Alternate Ending

Author’s note:

If you’d like to see this story end a new way, this replaces the Epilogue where Katie marries Jonesy.

Chapter 18

Katie held on to Rick’s arm as she made her way up the aisle. In a few minutes, she would be Mrs. Katje Jones. Somehow, that thought didn’t please her.

It frightened her.

“Are you sure about this?” her former boss whispered as they made their way up to the front. “It’s not too late to bolt.”

It wasn’t like this last time, Katie thought to herself. I never had a doubt when I was walking up the aisle to meet Win.

Memories of a happy wedding flooded her mind. That day, she had walked toward her groom with confidence that she was doing the right thing. She’d loved Win with all her heart; no, that wasn’t correct. She still loved him with all her heart.

Hoping for some reassurance, Katie looked up at her groom-to-be. Jonesy stood at the altar, slightly stoop-shouldered. He nervously slicked back his dark hair with his hand. She grimaced, just thinking about running her fingers through it.

If only it was thick and red, she thought.

Katie glimpsed around at the guests who’d come to the wedding. She’d wanted to be married in the courthouse, but Jonesy had insisted that they “do things right”. He made the arrangements at the church, hired a florist, decorator, and even caterers for the reception. He begged her to allow him to purchase a white wedding dress for her to wear, although this was her second marriage.

Now, dressed in the simple white gown, Katie felt uncomfortable. The lace was itchy, the material was too hot, and it was a struggle not to trip on the long skirt. She had felt like a princess on her wedding day to Win. But, today was different. Instead of a wedding, it felt as if she were going to a funeral.

Katie took a deep cleansing breath. She tried to focus her attention on the man who would become her groom. She was sure of Jonesy’s love. She knew in her heart that she didn’t love him in return, but she hoped to someday. He had on an expensive tuxedo, but it didn’t flatter him. It only seemed to accentuate how hunched his shoulders were.

I wonder why I never noticed that before, she thought. Win would’ve filled out that jacket just right. His shoulders were so broad…

Hastily, she removed all thoughts of her beloved first husband from her mind. You can’t think of one man when you’re getting ready to marry another! Katie tried to return her thoughts to the man who was waiting to pledge his love to her at the altar.

She looked up and nervously smiled at Jonesy. When he smiled back, all Katie could think about was how yellow his teeth were. The thought of kissing him at the end of the ceremony sickened her.

And what about after the ceremony, on our honeymoon? she thought distastefully. What am I going to do when we’re alone?

The thought made her cling to Rick’s arm, slowing down their progress considerably. Katie glanced at the front once more. She spied Jim, looking handsome in his tuxedo. When she smiled at him, she noticed that he looked unhappy. He tried to muster one of his lopsided grins, but Katie could tell it was a struggle.

When Jonesy discovered that Katie was looking at Jim, he nonchalantly put his arm around the boy. Katie saw the way Jim stiffened at her groom’s touch. A look of absolute repulsion passed over Jim’s face, a look which Jonesy returned. Jonesy glanced over at Jim, his eyes full of hatred.

At that moment, Katie and Rick reached the front. Rick lifted her veil and kissed her cheek. As he leaned over to her, he whispered, “It’s not too late. There’s a car waiting outside, if you change your mind.”

Katie smiled weakly at him. Rick took his seat, and the dashingly handsome minister J began the service.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Jacobson Jones and Katje Frayne. Marriage is an institution of divine appointment and is commended as honorable among all men. It is the most important step in life and should not therefore be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but discreetly and soberly. I solemnly require and blah, blah, blah…”

The words jumbled together in Katie’s mind. The room started spinning around her. A sudden heat crept up her neck and made her cheeks burn.

Leave, Katie! Leave! Win’s voice shouted in her ear. Don’t do this! This is wrong! You can’t marry Jonesy! You don’t love him!

Katie looked up when she heard the minister say her name.

“And do you Katje, take this man to be your awful, er, I mean lawful wedded husband; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses that you will love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others keep thee only unto him so long as you both shall live?”

“I-I…I don’t!” Katie looked at Jonesy with tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t.”

Jonesy looked at her, too stunned to say a word. His mouth gaped open, revealing his cigarette-stained teeth.

Jim jumped jubilantly in the air, repeating “Yes!” over and over again. He hopped off the platform to make his way to his mother. Before he could reach her, however, Jonesy grabbed his arm.

“This is all yer fault, you little brat!” he hissed. He raised his hand to slap Jim.

Suddenly, all Katie’s strength returned to her. Filled with righteous anger, she grabbed Jonesy’s arm before he could hit Jim. “If you ever lay a hand on my son, you’ll be singing soprano. Permanately!” Then she kicked him in the groin with her pointy-toed shoe to give him a sample of her threat.

As Jonesy doubled over, moaning in pain, Jim ran into his mother’s arms. “I’m so glad you didn’t marry him, Mom!” he cried. “I hated his guts!”

“Me too, Jimmy! Now let’s get out of here.”

“You can’t just leave,” Jonesy whined, the pain making it difficult to talk.

“Just watch us!” Jim hooted, landing a skillful right hook on Jonesy’s nose. However, being the honorable young man that he was, he kindly tossed Jonesy his handkerchief to sop up the blood streaming from his rapidly swelling, crooked nose.

Chapter 19

The next week…

Katie and Jim pulled into the driveway of Ten Acres. At first, they were shocked by the condition of their uncle’s property. But with a smile and a shrug, Katie opened the truck door.

“Looks like we have our work cut out for us, Jimmy.”

James hobbled out of the house. He was much too thin and his clothes were ragged, but he looked ecstatic to see his relatives.

“Katie, is that you?” he called, holding out his feeble arms in welcome. “I was so happy when you called and said you’d be coming here to Sleepyside.”

Katie embraced her uncle tenderly. The fact that he was related to her only by marriage was of no importance. Katie dearly loved this man who so reminded her of her late husband. She was determined to take care of him and get him and his property back into pristine condition.

“And this must be little Jim!” James replied. Happy tears pooled in his green eyes, and pride caused his chest to swell with pride.

Jim eagerly hugged this newfound relative. “It’s good to see you again, Uncle James. It sure is swell of you, letting us move here.”

“Oh, pashaw!” James said, flipping his hand in an exasperated manner. “That’s what family’s for. Besides, I’ve been so lonely since Nell died. It’ll be good to have you and your mother here.”

“I’m happy to hear that our presence is welcome, but I don’t understand, Uncle James,” Katie began. “You have several neighbors around. Don’t you visit with the people that live in that beautiful estate on the hill?”

James shook his head. “Nobody’s lived in the Manor House for years. I guess no one from these parts can afford such a house. It’s a bit ostentatious, if you ask me.”

“Aren’t there any other neighbors?” Katie prodded.

“Just those dad-blame Beldens,” James snorted. “Trying to take my land!” He waved his feeble fist. “That nincompoop judge ruled against me, and Peter Belden got that patch of woods. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t try and take the rest of my property!”

Katie had heard about the boundary dispute. She and Jim smiled at each other, and Katie winked at her son conspiratorially. Uncle James certainly had a large dose of that Frayne temper.

“Now, Uncle James, we’ve seen your deed, and that tiny patch of poison ivy did belong to the Beldens,” Katie soothed. “Besides, what do you want with that little bit of woods when you already have ten lovely acres? You should just let bygones be bygones.”

James grumbled under his breath.

“Do the Beldens have any kids?” Jim asked. “It’d be fun to have some friends to hang around with.”

“Well now, they have two boys about your age. And I think Mrs. Belden had another boy a couple of years ago. And they’ve got a harum-scarum daughter, as she’s known around these parts. She and her brothers are constantly chasing their blasted puppy on my property.”

Jim smiled at the description of the Belden girl. “Maybe I’ll run into them sometime.”

“Knowing Beatrix Belden, she’ll run into you!” James predicted.

Chapter 20

Katie and Jim worked for days giving the mansion a thorough cleaning. It would take a great deal more work, but Katie enjoyed it. It helped take her mind off of her grief. She was getting stronger each day. In fact, she hadn’t felt this well since before Win died.

After a long day of painting, she decided it was time for a break. “Jim, you’ve worked hard all day. Why don’t you play outside while I fix dinner?” she suggested.

Jim wanted to help his mother, but some unknown force was drawing him outside. “Okay, Mom. I would like to explore a little.”

He went outside and looked around his great uncle’s property. He was getting ready to check out an old dilapidated summerhouse, when he heard yelling.

“Reddy! Come back here!” a young voice shouted.

Before Jim could move, he was knocked over by a hyper puppy and a sturdy blonde. Dazed, Jim looked up into the bluest eyes he had ever seen.

“Gleeps! Sorry about that!” the blonde girl said, holding out her hand to help him up. “I had to catch my puppy before he went on the miser’s property. Reddy likes to chase his chickens.”

Jim smiled and touched the girl’s hand. He jumped at the instant spark of electricity he felt. “Who are you?”

The blonde smiled and tossed her unruly curls. “I’m Trixie Belden. I live over there at Crabapple Farm. What’s your name?”

“I’m Jim Frayne. My mom and I just moved here from Rochester. We’re living with my uncle. The miser.” He added the last two words in a teasing tone.

Trixie blushed to the roots of her sandy curls. “Golly, Jim! I’m sorry! I didn’t know he was your uncle. I’m always putting my foot in my mouth.”

Jim smiled. “It’s all right. I know how Uncle James can be.”

“Did you fi…” the new voice stopped at the sight of the redheaded stranger. “Hey, who are you?”

Jim stared at the dark-haired boy now standing before him. A sandy-haired boy who looked exactly like Trixie quickly caught up to them. He held a doughnut in one hand and an apple in the other.

“I’m Jim Frayne, and I just moved here. Glad to meet you.”

“I’m Brian Belden,” the older boy answered.

“Amb I’m Marm,” the blond boy garbled, his mouth full of food.

Trixie rolled her eyes. “In case you couldn’t understand, his name is Mart.”

“It sure is swell that you all live nearby,” Jim said. “Maybe we can go hunting or fishing together sometime.”

“That’d be great!” Brian exclaimed. “We’ve got a friend named Tom that takes us to all the best hunting and fishing spots. I bet he’d take you, too! He works at the Cameo at night, but he’s free all day.”

“That’d be fun!” Jim’s attention shifted to the girl with pretty blonde girls. “Do you like to hunt and fish, Trixie?”

She shrugged and picked at a grass stain on her jeans. “Usually I’m too busy helping Moms with Bobby. He’s our younger brother, and he’s always into trouble.”

“Like his sister,” Brian teased with a grin.

“Natch,” agreed the boy who could pass as Trixie’s twin.

Jim smiled, enjoying the Beldens’ banter. “I’ll have to meet him sometime.” He admired the curls that framed Trixie’s heart-shaped face. There was one curl, right in the middle of her forehead, which reminded him of a nursery rhyme his mother used to quote to him. Jim longed to tug on that corkscrew strand of hair.

“I’m sure Moms would let you come over to dinner sometime,” Trixie offered. “She’s a great cook.”

“I’d like that.”

“Where were you heading to before the supposedly fair Beatrix knocked you off your feet?” Mart asked, wiping the doughnut crumbs from his chin.

Jim shrugged. “There’s an old summerhouse over there. I thought I might check it out.”

“Gleeps! I love exploring!” Trixie enthused, her china blue eyes shining. “Maybe we could help you clean it up!”

“It would be a neat place for a fort,” Brian commented. “Or maybe a clubhouse.”

“Boy, it sure would be fun to have a club,” Jim remarked. “Hey, maybe we could start one.”

The Belden kids agreed in unison.

“Well, we’d better get home,” Brian said.

“Yeah, it’s dinnertime,” Mart added. “I’m starved.”

“See ya, Jim,” Trixie called, flashing a dimpled smile at the redheaded boy.

“Bye!” Jim called to his new friends.

Jim smiled and headed back to his new home, truly happy for the first time in a long while. He’d been dreaming of living in the country again and having some good friends.

“Sometimes,” he decided, “dreams really do come true!”

Credits:

When I mentioned doing an alternate ending, I didn’t actually plan to write one. However, I had several positive responses, so I decided to try a KK ending. Hope you all enjoy it.

Thank you to KayRenee who did a lightning fast edit job on this! Your suggestions were priceless, my friend! If you ever come back to this page, I miss you.

I had to let my handsome husband make a cameo appearance. Did you recognize him? J Of course, for the record, my dh has never said ‘awful’ wedded husband. But I just had to put that slip of the tongue in there!

Did you catch all the references to The Secret of the Mansion? I also had to make Trixie and Jim meet the same way that Win and Katie met. Yes, I’m an incurable romantic!

And I’m sure all you Trixie fanatics know who Tom is!

And the final quote of this ending is directly from The Red Trailer Mystery, but said by Jim. I had to get that in there somewhere since I already messed up the program!

Thank you all for reading!