Keeping Up With the Joneses

Part Five

Author’s note:

In the previous chapter we learned that Jonesy was making progress with Katie, although he was nowhere near winning Jim over. Katie collapsed while packing to move to an apartment. She’s told that she’s grieving herself to death, and Jim has been advised by her doctor not to worry her.

Chapter 12

End of August, five years before “The Secret of the Mansion”

True to his word, Jonesy sent some movers to the Frayne home, and by the end of the following week, they had everything packed neatly in boxes. Katie followed Jonesy’s orders and tried to relax as much as possible. To her surprise, Rick, her boss from the diner, called and told her to take off a week from work. When she insisted that she couldn’t afford to miss, Rick assured her that it had been already taken care of. Somebody had provided her a week’s paid vacation.

Jim bothered his mother as little as possible. Every morning he brought her juice and toast in bed. He finished his chores without being reminded. He insisted upon helping her cook and clean. While the movers were there, Jim kept a suspicious eye on them to make sure they satisfactorily performed their appointed task. He watched as each item was packed, making sure nothing was broken or stolen.

On Friday evening, Katie and Jim enjoyed their last night in their home. Since all the kitchen things had been packed away, they had gone to the diner for burgers and fries. They brought home their dinner, settled on the sofa, and looked at the photo album that had been in Win’s study.

“Here’s a picture of the house when we first moved here, Jimmy,” Katie said, flipping through the album. “Your father insisted upon carrying me over the threshold, even though we had been married over a year, already.

“And here you are when you were born.” Katie sighed wistfully as she studied the picture. “You were the spitting image of your father the minute you were born. Aunt Nell and Uncle James brought baby pictures of Win to compare with you, when you were small. I couldn’t tell you apart!” She smiled and ruffled her son’s hair. “You definitely inherited the Frayne red hair.”

Jim picked up a photograph apparently taken at his parents’ wedding and studied it closely. “Who’s this guy, Mom?”

“That’s Matt. He was your father’s best friend in college and the best man at our wedding.”

“Gosh, he looks a lot like Dad!”

Katie laughed. “They were often mistaken for brothers. I’ll never forget how surprised I was to see the two of them standing there when your father knocked me over in the library that day we met. I thought I was seeing double.”

Jim examined the photo carefully. “Mom, what happened to Dad’s friend?”

Katie shrugged her slim shoulders. “I’m not sure, Jimmy. After our wedding, we lost track of him. He got married soon after we did to a girl from a wealthy family. Matt had majored in business, and the last I heard, he was very successful. I’m not sure where he is now. I wonder if he and Maddie had any children.”

“Well, Mom, if he was good friends with Dad and is rich, maybe he could…” He stopped when he saw the warning look on his mother’s face.

“Jim, it’s very important that you work for what you have. Your father would be very disappointed in me if I begged money from one of his old college chums. Besides, I don’t even know where they live. If it’s meant to be, maybe we’ll run into Matt someday, and if it’s not, we’ll be fine without him.

“I would like for you to meet him, though,” she continued. “He was a wonderful man, and your father thought the world of him. I’m sure your dad would like for you to get to know him.” Smiling, she ruffled Jim’s hair once more. “Of course, he has that same redheaded temper that you inherited from the Fraynes.”

Jim nodded his head. “Boy, I sure would like to meet Mike someday!”

“Matt, not Mike,” Katie corrected with a laugh.

Jim flashed a lopsided grin. “Well, whatever his name is, if he’s like Dad, I really want to meet him. Maybe if he’s got lots of money, he can help me build my school.”

Katie looked puzzled. “What school are you talking about, Jimmy?”

“I’m gonna be a teacher like Dad someday. And I’m gonna make learning fun, just like Dad did.” Jim suddenly looked serious. “You know, there are a lot of boys out there who have never had a father to teach them neat stuff, like mine did. So I’m gonna build a place someday to help those boys out, just like Dad always planned on doing.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Katie said proudly. “If I know you, someday you’ll build a school your father would be proud of.”

“Dad and I talked about it some. He said it was his dream to help out poor kids. He didn’t get to do it, but if I ever get heaps of money someday, I’m gonna do it, just like me and Dad talked about.”

“Your father was such a generous person,” Katie observed. “If he’d gotten to accomplish his dream, so many people could’ve been helped. Some people have such difficult lives. Like Mr. Jones, for example.”

Katie didn’t notice the way Jim stiffened at the mention of Jonesy. “He had such a difficult childhood,” she continued. “It’s so sad that he’s been left all alone. Just like us. It’s depressing when you think about it. He’s been so generous to us. I think he gave me much more money than the plow was worth, and he did all that work on the truck. And I’ll never be able to thank him enough for taking me to the hospital. Then he called those movers to pack everything for us. You know, I’m sure it was he who paid for my vacation. Waitresses usually don’t have a weeklong paid vacation. Oh, I’m babbling on and on.” She paused as she looked at Jim. “You’re being awfully quiet. Is something wrong?”

Jim shrugged his shoulders. “I’m okay.”

“What do you think of Mr. Jones, Jimmy?”

Jim tried to ignore the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to tell his mother what he really thought of Jonesy, but he didn’t want to worry her. “Oh, he’s all right,” he finally said without much enthusiasm.

“He’s been so kind to us, Jimmy. He’s very thoughtful. He’s called several times this week to check on me. He’s made sure that I’ve been resting and letting the movers handle all the packing.” Katie chuckled. “And I thought your father was protective!”

Jim sat in stony-faced silence. He wondered if he should tell his mother how mean Jonesy had been to him when they were alone.

“You know, it’s been very hard for me since your father died,” Katie went on. “I was so young when we were married. Your father was the type who liked to take care of everything. He never wanted to worry me about finances or anything like that, so it’s been a big adjustment for me taking care of all the responsibilities. It’s been such a relief to have someone look after me again.”

Jim continued staring straight ahead. His heart pounded in his chest. This was a perfect opportunity to tell his mother everything.

“Jonesy called earlier while you were out riding Blackie. He said he’ll be here early in the morning to help with the moving. He wants to make sure the moving company he hired does everything properly. He teased me that he had another surprise for me. I certainly hope he doesn’t buy me more flowers. I feel so guilty already that he’s spent too much money, with the repairs and the hospital bill.”

Jim finally spoke. “He brought you those flowers?”

“Well, y-yes,” Katie stuttered in surprise. “I thought you knew that.”

Jim’s eyes blazed a brilliant green. “Why did he bring you flowers? Dad said you only got flowers for your special girl!”

Katie tried to calm her son, although she was confused why he was so agitated. “He was just being nice, Jimmy. He heard me say that I’d miss my rosebushes when we moved, and so he brought some flowers to cheer me up. He didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Sure he didn’t,” Jim spat out sarcastically. “Does he think you’re his girlfriend?”

“Of course not, son!” Katie sputtered. “He was just being thoughtful!”

“Yeah, right! I’m sure he fixes everybody’s trucks and air conditioners and takes everybody to the hospital and pays their bill!”

Katie put her hand on Jim’s arm, but he pulled away from her. Her eyes filled with tears at her son’s rejection. “You don’t understand, Jim…”

Jim’s redheaded temper was flaring full force. “You’re right, Mom, I don’t understand! I thought we weren’t supposed to get help from anybody else. We can’t go ask Uncle James or Dad’s old friend for help. We have to move to some crummy apartment and leave everything I love because Dad wouldn’t like it if we begged for money. But you let some guy bring you flowers, fix stuff, and take you to the hospital. Mom, you don’t really know him!”

Tears dampened Katie’s cheeks. “That’s not fair, son. I’m doing the best I can. This is just too much for me to handle alone.”

“So you let some stranger take care of it for you?”

“He’s not a stranger, Jim. He’s kindly offered to help us out occasionally, and I’ve had no choice but to accept. He’s been nothing but a gentleman to me. I think your father would be happy that someone was helping his family out.”

“And I think Dad would hate him!” Jim yelled. “You don’t know what he’s done! He’s mean and…”

“That’s enough!” Katie rarely lost her temper with her young son, but this was one of those times. “I know you loved your father. I loved him, too, with all my heart! Do you think I like being alone? Do you think it’s easy raising a boy by myself? Sometimes I need help too!” She began sobbing.

“Your father isn’t coming back, Jim! If I could bring him back, I would! But I’m helpless and alone! I don’t know what to…” Katie stopped suddenly and grasped her chest. Her breaths became shallow, and her face turned a deadly white.

Jim watched in horror. This is my fault! he thought. I shouldn’t have upset her! It’s my fault!

He knelt at his mother’s side, worry filling his soul. He was ready to call an ambulance when her breathing regulated and some color returned to her face.

“Are you okay, Mom?” he asked nervously. He touched her hand.

“I’m…fine…” she gasped.

Jim began to cry. “I’m sorry, Mom! I shouldn’t have upset you!”

Katie took her son in her arms to comfort him. “Don’t worry…Jimmy. I’ll be…fine.”

“Are you still having pains?”

“It’s gone…now.” Katie took some deep breaths. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’m so sorry, Mom! I’m so sorry! Please don’t be mad at me!” Jim sobbed.

Katie stroked his hair. “I’m fine, Jimmy. If you don’t want me to…”

“It’s all my fault!” Jim interrupted. “I don’t want to hurt you, Mom! I’ve been selfish, and I’m sorry.”

Katie pulled back and looked her son in the eyes. “You know that I would do anything for you, don’t you, Jimmy?”

Jim nodded.

“Everything I do is for you,” she continued. “You’re the most important thing in this world to me. I would move heaven and earth to keep you happy. I’m doing the best I can, honey. If there was some way I could avoid moving to that apartment, I’d do it.”

“I know,” Jim sniffed. “It’s okay. Really, it is.”

“Jimmy, someday I’ll make things better. We’ll live in a big house, and you’ll have another horse, and we won’t be alone. I promise you, Jimmy.”

“It’s okay, Mom. Honest it is.” Jim did his best to look hopeful. “I’ll help you, Mom. Any way I can.”

Katie sadly smiled. “I know you will, son,” she murmured as she hugged him close.

Jim relaxed in his mother’s embrace, comforted by the steady beating of her heart.

I promise to help her any way I can, he vowed again to himself. I’ll never complain about Jonesy. No matter what, I’ll never upset Mom. If I worry her, she might have those pains. I can’t lose her, too! I’m just being selfish! I’ll never tell her about Jonesy… Never!

Chapter 13

Katie sighed unhappily as she watched her boy climb the stairs to his bedroom. She looked longingly at the picture of Win that was in the album on her lap.

Oh, Win! How do I help Jimmy? I can’t manage alone, no matter how hard I try.

Her heart ached for her son. Tears of frustration welled in her blue eyes. She was overcome with feelings of helplessness.

Katie dreaded moving the following morning. She had so many special memories at the farmhouse…

“Win, put me down!” Katie giggled as her handsome husband carried her through the front door of their new home. “You’re going to drop me!”

“Drop you?” Win repeated in mock horror. “You’re light as a feather, babe! How could I possibly…” He pretended to let her slip out of his grasp, but easily caught his wife before she fell to the ground.

“You goof!” she squealed, punching his arm.

Win laughed in that hearty way that Katie adored. He gently set her on the ground, and then leaned down to kiss her. “Have I told you recently how much I love you?” he murmured, running his fingers through her blonde waves.

“Hmmm… not since lunch time,” she said with a giggle. “I could stand hearing it again, you know.”

Win took her in his arms. “I love you very, very much, Katje Frayne.” Tenderness filled his green eyes as he studied her delicate features.

“And I love you, Winthrop Frayne. With all my heart.” Katie pulled her husband closer to her and kissed him. “Thank you for my house. When you said our first anniversary gift would be worth the wait, I certainly never expected something this wonderful!”

“Do you really like it?”

“It’s perfect, Win! I love it!”

“I’m so glad, Katie. I wanted to give you a beautiful home and make you happy.”

Katie stroked her husband’s strong jaw. “You didn’t need to buy me a house to make me happy, silly! I would be perfectly happy living in a cave if you were with me! But I have to admit that your timing was perfect.”

He raised a ginger eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well, our apartment was a little cramped. The extra room will come in handy…” she paused dramatically, “for the baby.”

“Baby?” Win gasped.

She laughed as she watched her husband stagger around in circles with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“You’re having a baby?” he asked in disbelief.

Katie nodded, trying to discern Win’s reaction. Could he be disappointed?

“A baby!” he yelled excitedly. He picked Katie up and began swinging her around. He stopped short when he heard her cry.

“I’m getting sick, Win! Put me down!”

“Sorry!” Win grinned sheepishly. He carefully laid her on the couch in the living room. “Guess I’ll have to start behaving myself.”

Katie snorted. “Is it possible for Winthrop James Frayne to behave himself?”

He kneeled on the floor beside Katie. He gently took her hand. “Are you feeling better, babe?”

“Yes, I think the room finally has stopped spinning. So you’re happy about the baby? I know we weren’t planning on children for a while.”

“Are you kidding? I’m on cloud nine! I wanted to start a family, but I thought you might want to finish your schooling first.”

“I guess that will have to wait,” she told him.

Win studied Katie carefully. He brushed a piece of blonde hair away from her eyes. “Are you happy, babe? I know you wanted to get your degree.”

“I couldn’t be any happier.” She sighed contentedly. “I know I could go back before the little one comes, but I’ve been having some morning sickness and…”

“Morning sickness?” Win interrupted. “Are you okay? Can I get you something? Do I need to boil some water?”

“You can be so silly!” Katie teased, her tone affectionate. “I’m fine. It’s perfectly normal for women to have morning sickness. And I’m sure you won’t have to boil water any time soon. They just did that in the old days when they had their babies at home.”

“Well, you’d better take it easy, hon. No lifting heavy boxes. I’ll take care of everything.”

Katie giggled. “I think I like this pregnancy thing.”

Win rubbed her still flat stomach, his eyes wide with wonder. “I can’t believe there’s a little baby growing inside you,” he whispered.

“I know!” she exulted. “I’ve wanted a baby so badly ever since I held little Juliana before they left for Holland. I miss my family so much!”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “And just think, maybe someday we’ll have a little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, just like her cousin.”

“You know, we might have a little boy with red hair, green eyes, and freckles.”

Win rolled his eyes skyward. “Oh, Lord! Not another Frayne with a fiery temper!” he exclaimed in mock terror.

“That’s quite possible! You know what they say, you reap what you sow! You might end up with a boy who is as stubborn and temperamental as you are!”

“Me?! Have a temper?! You must be joking, Mrs. Frayne!”

“Well, I’d love to have a little boy who looks exactly like his handsome daddy,” Katie said with a sniff.

Win nodded. He wistfully imagined days filled with teaching a son to ride a horse, bait a hook, load a gun… “Whatever we have, I’ll be happy.”

“You’ll be a wonderful father.”

“And you’ll be a wonderful mother. Have I told you lately that I love you?”

Katie giggled as she buried her head in Win’s shoulder. “I think we already had this conversation ten minutes ago. You’re getting forgetful in your old age, Pops.”

“Old, huh?” Win easily gathered Katie in his arms.

“Where ever are you taking me, Mr. Frayne?”

“There’s something upstairs that I need to show you, Mrs. Frayne. We’d better get busy christening every room in the house before the baby comes.”

Katie laughed and pointed to the stairs. “To the bedroom, Winthrop!”

So many happy memories, Katie thought as she flipped through the album. Win had taken a plethora of pictures during her pregnancy. After every doctor’s visit, he’d snapped a picture and written a note on the back after it had been developed. He’d even insisted on attending the baby shower that some of the neighbors had given her. He took pictures of the cake and the gifts, before and after opening.

Finally, on a sultry afternoon in July, Katie began having contractions. Win calmly got the bag he had packed ever so efficiently weeks before and helped Katie out to the car. He somehow managed to obey all traffic signals and speed limits while driving to the hospital.

Once settled in a room, Win had brought out his trusty camera once more. Katie couldn’t help but giggle at the captions written beside the photos. Katie dilated to three centimeters. Katie dilated to four centimeters. Katie eating ice chips. Katie screaming for pain medicine…

Katie gripped Win’s hand and held her breath as another painful contraction swept over her.

“You’re doing great, baby,” Win cooed. He fed her some more ice chips and adjusted her hospital gown. He glanced at the monitor that was measuring his wife’s contractions. “Wow! This is going to be a big one!”

She leaned over to slug him, but before she could, a horrendous contraction stopped her. She groaned in exhaustion as it faded away, and then slapped her husband in the gut.

The hours passed, and the pain grew worse. By the time Katie had reached seven centimeters, she was exhausted and cranky. A nurse had just finished an examination. “Not too much longer now, Mrs. Frayne.”

Win hurriedly picked up his camera and snapped another picture of his wife after the latest painful contraction ended.

“If you take one more picture, Winthrop James Frayne, you’ll be taking that camera home in a million tiny pieces!” Katie yelled, sweat streaming down her flushed face. Another contraction overcame her before she could elaborate and tell Win exactly where he could store those pieces.

Win grabbed his wife’s hand. He brought over a cool washcloth and began wiping her sweaty forehead. “I’m sorry, baby. The camera will not make another appearance until the baby does.”

Three long hours later, James Winthrop Frayne the Second was born. Katie held her son in her arms and cried with happiness. She lovingly stroked his little head, covered with dark red fuzz.

Win shed so many tears that he couldn’t even see to work his camera. He was forced to ask a nurse to take pictures of him, his wife, and his newborn son. Little Jim gripped his father’s finger as he nuzzled his mother’s breast in search of food.

“The little guy has a strong grip already,” Win said fondly. “Just like his mama.” He rubbed his hand, which was sore from all of Katie’s squeezing during her final contractions. He had a feeling the bruises she caused wouldn’t go away quickly.

Katie giggled. “Sorry about that, sweetie. I don’t know what came over me.” She undid her hospital robe and drew her tiny son to her breast. “Are you hungry, Jimmy?” she cooed to her son.

“Before you know it, Jim will be riding and fishing and hunting with me,” Win stated proudly, his chest visibly puffing up with pride.

“Well, let’s get him home from the hospital first,” Katie teased, a tired smile on her pretty face. “Did you call Uncle James and Aunt Nell?”

“Yeah, I slipped out while the nurses were helping you into a new gown. They had taken Jim out to be weighed and measured, so I decided to call Uncle James and Aunt Nell. They were thrilled about the news.”

“What did Uncle James say when you told him what we named the baby?”

“He was over the moon! He gave the phone to Aunt Nell so he could rush out and buy the baby an expensive gift.”

“Uncle James is too good to us,” Katie replied. “Naming our son after him was the least we could do after all the generosity he’s shown us.”

Little Jim finished his meal, and Katie gently laid him against her shoulder shoulderand patted his back. After a faint burp was heard, she looked at her husband. “Would you like to hold your son, Daddy?”

Win’s eyes glistened as he carefully picked up the precious bundle. He had never in his life handled anything more valuable. He securely held his son close to his heart. With one finger, he gently stroked Jim’s cheek and wondered at the miracle he held in his arms.

Katie wanted to rest, but she was too captivated by the sight of her husband and son to fall asleep. Win walked over to the window in the hospital room and softly talked to his son. She watched as he gently rocked Jim in his strong arms and whispered adoring words. Finally, the tiny baby drifted off to sleep, safe and secure in his father’s embrace…

Katie turned the pages slowly in the album. First tooth, first word, first step… It all had been captured on film by Win. She laughed at the picture of Jim’s first birthday. Uncle James and Aunt Nell had come to Rochester to help them celebrate. They had brought a beautifully handcrafted rocking horse for Jimmy. They had all laughed as they watched the young boy toddle up to it and try to climb on it.

Jim’s fiery temper was evident, even at that young age. After his third failed attempt at mounting the horse, he stomped his foot and squalled angrily, his face blood red…

“Jim certainly has inherited that infamous Frayne temper,” Aunt Nell commented with a grin.

“Why, Nell, what temper are you talking about?” Uncle James asked, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly in amusement.

Aunt Nell chuckled. “You know very well what temper I’m talking about, James. You have it. Win has it. Now little Jim has it, too.”

On his fourth attempt, Jim successfully mounted his rocking horse and began giggling as he rocked back and forth. He squealed in delight as he rode his new toy.

Win was close by, as usual, with his camera. “That’s my boy! Way to go, Little Man! It won’t be long until Daddy buys you a real horse to ride. Then we’ll have us a time, riding the trails around here.”

“Win, dear, you’re going to blind Jimmy before he’s five with all the flashing from that camera,” Katie teased. She loved watching the interaction between her two favorite “men”. It was obvious they adored one another. “Daddy, now we need to get the little man in his high chair so he can have a piece of birthday cake.”

Win reached for his son, who was still enthralled with his toy. Jim cried and clutched the horse’s yarn mane. “Nooo!” he sobbed, holding on to the horse as if his very life depended on it.

“Maybe he does have a little of the Frayne temper,” he admitted sheepishly.

Uncle James chortled. “That temper will get you into trouble someday, Jimmy! Win, you and Katie will have your hands full with that little rascal!”

Jim does have that Frayne temper, but he was really never any trouble, Katie thought, remembering Uncle James’ comment. He was always such a good little boy. He had a natural curiosity and a low frustration level, but he was always quick to obey and respectful. After being disciplined a few times for temperamental outbursts, Jim had learned to control his fury, or at least attempt to control it.

This was especially true after his father’s death. Katie knew that Jim was trying to be on his best behavior. In fact, he hadn’t lost his temper ever since Win had died. So why did he get so angry talking about Jonesy? she wondered. Jim is as honorable and honest as his father was. What was that he said about Jonesy? Katie tried to remember what it was, but she’d been so upset that she didn’t hear him.

Did Jonesy do something to upset Jim? I don’t care how good he’s been to me, If Jonesy has been mean to my baby, I’ll tell him to never set foot near us again. But surely Jim would tell me…

Katie was close to her son. She knew he’d confide in her if anyone had hurt him. Feeling better, she closed the album and packed it away in a box. Yes, Jim would tell me if Jonesy upset him. After all, Jonesy wants to help me and my son. He wouldn’t hurt my boy. Jimmy’s just upset about having to move…

Chapter 14

Jonesy pulled into the Frayne driveway early Saturday morning. The movers had just begun loading their trucks with furniture. His swagger as he climbed out of the truck belied the fact that Jonesy was fraught with insecurity. His heart beat furiously inside his chest as he knocked on the door. However, when Katie opened the door, his heart stopped completely. Each time he saw this woman, he was taken aback by the way she effected him.

“Good morning,” she said pleasantly. “You must’ve gotten up at the crack of dawn to get here so early. You had a long drive.”

Jonesy mustered all his courage and lightly kissed her cheek. “I’m an early bird. But, it would be a lot easier to help you out if you moved a little closer to Albany.” He laughed it off as a joke, but in reality, he meant every word.

Katie stiffened slightly at his greeting, but soon she relaxed. It had been a long time since any man besides Win had touched her so familiarly. It felt good to be treated with such affection.

“Are these workers gettin’ the job done right?” Jonesy asked.

“They’re doing a wonderful job!” she assured him. “Thank you so much again for hiring them. I’ve been a lazy goose all week while they did all the work.”

Jonesy smiled. “I’m glad, Katie. You needed a break. You’ve wore yerself out. I’m happy to hear that you followed my orders.”

“Oh, yes. I knew if I did too much I’d have to answer to you, as well as Jim.”

“Where is yer boy?” Jonesy tried his best to sound like he actually cared about the answer.

“Jim’s taking one last ride before we leave. He’s upset about having to leave his horse.” Katie sighed sadly. “I’m just so worried about him.”

Jonesy once again tried to look concerned. “He ain’t sick, is he?”

Katie shook her head. “He’s just having a difficult time adjusting to all the changes. He was very close to his father. And since Win’s death, I’ve had to go to work. I stayed at home when my husband was alive. I’d always planned on returning to college after Jim got older, but I never did. Now I wish I had. Maybe I could’ve gotten a better job. I have to work so much and get paid so little.

“Last night Jim was very upset about moving. He isn’t used to living in town, and he’ll miss the country. He’s used to spending his free time fishing at the pond or riding his horse on the trails. It’ll be a big adjustment living in a tiny apartment in town.”

“Maybe you and the boy could visit me sometime at my farm,” Jonesy suggested. “I have a pond nearby where Jim could fish, and there’s always lots of animals around.”

“That’d be nice, Jake. I’m sure Jim would enjoy that. I’d really appreciate you spending some time with him. He needs a fatherly influence.”

Jonesy coughed. Me?! A fatherly influence? I was thinking more along the lines of Jim goin’ off to the pond, leaving me alone with you! he thought. He recovered quickly, however, and smiled in the charming way he’d practiced.

“I think that sounds like a fine idea, Katie. You know, I think it’d help yer boy out a lot to be around a man. If Win was here, he’d agree with me.”

Katie nodded. “He is really missing his father. I’m so worried about him. I know that a boy needs the influence of a good man in his life. I just don’t know what to do!”

Jonesy heard how shaky Katie’s voice had become and saw that she was near tears. He hesitantly put a comforting arm around her shoulders, and was relieved when she wrapped her arms around his neck. It felt like a slice of heaven to hold her.

“Don’t you worry, none,” he whispered. “I’d be happy to help out with yer kid any time you need me to. I know how it feels not have a good daddy around. I wouldn’t want anyone to suffer like I did as a boy.”

Katie looked up at him, her eyes shining with appreciation. “I’d do anything in the world for my son. He means the whole world to me.”

There’s yer ticket, Jonesy boy, he told himself. Make nice with Jimmy and it won’t be long until his ma is eatin’ outta yer hand.

Chapter 15

Three months later, in November…

Jim sat miserably in front of the television with his mother and Jonesy. He refused the popcorn his mother offered him. He sulked when he saw Jonesy’s arm creep along the back of the sofa behind his mother’s back, and cringed when he heard her giggle at a comment that Jonesy had made.

Once he and his mother had moved to the apartment, Jim had hoped that Jonesy would lose interest and disappear. However, Jonesy’s presence became even more frequent. He was a regular visitor every weekend. And, sadly for Jim, the small apartment offered no barn to offer sanctuary.

Jonesy hadn’t said one cruel word to him since their last confrontation. When they were alone, Jonesy totally ignored him. If Katie was there, he’d play the role of concerned father figure, asking Jim about his friends and school. Jim almost gagged at the patronizing tone that Jonesy used whenever he spoke to him. It was all Jim could do to remember his vow to never complain about Jonesy ever again to his mother.

“Are you all right, Jimmy?” Katie asked him tenderly.

Jim’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m fine, Mom.”

“Are you sure?” Katie studied her son’s face, not liking the sadness she saw lurking there. “You don’t look fine.”

Jim nodded and attempted a happy expression. “I’m okay, Mom. I’m just thinking about some things.”

“I thought we’d have hot dogs for lunch,” she remarked. “I know they’re your favorite. Are you hungry?”

“I guess so,” he answered with a shrug.

After ruffling his hair, Katie walked into the tiny kitchen, which was only a few steps away from the living room. She was pleased to note the smile on her son’s face.

However, Jim wasn’t happy about the hot dogs. He was happy that his mother had moved away from Jonesy and that his arm wasn’t around her.

“I think we need some more buns,” Katie informed them. “Jimmy, can you walk to the store next door and pick up some?”

Jim looked hesitantly at Jonesy. He didn’t like leaving him alone with his mother. “Uh… sure Mom.”

Jonesy dug his wallet out of his jeans. “Here, kid. This’ll take care of the buns, and you’ll even have some left over to get yerself somethin’.”

Jim reluctantly took the money. “I’ll be right back,” he stated for Jonesy’s benefit. He hurried out the door, determined to be gone as short a time as possible.

Jonesy listened to Jim’s footsteps down the hall. When he was sure the kid was gone, he sauntered into the kitchen. “Need any help?” he asked wrapping his arms around Katie’s waist.

Katie laughed nervously and wiggled out of his grasp. “Shoo, before I burn you,” she gently scolded him. She got the baked beans out of the oven and stirred them.

Jonesy sat down at the kitchen table and watched her. His mother had never been domestic, and watching Katie cook filled him with longing.

“You sure are a good cook,” he commented.

“It’s only hot dogs and baked beans,” she said with a giggle.

“I know, but anything you make is good.”

Katie blushed as she put the beans back into the oven. “Thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.”

“Jim’s lucky to have a ma that cares for him so much.”

“Do you think Jimmy has been more quiet than usual lately?” she asked.

Jonesy shrugged. “I guess so. I thought maybe it was just ‘cause I’m around.” He studied Katie’s reaction, searching for any sign that she didn’t want him there. Thankfully, he didn’t see any indication of that.

“I’m sure it’s not that.” She took a package of macaroni and cheese down from the cupboard and filled a large pot with water. “Jim’s been quiet even when you aren’t here. He just hasn’t been the same since his father died. I’ve been worried about him even more than usual.”

“Is he causin’ you trouble? I could take care of it for you, if you’d like.”

“No, he’s not causing any trouble!” she amended. “He’s just been quiet, and I can tell something has been bothering him. I know he’s still grieving for his father, but recently, it’s been more than that.” Katie banged on a jar of relish, trying to open it.

Jonesy grinned and took the jar from her. He easily opened the jar and handed it back to her. “Is he still mad about moving?”

“I think that’s partially it. I can’t say that I blame him. Everything that made him feel safe and secure has been ripped away from him.” A tear trickled down her cheek.

Jonesy placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. “He still has you.” This time, Katie didn’t pull away. She moved closer and laid her head on his shoulder. Grateful for any excuse to hold her in his arms, he embraced her and rubbed her back in a comforting manner.

“I’m not much,” she sniffed. “I can’t be the parent that Win was. I can’t take him on campouts or mountain climbing or hunting. I can’t even give him a decent place to live!”

“Yer too hard on yerself,” Jonesy whispered. “A good ma goes a long way in raising a boy. I wonder how my life mighta been different if I woulda had a ma like you.”

She looked up at Jonesy, her cornflower blue eyes filled with sympathy. “I’m sorry you had such a rough childhood.”

He shrugged, uncomfortable to reveal so much about himself. “Life stinks sometimes,” he muttered. “You just gotta brush yerself off and get on with life.”

“I just wish I knew how to help my son,” she said as she walked back over to the stove. “I’d do anything for Jim.”

“I bet it’d help yer boy out a lot to have a man nearby,” Jonesy casually suggested.

“I’m sure it would, but unfortunately, this apartment building’s full of old ladies and single women,” Katie laughed. Her expression sobered quickly. “Maybe I should just pack up and go to Sleepyside. Uncle James might let us stay with him.”

“No!” Jonesy exclaimed, fearful he’d never win her heart if she moved to Sleepyside. “I thought you said he hadn’t been well since his wife died. You wouldn’t wanna be a burden to him.”

“I don’t know. Maybe Jim was right. Maybe it would help Uncle James for Jim and me to be there.”

“Katie, I wouldn’t want you to live with him. If he’s crazy like you said, he might not like havin’ a kid around. If he’s not right in the head, he may end up hurtin’ the boy.” Jonesy knew he’d succeeded in convincing Katie not to turn to Uncle James. Her face had turned white with fear.

“You might be right,” she agreed. “I don’t want Jimmy to get hurt.” There was a long moment of silence.

“You could always come to Albany.”

“I couldn’t just pack up and move,” she gasped. “This is our home now, as pathetic as it is, and I don’t have the money to relocate all the way to Albany.”

“You wouldn’t have to worry about all that. You could marry me, and I’d take care of everything.”

Katie’s mouth flew open in stunned silence. She dropped the glass bowl she was holding and didn’t react as it shattered on the ancient linoleum. “I-I couldn’t m-m-marry…”

Jonesy hurried to her side and placed his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “I care about you, Katie. You need takin’ care of. Yer boy, too. He needs the firm hand of a man around.”

“Jake, I can’t marry you,” she repeated, this time with more assurance.

“Why not, Katie? It all makes sense! I need you, Katie, and you need me. I need someone to love me, and you need a husband and a father for yer kid. Marry me, Katie.” He looked at her pleadingly. “Please?”

“But I don’t love—” Katie was interrupted by the slamming of the front door. Jim was home. She began cleaning up the broken glass on the floor so she could finish dinner.

Chapter 16

Katie hurried to the diner Monday morning. “Hey, Rick!” she greeted the owner. “Sorry I’m late.”

“You ain’t late,” Rick said, grinning. “You’ve still got five minutes.”

Katie smiled at her boss thankfully. She tied her apron around her waist and began pairing forks and butter knives to stick into plastic bags. “I had to drop off a permission slip for a field trip Jim’s taking today. Then, his teacher needed to speak to me about something,” she explained.

“Any trouble?”

Katie shook her head. “No, not really. His grades are wonderful. He never disrupts class. He’s very polite and helpful.”

“So, did the teacher just call you in to tell you what a great kid you’ve got?” Rick asked.

“No, unfortunately not. It seems Mrs. Moore’s worried about Jim. She said he looks sad all the time and has withdrawn.” Katie sighed unhappily. “I just don’t know what to do for him.”

“He misses his dad, huh?”

Katie nodded. “Yes, but it’s more than that. He’s been upset ever since we had to move. And he’s worried about me.”

Rick carefully studied Katie. He’d noticed that she was still pale. And her uniform was looking baggy. He was sure she’d lost more weight. “Are you feeling better, Katie?”

“I’m okay,” she replied nervously. Thankfully, the phone rang. “Good morning. Rick’s Diner. How may I help you?” She listened and then covered the receiver. “It’s for you, Rick. A Mr. Sattler. He said it was business.”

“O-okay,” Rick stammered. “I’ll take it in my office.” He quickly left the room. Katie hung up the phone when he picked up the other line.

“Wonder what that was,” she muttered under her breath. Soon, the other waitress on the morning shift hurried in.

“Whew! I made it before the boss man!” Betty exclaimed. She tied her apron around her ample waist and then straightened her nametag.

Katie giggled. “Actually, the boss man is in his office. He got a business call from a Mr. Sattler.”

“A Mr. Sattler, huh?” Betty shook her head in disappointment. “Well, what do you know? I guess Rick might go through with it after all.”

Katie put down the silverware she was sorting. “What’re you talking about, Betty?”

“Oh, I shouldn’t worry you about it, hon. You have enough on your mind. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Betty busied herself placing the silverware bags on the tables.

Rick hurried back in the room and put the “Open” sign up on the door. He went into the kitchen without saying a word to the ladies, which was very unlike him. Rick was a friendly man and liked to gossip as well as his waitresses.

“Wonder what’s wrong with him?” Katie asked with raised eyebrows. “I hope that call didn’t upset him.”

Betty clamped her mouth shut. She was saved from any questions by several customers coming through the door. Katie shrugged her shoulders and grabbed her order pad. There would be time to gossip later.

Several hours later…

After the breakfast and lunch hours, the diner slowed down considerably until 5:00. Katie and Betty each sat at the counter with a cup of coffee.

“Oh, my aching feet!” Betty moaned. “This job sure gets harder as the years go by.” She’d worked for Rick for over twenty years.

“Yes, it’s hard on the feet,” Katie agreed. “But I sure am thankful for this job. Rick really understands if I need to take off for an emergency. And he’s been great letting me work the early shift so that I can be with Jimmy at night. Most every place I applied for said I would have to start at the graveyard shift.”

Betty nodded. “I feel for you, hon. It sure must be hard trying to raise that boy by yourself. And jobs around here aren’t easy to find, unless you have a degree. How’s that cute kid of yours doing?”

“He’s just as handsome as ever,” Katie replied. “I’m worried about him, though. He’s been a bit down lately.”

“Give him time,” Betty advised. “He has a lot of adjustments to make. I’m sure he’ll be fine after he’s had time to get used to all the changes.” She took a sip of her coffee. “You still seein’ that Jones fella?”

“I-I’m not really seeing him,” Katie explained, her cheeks flushing. “He’s just a friend. How did you know about him?” Katie hadn’t mentioned Jonesy to her friends at work.

“He came in right after you got sick. He arranged for Rick to give you paid sick leave. I just assumed that he was courting you.” Betty took another sip of coffee. “Of course, it’s none of my concern.”

Katie grinned. She knew that was a plea for more information. “I thought it was Jake who did that. It was very kind of him.”

“He wasn’t a bad lookin’ fella,” Betty added. “Kind of reminded me of Jack Nicholson when he was younger. He had an authoritative presence about him that makes a woman feel like he’s in control.”

Katie nodded. She felt almost guilty about having thought the same thing. Jake wasn’t as handsome as Win had been, but he was attractive in a dangerous way. Although she wasn’t in love with him, she was growing more fond of him.

“He sure seemed worried about you and Jim,” Betty mentioned casually. “I think he’s sweet on you.”

“I-I guess so,” Katie agreed, her cheeks flushing. “Jake has been very concerned. And he’s been a big help around the house. I don’t know how I would’ve moved without him.”

“Might be nice to have a man around the house again,” Betty went on. She looked carefully at her friend to see her response.

Katie hesitated for a moment. “Yes, I guess it would be. But I don’t love Jonesy, Betty. He already asked me to marry him, and I turned him down.”

Betty chuckled. “There’re a lot of other reasons besides love to get married, hon. My grandmother lost her first man when she was just a young bride. She didn’t have a penny to her name and had a baby on the way. All her family lived miles away, and besides, she was too proud to go crawling back home. Back then, there weren’t a lot of choices for a girl in her shoes. A neighbor man offered to marry her and raise her child as his own. She took him up on it. She didn’t love him right then, but she had to do what was best for her baby.”

Katie’s blue eyes grew wide. “What happened to her?”

“Well, she and my grandfather grew to love each other very much. They had forty happy years together and had five children, six counting her first one. She always said that marrying Granddad was the smartest thing she ever did.”

The bell jingling on the door interrupted their talk. Katie hopped up from the counter.

“I’d better wait on this customer,” she mumbled, deep in thought.

Betty smiled and sipped the last of her coffee. Katie, my friend, I only want what’s best for you. I’ll bet your Jake would make a wonderful husband and father. And Mr. Jones, there’s that good word I promised I’d put in for you, she thought, remembering the generous $50 tip Jacobson Jones had left for her when he’d talked to Rick.

You’ll thank me someday, Katie. And so will that boy of yours.

At the shift change…

The waitresses who worked the evening shift had arrived and taken over dinner preparations. Katie and Betty went into Rick’s office to get their purses.

“Hey, ladies, I need to talk to you before you go,” Rick called. He shut his office door behind him and sat behind his desk.

“I hate having to do this, but I needed to tell you both as soon as possible. I know you depend on this job.”

Katie and Betty exchanged anxious glances.

“I’ve had an offer to sell the place,” Rick explained. “Me and the missus have wanted to retire to Florida for some time now, but we’ve never had the money. Mr. Sattler asked about the place a couple of months ago, and we’ve been negotiating a price. I hadn’t said anything, because I doubted it would work out, but we’ve finally agreed on a price. I kind of hate to leave the old diner, but I doubt I’ll ever be able to match this offer again.”

“Will we still be able to work here for Mr. Sattler?” Katie asked nervously.

Rick sighed and nervously rubbed his bald head. “I talked to him about that. I told him what a great group of waitresses I have working here, but he said it will be a family operation. He has several family members that’ll be cooking and waiting on tables. I’m really sorry, gals.” He looked at them sympathetically. “I have to get back to the kitchen now. I’m sure you ladies won’t have any trouble finding new jobs.”

“Oh, sure,” Betty muttered after Rick left. “Everybody wants to hire a 62-year-old grandma with absolutely no office skills whatsoever.” She looked over at Katie and was alarmed at how pale her friend looked. “Hon, are you all right?”

Katie clutched her chest and gasped for breath. “I’m…f-fine.” Without another word, she grabbed her purse and stumbled to the door.

Chapter 17

Katie somehow managed to walk the block back to her apartment. She was in a daze, totally oblivious to the chilly November wind. For once, she was thankful that Jim would be home late. A neighbor was dropping him off when he returned from his field trip.

Once safe in their apartment, Katie lay on her bed and sobbed. She tried to calm herself down, as the crying made her chest pains worse.

The phone rang. Katie wiped her tears and picked up the receiver. “Hello?” She knew that her voice sounded shaky and the caller would know something was wrong, but there wasn’t much she could do about it.

“You okay, Katie?” Jonesy asked.

“I’m all right,” she answered, trying to control her voice.

“No, you ain’t. Did something happen to Jim?”

“No, Jim’s fine. I just got some bad news today that I’m upset about.” Just thinking about it brought a fresh torrent of tears.

“Hon, I had a delivery to make in Pittsford. I thought since I was so close by that I’d stop in and say hello. I’m calling from a pay phone a few blocks away. I’ll be over in a few minutes, if that’s okay.”

“Yes, I’d like some company,” she told him honestly. She’d be grateful for a shoulder to cry on.

A few minutes later, Jonesy knocked at the door. He took one look at Katie’s swollen eyes and pale complexion and ordered her to sit down. He led her to the sofa. “Let me get you a drink,” he offered. He returned from the kitchen with a glass of ice water. Katie nodded her thanks, and then took several long sip. Jonesy took the glass and put it down on the coffee table.

Jonesy sat down close to Katie and put his arms around her. “What’s wrong?” he prompted. “Did something happen to yer Uncle James?”

Katie shook her head. “No, I just found out that Rick is selling the diner. The new owners won’t need any waitresses, so I’ll be out of a job.”

“Surely you could find somethin’ else.”

“I had enough trouble getting this job,” she cried. “All the other restaurants would start me on the evening shift, and I can’t leave Jim by himself. He acts very grown up, but he’s just a little boy. And th-then…”

“What else is wrong?” he prodded in a concerned voice.

“I talked to Jim’s teacher, and she’s concerned about him. He’s withdrawn and quiet. He’s avoiding the other children. He’s just not acting like himself. I’m just so worried. I don’t know what to do! If I lose my job, I’ll have no way to support us. I just feel so helpless!”

“Marry me!” Jonesy blurted. “I’ll take care of you.”

Katie pulled away and looked at him. “W-what did you say?”

“Marry me,” he insisted. “I’ll be good to you, Katie. Nobody could ever love you like I do.”

“What about Jim?”

Jonesy hesitated briefly. “I swear to you, Katie, that as long as we’re married, I’ll be good to Jim. I’ll feed him, and clothe him, and try to bring him up right.”

“But would you love him?”

“I’ll do my best,” Jonesy choked out. “Marry me, Katie. I’ll take good care of you and yer boy.”

Katie shook her head slowly. “I can’t, Jake. I don’t love you, and it wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be fair to you to have a wife who didn’t love you in return.”

“You’ll learn to love me, Katie. I just know you will,” Jonesy urged.

“I don’t know…”

“What will happen if you don’t? You’ll lose yer home, yer income, and everything. You could lose yer boy too! He might run off to get work or join a gang. What’ll you do if you don’t marry me? How will you take care of him?”

A tear trickled down Katie’s cheek. She grasped her chest as another pain stabbed her. What will happen to Jimmy if I die? she thought for the hundredth time. Anything for my son…

“Jake, I might not be in love with you, but I do care for you.”

“I know you do, Katie.”

“You’ve been awfully good to Jim and me.”

“I love taking care of you. You know that. And I have plenty of money to do it. You wouldn’t ever hafta worry again.”

“Jake—”

“Please, Katie,” he interrupted. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else. I love you.”

“I know you do, but I think it’s only fair to warn you that I’ll never love anyone the way that I loved Win.”

Jonesy nervously swallowed. “That’s all right. I understand. If I treat you the way you deserve to be treated, you’ll come to love me in time. So, what do you say, Katie? Will you marry me?”

His heart pounded in his chest. He was waiting to hear that little three-letter word. Just when he thought she’d never answer, Katie opened her mouth to speak.

“Yes, Jake. I’ll marry you.”