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Copyright 2004

“You sure you’ll be OK here by yourself?” Mitch hugged Bessie before he stepped off the front porch.

“Don’t worry about me,” she assured, “You two be careful and have a good time.”

“If you need anything,” Mitch treated her as if she were his own grandmother, “You call Dad, OK?”

“I’ll be fine,” she assured, waving to Jenny, who was already in the truck, “Take care of my girl, you hear?”

“Always, Grandma,” he hugged her again, “I promise.”

Jenny was giggling when Mitch got behind the wheel. He glanced at her sideways as he started the truck and pulled onto the road.

“What’s so funny?” He raised his brows.

“You,” she teased, “She’s my grandma, you know…and she’s pretty independent really.”

“Oh yeah,” he teased back, “Yuck it up over there…Who’s the one that hugged my dad three times before we left their house?”

“Touché,” she conceded, “At least we get along with each other’s families…I hope you like my mom.”

“I hope your mom likes me,” he sounded a bit concerned, “By the way, where am I staying?”

“They have a spare bedroom,” Jenny informed, “You can stay there. I did tell Mom you were coming; just not why you were coming.”

“Think she’s suspicious?” He wondered.

“No,” Jenny shook her head, “She knows we’ve been seeing each other. I think she probably figures I want her to meet you…which is true. But I don’t think any leap of her imagination would take her to figuring out we’re already engaged. She knows my history and how leery I am of men.”

“Jen,” he sighed, “While we’ve got all this time on the road, we might as well talk about some things. I want your honest opinion about buying the clinic. Not just the ‘whatever makes you happy’ mantra you’ve been giving me. I’m asking you as my friend and as a professional who knows the practice and understands the veterinary business. What do you honestly think?”

Jenny shifted in her seat so she could look at him better, “OK. From an objective point of view, here’s the way I see it. The practice is a long-established, apparently profitable business. You already have a good rapport with most of the clientele. It’s in a good location, with very little competition in the area. It’s a well built, solid, well-equipped facility. You get along with the staff and I think all of them would definitely prefer you as their next boss, instead of a stranger. Purely from a business standpoint, if the price isn’t some outlandish figure, I think it’s a good investment.

“Now,” she went on in a very businesslike tone, “Having said that, I also want to remind you that if you don’t buy it, you’re not guaranteed to have it as good as you do now. Whoever buys it will want the good hours and good jobs. You’ll do the holidays, weekends, and after hours calls. You’ll get the grunt work. Right now, you’ve got it easy. Doc treats you more like a partner than an employee. You won’t get it that good again. So, if you’re going to get stuck with the dirty work and rotten hours, you might as well go all the way and buy it. Then, at some point, you can hire someone to help. You’ll have more responsibility, but you’ll also have more freedom and you’ll know you have a job.

“And,” she added, “speaking strictly as your friend, any woman who is willing to marry you ought to understand what your career entails. If she isn’t willing to accept that, then you shouldn’t marry her. She ought to be willing and able to go help you pull a calf in the middle of the night, or do a c-section on Christmas Day. If she’ll do that, it’ll only strengthen your marriage and your employees will be eternally grateful that you didn’t have to call them in for help.”

Mitch was looking at her in utter amazement. He’d never heard her speak with such authority and intellect. Clearly he had underestimated the woman at his side.

“So,” she finished, “that’s my opinion as an objective friend.”

“Wow,” he smiled, “If I hadn’t been sitting here, listening for myself, I’d have sworn that advice came straight from Mom.”

“Why?” Jenny wondered.

“Because when she actually sits down and gives someone advice on a matter,” he explained, “she sounds like the wisest woman in the world. She can’t be confounded. Jenny, you are such a blessing to me. I love you so much, Baby. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she smiled, “I love you too, Honey.”

“Promise me something, will you?” He requested.

“What’s that?”

“Promise me that after we’re married,” he reached over and took her hand, “You’ll still be my friend. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Jen.”

“I promise,” she lifted his hand and kissed it, “Best friends, always.”

“Jen,” he squeezed her hand, “If you’re with me on this, then I want to try for it. I mean, the bank may say no and that will be the end of it.”

“I doubt that,” she chuckled, “Especially if you’re dad is willing to help.”

“Baby,” he still had her hand, “I love you and I don’t want to push you or rush you…”

“But?” She grinned.

“But,” he smiled back, “I have no idea how long it will take to actually close a deal on the clinic. I think we should get married before Doc is gone. Otherwise, we won’t have any time for each other even in the beginning. No time for a honeymoon or anything.”

“I agree,” she nodded, “And I don’t feel like you’re rushing me. I don’t want to wait for a long time. I love you, Mitch. I don’t have a shadow of a doubt that I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you. I see no reason to wait to start that life together.”

“All right,” he was watching traffic and glancing at her when he could, “then here’s something else we need to talk about. Jenny, I know we both want kids, but I think we should wait a while. I don’t think we should try to start a family until we get a better feel for how things are going to be with the practice.”

“I think you’re right, Mitch,” she reached over and put a hand on his knee, “Your dad told me he wishes they would’ve waited longer. He even told me to keep that in mind when I got married.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled, “He told me that too. So did Mom. They think Dutch and Chelsea may regret starting a family so soon.”

“I don’t know,” Jenny mused, “Dutch and Chelsea seem to be pretty sure of themselves. Just watching them, it’s hard to believe they aren’t already married…they seem like they’ve been together for years.”

“True,” Mitch agreed, “Meanwhile, if we’re going to wait to start our family…well, we’re going to have to do something to prevent it.”

Jenny felt her cheeks get warm and her pulse increase, “I know.”

“You OK talking about this?” He asked.

“Mitch,” she swallowed a bit hard, “if we can’t talk about this now, then we have no business getting married.”

“All right, Princess,” he reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, “I am making the assumption that you aren’t on anything right now, am I right?”

“Oh, Mitch,” she confessed, “I’ve never even been to the doctor for…well, you know. My mom has been all over me about it for years, but I just couldn’t make myself go. That’s one reason I’m sure she’ll be taken by surprise with our announcement.”

“It’s OK, Sweetheart,” he reassured, “I can’t say that I blame you…But I have to tell you something.”

“What?” She asked, an edge of fear to her voice.

He smiled, “Sorry. I didn’t mean for that to sound like it was bad.  It’s just that…well, in the past I’ve always used condoms. I figured that way I didn’t have to trust anyone but me to keep it safe…But I had a talk with Dad a little while back…I’m not sure I trust that method now.”

“So he told you that story too?” Jenny grinned.

“You talked to Dad about this?” Mitch raised his brows in surprise.

“Not exactly,” she explained, “We were talking about being afraid of losing someone you love and he told me about Paula and the twins.”

“Huh?” Mitch gave her a confused look, “What about Paula and the twins?”

“Oops,” she giggled, “I guess he told you a different story. Sorry, I’m sworn to secrecy.”

“Uh, no,” he shook his head, “That doesn’t cut it with me. If Dad swore you to secrecy, he didn’t mean me. He and Mom don’t keep secrets; he wouldn’t expect you to keep secrets from me. You tell me your story and then I’ll tell you mine.”

“All right,” she agreed, “But keep it to yourself. When I tell you, you’ll understand why. Your folks intended to have more kids, but Paula almost died when Jason was born. That’s why he was telling me about it—he was terrified of losing her. The doctor told them not to have any more kids. They were using condoms while Jason was still nursing and Paula got pregnant with the twins. That’s the short version.”

“Woe!” He exclaimed, “I had no idea. Wonder why he didn’t tell me that story?”

“What did he tell you?” She shrugged.

“Uncle Terry,” he explained, “He and Karen weren’t planning on kids at all. Karen didn’t want any. He was using condoms and she was using a diaphragm and Chelsea was the result.”

“Oh my,” Jenny rolled her eyes, “Well, I guess that cinches it. We’re not going to rely on condoms.”

“That’s what I thought,” he chuckled, “Jenny, the most reliable method is the pill. How do you feel about that?”

“I’m OK with it,” she nodded, “And I know I need to go to the doctor. Mom’s right.”

“When we get home,” Mitch suggested, “Ask Mom or Chelsea to recommend someone. I’ll go with you, if you want.”

“You’d do that for me?” She reached over and ran her fingers through the back of his hair.

“I’ll even go in there with you, if you want,” he offered, “I’d do anything for you, Baby. Don’t you know that?”

“Would they let you?” She wondered.

“I guess,” he shrugged, “If you say it’s OK, I imagine they would. They let husbands go in, I think. The way people live together these days, I’m guessing they get requests like that a lot. I’m sure Chelsea or Mom would go with you, if you’d rather.”

“Oh, Jeez,” she giggled, “I’m more comfortable with you than I am with them! We’ll see when we get home. Maybe I can find a woman doctor. I think I’d feel better about it with a woman.”

“Maybe,” he nodded, “Jen, I’m glad you feel comfortable with me. You don’t ever have to be afraid or embarrassed to talk to me about anything, OK?”

“I know,” she smiled, “Mitch, when do you want to get married?”

He sighed, “Well, as much as I hate it, you need to meet my mother too. I was thinking that maybe the next weekend I’m off we should make the trek to St. Louis. You OK with that?”

“Sure,” she agreed, “I’ve never been to St. Louis.”

“Never?” He asked, “Well, then I’ll show you around while we’re there. And we won’t stay with my mother. We’ll get a hotel. An hour or so with Mary is about all I can stand.”

“That bad, huh?” Jenny giggled.

“Worse,” he shook his head, “Anyway, back to your question, I think we should wait until after Chelsea and Dutch get married. I don’t want to upstage them or anything. Maybe June? What do you think?”

“June’s busy,” she reminded, “Will Doc give you time off in June?”

“He’ll have to,” Mitch assured, “I really don’t think even Doc would deny a man time off for his honeymoon.”

~*~

It was late when Mitch pulled the truck up in front of the modest home in Wichita. There was only one light on in the house, but the porch light was on for them. Mitch grabbed their bags and followed Jenny to the door. Before Jenny could knock, the door swung open to reveal Linda standing there. Her wavy blond hair pulled back, she was in a pink sweat suit. She grabbed her daughter with glee.

“Hi, Mom,” Jenny hugged her.

“I was starting to worry,” Linda confessed, stepping aside to let them in.

“Mom,” Jenny introduced, “This is Mitch.”

Linda’s eyes grew wide, “My God! You do look like your father!”

“Mom!” Jenny scolded.

“I’m sorry,” Linda giggled, “It’s just…I thought my daughter was exaggerating.”

“It’s all right,” Mitch smiled, “I get that reaction a lot. Especially from people who knew Dad when he was young.”

“Where’s Bob?” Jenny asked.

“Oh,” Linda moaned, “He went to bed already. You know he can’t stay up late…unless it’s for something he wants, anyway.”

Mitch glanced at Jenny and she bit her lip.

“Sorry it’s so late,” Mitch apologized, “We didn’t get away quite as early as we’d hoped.”

“Doesn’t bother me,” Linda told him, “I’m a night owl. Are you all hungry or anything?”

“I think we’re both just tired, Mom,” Jenny confessed, “We’ve both been up since early this morning. We both have to get to work early every morning, you know.”

“Oh, of course,” Linda nodded, “Oh, Sweetie, you look so good. I’d love to stay up and talk all night, but I guess it’ll wait ‘til tomorrow. I put fresh sheets on your bed, Jen. I made up the guest room for you, Mitch.”

“Thanks,” Mitch picked up their bags, “Just lead the way.”

Jenny pointed into her old room, “Put mine in here, Honey. Yours is the one across the hall. The bathroom is the next door down.”

“I’ll let you two get settled in,” Linda backed off, “See you in the morning, Honey.”

“Goodnight, Mom,” Jenny hugged her, “Sorry I’m wimping out on you. I didn’t get to bed until late last night because I was doing laundry to pack.”

“It’s OK, Honey,” Linda squeezed her, “I just thought maybe we’d have some time for girl talk tonight.”

Jenny glanced toward the room Mitch had disappeared into, then back to her mom, “I just can’t tonight, Mom. I promise we’ll talk tomorrow. I need some sleep right now.”

“OK,” Linda retreated, “Goodnight.”

Jenny watched her mom disappear, then tapped on Mitch’s door. He opened it and pulled her in silently, closing the door behind her.  He’d already switched into sweat pants and no shirt. She melted into his arms in the low light of the bedside lamp.

“You OK, Baby?” He whispered softly in her ear.

“Yeah,” she kissed his bare chest. “I think we’d better say our goodnights now, in here.”

“You don’t want me to come and tuck you in?” He lifted her chin so he could see her eyes, “Honey, what’s wrong?”

“I’m OK,” she was fighting tears, “I’m sorry, Mitch. I promise we’ll tell her first thing in the morning. I just couldn’t do it tonight. I…”

“Hey, it’s OK,” he comforted, “I didn’t expect you to announce it the minute we walked in the door. Are you sure you don’t want me to tuck you in?”

“Not tonight, OK?” She shook her heard, “If Mom…Mitch, I don’t want her to know about the dream. She blames herself enough as it is. She doesn’t know I started having it again.”

He sighed, “Oh. I understand. If you have it tonight, you come in here and get me, OK?”

“I will,” she promised, “You don’t know how much I wish I could just stay in here with you.”

“Oh, I have some idea,” he kissed her cheek, “But this is April. June isn’t that far away. It won’t be long. You could come over here and tuck me in tonight.”

“If I did that,” she smiled up at him, “I’d crawl into bed with you and we’d both be in trouble.”

“OK,” he conceded, “Goodnight then, Princess.”

“Goodnight,” she kissed him softly, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

~*~

The house was quiet when Jenny woke. She knew her mother and Bob liked to sleep late on weekends if they didn’t have a car show to go to. Jenny was in such a habit of going to work early that she found it hard to sleep late even when she had the chance.

She sat up and looked at her watch. It wasn’t even 6:30 yet. She tiptoed to the bathroom, and on her way back, she listened at Mitch’s door. Only silence on the other side. She decided to take a chance. Jenny quietly opened the door and peeked inside. She could see Mitch lying on his side, his broad back facing her. She deftly closed the door and approached in silence. She held her breath, trying to decide whether she should try to crawl in next to him, or just go ahead and wake him.

“I’m awake, Jen,” he spoke softly, without moving.

“How did you know it was me?” She giggled.

He turned onto his back and smiled up at her, “Well it had better be you. Are you OK, Princess?”

“Yeah,” she looked down at him, “Can I crawl in there with you for a little while?”

“You bet,” he pulled her under the covers and cuddled her into his arms, “I guess they’re still asleep?”

“I’m sure,” she told him, “They like to sleep in on weekends.”

“I can’t turn my internal alarm off that well,” Mitch complained.

“Me neither,” Jenny snuggled closer, “Mitch, I’m sorry about last night…I should’ve let you tuck me in. It took me forever to get to sleep.”

“I’m sorry, Honey,” he kissed her forehead, “You should’ve come and got me.”

“Mitch,” she told him, “Mom isn’t like Grandma. If Grandma walked in here right now, she’d figure we’re adults and she’d just turn around and leave. If Mom walked in, she’d have a heart attack.”

“Grandma loves me, though,” he chuckled, “Remember?”

“There’s a little more to it than that,” Jenny sighed, “but yeah, I do remember. Grandma trusts us. I don’t think Mom would.”

“That doesn’t make a lot of sense, Jen,” he told her, “I mean, you’re the one who said she knows you’re leery of men.”

“I know,” Jenny’s head was on his shoulder and she started trailing her finger around on his chest, sending shivers all through him, “And maybe that’s why she’s like that. She’s kind of paranoid. Maybe she feels kind of responsible for what happened to me.”

“Maybe,” he reached down and held her hand still, “Stop that, Jen…you’re driving me crazy doing that.”

“Sorry,” she stopped, “I thought you liked it.”

“I do like it, Baby,” he chuckled, “That’s what I mean. It makes me crazy when you do that…Jenny, what’s the story on Bob? I get the feeling you haven’t told me everything. Prepare me a little, OK?”

“What do you want to know?” She asked.

“Just tell me about him,” he suggested.

“He owns an auto parts store,” she informed, “They kind of cater to specialties like hotrods and such. That’s why he goes to so many car shows. That’s how he and Mom met. He was at a show in Springfield and she went there with a friend and they met there. They started talking on the phone at first and got to know each other that way. Then he started driving up to see her on weekends.”

“This was while she still worked for Doc?” He asked.

“Yeah,” she remembered, “After Paula had already quit. It really wasn’t very long before he asked Mom to marry him and she picked us up and moved us out to Kansas to be with him.”

“Happily ever after?” He wondered.

She sighed and curled up closer to Mitch, “Six months ago my answer would have been yes.”

“But not now?” He guessed.

“Six months ago I didn’t know what happily ever after looked like,” she confessed, “Now I do. I’ve seen your folks together. I’ve seen the way Dutch treats Chelsea. And now I know how you treat me. Bob doesn’t treat Mom like that.”

“Does he treat her badly?” He asked.

“Well,” she answered hesitantly, “Just not like he worships the ground she walks on. I mean, he doesn’t want her to have a job, which is the way she wants it. He provides for her. But, he expects a lot in return. He expects her to take care of the house, the laundry, the meals, and even the lawn. If she doesn’t do it just the way he wants, she hears about it. I never really thought anything about it, until I watched your folks together. Your dad helps your mom so much, and she never has to ask for it. And you help her or Grandma or me, and no one has to ask you, either. Can you imagine your dad getting mad at Paula because dinner wasn’t ready the minute he walked in the door? Or can you see him sitting in front of the TV watching a Nascar race while she was cooking or cleaning up dishes, and calling out to her to get him a beer?”

“No,” he ran his fingers through her hair, “So I take it your mom isn’t all that happy?”

“I think she’s glad not to be alone,” Jenny told him, “I think she still misses Daddy a lot. I think he was a lot like you and your dad and Dutch, so she knows what it feels like to be treated well.”

“Mmm,” he kissed the top of her head, “No wonder she misses you so much.”

“Yeah,” she propped herself up, “I’m ready for coffee, how about you? Shall I go make a pot and then we’ll shower before breakfast?”

“Sounds great.”

They had shared a pot of coffee, taken showers and gotten dressed, and Jenny was rummaging through the kitchen for breakfast food when Linda finally appeared. She was in a bathrobe, looking very bleary-eyed.

“Morning, Mom,” Jenny smiled, “Is Bob awake yet?”

“He’s awake,” Linda yawned, “Just not out of bed yet. How long have you two been up?”

“Since about 6:30,” Jenny grinned, “Habit. How about some breakfast? Mitch makes really good omelets.”

Linda woke up a bit more and looked Mitch up and down, “You can cook?”

“Sure,” he smiled, “Jenny and I’ll fix breakfast. Here’s a cup of coffee to tide you over.”

Linda looked at the cup he sat in front of her, then at Jenny, “Is he always like this?”

“No,” Jenny giggled, “He’s having an off day. Usually he’s much better.”

Mitch laughed as he started cracking eggs in a bowl, “Sorry, Princess. I’ll try to do better.”

Linda was about to comment, but stopped when a man walked in. He was at least ten years her senior, several inches shorter than Mitch, but probably twice his weight. He had on sweats and a tee shirt, his face needed shaving and his gray hair wasn’t combed.

“Morning, Bob,” Jenny greeted, “This is Mitch.”

“Hello,” Bob walked over and offered his hand, “Glad to meet you.”

“Good morning,” Mitch shook his hand, then returned to the eggs.

“Linda,” Bob turned his attention to his wife, “Why are they cooking?”

She looked up at him, a bit bewildered, “I’m not sure. They already seemed to have a plan when I got in here.”

“Well,” he stated flatly, sitting down, “Don’t you think you should be cooking? They are the guests.”

“I…uh…” Linda started to get up.

“It’s OK, Bob,” Jenny jumped to her defense, “We’d already started on it. We’ve got it under control. Have some coffee.”

“Well,” he shook his head, “It’s not right…letting the guests fix their own meals…let alone ours.”

“Oh, hush,” Linda scoffed, “You couldn’t even stay up to greet them last night.”

Mitch glanced at Jenny, who gave him a sad look. She was putting toast down and shredding cheese for the omelets. He reached over with his free hand and rubbed her shoulders. Her eyes met his and he winked.

Linda and Bob both looked up at Mitch in astonishment when he sat plates in front of them, filled with omelet and toast.

“Ma’am, Sir,” he bowed, “Bon appetit.”

He turned his attention back to the stove to make more for himself and Jenny.

“Now,” Bob scolded Linda, “That’s really not right…serving us before the guests.”

“Mmmm,” she took a bite, “This is delicious. I wish you could cook like that, Bob.”

“Mom,” Jenny walked over to the table, “Mitch and I are getting married.”

Linda nearly choked on her next mouthful and Bob’s mouth dropped open. Mitch turned around to see their reaction and had to stifle a laugh.

“Married?!” Linda exclaimed, “You hardly know each other.”

“Well, she knew he could cook breakfast,” Bob observed, “Maybe she knows him a little too well.”

“Hey,” Mitch stepped over to the table and gave Bob a stern look, “That comment was not necessary. Apologize to Jenny now.”

Bob’s eyes were wide at Mitch’s reaction. Jenny looked at Mitch almost expecting to see Rob standing there instead. Linda’s mouth gaped open.

After a beat of silence, Bob reneged, “I’m sorry, Jenny.”

Jenny nodded at him and Mitch went back to the stove. He sat plates on the table for Jenny and himself, then pulled her chair out for her.

“Mom,” Jenny began again, “That’s why we’re here. I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone. Doc is retiring and Mitch has an option to buy the practice. He asked me to marry him now because he felt I should be a part of the decision making process concerning the clinic. I said yes.”

“So,” Linda commented, “Just like that you’re ready to get married. What does your grandma think of that—or does she know yet?”

“Grandma is thrilled,” Jenny reported, “She loves Mitch. She calls him her hero.”

“Does he cook her breakfast too?” Bob muttered under his breath.

“He treats her like his own grandmother,” Jenny snapped, “He cuts wood for her and shovels her drive when there’s two feet of snow and puts his dirty dishes in the sink after she feeds him and he helps wash the dishes when she’ll let him…”

“Jen,” Mitch put his hand on her arm and she stopped, “It’s OK. They’re just surprised. My folks and your grandma have had more time with us. That’s why they weren’t shocked.”

“Your folks?” Linda turned to him, “I assume you mean Rob and Paula? She’s not your mother.”

“He calls her ‘mom’,” Jenny countered, “And she considers him her son.”

“Yes,” Mitch’s eyes met Linda’s, “I mean Rob and Paula. They are my family.”

“And what do they have to say about this?” Linda asked.

“They think it’s wonderful,” he reported, “They love Jenny. So do my brothers…you know, Paula’s real sons. And my cousin Chelsea and her fiancé Dutch love her too. And my grandpa and Paula’s mom, Hazel…and my Uncle Terry. Everyone loves Jenny.”

“And what about you?” Linda challenged, “Do you love Jenny?”

“With all my heart and soul,” he answered quickly, “And I intend to honor and cherish her all my days.”

“What about your nights?” Bob mumbled, “Guess you’ve probably already done that.”

“You’ve had one warning,” Mitch glared at Bob, “You really don’t want to push me.”

“Well,” Linda remarked, “Surely you intend to wait a while. There’s no big rush to get married. You’re young. You’ve got lots of time to get to know each other better before you do anything you’re going to regret.”

“Actually,” Jenny dropped her next bomb, “We’re talking about June.”

“June?!” Linda exclaimed, “Jenny, are you pregnant or have you just lost your mind?”

Jenny burst into tears and ran for her room. She could hear Mitch talking severely to Linda as he got up from the table.

“How dare you speak to your daughter that way? I’ll deal with you later.”

Jenny slammed her door and fell face first onto her bed sobbing. The door opened quietly and without looking, she knew it was Mitch.

“Come here, Baby,” he sat next to her on the bed, “She loves you, Honey. She’s just trying to protect you.”

Jenny sat up and looked at him, “Where was her protection when I needed it? Huh? Now she suddenly wants to protect me from you? The one man in the world who would never hurt me!”

“Come here,” he gathered her into his arms, “If it was our little girl, we’d be the same way. She just needs some time to see how much we love each other. She needs to see for herself that I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Take me home, Mitch,” Jenny requested, “I want to go home…I don’t want to stay here.”

“No,” he denied her wish, softly, “Jenny, you and your mom have to deal with this now.”

“She doesn’t want to deal with it,” Jenny argued, “She wants to degrade me.”

“Jenny,” he took hold of her shoulders and looked her in the eye, “You know I love you more than anything in the world. You know I’d do anything for you. The only way to fix this is to stay here and face it. If you run away, it’s just going to prove her point. We need to stay and discuss this like mature adults…even if you and I are the only ones acting the part. You need to show her what a strong, intelligent, mature young woman you are. Let’s go back out there and talk to her. Then if you want to go home, we will. I’ll be there with you…and she won’t speak like that to you again.”

“How do you know?” She asked.

“Because I won’t let her,” he assured.

“All right,” Jenny nodded, “Mitch, we have to make her see the truth.”

“We will,” he kissed her, then led her back out.

The dishes were cleared from the table, Bob had disappeared and Linda was standing in the kitchen. She was visibly shaken by the events of the morning. It was obvious that she had been crying as much as Jenny.

“Where’s Bob?” Jenny asked.

“Taking a shower,” Linda answered.

“Mom, we need to talk about this,” Jenny told her.

“Linda,” Mitch stated calmly, “I believe you owe Jenny an apology for the way you spoke to her earlier.”

“You can’t tell me how to speak to my daughter,” Linda spat at him.

“Oh, yes I can,” Mitch stepped between Jenny and her mother, “And I will. Perhaps you missed my statement earlier. I said I intend to honor and cherish her all my days. That includes shielding and protecting her…even from her own mother if necessary. You will treat her with the respect she deserves. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal clear,” Linda gave him an angry look, then said softly, “I’m sorry, Jenny.”

“Mom,” Jenny asked, “Can we please go sit down and talk about this like adults?”

Linda followed them to the living room and sat down in a chair opposite the sofa. Jenny and Mitch both sat on the couch, facing her.

“Mom,” Jenny told her, “I want you to be happy for me.  I’m sorry I just dropped this on you out of the blue. I realize you haven’t met Mitch before and haven’t been around us together and I’m sorry. Everyone else we’ve told has been ecstatic for us because they’ve seen us grow together from friends into a strong couple. You’ve just heard me tell you over the phone that things are going good. I should have prepared you better.”

“You couldn’t possibly have prepared me for this, Jennifer,” Linda moaned, “Tell me why I should trust you, Mitch?”

“Mom,” Jenny answered before he could, “He’s not your enemy. I was ready to head home and he insisted we stay and work this out.”

“Answer me, Mitch,” Linda ignored her daughter.

“You shouldn’t,” he leveled his gaze at her, “You have absolutely no reason to trust me. However, you do have abundant reason to trust Jenny. You raised her to be a strong, intelligent woman. You know what kind of morals you imparted on her. What makes you think she would suddenly abandon all reason and behave recklessly?”

Linda bristled at his tone, “Even intelligent women can be blindsided by a smooth-talking man. I may not know you, but I know your father. I’ve felt his wrath…seen his temper. You obviously got more from him than just your looks. You’ve already demonstrated that same wrath this morning on several occasions. What makes you think I want my little girl in the hands of a man with such a short fuse?”

“Mom!” Jenny gasped.

“Jenny,” Linda stopped her, “You probably don’t remember the times Rob lit into me…you were just a little girl then…”

“I do remember,” Jenny argued, “And he was protecting me when he did it.”

“And he still protects her,” Mitch informed, “He’d protect her from me if he thought I posed a threat to her. But I’d never hurt her, Linda. I adore Jenny. Do you think my father has ever unleashed his wrath on Mom? He defends and protects her with his whole being. I would walk to hell and back for Jenny.”

“Mom,” Jenny pointed out, “Just because you made a mistake with Bob, doesn’t mean I’m making a mistake with Mitch.”

“Bob has nothing to do with this, Jenny,” Linda snapped.

“Oh,” Mitch shook his head, “I think he has everything to do with this. You don’t want Jenny to be miserable and lonely in her marriage like you are. Well, I assure you, she won’t be. She’s my best friend. I grew up in a very hollow home, Linda. My adoptive parents were career-oriented people who led separate lives. I don’t want that for my children. I want my kids to feel the kind of warmth and love and security that my brothers feel.”

“Why on earth are you getting married so fast?” Linda asked, “What’s the rush?”

“Doc is retiring,” Jenny told her, “We’re going to buy the practice. We want a little time together before the clinic consumes so much of our time.”

“You’ll be stuck there forever, Jen,” Linda argued, “You’ll never move back.”

“I’m never going to move back anyway, Mom,” Jenny informed, “I hate Kansas.”

“Jenny,” Linda started crying, “I didn’t think you were leaving forever.”

“Linda,” Mitch spoke gently, “You can come and stay with us anytime you want for as long as you want. I’m not trying to take your daughter away from you.”

“What are you trying to do?” Bob walked in, “Take my wife away from me?”

Jenny felt chills go down her spine. She saw the cold look in Bob’s eyes; something she’d only registered subconsciously before. Linda stiffened when he walked in the room. Only Mitch seemed unafraid of his demeanor.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Bob,” Mitch smiled, “Jenny is more than enough woman for me.  I don’t need extras waiting around to stroke my ego.”

“Are you insinuating that I do?” Bob’s hackles went up and he took a step toward Mitch.

“I just call ‘em like I see ‘em,” Mitch remained seated, “Take it however you wish.”

“Why you…” Bob started toward him.

Mitch stood, suddenly seeming to tower over Bob, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I’m about 30 years younger and quite accustomed to throwing down 500 pound steers when I need to work on them.”

Jenny bit her lip to prevent a smile and noticed her mother did the same. Bob’s bravado vanished at Mitch’s posture and tone and he took a step back.

“Bob,” Linda called, “I think you’d better back off. In fact, I think maybe we all should just take a deep breath and start over.”

“Mom’s right,” Jenny agreed, “Just cool off, Bob. Mitch wasn’t saying anything out of line…not until you made it that way. Let it go.”

Bob walked over behind Linda, “I’ll let it go…But I don’t intend to be pushed around in my own home.”

“I don’t push,” Mitch stated, “But I do push back. Now, Princess, what would you like to do with the rest of the day?”

“How about we go to the zoo?” She smiled, “Mom would you like to come with us?”

Linda looked to Bob as if asking for his approval. He scowled at her, obviously not giving it.

“You kids go ahead,” she answered, “The zoo isn’t really my kind of thing.”

Jenny started to press, then caught the sadness in her mother’s eyes, “OK, Mom. We’ll be back later. Why don’t we all go out somewhere nice for dinner tonight?”

“Sure, Honey,” Linda nodded, “Have fun.”

They were on their way when Mitch reached over and took Jenny’s hand, “You OK, Princess?”

“Why did I never see this before?” She asked.

“Sometimes you can’t see a picture clearly until you step back from it,” he observed, “You grew up in it, Jen. You thought it was the norm.”

“He might as well beat her,” she remarked, “Please, Mitch, I don’t ever want to be here without you again.”

“Has he ever beaten her?” Mitch asked.

“I don’t think so,” Jenny shook her head, “but he treats her like a slave…I think my dad treated her like a princess.”

“Jenny,” he squeezed her hand, “I know this sounds cold, but she’s a grown woman. She chose to be with him and she chooses to stay.”

“I know,” Jenny wiped a tear away, “That’s the saddest part. She’d rather be miserable with him, than to be alone.”

“Some people can’t handle being alone, Jen,” Mitch told her, “Don’t blame yourself for it. You can’t stay there and protect her forever.”

“What if I could persuade her to leave him?” Jenny asked, “Would you help her?”

“Jenny,” he sighed, “She’d go back. If she leaves, it has to be her idea and her decision. It’s not that I don’t want to help her, Baby. I hate the way he treats her. But I think you should stay out of it, Jen. You’ll only get hurt if you try to interfere.”

 It was a beautiful spring day and they put their morning woes behind them and enjoyed the Sedgwick County Zoo. They returned to Linda and Bob’s house after spending the majority of the day there. Both Jenny and Mitch had resolved to wipe the slate clean and try to have a pleasant dinner out. When they walked in the front door, they were greeted by the aroma of roast beef. They exchanged looks and Mitch instinctively put his arm around Jenny’s shoulders.

“Mom?” Jenny called, heading to the kitchen, “We’re back.”

Linda was working at the stove, “Did you have fun?”

“Yes,” Jenny looked at the table that was already set, “I thought we agreed to go out.”

“Bob wanted me to cook,” Linda reported, “He doesn’t like to eat out. You know that, Jen.”

“I didn’t want to put you to a lot of trouble, Mom,” Jenny went to her, “Can I help?”

“It’s already almost done,” Linda waved her away, “I’d be cooking anyway. It’s no trouble.”

“Are you OK, Mom?” Jenny asked softly.

“Of course,” Linda turned to her, “I’m always OK.”

“You’ve been crying,” Jenny noticed her puffy eyes, “Is it because of me or did Bob do something?”

“Just let it go, Jen,” Linda insisted, “I am not your problem to solve.”

Jenny bit her lip at the sting from her mother’s remark and looked toward Mitch. He was leaning in the doorway, watching Linda with sadness in his eyes. Bob walked up behind him, but Mitch didn’t move. Jenny thought he looked like a bouncer at a private nightclub waiting for Bob to come up with the proper password.

Finally, Bob cleared his throat, “Excuse me.”

Mitch stepped aside and let him in, “Certainly.”

Linda seemed to notice Bob’s deference to Mitch with great interest. Jenny realized how much like Rob he really was. She had grown so accustomed to Mitch deferring to his father, that she was almost surprised to see him take the alpha role so easily. She suddenly became aware of just how safe his mere presence made her feel.

“Isn’t it ready yet, Linda?” Bob sat down at his place.

“Almost,” Linda answered, “Jenny, what would you and Mitch like to drink?”

Jenny opened the refrigerator, “I’ll get us some pop, Mom.”

“You don’t need to wait on yourself here now,” Bob scolded.

“Mom doesn’t need to wait on me either,” Jenny countered, “I don’t see you leaving her a big tip on the table when she waits on you hand and foot.”

She saw Mitch brace himself, ready to leap to her defense. Bob saw it too. He opened his mouth to retort, but when his eyes met Mitch’s, he remained silent.

When Linda started setting food on the table, Mitch grabbed a pair of potholders and began helping. Linda was so amazed, she almost dropped the dish she was carrying. He pulled out Jenny’s chair for her and then scooted her to the table.

“Thank you, Honey,” Jenny smiled.

“You’re welcome, Princess,” he winked.

“What time are you leaving tomorrow?” Linda asked, starting to pass the food.

“First thing,” Jenny announced, “As soon as we’re up and around. Shall I wake you before we go?”

“Yes,” Linda took a deep breath, “I was hoping we’d have more time together.  We still haven’t had any time for just us, Honey.”

“Sorry, Mom,” Jenny shrugged, “You could have come with us today.”

“I mean just the two of us,” Linda was almost whining, “Maybe we can sit up late tonight and talk. Just you and I.”

Jenny sighed, “All right, Mom. But Mitch is tucking me in tonight, even if I have to wake him up to do it.”

“Huh?” Linda raised her brows.

Mitch grinned, “Like I said, Baby, you can wake me up anytime.”

“Mom,” Jenny explained, “I didn’t want to tell you this, because I didn’t want to dredge up painful memories. I started having the dream again. The one about Daddy. Only this time, he turned into Mitch.”

“Oh no, Honey,” Linda frowned, “I’m sorry.”

“I told Mitch about it,” Jenny reported, “And he gave me an old flannel shirt to sleep in, dug out his Teddy Bear he slept with when he was a little boy, and started coming over every night to tuck me in bed. It worked. I stopped having the dream.”

Linda gave Mitch an odd look, “You tuck her in at night?”

“Every night,” Mitch nodded, “And, yes, Grandma knows. She also knows I turn off all the lights and lock the house up as I leave. Did you catch that last part? I leave.”

Linda blushed, “Well, I’m sure her grandmother wouldn’t allow you to stay.”

“Mom,” Jenny picked up with her story again, “I didn’t let him tuck me in last night because we were here. I thought you wouldn’t approve. I couldn’t sleep last night. I didn’t have the dream, I just couldn’t get to sleep. I was exhausted, but I just tossed and turned. He’s tucking me in tonight whether you like it or not. I guess if you don’t like it, we’ll just go check into a motel and he can tuck me in there.”

“I don’t remember her being so defiant, Linda,” Bob observed, “What have you done to her to bring out such rebellion, Mitch?”

“Speaking her mind or expressing her opinion,” Mitch informed, “does not constitute rebellion. Perhaps, Bob, she’s just not afraid of you anymore.”

Bob’s mouth dropped open at that remark. He was so taken back, he couldn’t find a reply.

“Mitch is right,” Jenny told him, “I don’t live here anymore and I don’t ever intend to return. Frankly, Bob, I’m no longer concerned with appeasing you just to have a roof over my head. It’s amazing how liberating that is.”

“Don’t burn your bridges, Jenny,” Linda warned, “You wouldn’t be the first bride to come running home to mom when you find out it’s not a bed of roses.”

“Mom,” Jenny shook her head, “This isn’t home to me. It never was. However, if someday you decide you need a place to run, you know where to find me.”

“Jen,” Mitch spoke softly, “I think you should let that go, Darlin’. You wouldn’t want Bob to get the idea your mom isn’t happy here.”

Linda looked at Mitch, almost pleading, “He knows I’m happy here.”

Jenny realized what Mitch was really saying, “Of course you are, Mom. I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant if something were to happen to Bob. You’re always welcome with us.”

“Of course,” Linda nodded.

Later that evening, Mitch excused himself and told Jenny to come and get him when she was ready to go to bed. Bob had already retreated into his bedroom to watch television. Jenny put on the old flannel shirt and grabbed Teddy, then plopped onto her bed to talk to her mother alone. Linda shut the door and began speaking in low tones.

“Jenny,” she sat on the bed, “I’m sorry about this morning. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I’m just so afraid you’ll end up like me, Honey.”

“Mom,” Jenny confessed, “I’m sorry. I never realized how bad things were for you until now. I just never noticed how Bob treats you. I really thought you were happy here.”

“It’s worse now that you’re gone,” Linda confided, “You were such a big help to me. Now I’m on my own, trying to get everything done, and nothing pleases him.”

“Why don’t you just leave him, Mom?” Jenny asked.

“It’s not that simple Jenny,” Linda told her, “What would I do? Where would I go? I’m too old to start over, Jen. I don’t have any other family left. No, Jen, I’m stuck here.”

“You’re only stuck here if you choose to be, Mom,” Jenny told her, “And I refuse to be stuck here with you. It’s your choice. You can always come and stay with me.”

“Mitch doesn’t like me,” Linda argued.

“Mitch doesn’t like the way Bob treats you,” Jenny corrected, “And he doesn’t like it that you let him get away with it. Believe me, Mom, his first instinct this morning was to protect you from Bob. I know you think his temper flared, but he was actually exercising great restraint. What he wanted to do was choke the living daylights out of Bob.”

“Jenny,” Linda warned, “that’s what scares me. Rob is that way too. He has this anger boiling beneath the surface all the time and if you don’t do things the way he thinks you should, it boils over on you. Honey, what if Mitch gets mad at you? What if you don’t do things to suit him? I’m afraid he’ll hurt you…physically.”

“Oh no, Mom,” Jenny shook her head, “You’re so wrong. About Rob and Mitch both. It’s not anger, it’s confidence. They are certain of themselves. They’re not afraid to stand up for what they know to be right. Mitch would never hurt me. Just like Rob would never hurt Paula. Trust me, Mom, I know.”

“How do you know?” She asked.

“You’ve never been around them since they got married and have a family,” Jenny reminded, “Rob treats her like a goddess. He’d move heaven and earth for her. That’s how Mitch treats me, Mom. According to Grandma, it’s the way Daddy treated you.”

Linda closed her eyes, obviously fighting tears, “That was a long time ago. And what did it get me? Where is he now?”

“Mom,” Jenny reminded, “He saved your life. He saved my life. He laid his own life down to protect us. Do you think Bob would do that?”

“But Jenny,” Linda wept, “he left me alone to raise you. I needed him to stay here and help.”

“You say that like he betrayed you, Mom,” Jenny felt tears coming, “Don’t you think he wanted to stay? Don’t you think his heart is aching for you now? To see how you’re living? Don’t you think he wants to carry you out of this fire you’ve put yourself in? Daddy loved you, Mom. He kept his vow to you. ‘Til death do us part, remember? What more can you ask of a man than he be willing to sacrifice his own life for that of his family?”

“If he just hadn’t gone after that stupid dog,” Linda mourned.

“That stupid dog,” Jenny recalled, “was the one who woke him up. And he knew how much you loved that dog, Mom. He would have gone back after your Teddy Bear if you’d asked him to.”

“I know,” Linda began sobbing, “I know…it’s my fault. I killed your father, as sure as if I’d put a gun to his head.”

“Mom, no,” Jenny hugged her, “You can’t blame yourself.”

“I do blame myself,” Linda confessed, “I blame myself for all of it. I’m the one who left the candles burning that started the fire.”

“What?” Jenny had never heard this part of the story, “What candles?”

“In the living room,” Linda sniffed, “You were asleep in your bedroom. Your father and I were in the living room. I used to light candles and turn out the lights for us…I thought it was romantic to make love by candlelight, Jenny. That night, he picked me up and carried me to the bedroom and I forgot to get back up and go put the candles out. Jenny, I nearly killed us all…I did kill your father. I don’t deserve a good man. I killed the only man I ever loved.”

“Oh Mom,” Jenny suddenly understood, “You’ve been carrying all this around all these years, haven’t you? Why didn’t you tell me this?”

“I never told anyone, Jenny,” Linda was crying so hard she could barely speak, “I thought you’d hate me if you knew it was my fault.”

“Stop, Mom,” Jenny spoke firmly, “Don’t do this. Daddy loved you. He didn’t blame you. He wouldn’t want you to blame yourself.”

“I almost killed you, Jen,” Linda cried, “Even your father wouldn’t forgive me for that.”

“Mom,” Jenny took a deep breath, “If Daddy was anything like I think he was; like Grandma says he was; like I remember him…He would not blame you for this. He’d take responsibility for it himself. He’d say he should have put the candles out.”

“Why do you say that?” Linda grabbed a tissue and blew her nose.

“Because that’s what Mitch would say,” Jenny told her, “That’s what Rob would say. That’s what Dutch would say…and all of them would do exactly what Daddy did. They’d walk in that burning house and carry out anybody that was in there. They wouldn’t think about it or hesitate. They’d just do it because it needed to be done.”

There was a tap on the door and Mitch called softly, “Jen, are you OK?”

“Come on in, Honey,” Jenny invited.

He opened the door and looked at Linda, “I’m sorry. I just heard crying and I was worried. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s OK, Mitch,” Jenny motioned him toward the bed, “Come and sit with me.”

“I should let you sleep,” Linda started to get up.

“Wait, Mom,” Jenny grabbed her hand, “I want you to listen to something.”

Linda looked at Mitch warily. He was sitting next to Jenny, in his old sweat pants, his chest bare. Jenny turned where she could face him and he looked down into her eyes, waiting to see what she wanted from him.

“Mitch,” she spoke confidently, “I’m going to give you a hypothetical situation and I want you to give me an honest answer about how you would react, OK?”

“OK,” he grinned, “Do I get a reward for the right answer?”

She reached up and kissed him, “Whatever the truth is, that’s the right answer, OK?”

“OK,” he leaned over and kissed her again, “Shoot.”

“If you woke up in the middle of the night tonight and this house was on fire,” she posed, “What would you do?”

“I’d make sure everybody got out of the house,” he answered.

“Everybody?” Jenny pursued.

“Yes,” he nodded, “I’d check in here to see if you were out first, because it’s closest. Then, I’d go after Linda and Bob.”

“Even Bob?” Jenny asked, glancing at her mom.

“Of course, Jenny,” Mitch chuckled, getting her point, “Even Bob.”

“And what if,” Jenny went on, “You got me out and you got Mom out and when you went back in for Bob, the house fell in and you two didn’t make it out?”

His face fell and he became somber, “Jenny, I’m not going to die in a fire like your father…I thought you were past that, Baby.”

“I am,” Jenny caressed his face, “But if it happened, would it be my fault?”

“No,” he shook his head, “Of course not.”

“Would it be Mom’s fault?”

“Jenny,” he assured, “It wouldn’t be anyone’s fault. Sometimes things happen and there’s no one to blame.”

“OK,” she posed, “What if I was in a burning building and someone told you that if you went in after me, you’d die?”

“Well,” he reached over and pulled her into his arms, “then I guess I’d die trying. Why are you asking me this, Baby?”

“Because Mom blames herself for Daddy’s death,” Jenny explained, “And I’m trying to show her that Daddy wouldn’t blame her.”

Mitch looked at Linda, tears streaming down her face, “Oh no, Linda. You can’t blame yourself for it.”

“Jenny’s not telling you everything,” Linda informed, “The fire was my fault. I started it by leaving candles burning.”

“That doesn’t matter,” he told her, “I’ve sat and listened to Grandma—Jenny’s grandma—tell stories about Charles growing up and about when he met you and about the two of you together. Charles loved you, Linda. He wouldn’t blame you and he wouldn’t want you blaming yourself.”

“How can you be so sure?” She asked.

“Because he was a good man,” he assured, “No man worth his weight would blame his wife for something like that. Linda, if he were here, right now, he’d tell you to forgive yourself. He’d tell you he loves you, that you did a beautiful job of raising your daughter and that he wants you to be happy.”

Linda searched Mitch’s eyes, “You say that like you knew him.”

“I wish I had known him,” Mitch smiled, “But his mother knew him…and she certainly doesn’t blame you, Linda. She knows he’d do it again. I’ll tell you something else I know—it would kill him all over again to see the way you’re living. Watching the way Bob treats you would be far worse than dying in a fire.”

Linda hung her head at his statement, “Mitch, you don’t understand. I killed him. It was my fault.”

Mitch moved from Jenny’s side and took Linda into his arms, “No, Linda. You didn’t kill him. He chose to go into that fire. He did what he had to do. He saved his daughter and his wife and he would tell you that it was worth the price he paid. There’s no greater love than to lay down your life for someone else. Don’t dishonor his love for you by blaming yourself.”

Jenny watched as her mother curled into Mitch’s strong arms, obviously soaking in the comfort he offered. She couldn’t help but wonder if those arms made Linda feel as safe as they did her. She also wondered if it was the first time her mother had really been comforted since Charles had died. Mitch lifted his gaze to meet Jenny’s and she smiled at him.

“I’m sorry,” Linda gathered her wits and pulled away, “You must think I’m a basket case. This morning I was treating you like dirt and now here I am crying in your arms.”

“You know what I think?” He reached up and brushed the tears away, “I think you’re a beautiful woman who lost the man she loved in a terrible accident. I think you did the best you could to raise your daughter on your own, and she’s living proof that you did a good job. I think you were lonely and wanted someone to share your life with and you thought Bob would love you the way Charles did.”

“But he doesn’t,” Linda told them, “He doesn’t have any idea what it means to love someone.”

“Linda,” Mitch took hold of her shoulders, “You need to decide what you want and then do it. You can stay here and be with Bob and live like this; or you can stay here and try to change things; or you can leave. It’s up to you, Linda. Those are your decisions to make. I won’t get in the middle of your marriage and Jenny won’t either. We can’t fix it for you. Only you can do that.”

“Do you think it could be fixed?” Linda was incredulous.