Chapter Eight
Judge Gleason led the way to Eats’ Place. Ann Marie gave him the same smile she had given Poor Boy a few nights ago.
“It’s nice to see you both. Would you like your usual table, Judge Gleason? I’m sure you have details of the hanging to talk over. I’m glad you’re here to protect the good citizens of Asherville.” She waited until she was behind the judge before she glared at Poor Boy. “I’ll get you both some coffee.”
“She’s a chipper little thing, don’t you think?” Judge Gleason asked.
“If you say so.”
“Don’t care for her much, do you?”
“I don’t really care for either of the Pikes. Aaron beat Molly the other night.”
“Ahh, yes, I heard.” Judge Gleason shook his head. “Something not quite right about him, I think.”
Ann Marie returned with the coffee and set it down. “Judge, would you like the usual?” She waited for a nod. “What can I get you, Poor Boy? The steak and biscuits are always a favorite.”
“That’ll be fine.” He waited until she walked away. “Have you made a decision about Molly?”
“I’ve mulled the problem over a few times. There seems to be a lot to take into consideration. Now it wouldn’t be right for her to just ride out of town. Armed robbery coerced or not is a serious matter. She did lose her father, but that’s what happens when you commit crimes. This is serious business. The man named, Drew was never found. And I did hear about the attack on her by Aaron Pike. Never did like him. I heard that everyone and their wives like her. It seems she’s good with children too. Now I want to hear your opinion of her.”
Poor Boy’s jaw dropped for a brief moment. What if he said the wrong thing? “She came willingly into custody. I have to say she’s been a model prisoner. She does what she’s told.”
Judge Gleason shook his head. “No. I don’t want to know about her as a prisoner. I want to know her as a person.”
Ann Marie placed their plates in front of them and left, giving Poor Boy a moment to gather his thoughts.
“She’s one of the nicest girls I know. She’s a real person. What I mean is, she doesn’t put on airs. She’s herself, and she’s easy to talk to. She never wanted a life of crime. She’s the planting roots type of person. Her brother was falsely accused of murder, and the whole family went on the run. They pulled a few robberies to survive. Molly never took part until the last one. All her brothers were dead, and she didn’t want her father to go alone. There is a kindness in her I’ve never known before. She even has a smile on her face when she wakes up. Now, you have to agree that’s rare. Her smiles are full of sunshine, and her heart is good.”
Judge Gleason grinned. “So you like her.”
“Yes sir, I do.”
The judge nodded. “I ate while you talked. Finish up. I have some things to take care of I’ll see you tonight at the party.” He hurried off before Poor Boy had a chance to ask any questions.
“Is the hanging going to be tonight?” Ann Marie asked as she began to clear dishes off the table.
Poor Boy threw down his napkin on the table, stood and walked away without answering her. He walked outside along the boardwalk, wondering what was going on. He’d have to find out from Shane if there was a women’s prison in the area. It didn’t sound as though hanging was in her future, but he was certain Judge Gleason had already made up his mind about something.
He walked by the church and saw all the people helping to decorate it. They were setting the pews around the outer edges of the room to make room for the celebration. He hadn’t planned on going but Judge Gleason had made it sound as though he was supposed to be there. He wasn’t much in the mood. He didn’t know anything other than Molly wouldn’t be hanging from a rope today. His jaw clenched and the tension in his shoulders wouldn’t go away.
Facing Molly wasn’t going to be easy. He didn’t know what to say to her. If only they’d met under different circumstances. With a heavy heart, he went back to the jail.
Molly smiled at Poor Boy. “Whatever happens, we have now. I’m tired of thinking about the future. I’m sick of being scared and feeling like my heart is being ripped out of me. You’re my heart, and we are here together. Pull the chair closer so we can hold hands. I feel better when you are near.” She tried to sound as cheerful as she could. She’d be dead but he’d be left to suffer and the suffering didn’t have to start right now. Not when they still had time.
They sat facing each other with the bars between them, holding hands. “Tell me what you like to eat on Christmas. Do you like pies or cookies best? What part of the turkey is your favorite?”
He chuckled. “Curious, aren’t you? I like whatever is being served but I have to say the dressing is my favorite. For the holidays, I prefer pies. Pumpkin and apple are my favorites. Cookies are good, but I can have them year round. The turkey leg is my favorite. It always has been. Eats used to make turkey on Christmas for those who had no place to go. We had a lot of fun. He always gave me two oranges and a handful of candy. He tried to tell me Santa Claus brought me shoes and clothes but I never believed him. He was a good man. I miss him. When I was in New York, the schoolmaster’s wife made dinner for those of us who were left behind. We had to dress nicely, and if you didn’t use your good manners, the schoolmaster whacked your hand with a ruler. The food was good, but it wasn’t fun.”
“My father used to whittle, and he could make anything. He made animals the most. I had a collection of them. Let’s see, there was a bear, a duck, a horse, a beaver. One time he carved me an Indian. I had a special box I kept them in. I’d help my Ma make dinner. We’d always joke that it took hours and hours to make but only a quarter hour to eat. I miss my family a lot but I can’t look back and I refuse to look forward. Did you sing Christmas Carols?”
“You got me there. Except for the other night with you, I always pretended to sing. I’d just move my lips. I used to be too shy to sing in public I guess. You haven’t asked what the judge had to say.”
She nodded. “I know. If he’d let me go, you would have opened the cell door already. We’ll know when we know.” A strange calmness engulfed her, a sense of everything would be fine. If only the feeling would last. “Have you ever made a snowman?” she asked, changing the subject. “How about had a snowball fight?”
“There was one winter where we got enough snow for a snowball fight. Not so much to build a big snowman though. Lots of kids made them in New York, but we weren’t allowed to.”
She furrowed her brow. “Sounds as though you didn’t have much fun at school.”
He shrugged. “I was a good student, which surprised me. I worked hard. I had a few friends but no, there wasn’t much fun there. I’m grateful for the education, and that was all Edith’s doing.”
They paused and stared at each other for a while. It was comfortable to sit with Poor Boy.
Shane came into the jailhouse. “Poor Boy, you’re needed at my house. I’ll watch Molly for a bit.”
Poor Boy nodded and gave her a sad smile as though he’d never see her again.
She smiled at him. “I’ll see you soon.” She watched him walk out the door. She wrapped her arms around her waist to ward off the sudden chill.
“Don’t look so glum,” Shane said. He’s going to my house to get dressed for the party. Cecily will be here in a few minutes to get you ready.”
Fear clutched her heart. “Get me ready for what?” She took a deep breath and waited for him to tell her it was for the hanging.
“The Christmas party. Judge Gleason has orders for the two of you to show up. Cecily is bringing a dress for you. I really don’t know what is going on inside the judge’s head, but if he wants you at the party, at the party you will be.”
“It’s at the church isn’t it? So, it can’t be something too bad. Maybe he’s giving me a respite until after Christmas.” Her mind whirled with possibilities and none of them ended well.
“I see the women coming this w
ay now. I’ll take my leave. I’ll be back to escort you to the church.”
Molly nodded, too confused to say anything. She watched as Addy, Ilene, Shannon and Cecily all marched into the sheriff’s office. Shane gave Cecily a quick kiss before he left.
Shannon lifted a dress out of the basket she carried. “I didn’t have much time, but I altered one of Addy’s dresses for you to wear to the party.” She pulled out a lilac colored dress with a white bodice. It was much fancier than anything Molly had ever worn before. “Let’s get this on you and see if it needs to be fitted better.”
Molly then noticed that the ladies were all dressed in their finest. She gazed at Addy. “Are you sure you want me to wear it? It looks too pretty for someone like me.”
“I think it will be lovely on you,” Addy answered as she used the key to open the cell door.
“Come on out,” Ilene encouraged. “I’ll fix your hair.”
Molly walked out of the cell and felt suddenly shy. It was hard to believe that these wonderful women were taking her under their wings. They all began to help her undress and before she could protest, the new dress was placed on her.
They took a step back and stared at her. Shannon took a step forward and straightened the full skirt. “It’s lovely on you. I have some face powder to hide those marks Aaron put on your face. And Cecily is letting you borrow her fancy blue dress coat to complete the outfit.”
They sat her down and Shannon lightly put the powder on her face while Ilene brushed out her hair. Ilene pulled it back and fastened it so much of it hung down.
“I don’t know what to say. Did the judge give you any reason as to why I’m to appear at the party?”
“Gleason can be a bit eccentric, and right now it’s anyone’s guess,” Ilene told her. “It’s time to go.”
Cecily looked out the window. “You’re right. Shane should be here any minute. She smiled at Molly. “You are a picture of loveliness.”
Molly’s heart was lifted up by her friends. She’d never known women like these. It was a treat to be part of their group.
“Ladies, Shane is coming down the walk,” Shannon announced.
They all put their wraps on to ward off the cold. And one by one they left the jailhouse. Shane put out two elbows in order to escort both Cecily and Molly to the party. It was a short, cold walk and they were happy when they were inside the church. It was filled with people but the only person Molly saw was Poor Boy.
He wore a new plaid shirt, and he looked so very handsome, her chest tightened, making it difficult to draw a breath. When he turned and saw her the awe in his eyes melted her. All conversation faded into the background, and it was as though they were the only two people in the room. They gravitated toward the center of the room, until they met, standing toe to toe, staring into each other’s eyes.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman,” Poor Boy said.
“You clean up real nice yourself,” Molly replied. She was afraid to move, afraid to look away lest the moment disappeared.
“I still don’t know why we’ve been summoned to this party.” Poor Boy gave her a half grin. They wouldn’t be able to enjoy the evening if they didn’t know what was going on.
Molly hadn’t noticed the whispers and stares at first, but she soon became aware of them. She wanted to leave, but she wasn’t allowed. She saw Edith hurrying toward them and cringed. But before Edith got there, Judge Gleason was by their side.
Molly began to tremble. Ann Marie and Aaron soon joined Edith, and they all stopped right in front of her.
“I don’t believe she’s on the guest list,” Edith said as she put her hands on her hips.
Ann Marie nodded in agreement while Aaron gave her a sneer.
Judge Gleason took a step forward. “I wasn’t aware there was a list. It’s a party for the whole town.”
“She isn’t part of the town,” Edith insisted.
The judge turned and faced Molly and Poor Boy. “Dearly beloved.”
Molly grabbed onto Poor Boy’s hand. What was happening? She barely heard the words Judge Gleason was saying but she knew enough to know they were wedding vows. She glanced at Poor Boy, and he seemed to be in as much shock as her. She must have made all the proper responses because the next thing she knew, Poor Boy was giving her a kiss.
Poor Boy was kissing her. His firm lips softened upon hers and her body hummed. It was a kiss of love, a kiss of promise, and a kiss of a future for them. He finally broke the kiss and smiled at her.
Most of the people at the party clapped for them with the distinct exception of Edith, Ann Marie, and Aaron. Edith’s disapproval seemed to bother Poor Boy, and that saddened Molly.
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea. You didn’t get a say in the matter, and I know how much Edith means to you…”
“I could have objected at any time. But I didn’t because I want to spend my life with you. I love you.” He kissed her on the cheek. “It’ll be fine. I would have done anything to keep you safe.”
“I love you too, so very much. Now we can actually plan a future together.”
“Judge Gleason,” Edith called loudly. “What is the meaning of all this? She is a bank robber, and Poor Boy is promised to someone else.”
Shannon stepped forward. “What do you mean he’s promised to someone else? Did he know?”
“He’s promised to Ann Marie. He took her for a nighttime stroll and everything.” Edith’s voice became louder with each word. “Isn’t that right, Ann Marie?”
Ann Marie’s face grew bright red but she didn’t say a word.
“Why she could be carrying his baby, for all we know!” Aaron accused.
Judge Gleason raised his hands for silence. “Poor Boy, is she carrying your baby?”
“No sir, I don’t see how it would be possible. She tried everything to get me to kiss her. But it isn’t her I love.”
“Aaron, you seem to me to be a man who will do or say anything to get your own way. After your behavior here today and the way you tried to force yourself on Molly a few evenings ago, I have to say I’ve lost all respect for you. There are extenuating circumstances. There is still the question of this man Drew. Also out of her need to survive and her loyalty to her father she’d become an accomplice in the robbery.” Judge Gleason turned to Poor Boy and Molly. “If either of you don’t want this arrangement, let me know. I just figured to keep Molly from hanging the best thing to do was to get you two married and settled.”
Poor Boy stood up nice and tall. “I think I fell in love with Molly the moment I saw her. This is the most precious Christmas gift I could have received. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do without her. I’m the happiest man alive this Christmas Eve. Thank you, sir.”
“I love Poor Boy with all my heart, and I thank you for your decision, Judge Gleason.”
“In that case, let’s get back to celebrating,” Shane suggested.
Dancing in Poor Boy’s arms was a dream come true. Aaron and Ann Marie stormed off, but Molly didn’t care. Miracles did happen at Christmas. They twirled and twirled around the dance floor until Poor Boy whispered in her ear he needed to talk to Edith. She nodded and let him go.
Poor Boy walked across the room and spoke to Edith for a while. It was nice to see her face change from being pinched to actually smiling. Molly was happy for Poor Boy. He really did care about Edith.
As soon as he finished with Edith, he walked across the church toward Molly, his eyes so filled with love, she wanted to cry big happy tears.
He stood in front of her and dried her tears with the pad of his thumb. A bright smile lifted his lips. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hastings. I love you with a forever kind of love.”
“I love you too, Mr. Hastings.”
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Poor Boy finally finished judging the shooting contest at the Founder's’ Day celebration. He glanced over and his heart overflowed to see Molly sitting under a tree surrounded by friends. Her smile was
one of joy as she placed both hands on her burgeoning stomach. He was both thrilled and terrified to become a father. He’d never had one of his own, but he figured he learned a lot from Eats about being part of a family.
Ilene sat right beside Molly; she too was carrying a baby. He’d never seen Tramp so solicitous before. He never left Ilene’s side it seemed. He walked over to where they all sat: Shannon, Cinders, Addy, Keegan, Cecily with her newest daughter Amy, Shane, Ilene, Tramp, and Molly. Pride swelled in his chest as he took a spot beside his beautiful wife.
It was a day the Lord had made. It was an afternoon full of sunshine and laughter. The adults watched the children all play, while they talked about the changes in the town over the last few months.
Soon after Christmas, Poor Boy had fired both Ann Marie and Aaron. Edith backed him in his decision, and it felt good to have her on his side. For a while, Molly had run the restaurant while he continued to work as deputy. It had been hard, but they made it work. But the moment Molly told him she was with child, he hired a few widows to take over.
Both he and Shane were constantly looking for leads on the man who held a gun on Molly and her father during the bank robbery. Molly never did get a good look at him so the clues were sparse.
He and Molly bought land next to Shane’s place, and with Cecily’s help, they now had a garden and some livestock. There was enough land to raise cattle on, and Poor Boy planned to do that next. He walked to where they all sat. He noticed a few of the wives were whispering when Edith approached carrying something under her arm.
“Every year the quilting group of Asherville makes a quilt to give to a resident on Founders’ Day. This year we pick you, Poor Boy…you and Molly.” She unfolded the quilt and everyone commented on its beauty.
“The one for next year goes to me and Cookie. We’re finally going to get married in September. You are all invited!”
Cinders was the first to stand and give her a kiss. “Where is Cookie?”
Poor Boy's Christmas with Bonus Book Page 8