made it before the boss man!" she exclaimed. She tied her apron around her ample waist.

Katie giggled. "Actually, the boss man is in his office. He got a business call from a Mr. Sellers."

Betty raised her gray eyebrows. "A Mr. Sellers? Huh. I guess Rick might go through with it after all."

Katie put down the silverware she was sorting. "What do you mean, Betty?"

"Oh, I shouldn’t worry you about it, hon. You have enough to worry about. I’m sure it’s nothing." Betty busied herself putting the silverware bags on the tables.

Rick hurried back in the room and put the "Open" sign up on the door. He went back into the kitchen without saying a word to the ladies, which was very unlike him. Rick was a friendly man and liked to gossip as well as his waitresses.

Katie watched him leave. "Wonder what’s wrong with Rick?" she asked with raised eyebrows. "I hope that call didn’t upset him."

Betty clamped her mouth shut. She was saved from any questions by several customers coming in. Katie shrugged her shoulders and grabbed her order pad.

 

Several hours later…

After the breakfast and lunch hours, the diner slowed down considerably. Katie and Betty each sat at the counter with a cup of coffee.

"Oh, my aching feet!" Betty moaned. "This job sure gets harder as the years go by." Betty had worked for Rick for over twenty years.

Katie giggled. "Yes, it’s hard on the feet. But I sure am thankful for this job. Rick really understands if I need to take off for an emergency. And he’s been great letting me work the early shift so that I can be with Jimmy at night. Most every place I applied for said I would have to start at the graveyard shift."

Betty nodded. "I feel for you, hon. It sure must be hard trying to raise that boy by yourself. And jobs around here aren’t easy to find, unless you have a degree. How’s that cute kid of yours doing?"

"He’s just as handsome as ever," Katie smiled. "I’m worried about him, though. He’s been a bit down lately."

"Give him time," Betty advised. "He has a lot of adjustments to make. I’m sure he’ll be fine after he’s had time to get used to all the changes." Betty took a sip of her coffee. "You still seein’ that Jones fella?"

"I-I’m not really seeing him," Katie explained, her cheeks flushing. "He’s just a friend. How did you know about him?" Katie had not mentioned Jonesy to her friends at work.

"He came in right after you got sick. He arranged for Rick to give you paid sick leave. I just assumed that he was courting you." She took another sip of coffee. "Of course, it’s none of my concern."

Katie grinned. She knew that was a plea for more information. "I thought it was Jonesy who did that. It was very kind of him."

"He wasn’t a bad looking fella," Betty added. "Kind of had a Jack Nicholson look. He had an authority about him that was kind of attractive."

Katie nodded. She really hadn’t noticed.

"He sure seemed worried about you," Betty mentioned. "I think he’s kind of sweet on you."

"I-I guess so," Katie agreed, her cheeks flushing. "He has been very concerned. And he’s really been a big help around the house. I don’t know how I would have moved without him."

"Might be nice to have a man around the house again," Betty went on. She looked at Katie to see her response.

Katie hesitated for a moment. "I guess it would be. But I don’t love Jonesy. He already asked me, and I turned him down."

Betty chuckled. "There are other reasons besides love to get married. My grandmother lost her first man when she was just a young bride. She didn’t have a penny to her name and had a baby on the way. All her family was miles away, and besides, she was too proud to go crawling back home.

Back then, there weren’t a lot of choices for a girl in her shoes. A neighbor man offered to marry her and raise her child as his own. She took him up on it. She didn’t love him right then, but she had to do what was best for her baby."

Katie’s blue eyes grew wide. "What happened to her?"

"Well, she and my grandfather grew to love each other very much. They had forty happy years together and had five younguns, six counting her first one. She always said that marrying Granddad was the smartest thing she ever did."

The bell jingling on the door interrupted their talk. Katie hopped up from the counter.

"I’d better wait on this customer," she mumbled, deep in thought.

Betty smiled and sipped the last of her coffee. Katie, my friend I only want what’s best for you. I bet Jonesy would make a wonderful husband and father. And Jonesy, there’s that good word I said I’d put in for you, she thought, remembering the generous $50 tip Jonesy had left for her when he had talked to Rick.

 

At the shift change…

The evening shift waitresses had arrived and taken over dinner preparations. Katie and Betty went into Rick’s office to get their purses.

"Hey, ladies, I need to talk to you before you go," Rick called. He shut his office door behind him and sat behind his desk.

"I hate having to do this, but I needed to tell you both as soon as possible. I know you both depend on this job." Katie and Betty exchanged anxious glances. I’ve had an offer to sell the place. Me and the missus have been wanting to retire to Florida for some time now, but we’ve never had the money. Mr. Sellers asked about the place a couple of months ago, and we’ve been negotiating about price. I hadn’t said anything, because I doubted it would work out. But we’ve agreed on a price. I kind of hate to leave the old diner, but I doubt I’ll ever be able to match this offer again."

"Will we still be able to work here for Mr. Sellers?" Katie asked nervously.

Rick sighed and nervously rubbed his bald head. "I talked to him about that. I told him what a great group of waitresses I have working here, but he said it will be a family operation. He has several family members that will be cooking and waiting on tables. I’m really sorry, gals." He looked at them sympathetically. "I have to get back to the kitchen now. I’m sure you ladies won’t have any trouble finding new jobs."

"Oh, sure," Betty said sarcastically after Rick left. "Everybody wants to hire a 62-year-old grandma with absolutely no office skills whatsoever." She looked over at Katie and was alarmed at how pale her friend looked. "Katie, are you all right?"

Katie clutched her chest and gasped for breath. "I’m…f-fine." Without another word, she grabbed her purse and stumbled to the door.

 

Chapter 17

Katie somehow managed to walk the block back to her apartment. For once, she was thankful that Jim would be home late. A neighbor was dropping him off when he returned from his field trip. Katie lay on her bed and sobbed. She tried to calm herself down, as the crying made her chest pains worse.

The phone rang. Katie wiped her tears and picked up the receiver. "Hello?" She knew that her voice sounded shaky and the caller would know something was wrong.

"You okay, Katie?" Jonesy asked.

"I’m all right," Katie replied, trying to control her voice.

"No, you’re not. Did something happen to Jim?"

"No, no. I just got some bad news today that I’m upset about." Just thinking about it brought a fresh torrent of tears.

"Hon, I had a delivery to make in Pittsford. I thought since I was so close by that I’d stop in and say hello. I’m calling from a pay phone a few blocks away. I’ll be over in a few minutes."

"Okay," Katie answered. She would be grateful for a shoulder to cry on.

A few minutes later, Jonesy knocked at the door. He took one look at Katie’s swollen eyes and pale complexion and ordered her to sit down. He led her to the sofa. "Let me get you a drink," he offered. He returned from the kitchen with a glass of ice water. Katie nodded her thanks, then drank the water. Jonesy took the glass and put it down on the coffee table.

Jonesy sat down close to Katie and put his arms around her. "What’s wrong? Did something happen to yer Uncle James?"

Katie shook her head. "No, I just found out that Rick is selling the diner. The new owners won’t be needing any waitresses, so I’ll be out of a job."

"Surely you could find somethin’ else," Jonesy tried to console her, gently rubbing her back.

"I had enough trouble getting this job," she cried. "All the other restaurants would start me on the evening shift, and I can’t leave Jim by himself. He acts all grown up, but he’s just a little boy. And th-then…"

"What else is wrong?" he prodded in a concerned voice.

"I talked to Jim’s teacher, and she is concerned about him. He’s withdrawn and quiet. He’s avoiding the other children. He’s just not acting like himself. I’m just so worried! I don’t know what to do! If I lose my job, I’ll have no way to support Jim and me. I just feel so helpless!"

"Marry me!" Jonesy blurted.

Katie pulled away and looked at him. "W-what did you say?"

"Marry me," he insisted. "I’ll be good to you, Katie. Nobody could ever love you like I do."

"What about Jim?"

Jonesy hesitated briefly. "I swear to you, Katie, that as long as we’re married, I’ll be good to Jim. I’ll feed him, and clothe him, and try to bring him up right."

"Would you love him?"

"Of course," Jonesy lied. "Marry me, Katie. I’ll take good care of you and yer boy."

Katie shook her head. "I can’t, Jonesy. I don’t love you. It wouldn’t be fair to you to have a wife who didn’t love you in return."

"You’ll learn to love me, Katie! I just know you will," Jonesy urged.

"I don’t know…"

"What will happen if you don’t? You’ll lose yer home, yer income, and everything. You could lose yer boy too! He might run off to get work or join a gang. What’ll you do if you don’t marry me?"

A tear ran down Katie’s cheek. She grasped her chest as another pain stabbed her. What will happen to Jimmy if I die? she thought for the hundredth time. Anything for my son…

"I think it’s only fair to warn you that I will never love anyone the way that I loved Win," Katie honestly told Jonesy.

Jonesy nervously swallowed. "That’s all right. I understand." His heart pounded in his chest. He had heard her words, yet he didn’t really hear her words.

"All right. I’ll marry you."

 

Epilogue

Jim sobbed as he laid his head on his mother’s chest. Katje Vanderheiden Frayne Jones had taken her last breath minutes before. Her heart had never healed, and slowly she grieved herself to death these past few years.

Jim wiped his tears and kissed his precious mother one last time. I failed you, Dad, he thought, remembering his father’s last words. If I just could have helped her more. If I just could have gotten her away from Jonesy. It’s all my fault…all my fault.

"Time to go, kid," Jonesy sneered from the corner of the room. Jonesy was upset over the death of his wife, as well. However, his way of expressing grief was to show anger.

Jonesy and Jim silently traveled the miles back to the truck farm in Albany. It had been Jim’s house since his mother married Jonesy, but it had never truly felt like home. Home was a yellow farmhouse in Rochester.

The grieving husband and son trudged into the house. Jonesy immediately went into the kitchen for his stash of Jack Daniels. Katie had never approved of him drinking hard liquor in front of Jim, so he had to hide it from her. Guess she’s not gonna say anything about it now! Jonesy bitterly thought as he drank.

"We need to make the funeral arrangements," Jim replied softly.

"I know that kid! I’m not stupid, ya know! I wasn’t plannin’ on stickin’ her in an old box and buryin’ her in the backyard!" Jonesy rapidly consumed another drink.

Jim looked surprised. Although he and Jonesy did not like one another, they had managed to live in the same house without any conflicts. But that was because Mom was here, he thought to himself. A shiver passed over Jim.

"I know you’re not stupid," Jim placated. "I just wanted to make sure that the funeral director knew we were having the funeral here, and then taking her body back to Rochester to bury."

Jonesy quickly finished his current drink. "What do you mean, kid?"

"Do you want to have her funeral in Rochester?" Jim asked in a soft voice.

"Why would I wanna do that?" Jonesy poured another shot in his glass and quickly downed it.

"So it would be closer to the cemetary."

Jonesy chuckled in an evil way. "Where do you think she’s gonna be buried at?"

Jim blinked in confusion. "I assumed it would be in the spot she and my dad purchased years ago. Burial plots are expensive, you know," he added, knowing how cheap Jonesy had become since his truck farm had started losing money.

"Well, you assumed wrong! Katie is gonna be buried with my family. With her husband’s family!" Jonesy threw his glass, and it shattered in a million pieces.

"She wouldn’t want that!" Jim cried, his red-headed temper flaring. "Mom would want to be next to Dad!"

"She shoulda thought of that before she married me!" Jonesy yelled. "I’m her husband! It’s up to me where she’s put! I’m the boss around here, Jimmy, and don’t you forget it!"

Jim began sobbing. "Mom never loved you! She loved my father ‘til the day she died! And she grieved herself to death so that she could be with him, again! She just married you so that you would help take care of me!" The wild look in Jonesy’s eyes frightened Jim, but he didn’t back down.

"Oh, I’ll take care of you, Jimmy boy!" He ripped the studded belt from around his waist. He stalked over to Jim and sneered at the boy in hatred. "Where’s your Mama now, little prince? Looks like the crown prince’s loyal subjects are all gone! Who’s gonna protect you now?"

Jim shut his eyes as the belt dug into the flesh of his back. WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK…

The End

*A Jixemitri CWP #5. Elements included are a see-crud (Win’s honeymoon surprise), pecan pie (Katie’s), auction (Win purchased John Wayne picture at one), King Kong (Win teased Katie about seeing it on their honeymoon), changing a tire (Jonesy changed one at the hospital), shattered glass (broken picture), a missing personal paper (Win and Katie’s wedding announcement), a storm (rainstorm on the way to the hospital), a broken heart (what Katie is suffering from), Could I Have This Dance? (song played at Win and Katie’s wedding), and the carry-over item was from #1 sex in a park (Win teasing Katie about honeymoon plans).

A huge thank you to my editors, Kaye, Kathy, and Lori D! You ladies are the absolute best! I would have made a majorly bad boo-boo if it had not been for one of my astute editors. I would have gotten the bad KK award of the year! Thanks again!

TBH Main