Married For Jeremy (Under Fire Book 1)

by Andrews, Kacy

  Everything was fine for the first hour after Dave arrived. Then James started to hear the occasional yip coming from the back room. He stayed focused on the shelf he was rearranging, hoping his boss didn’t hear it.

  “Did you get that new shipment of backpacks out here yet?”

  “No, but I’ll get right to it.”

  “It’s all right, I can do it.”

  James gulped as Dave headed into the back.

  “James!”

  “I’m coming.” James came to the door.

  “What is in that box?” Dave demanded.

  “Which box?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me, the one that is barking and rocking around there.”

  “It’s, well...”

  “It’s well what?”

  “A puppy.”

  “James, you know how allergic I am to...” Dave sneezed. “See, it’s bad already, get that thing out of here, then tell me why you brought your dog to work.”

  “The guy came in here this morning and was going to drown him.” James opened the box and scooped the puppy up.

  “Oh, so you rescued him? Cute James, just get him away from me.”

  “You should be fine. He’s just a little puppy.” James came closer.

  “I’m serious James!”

  “Okay. Where can I put him?”

  “I guess he can stay in here, just don’t let him make any puddles on the floor.” Dave sneezed again, “I have to go find some meds if I’m going to survive the day.”

  “Deal.”

  James arrived at the grocery store just before it closed and was able to pick up a bag of puppy food. Somewhere in the house, he knew he had a dog dish and some toys, but didn’t feel like looking for them tonight. He’d brought the box from work, it would have to do until he found a suitable crate.

  He placed the puppy on the kitchen floor and sat down to watch it. It was wary of everything at first, carefully sniffing around the edge of the counter, before venturing around the kitchen chairs and under the table. Satisfied that the place was safe, it scampered out and ran around the room. “Com’ere.” James tried to coax it back to him. It finally came and he rubbed it behind its ears. “I think you’re going to be a good decision,” he said.

  “Goodmorning Anna.” Ellen tried to sound more cheerful than she was.

  “Goodmorning Ellen. How are you today?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look fine. I was wondering if we could talk before you get me dressed this morning?”

  “I guess.”

  “Ellen, may I ask a personal question?”

  “Sure.”

  “Are you expecting?”

  Ellen gave a small nod. “How did you know? Did Katie tell you?”

  “No, she didn’t. I was a midwife for many many years and got so I could see changes in a woman expecting a baby. I suspected it a few weeks ago, then with the recent changes in your figure, I felt I should ask.”

  “Does it show that much?” Ellen asked self-consciously.

  “To anyone else, it likely doesn’t show at all yet. Is James the father?”

  Ellen nodded again.

  “Does he know?”

  “Yes, I told him.”

  “I noticed that you two don’t seem to get along anymore. Why is that?”

  “Please don’t start trying to play matchmaker.”

  “I’m not, I just wonder what happened.”

  “Besides the fact that I’m having a baby thanks to him, nothing. I just don’t want to see him anymore.”

  “Every baby needs a father.”

  “I know James is your grandson, but I don’t think I can marry him.”

  “So you’ve talked about it?”

  “Yes, but this isn’t what I wanted. I...”

  “May I finish for you?” When Ellen didn’t say anything, Anna began. “You wanted to grow up and find a Knight in Shining armour who would rescue you from all the trappings of this fallen world. You’d fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Right?”

  “Yeah,” Ellen agreed reluctantly.

  “I’m not going to say this is for everyone, but I didn’t marry for love. I married my late husband because we both needed help and that seemed like the only way to get it. It was hard at first, but we worked things out and had a good life together.”

  “Did you ever love each other?”

  “Yes. Our love grew a little each year and now, well, I still miss him. Remember Ellen, love isn’t a feeling, it’s a choice.”

  “So you think I should marry James?”

  “I’m not going to tell you what to do, and I’m not saying it would be easy, but James, while he has a lot of baggage, is a good man. He’ll take care of you, and be a decent father to your baby.”

  “What makes you think I need someone to take care of me?”

  “These days, few people truly need someone to take care of them, but every woman wants a man who can.”

  Ellen couldn’t argue with that, so she stayed silent.

  “I see I’ve given you a lot to think about. How about we plan to talk more later. Right now, I’d better get dressed or I’m going to be late for breakfast.”

  “Hi Grandma!” James walked into her room the next evening. “I brought something to show you.”

  “What’s that?” She was in her chair knitting, but had looked up when he arrived.

  “This.” James unzipped his coat and his puppy poked its head out.

  “You know animals aren’t allowed in here.” Mrs. Watt said sternly, though her eyes smiled.

  “I asked the lady at the front desk, she said it was fine just this once as long as I held onto him.”

  “I see. When did you get him?”

  “Yesterday. A customer came to the store and told me he was going to drown him because he couldn’t sell him. I ended up buying him.”

  “How old is he?”

  “I don’t know, probably ten or twelve weeks.”

  “Must be different, having a baby in the house.”

  “Well, he’s a dog, so not quite like a baby. How was your day?”

  “Good. We had a nice afternoon playing cards in the recreation room. I lost every single one, but I had a ball. Then Sue and I worked on that puzzle she’s got set up in her room.”

  “I’m glad you had a good day.”

  “I hear you and Ellen are expecting a baby. Congratulations.”

  Her voice was so calm and serious, James couldn’t believe what he was hearing. How she had found out was beyond him, Ellen wasn’t showing at all yet.

  Anna continued, “I was surprised everything progressed so fast and I’m so happy for you both. I was a little disappointed that you didn’t invite me when you got married though.”

  James looked at her in surprise. Who had told her all this? “Yeah, well, Grandma, we’re not married.”

  “You aren’t?”

  “No.”

  “But Ellen is having a baby?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And you’re going to be its father?”

  James didn’t answer. He wanted to come up with a fancy way to deny it was his baby, but didn’t want to lie.

  “James, I am incredibly disappointed. I had hoped things would work out between you and Ellen, because I feel you are a very good match, but this wasn’t the way it’s supposed to be.”

  “I know, but it just kinda happened.”

  “Things like this don’t just happen James.”

  “Okay, okay, I know everyone seems to think this is my fault, but Ellen was there too. I don’t understand why this is all my problem!”

  “It’s not all your problem, I would say Ellen has it significantly worse than you, she’s got to carry the baby.”

  “So I’m supposed to feel sorry for her?”

  “No, but your job as a man was to protect her and doing what you did, whoever started it, was wrong.”

  “Then what do you want me to do?”

  “
Well, if Ellen is willing, I think you two should get married.”

  “Are you kidding me? That’s insane!”

  “It’s the right thing to do. I’m not saying it would be easy, but simply ignoring one another and pretending nothing ever happened is a mistake.”

  “I guess.” James was unconvinced. “I just don’t think I want to do it.”

  “Think about it,” Anna said. “I know that deep down, you still like her, and you could learn to love her if you were willing to work at it.”

  “I don’t know, it seems pretty risky.”

  “It would be, but I think it would be worth it eventually.”

  They sat silently for several moments. James was internally fuming. Not because he was mad at his grandmother, but because he was mad at himself, and her uncanny perception. At least she hadn’t brought God into the conversation.

  Anna finally spoke. “So, are you going to let me pet your puppy or not?”

  James couldn’t stop thinking about Ellen that night. He missed her, that was for sure, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to marry her. When he’d suggested it, he hadn’t actually believed she’d say yes. It was late, and he needed to get ready for bed, but he knew he wasn’t going to sleep.

  His puppy was already curled up in the crate he’d finally found for it in the basement, so he didn’t want to disturb it, by getting it out to play. Feeling lost in his own house, he wandered around wondering what it would be like to have Ellen here. Would she actually want to live here? Would she even consider committing to a marriage? He’d sent her the letter, she’d ignored it. When he saw her at the nursing home, she went another way. There couldn’t be any hope of this working out.

  Ellen was having almost the same thoughts at her apartment. She’d been trying to concentrate on the sitcom playing on TV, but couldn’t. It didn’t help that the secondary character that had just entered the scene had sandy brown hair and grey eyes like James.

  Placing her hand on her stomach, Ellen knew Anna was right. Her baby was going to need a father. She admitted to herself that she was afraid. Afraid of being with James again, but also afraid of having a baby alone. Maybe if she talked to him, they could agree to the marriage, but spend some time getting to know each other before they started living together. She cancelled the thought, that would be silly. She was going to have to jump in with both feet.

  Chapter 6

  “Hey Scooter, how was your day?” James opened the crate and scooped the puppy up. It licked his chin as he carried it outside. “You’re such a good boy.” He set it on the grass beside the front porch. He’d found himself talking to his dog a lot, it was good therapy.

  He’d decided to wait for Ellen to make the first move. If she wanted him back, she was going to have to ask. In the likely event she never wanted to see him again, he’d wait until he found a nice, strong-minded girl that wouldn’t mind his lifestyle. He might not even tell her about the baby.

  When he returned to the house, the message light was blinking. James put out a bowl of food for Scooter, then crossed the kitchen to the phone. “James, it’s Ellen. I want to talk to you. I think we should get married, but there’s three conditions. One, you understand this is for the baby not you, two, I keep my job and my apartment for awhile, and three, we don’t share a room until I say so. I’m going to be home tonight if you want to come talk. I’d like to work something out between us.” Ellen’s voice ended and the machine shut off. James leaned against the counter. It might be worth a shot. If he could show her he cared about her, she’d likely melt and they’d have a fine relationship, and he’d get to be a father.

  When Scooter finished eating, James put him back in his crate and slipped into his bedroom. Changing into clean jeans and sport shirt, then combing his hair he headed for the door.

  His stomach was in a knot by the time he reached the apartment building. He found her buzzer number and pushed the button.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s James.”

  “Com’on up.” Her voice didn’t sound happy to see him.

  James took the stairs up to the fifth floor, needing to work off some of his nervous energy before he saw her. Too soon he was knocking on her door.

  “Com’on in,” she said flatly.

  James walked through the door.

  “I guess you got my message?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What do you think?”

  “I don’t know, is this really what you want?”

  “I want our baby to have a good life and I know it needs both of us. I just hate the fact of shipping it back and forth between us so I suppose we’re going to have to make a go of living in the same house.”

  “So do you want to move in with me?”

  “Not without being married. I already made one mistake, I don’t want to make another.”

  “I get that,” James agreed. “Can we sit down and talk about this?”

  “Yeah, com’on in the kitchen.”

  James took his boots off and followed her across the apartment.

  “I don’t drink coffee, but I’ll make you some hot chocolate if you want?”

  “That would be great,” James said with smile.

  “Sit down, it’ll just be a minute.” She got out a kettle and filled it with water, then plugged it into an outlet on the counter.

  “This is a nice place.”

  “I know. That’s why I don’t want to give it up right away. If we end up needing some space, it might be a good thing to have.”

  “You’re probably right,” James agreed. “Listen, I’m as unsure about this as you are, but there’s gotta be some way we can make it work.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” Ellen placed a mug of hot chocolate in front of him, then sat down with her own. “You’re okay with, well, you know?”

  James nodded. “I figure once we’re together and know each other better, we’ll be more ready.”

  “So when do you want to finalize this deal?”

  “What timeframe are you think about? Next week? Next month? Longer than that?”

  “If we don’t do it soon, I’m going to lose my nerve. I’m working tomorrow and the day after, but anytime after that will work.”

  “Okay, Friday it is.” James took a sip of hot chocolate.

  James picked her up Friday morning and they headed into the next town to the courthouse. He could hardly believe it was happening, but soon, he was a married man. They headed back to Ellen’s apartment to pick up some of her things, then drove back to the house they were about to call home.

  “Why don’t you get the door, I’ll carry some of this stuff,” James suggested.

  “All right,” Ellen agreed, walking ahead of him to open the door.

  “I guess this will have to be your room,” James said, setting the items down and shoving a door open. “I know you don’t want to be in my room and the master bedroom kinda got used for storage so it’s a mess. You can move in there later if you want.”

  “This is fine.” Ellen reached for the lightswitch, then became silent.

  James glanced around the room and realized her problem. He rarely came in here and hadn’t thought to check if the room was actually clean. By the dust and cobwebs, it was in need of a little work. “Maybe you’d better have my room for tonight and I’ll sleep here.”

  Ellen took a deep breath. “It’s okay. If you get me a broom and some rags, this will be just fine.”

  James got her the supplies and offered to help, but she wanted to do it on her own so he told her he’d be outside with the pup and to call if she needed something. When he came back in, her door was shut, so he didn’t disturb her.

  A few hours passed, and he decided he’d better check on her. When he reached up to knock on her door, he heard muffled sobs. “Ellen?” When she didn’t answer, he pushed the door open. She was curled up on the bed, hugging a pillow. “Ellen?” He tried again.

  “What?” She sniffed and sat up, trying to look like she was fine. />
  “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I made some supper if you want it.”

  “I’m not really hungry but maybe later.”

  “Okay.” Reluctantly, he left her and returned to the kitchen. Glancing up at the clock he realized it had been almost eight hours. Eight hours and already they were both having second thoughts.

  James had never considered himself a morning person, but he had thought he was an early riser until he started living with Ellen. Every morning so far, he’d found her sitting at the kitchen table with some kind of fruit juice when he got up.

  “Can’t you get dressed before you come out here?” Ellen asked disdainfully.

  “It’s my house.” James shot back. He had a habit of wandering out to the kitchen in his pyjama pants, then getting dressed after he’d had coffee.

  “Yeah, but I live here so put some clothes on before you come out here.”

  “Fine.” James stomped back to his room and found jeans and a t-shirt. It just didn’t make any sense to get dressed before breakfast. “Is this better?” he asked when he came back into the kitchen.

  “Yes.” Ellen turned a page in the morning paper. “You want a piece of this?” She held up a section of the paper.

  James shook his head. “I’m good.” It was Ellen’s newspaper subscription anyway. He never took the time to read the paper. “I’m going to make some breakfast, you want anything?”

  “I think I’ll stick with some juice for now, I’ll eat later.”

  She was especially pale and James was suddenly concerned. “Is it always like this?”

  “What?”

  “Mornings.”

  “I thought it was going away, but the last few days have been pretty rough.”

  “That sucks, I hope it goes away soon.”

  “Me too.”

  “Are you ready for bed?” Ellen asked Anna a few weeks later.

  “Yes,” Anna closed her Bible and set it on the table beside the bed.