by Faye Sonja
Clark and Lewis shared a look and then turned back to their mother. “Okay,” they said in unison.
Eve smiled and gave them the money they asked for. “Remember to meet me at the art exhibit later.”
The boys agreed before they ran off. Florence smiled at them. “Belinda thinks I’m going to have a boy.”
Clara smiled. “That’s great. What are you going to name him?”
Florence frowned. She’d been struggling over that question all night. “I don’t know,” she admitted as she thoughtlessly rubbed her stomach. “Ben asked me to marry him again.”
Eve narrowed her eyes. “Well, that’s not news.”
Florence closed her eyes. “Well, the fact that I said yes, is.”
“What?” Clara grabbed Florence’s arm. “But I thought you wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t love you.”
Florence looked down at her stomach. “That’s true, but it’s not about me anymore. It’s about him,” she said, talking about the tiny baby that was currently pushing on her bladder. “I do want love,” she continued. “But I want my child to have more than I ever did. Benjamin’s a good man.”
Eve grabbed Florence’s other arm and smiled. “He is a good man. Don’t forget, it was him and Robert who helped me win back my father’s company. The Manning men could have kept the shares in their own name, but they didn’t. They signed it all over to me.”
Clara sighed, but smiled. “You ended up putting your husband’s name back on the shares anyway.”
“That’s because I trust Robert.” Eve turned to Florence. “I trust both of them.”
Florence sighed. “Are you sure you’re not being swayed by the fact that they look alike?”
Eve shook her head. “I’m sure. Also, I heard about what Ben did yesterday.”
Florence frowned. “What did he do yesterday?”
Eve narrowed her eyes. “Ben didn’t tell you? I was sure that was one of the main reasons you were telling him yes.”
“What happened yesterday?” Clara asked.
Eve shook her head. “Well, Robert only told me what Ben told him yesterday, but if Ben hasn’t told you, then I’d rather he tell you the story.”
Florence crossed her arms; making sure to not drop her popcorn. “Eve, tell me what Ben did this instant.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
Clara cut in. “I think what Eve is saying is that it will mean more to you coming from Ben himself.”
Florence narrowed her eyes. “That sounds mighty mushy coming from you, Clara.”
Eve smiled. “Love will do that to you.”
Clara looked away. “And other things…”
“Other things like what?” Florence asked.
“I’m pregnant.”
Eve gasped. “So am I!”
Florence’s mouth gaped. “We’re all having babies?”
The girls squealed and hugged each other in a tight circle.
A bell went off. They all turned towards the stage. Florence had forgotten all about the pie eating contest. She looked over at Jeremy. His face said just how sick he really was. Florence shook her head. He had no business even entering this contest.
A group of men walked towards the pie eaters before huddling into a corner to write down their votes. When they were done, one of them came to the center of the stage to announce the winner. “From Haines, Kansas. The winner is—”
No one from Haines waited for the name to be said. They knew Jeremy had won. Shouts flew up into the air from the crowd. Florence hadn’t known that that much of the town had been standing around them. She felt a hand tap her shoulder and turned around. She was still in Clara’s and Eve’s arms when her eyes met Benjamin’s. She smiled, nervously.
“I didn’t think he’d win,” Ben said over the volume of the crowd.
Florence shook her head. “Neither did I.”
“Congratulations, Ben,” Eve said. “We heard the good news.”
Ben tilted his head in Eve’s direction, but his dark blue eyes were only for Florence. “Thank you.”
Florence felt that first rush of heat spread to her cheeks. Ben did that to her. “Clara and Eve are pregnant.”
Ben’s eyes went wide. “Congratulations.” He hugged and kissed each woman's cheeks. “Robert and Joe have seemingly kept me in the dark.”
“Robert doesn’t know,” Eve said.
Clara smiled. “I just told Joe last night, but I’ve been pregnant for a while now.”
Florence gasped. “How pregnant?”
Clara shrugged. “Three months.”
Everyone gasped.
Eve spoke first. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Clara shook her head. “I’ve only been married for five months and it might sound silly, but I didn’t realize it was even possible at first. This is all so new to me.” She covered her face with her hands in embarrassment.
Florence and Eve both hugged her and told her how wonderful she was until Clara took her hands down and smiled at the both of them. “Thanks,” she said.
Ben spoke to Florence. “If you wish to spend the rest of the day with your friends, I’ll understand.”
Florence looked at Clara, but Clara waved her off. “Go. Be with Ben.”
“Are you sure?” Florence asked.
Clara nodded and started to push Florence towards Ben. “Go, I’ll be fine.” Clara took Florence’s popcorn at the last minute. Florence didn’t mind.
Ben reached out for Florence’s hand and Florence only hesitated slightly before taking it. She looked back at Clara as she began to walk away; still holding Ben’s hand.
“Robert is going to be thrilled when he finds out.”
Florence smiled at Ben. “Yeah, he will be.” She leaned her head on Ben’s arm and breathed in his scent that clung to this light blue shirt. He had the sleeves folded up so that they bunched around his strong arms. The shirt seemed to balance out his red hair. Ben always knew just what to wear.
“How’d the meeting with the Business Association go?”
Ben smiled. “Fine.”
“Fine? What did they want to discuss?”
“Business.”
Florence narrowed her eyes. “What did you and Howard discuss last night?”
Ben sighed. “You.”
“Is he upset about the design?”
Ben stopped walking and turned to Florence. He took her other hand in his and sent her with a serious look. “He loves your designs. They’re amazing. It was all anyone talked about in our section of the fair. Never doubt your talent, Florence.”
Florence smiled, but shook her head. “Then why won’t you tell me what you discussed with him?”’
Ben sighed and squared his shoulders. “Howard will deny any claim that it was your mind that came up with the design, because of your… your condition. So, I told him that I would have nothing further to do with him after this project was finished.”
Florence’s eyes went wide. “You did that? Why?”
“Because, you worked hard on the project and you deserve the credit.”
Florence sighed. “But, what about your dreams for the Marketing Division?”
Ben shrugged. “I don’t want you to worry about me. I’ll find a way.” He smiled. “I’ve made it this far without Mr. James Howard. I don’t need him.”
Florence smiled and then shook her head. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” She asked.
“Because, I don’t want your feelings hurt. I hurt when you’re hurt.”
Florence narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Ben brought Florence’s hands up to his chest. “I don’t know, but I hate seeing you so upset. You’re too beautiful to do anything but smile.”
Florence’s whole body felt light. “That’s such a nice thing to say.”
“It’s only the truth. I want you happy, Florence. I don’t want you to have to worry about anything.”
Florence shook her head. “These are
things that only someone who loves someone says.”
Ben shrugged. “Well, I don’t know anything about love. I just know how I feel around you.”
“Well, how do you feel around me?”
Ben sighed. “I don’t know. But my heart hurts at the possibility of you crying. It’s why I’ve stopped saying the first thing that comes to mind. You make me more cautious.” He smiled. “When you smile at me, I feel like I can take on the world.” He let go of one of her hands to tuck some of her blond hair behind her ear. “I’ve never felt more content than I do when I looked into your eyes, Florence.”
Florence let go of Ben’s other hand and hugged him to herself as best she could considering her stomach. “Oh, Ben. You’re the most confusing man I’ve never met.”
Ben laughed. “Well, it’s your fault. I’ve never been this confused in my life.”
Florence smiled. “We’re going to be alright.”
“I never doubted that.”
Florence stepped back and then reached for Ben’s hand. They walked together towards the art exhibit.
* * *
10
Chapter TEN
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“I can’t marry you, Benjamin. I don’t
like being alone, but I want to be
with someone who will love me.”
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Ben stared at Florence’s painting just like everyone else around them. She’d won first place and the five dollars. Her painting had outshined everyone else's. The painting was so profound that even Ben felt captured in it. He’d never seen anything like it and neither had the people who were standing around. It was an intimate piece that seemed to speak of so many things. It was moving. It was so moving that many of the men and women of Haines, who’d been rude to Florence for months, were now all crowded around her, apologizing, and telling her how much they enjoy her work. Howard had come through the room. He’d grunted at the painting, but time had passed before even he could take his eyes off of it. Through it all, Florence was so humble. She accepted hugs and well wishes from the people who stood around her.
Ben stared at the painting again and experienced the newness of it once again. The painting was a simple one, but it was the detail that brought it to life. The painting was the profile of a mother looking down at her stomach. Her hand rested on the top of her belly. But, inside the stomach was the baby. The baby was reaching up to meet the mother’s hand. Their hands, even through the layers of flesh, were connected. But it was the facial expression of the mother and the baby that really brought it home. Their eyes seemed to be locked onto one another and those eyes said so many things. They said that no one else mattered in the world. They spoke of how precious life and love was, and for the first time, Ben realized he wanted a deeper connection. He wanted love. He wanted Florence’s love.
He turned to look at Florence once again and their eyes caught. He was tall enough to see her over the crowd that had gathered around her. She started at him with so much peace and joy in her lavender eyes, and Ben had a second revelation. He was in love with Florence Tilson.
Ben made his way over to her and the crowd seemed to part like water for him. He reached out and took Florence’s hand. The moment they touched, the rest of the world faded away. Ben touched Florence’s cheek. “I love you.”
Florence smiled and then her eyes went wide. Panic.
“What’s wrong?” Ben felt something splash on his shoe. He took a step back. “What was that?”
Florence whispered, “My water just broke.”
Ben’s eyes went wide. “What does that mean?”
“The baby is coming.”
The crowd began to panic.
Ben took Florence’s arms. “But, you’re not due until next month. It’s too early.”
Florence nodded. Her eyes began to water. “Help me!”
Ben didn’t have to be asked twice. He leaned over, picked Florence’s small body up in his arms, and began to carry her out of the art exhibit.
Jeremy came up to him. “What do you want me to do?”
“Bring a car around. We’ll take her to Belinda’s. She’s a midwife.”
Pastor West from Haines’ local church came jogging up to them. “I’ll pray for you, Florence,” he said to her.
Ben said, “You can do more than that.”
Florence began to moan in pain. Ben quickened his pace to the parking lot.
“What do you need?” West asked.
“Marry us.”
“Now?” Florence and West said in harmony.
Ben nodded and looked down into Florence’s eyes. “I want our child to be born with my last name.”
Florence smiled. “I love you, Ben.”
Ben returned the smile. “I love you, too.”
Jeremy stopped the car in front of them. He got out and passed Robert, who’d shown up out of nowhere. Robert got into the driver’s seat. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Ben smiled and a part of him relaxed as he got in the back seat with Florence; stretching her out on the seat. Pastor West got into the passenger side. He turned around to look at them just as they peeled out of the parking lot. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here—”
Florence was breathing hard. She held her stomach as tears began to flow.
Ben held her up and stroked her hair. “I’m here, sweetheart. I’m here.” His heart rate went back up. He didn’t know what to do for her. He’d never felt so helpless in his life.
Florence grabbed one of his hands and squeezed tightly. She started to wail as she cried. “It hurts.”
Pastor West got their attention again. “Do you, Benjamin Manning take Florence Tilson to be your wife? To live together in holy marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her, keep her in sickness and in health, and forsake all others, and be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”
Ben nodded. “I will.”
Florence screamed. Ben’s hand went numb.
West’s eyes went wide.
Ben swallowed. “Keep going.”
The car turned into a neighborhood. They were close.
“Do you,” West began, “Florence Tilson, take Benjamin Manning to be your husband? To live together in holy marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor him, keep him in sickness and in health, and forsake all others, and be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
Florence was at a full blown cry now, but he got an “I will,” out before going into another round of screams.
The car stopped. The doors opened. Ben carried Florence up the front stairs. Belinda opened the door. Pastor West stood on the stairs. “Then by the power vested in me, and the state of Kansas, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Ben turned to the man.
West’s eyes were wide. He nodded. “Kiss her.”
Florence screamed.
Ben smiled and kissed her, and then ran into Belinda’s house, feeling more at peace than ever before, and believing that everything would be okay.
* * *
Epilogue
Two hours later, Ben was holding Benjamin Jr. in his hands. They’d decided to call him Benny for short. The name had been Ben’s idea. As he’d promised; their child would know no difference in his love. Ben had felt attracted to the little boy with lavender eyes the moment he’d gotten the chance to hold the little bundle in his arms.
Florence had decided to take a nap, but Eve and Clara had arrived with Clark, Lewis, and even Joe in tow. Everyone wanted to see the new addition to the family. Ben had never felt so happy in his life; showing his and Florence’s son off to the room.
“We’ll have to take the family to New York,” Robert said. “Our parents will be anxious to meet their newest grandchild.”
Ben nodded, but couldn’t pull his eyes away from the little boy in his arms. He turned to Joe. “Have you been to New York?”
Clara smiled up at him. “I’ll go anywhere with you, Joe Dawson.”
Joe kissed his wife.
Clark and Lewis were flanking Robert. He had baby Evelyn in his arms. “Mom and Dad met the boys last summer when we went to show them Evelyn. They love them.”
Eve was sitting next to Ben. Her hands were out. They’d been out for the last ten minutes, but Ben had been trying to ignore them. Eve narrowed her hazel eyes. “Don’t be greedy. Let me hold my nephew.”
Ben’s hold on the boy tightened.
“Be nice,” Florence whispered through the door in the other room. She was up.
Ben sighed, and reluctantly handed over the child. He felt the loss immediately, but couldn’t help but smile when Eve seemed to glow. The kid was sure to have a ton of love growing up. Ben got up and went to his wife. He closed the door behind him. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” she whispered.
Ben nodded. “That’s good.”
Florence reached out for him and Ben leaned over to give her a hug. They held one another. Florence soon began to cry. “Thank you so much.”
“For what?” Ben asked as he pulled back. “You’re the one who has given me a family.” He shook his head. “It is the greatest gift anyone could ever hope for, and I will always be so grateful that you said yes.”
The tears continued to flow down Florence’s face. “And I will always be grateful that you never stopped asking. I love you so much, Ben.”
Ben took her hands; kissing them. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “You’re the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me, Florence. I love you.”
Florence started to cry uncontrollably, but Ben knew they were tears of joy. They were both happy that they’d met one another in the beautiful city of Haines.
* * *
THE CRIPPLED BRIDE & THE AMBITIOUS MINER