Chapter 32 #2
“Henson, Barnette, go inside and keep an eye on her,” the sheriff ordered. “The Walkers want the house still standing when she’s done.”
His two young deputies didn’t look happy about it—Rowie sympathized; Jael was a lot—but they went inside to do their job, as directed. Quiet soon descended over the house.
“I’ll get everyone lemonade while we wait,” Maw announced then disappeared inside.
The sheriff introduced Seth to the neighbors, and the men chatted amiably, even joking and laughing.
She understood their jovial mood; they were rid of a troublesome neighbor.
Rowie should have been in a lighthearted mood, too.
After years of struggle, her dream was finally coming true.
But she couldn’t smile and make polite conversation with people she barely remembered, or anything else, for that matter, until Jael was out of her house and gone from her property for good.
On edge and brimming with nervous energy, she headed to the porch swing, a favorite spot from her childhood. The shriek of metal as she pushed off drew her eye to the ceiling hooks.
“They need to be greased. I’ll see to it,” Seth assured her, sitting beside her, so close not even air came between them. As he wrapped an arm around her, her tension eased, and she relaxed against him. He was just what she needed.
“It was a long battle, but you won the war and vanquished the enemy. Now it’s time to celebrate.”
“I’ll do my victory dance once she’s gone.”
“Understood,” he said then quietly held her, not swinging—the neglected hooks were too darn noisy—just holding her close.
They’d been married for a week now, and in her head, she knew she wasn’t alone anymore.
It took until that moment for it to sink in.
For the first time, the future didn’t seem so uncertain or scary.
It held possibilities; she truly believed that and with Seth by her side, they would conquer any challenge that came their way—together.
He must have sensed her epiphany because he kissed the top of her head and murmured, “We’re in this for better or worse, darlin’. You’ve had your share of worse. It’s time for better.”
Another loud bang then a crash echoed from inside the house. Two more deputies ran into the house, but Rowie didn’t even flinch. She just snuggled closer.
“We’ll go to Roanoke in a few weeks and replace what she has ruined. Even better, we’ll clean the place out, get rid of everything that reminds you of her, and start fresh. How does that sound?”
“Wonderful. But maybe we shouldn’t be too extravagant with our money. We have work to do around here, and years ahead of us.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. I ended up with more than expected.”
She tilted her head back to look at him. “Did it grow or something?”
“It did. Some banks paid me to keep my money there.”
“You’re kidding! In Laramie, there were exorbitant fees.”
“It’s something called interest.”
“Huh,” she softly grunted. “A bank paying the customer. What will they think of next?”
“The world is changing at a breakneck pace. Your guess is as good as mine.”
They straightened as Jael burst through the door, dragging a trunk in one hand and an overstuffed satchel in the other. Rowie had to stifle a laugh at the irony.
“Am I supposed to walk to town?” she demanded of the men. “It’s five miles!”
“I’m going home; I’ll take you halfway,” a neighbor graciously offered, although he didn’t look happy about it.
That still left over two miles. No one else volunteered.
Jael’s face, already flushed, turned crimson with anger. “I never liked any of you,” she snapped then stormed down the steps, abandoning her trunk.
The men looked at each other. “Is she expecting us to lug it around for her?”
“Not likely,” one man grumbled. “She dammed up the creek on her side during a drought. I lost valuable crops.”
“Yeah, she’s been stingy with water rights ever since I’ve had the misfortune to know her,” another griped.
“As long as she’s lived here, she’s never raised a finger to help anyone in the community,” the sheriff added.
“Grab the other end,” the good Samaritan neighbor said to a deputy. “I’m sure the Walkers are eager to see the last of her. Lord knows I am.”
“We are,” Seth acknowledged. “And we appreciate your sacrifice, Mr…”
“Arnold Harkleroad,” the man stated as he and the neighbor he’d volunteered to help him, wrestled Jael’s trunk down the steps.
They all looked on in amused fascination as he told Jael, who was standing near the front of his wagon, that she could ride in the back.
They also watched her less-than graceful attempts to climb into the back, before Mr. Harkleroad, who was quickly losing his patience and generosity, gave her a none-too-gentle boost.
Rowie stretched to whisper in her husband’s ear. “I shouldn’t take pleasure in her humiliation, but I can’t help it.”
“From the few examples the men gave, it’s well deserved,” he replied.
After the wagon rolled down the lane out of sight, the others followed.
“It’s safe to go inside now. Are you ready?” Seth asked when several minutes passed and she made no move to get up.
“I am, but then again, I’m not after thinking I’d never come home for so long.”
His arms encircled her, his lips warm against her hair. “Take all the time you need. I’m content to sit here and hold you until you are.”
“I’m bound to get emotional,” she warned. “Be prepared for tears.”
“I’ll be right here for you, Rowie, and I’ll dry your cheeks when you’re done. Afterward, I intend to make our home a place where only happy tears are shed.”
“Do you know how much I love you, Seth Walker?” she asked, a catch in her voice.
“I’ve got an inkling because I love you too, Mrs. Walker.”
She sighed and cuddled closer. “You know, that’s my fourth name change, and it’s the best.”