Chapter Nine
The next day, while Noel was out, Mary was left in charge to help Steve and Josie get settled in the city. Her feet never touched solid ground. Instead, she floated in a dreamy fantasy world.
Noel’s kiss, albeit only on her forehead, had left her sleepless, imagining hearts and romance for some time before exhaustion kicked in.
Dreams followed of her in a wedding dress; her heart full to bursting with love and pride until she approached the altar.
The minister stood smiling gently, but where the groom would have waited, the space was empty.
“Mary, Noel mentioned that the freezer was full, and we were to make use of the food he’d stored. But Dad and I feel reluctant to impose to that extent. Do you know if there’s a market nearby where we can do some shopping?”
Mary checked on Google and found a high-end shop not too far away. It was decided that the women would fetch the groceries and leave Steve to continue examining the files that Noel had passed on.
Josie opened the conversation, “Dad is happier than I’ve seen him in so long. He loved his job at the factory and was destroyed when he had the accident.”
“You never told me what happened that day.”
“As far as he remembers, one of the newer men on a forklift lost control, rammed into a pile of boxes, knocking them over, and Dad was pinned underneath. Thank goodness his back only sustained bad bruising, but it’s been a long recovery, and he suffers from constant pain.
At first, the Bradford medical insurance covered him for almost all the expenses, but as you know, when they claimed bankruptcy, he had to cover the bills himself.
With the economy in town taking such a hit, we took a huge loss selling the house. ”
“How terrible. I’m ever so sorry, Josie. That’s when you were forced to leave college and return to Bedford Falls, right?”
“Yes. Dad needed someone to help him, and I had to get a job. Thankfully, Maddy has been super about my hours, and we’ve managed. That’s where Ralph found me, when he came in with another thug to harass Rory, Maddy’s son, about paying up money they say he owes.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had such bad luck. But today we’re going to stop worrying about what we can’t change and look on the bright side – we’re safe and together.
I’m going to buy the ingredients, and you my young friend are going to help me bake the best carrot cake you’ve ever tasted.
We’ll surprise the men with a treat tonight. ”
Josie’s face brightened. “I’ll cook a chicken and roast potatoes for dinner.”
“Lovely. It’ll be a feast.”