Marla rubbed my arm. “I’m afraid that might be true. She seems to have no conscience.”
I became hopeful. “So, she could have been lying? Without a conscience, it’s easier to lie without betraying that you are.”
Laurie nodded her head. “I’ve heard of people like that. Psychopaths.”
“She not only deceives others; she has deceived herself,” Marla said.
I continued tracing the circle over and over. “Still, some man fathered the baby. She nearly convinced me today when she said it was Michael, that she would swear on a stack of Bibles. Now, I’m not sure... but if it’s not Michael, why would she say it was?”
Marla tilted her head at me. “Perhaps because Michael rejected her and married you, and her jealousy’s gotten the upper hand.”
I sighed. “Maybe you’re right. I just hope you scared her enough that she’ll leave me alone.”
Laurie’s eyes brightened. “She’s plenty scared. Scared-er than a stuck pig.”
Marla nodded. “I agree. She’s more afraid than she let on. I’m sure she won’t be bothering you again.”
“That’s a relief,” I said. “I’m going to put her and her shenanigans out of mind. I have enough to think about. Momma and Zeke are eager to move here. I’ve got to get an addition built, and of course, I have my job. And Michael is coming home in a couple of months.”
“That’s great!” Marla squeezed my shoulders and a big grin split Laurie’s face.
“Yes and no. It means he’ll be shipping out soon afterwards.”
“Just dwell on getting to see him,” Marla said.
“Be like a hog in the sunshine. Don’t do no good to worry, no how.” Laurie beamed.
“Y’all are right.” I reached across the table and grabbed Laurie’s hand and also took Marla’s hand in mine. Marla smiled and took Laurie’s other hand.
“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken,” I quoted. My heart warmed at the sight, in the kitchen I loved so, of the two friends I could always count on. “With your help, we prevailed against Sylvia. At least, I sincerely hope so. You two are my best friends and we will not be broken.”
“Amen,” they said in unison. “Now let’s eat.” I dug into my slice of cake. And it was not half bad. I finished every crumb.
Part 3
Chapter 27—Michael
Sylvia, to my surprise and Laurie’s chagrin, stayed firmly entrenched in William’s old room. However, she kept the roads packed, driving back and forth between Covington County and Plainsville. At least, that’s where she said she was going. I wasn’t so sure, but who could be sure about anything Sylvia did? Fortunately, she never sought out my company. At least she was civil when we met, as infrequently as that was. I continued working for Dr. Driscoll, gradually feeling healthier.
Mr. Paul and Mr. Aaron built two adjoining rooms onto the house, and I moved Momma into them, thinking she could use one as her bedroom and one as a sitting room. Zeke moved into the small room we once shared.
Dr. Driscoll gave me time off to drive down the coast in May. My trial period had ended over a month ago, although it passed by without either of us mentioning it.
Michael was on furlough, and we were going to the beach where he and Dan once swam to the sandbar. The beach where he worried all of us to death, at least me. Of all the beaches I could have picked, why had I chosen this one? The beach would be perfect, with white sands and emerald water stretching to the blue sky. And the weather was also perfect, warm but not yet blistering hot — perfect beach weather. Michael and I had never had a true honeymoon, and I hoped and prayed it was not a mistake to visit this particular beach.
The last time our group had traveled here, he and Sylvia had been dating. They had a fight that day, the day they had broken up. The beach did not hold good memories for me, and I was sure, not for Michael either. Yet, he had not objected when I had written to ask him and suggested Destin, Florida. Now, it was too late to regret my choice. I was on my way to pick him up at the bus station.
The words of Laurie and Marla echoed in my thoughts, words that encouraged me to tell Michael I was expecting. After much soul-searching, I knew they were right. I wanted to tell him privately, away from the prying eyes of Momma, who now lived with me. Ever since Momma and Zeke had moved in, I seldom had a minute’s peace.
The bus must have arrived early, for Michael waited out front and spotted me before I saw him. He was already heading in my direction, before I fully parked. As I turned the truck off and engaged the brake, he opened the passenger’s side door and climbed in.
His kiss today was not as urgent as the last time I had seen him, back in February. He kissed me slowly, as if savoring each touch and storing them up for the months ahead. When he pulled away, I laid my head against his chest for a moment, breathing in his new smell, a crisp, clean smell, despite his hours on the bus. This was a new scent, a scent of starch from his shirt and something else — shoe polish or brass cleaner — maybe both. I forced myself to pull away and cranked the truck and shifted into gear.
Neither of us spoke until I had eased onto the road. I licked my lips, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible, but before I could speak, he did.
“Have you been sick?”
Heat rose to my cheeks. After three months, the all-day sickness was finally subsiding. Still, my complexion, despite working many days in the sun, was washed out. I had bought new make-up, just for this trip, and had applied it carefully. I sighed, wondering if I would look sick my entire pregnancy.
I bit my bottom lip before I spoke, probably getting the red lipstick stuck on my teeth,. “No, I’m fine.” I shot him a quick glance. “I do have some good news for you.” I smiled in his direction but did not allow my eyes to focus on him.
“Good news?” His voice was flat, as if good news had ceased to exist in the world. I looked more closely and saw his own face reflected fatigue.
I refocused on the road and pushed away the worry gnawing me. The words tumbled out in a rush. “We don’t have to worry about me getting pregnant.” I pulled up to a stop sign and chanced another look at him.
His brows were drawn together, but his face cleared as I watched and his eyes met mine. “You mean you are?”
I nodded. His smile spread, deepening his dimples. He pulled me into an embrace, and the driver behind us honked his horn three times before Michael released me. His smile remained, and my own relief spilled over into a giggle.
We spent two nights at the motel, and I only got a brief view of the beach, so my worries of old memories resurfacing had been for nothing. I wished we could have stayed longer, but he only had a five-day pass. He wanted to see his father and uncle before leaving again, this time shipping out.
He was the one to drive his old truck back to Covington County. I snuggled next to him, beating back my fears, my anxieties, my overwhelming sadness. Now, more than ever, he needed a few days of peace and happiness.
Before going home, we stopped by the Hutchinson’s house. They were expecting us, and Mr. Aaron, for once in his life, beat his brother down the steps, giving Michael a huge bear hug before he released him to his father. I wiped a tear away as Mr. Paul hugged his son to him. He kept his arm around Michael’s shoulders as we walked up the steps, not letting go until he had to at the door. The three men stepped back for me to enter first.
I braced myself for Sylvia’s presence, but she was nowhere to be seen. Her car had not been parked outside, and it was silly of me to think she would be there. Still, I breathed a sigh of relief as we stepped into the empty living room. Michael hugged me to his side and turned with me to face his father and uncle.
He gave me a squeeze and grinned. “We have some great news. Jay is going to have a baby.”
The hugs and back slapping broke out anew as Mr. Paul and Mr. Aaron offered their congratulations.
Mr. Paul was beaming as he dug an elbow into his brother’s side. “I�
�m going to be a grandpa.”
Mr. Aaron slapped him on his back. “Good, ’cause you already look like a grandpa. It’ll suit you fine.”
We all laughed, and Michael and I settled onto the couch, protesting when they brought out plates filled with ham, potato salad, English peas, and home-made rolls and insisted we eat with them. So, there in the living room, we ate our dinner, with Michael telling stories of his training, and his father and uncle laughing at the grueling discipline he had been subjected to.
We were eating banana pudding when Mr. Paul spoke to me. “When’s the baby due?”
“Early November,” I said.
“That’s strange.” Mr. Aaron was studying me.
“Why?” I asked and immediately wished I hadn’t.
“Sylvia said she’s due in October,” Mr. Aaron said.
“Sylvia’s pregnant?” Michael asked.
Mr. Paul nodded “Jay hasn’t told you?”
“Sylvia’s already...” Mr. Aaron made a curving motion, to indicate the amount she was showing. “Heck, you can’t even tell Jay’s expecting — except for the morning sickness. Course I don’t know much about these women things... Reckon not all women are the same.”
Confusion shone in Michael’s eyes as he turned to face me. “You’ve been sick?”
Before I could answer, Mr. Paul spoke up. “Reckon so. She was sick as a dog when she tended our cow. We had our suspicions then, despite what Dr. Burch said.”
“Dr. Burch?” The creases in Michael’s forehead deepened.
I cleared my throat, my words soft. “I haven’t told Michael the details, Mr. Paul.” Maybe he would get the hint.
Michael’s father immediately spoke. “Sorry.” He leaned forward to touch my knee. “We’ll let Jay tell you all about it later.”
However, Mr. Aaron gave me a wink and a nod. “Sylvia hasn’t been sick at all. Doesn’t rightly seem fair.”
Michael turned to me again. “Why didn’t you tell me Sylvia’s pregnant?”
Heat rose to my cheeks as I struggled to find an answer. I finally just shrugged. Michael took the bowl from my hands, although I still had a few bites left.
“We’ve got to get going, get unpacked,” he said.
I stood and started to take the dishes to the kitchen. Mr. Paul took the plates from my hands and shooed me away.
“Aaron and I will do that. I know you two are tired.”
“If you’re sure...”
Mr. Aaron nodded. “We can do it. We’ve been bacheloring for a long time.”
Michael grabbed my hand and led me toward the door. He spoke over his shoulder to his father and uncle. “I’ll come back tomorrow, when we have more time to talk.”
The two men followed us outside, but Michael didn’t speak again, only gave a wave as we drove off. He didn’t go straight home, but instead drove down an old road with deep ruts that ended at a padlocked gate.
After turning the truck off and putting on the brake, he turned to face me, his face grave. “Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
“I’m pregnant. Morning sickness is perfectly normal in most pregnant women.”
He searched my eyes. “Why did Dr. Burch see you?”
“I fainted.” I held up a hand. “Before you ask, fainting is also fairly common in pregnancy.” I tilted my chin a little higher.
He continued studying me. “I can see this pregnancy has been difficult for you. You look anemic.”
“I might be... Listen, the morning sickness is practically gone. I can eat healthier now. There’s no need to worry.”
“All right... if you say so.” He took my hand in his. “Why didn’t you tell me Sylvia was pregnant?”
I narrowed my eyes and countered with my own question. “Why didn’t she tell you?”
Chapter 28—Telling Michael
Deep creases crossed Michael’s forehead. “Why should she tell me?”
I shrugged, not wanting to say the words. I pulled my hand away and slid across the seat and looked out the rolled-down window. It was warm in the truck after it had baked in the sun at his dad’s.
With my gaze focused on a grove of trees beyond the fence, I answered. “Maybe you need to ask her.”
“What’s going on, Jay?”
I turned to face him, trying to gauge if he really was confused as he appeared to be. Searching his eyes, I spoke. “Really it’s between you and Sylvia. She was supposed to write you.”
“Write me?” He ran his hands over his short hair. “Why would she write me?”
“Like I said — ask her.”
He gritted his teeth. “You’re my wife, and I’m asking you. Quit being cryptic.”
His eyes were full of stubbornness — he wasn’t going to back down. I sighed and looked away and then back to him. I forced the words out. “Sylvia had a talk with me, a couple of months ago...” I paused and licked my lips.
“Jay...” He scrubbed his linked hands over his head. “I’m losing patience here.”
“Sorry... This is difficult for me.” I steeled myself and took a deep breath and blew it out. But I didn’t speak.
His eyes held mine captive. A soft breeze blew in through the windows, bringing with it a scent of blooming flowers. Birds chirped nearby. I allowed my muscles to relax as the warmth in his eyes settled in my consciousness. I was able to say the words calmly. “She said you fathered her baby.”
His mouth gaped open, and he reached for me, but I backed away, holding myself as far away from him as possible. Despite the warmth in his eyes, I wasn’t ready for his touch... not yet.
He let his hands fall. “And you believed her? After I told you she and Dan were involved?” A muscle twitched in his jaw.
“She was very convincing. She sat in my kitchen and swore you were the father. She said she’d swear on a stack of Bibles!” But as I thought back over what she had said, I gasped. I shook my head slowly. “No, that’s not what she said.”
He was watching me, curiosity in his eyes. “Well, what did she say?”
“She said the wife of the man who had fathered her baby was sitting at the table. And Marla was there.”
I opened the truck door and got out, walking to the padlocked gate and looked over the fields, watching the cows graze. I had to make sense of this... and so far, my thoughts swirled in confusion. Michael followed me but didn’t speak.
If Dan was the father, why hadn’t Sylvia gone to Dan? Or Marla? Dan had more money than we had.
My head was beginning to ache. “I don’t understand...” I turned to face Michael. “Why would she say you were the father?”
He smiled a sad smile. “You should know her well enough by now to know the reason. She wanted to hurt you and Marla.”
“Hurt me I get... but Marla? Why?”
“Marla is everything she’d like to be... but the main reason is that Marla snagged Dan.”
“She didn’t ‘snag’ Dan. Marla loves him...”
“Sylvia was after Dan from the beginning. I told you once before. Dan’s rich. Sylvia wanted him. It’s as simple as that.” He shrugged and leaned forward against the gate, staring across the field.
“But why not tell the truth? Dan’s infidelity would hurt Marla...”
“Ah, yes. But Sylvia wanted to extend the pain and cause as much hurt and confusion as possible. She knew Marla, as your best friend, would empathize with you, as you endured the pain of a cheating husband...”
I interrupted. “We weren’t married when she got pregnant...”
“Cheating boyfriend, then. Marla’s compassion for you caused her a lot of pain. Of course, why you ever believed Sylvia...” The muscle was twitching in his jaw again as he clamped his teeth together.
I touched his arm. “Michael, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to believe her, tried not to... but she fooled Marla and Laurie, too.”
“Yes. Nice to know they thought I’d cheat on you, too.”
I hung my head. “I never should have told them, but, in a way, I�
��m glad I did. Otherwise, I might have given into Sylvia’s demands.”
“Demands?”
“Yes. She said that, since you were the father, you needed to help support your child.”
He gritted his teeth, and the muscle twitched again.
“I’m so sorry, Michael. You don’t know what I’ve been through...”
“You shouldn’t have believed her. Your own pain came about because you didn’t trust me.” His eyes censured me.
I tilted up my chin, returning his stare. “You told me she was a share crop, yet you never said you weren’t one of the farmers.”
“I honestly didn’t even think of telling you.” He shook his head sadly at me. “Remember the day, at Dan’s uncle’s house? I told you then you don’t know your own worth.” He moved an inch closer. “Jay, why would I want someone like Sylvia when I have you? How long do I have to prove my love for you?”
“Michael, I’m sorry... You have a father and uncle who care for you so much and show it. Imagine being raised by a mother who never once said a kind word to you, never once gave you a compliment, never once showed you love? It’s difficult for me to believe anyone loves me when Momma wouldn’t... or couldn’t...”
“I can’t imagine... but at some point, you put the past behind you. Perhaps you didn’t have the love you needed or wanted, but people cared for you... Your father, your aunt, your uncle, your cousins...” The warmth returned to his eyes. “And always me.”
The last brought a smile to my lips. “Ha! You never acted like it.”
“Hey, I did the best I could. Everyone else knew how crazy I was about you, everyone but you.” And when he reached for me this time, I let him draw me into his arms, ashamed for ever doubting him.
It was getting dark when we finally made it home. Coby’s welcoming bark drew Zeke from the house. Michael tousled Zeke’s hair, patted Coby’s sides, and then got Zeke to help bring our bags in.
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