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Awkward Marriage 42
The Wedding that Almost Happened An hour before the wedding of Jake Mitchell and Johanna Clarke on June 3 at the First Baptist Church on Adams Avenue, Jake made the startling announcement in front of family and friends that he wouldn’t be marrying Miss Clarke. He gave no explanation for the decision and he showed up in front of everyone without his tuxedo jacket on, which demonstrated his lack of respect for his guests. Mr. Mitchell might be better off remembering in the future that when he goes out in public, he should be properly attired, as is befitting his social status. A heartbroken Miss Clarke, a beautiful bride, didn’t get the joy of being wed. She spent the afternoon being comforted, and no one knows why Mr. Mitchell left her at the altar. Sue sighed and put the newspaper back in its proper place. She wondered how many bachelors were trying to get her attention and she didn’t even realize it. Jake noticed, however, and got jealous. She couldn’t imagine someone being
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That afternoon, Mrs. Walker called Sue over to the front desk while she was putting some books away. Sue finished putting the last book on the bookshelf and walked over to the older woman who was smiling at her. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Walker?” she asked. “I need you to help Miss Stallone deliver some new books to the ladies‟ luncheon at the college campus. Mrs. Monroe and her group wish to donate some new books to the library there.” She nodded and helped Miss Stallone carry the boxes to the carriage waiting for them. She sat across from Miss Stallone who was grinning from ear to ear. “I take it things are going well for you and Ben York,” Sue noted. She blushed. “I try not to be obvious about it.” “Be obvious about it, Betty. You should enjoy it. Ben is just as infatuated with you as you are with him. He’s not really interested in books. He comes by the library to see you. He’s a good, honest man, and I think you two will do well together.” “Tha
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“Oh, he was always a little soft. He had a rough childhood. His mother didn’t have a lot of money, so he had to work his way up to the wealth he currently possesses. I suppose he felt pity for Sue and decided to help her out. His mother almost lost their home when his father left, so I think he recalled that experience when Sue Lewis gave him the sob story about her family almost being foreclosed on.” “Apparently, he’s very good to those he pities.” “I wouldn't know. I just got here yesterday. I will find out what Sue Lewis is like and what he’s done for her during this luncheon.” “Did Mrs. Monroe invite you to this luncheon?” “Actually, she did. I was on my way to Jake’s new bank when she met me on the street. She said that it would be a good idea to get the inside story on how to win him over before I saw him.” That doesn’t sound like something Mrs. Monroe would do. I thought she was happy that Jake and I were married. Sue pushed aside her hurt feelings an
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Sue dropped the mouse on a panicking and crying Johanna and ran over to her brother. “She is? When did the labor start?” She heard Luke yell something at Johanna and the men finally moved to action to save what was left of the luncheon while the other women stood by and laughed at the whole scene. “I told Luke not to bring his mouse,” Trevor said. “I’m sorry, sis. He insisted on coming along on Trouble. I rode Double Trouble in. Luke saw that man walking the cat and two dogs and jumped off the horse to show the man his mouse. Then I had to chase Trouble down until I got his reins. Both horses are safely tied up at the light posts outside.” Sue remained oblivious to the chaos going on behind her. She shook her head. “When is Gloria going to have the baby?” “Probably tonight. Her water broke an hour ago. I just got the doctor. Her water broke like a gush of water flowing out of a massive hole in a dam. I never saw so much liquid in my entire life. It was strange wat
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Jake went home and noticed how empty the place felt with Sue gone. Though Ralph and Lydia greeted him, it wasn’t the same. Sue definitely had a place in his life that no one else could penetrate. He knew he had a long night looming ahead of him, so he decided he would tackle Mr. Barnett’s envelope. Since Sue was gone, he wouldn’t have to face her while he was upset. Anything associated with his father upset him. He didn’t wish for her to see him like that. After he ate dinner, at a table that seemed unusually long and in a room that was unbearably quiet, he went to his den and shut the door. He glanced at the chair by the fireplace where Sue liked to sit. Everything seemed empty without her. How could one woman change his entire life in one month? He went to the painting that hid his safe and took it off the wall. He opened the safe. He removed two boat tickets from his breast pocket. He bought the tickets that day for the trip he planned to take Sue on. He smiled as h
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The next morning passed by swiftly as he finished getting ready for Mr. Brothers‟ arrival. He went to lunch by himself but hardly tasted his food. He returned to work and saw Justin with his wife and kids. Once again, the kids were hanging all over him. This time, Jake smiled and walked into his office. When Mr. Brothers arrived, he gave him the tour of his bank and discussed business. They shook hands and Mr. Brothers left. Justin came by his office. “How did it go?” “Very well,” Jake replied. “Everything is set. We have officially become a major competitor to George Leroy’s bank.” “Speaking of him...” Justin closed the office door and sat down. “No one has seen him since last Friday.” “Who’s in charge of the bank while he’s gone?” “Mr. Edwards but he has no idea where George is. George didn’t even tell him he was going to be gone.” “Does George’s wife know where he is?” “No. She went to the police, but they think he’s off with his mistress on a vacation.” “He’s always a
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Brian struggled to get away from him. “You can’t hold me here.” Jake grabbed him by his shirt collar. “I got your confession and I have no problem turning you in, Brian Silverman.” Someone hit Jake on the back of the head and he collapsed on the floor into unconsciousness. By the time he woke up, the police were talking to Ralph and Lydia. Jake groaned and sat up on the couch in the parlor. “Try to rest, Mr. Mitchell,” Lydia said, holding her sleeping baby. “Where is he?” Jake ignored her and stood up. The back of his head stung. “Here’s some pain medicine for the headache,” she offered. He swallowed the pills without bothering to drink the water she offered. Ralph was talking to two cops. “I found him lying in the entry way of the house. I was fixing the closet in one of the bedrooms upstairs when I heard him calling for me. Lydia was asleep with the baby. I ran downstairs and saw George Leroy hit him on the back of the head. The other man, who I didn’t
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ue held baby Kevin in her arms. She sat next to Gloria on the couch in her parents‟ parlor. Kevin was born the previous evening, and he had already won the hearts of his family. She smiled at the baby who was content to lay awake in her arms. It was nice to hold him. For the first time in her life, she allowed herself to entertain the notion that she might hold her own child one day. She sighed. She missed Jake more than she thought she would. It was easy to put him out of her mind while she was busy getting Gloria ready for the birth and cleaning up afterwards. The doctor came to deliver the baby, announced that everyone was doing well, and left. She was happy for Gloria and Jeremiah who looked proud to finally be parents. She knew that this baby was a miracle for them after having suffered through four losses. Gloria beamed. “I can’t believe he’s actually here. It’s so wonderful to hold him after praying so long for his safe arrival.” “It is,” Sue agreed. “He’s goin
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