Unloading all the squash and carrots proved tiring for Teresa. Keeping up with Mary was not as easy as it looked. After everything was in order, Mary suggested Teresa take her little girl around the fair and other exhibits. Handing Teresa her VIP card, which entitled the holder to free tickets and rides, Mary encouraged, “You two go have a good time.”
Teresa touched Mary’s hand, her way of saying thank you.
The event was an experience for Teresa and Emma. Besides the farmer’s market, there was a fair, quilting display, and a 4-H club animal exhibit. Every venue was packed with people.
Within hours, the two were having so much fun that Teresa let her guard down. When they exhausted their list of activities, they returned to Mary’s stand, both laughing and happy, to find Mary had sold all her squash and had only half a dozen carrots left.
“Nothing like a pretty lady smiling,” commented a handsome man in a police uniform. “Sorry, Mrs. Mary. I came to tell you that your pumpkin lost to Mr. Avery.”
“They already had the contest. I missed it.” Mary sighed as she straightened her produce. “Oh well, maybe next year. Excuse me, where are my manners? Teresa, this is my friend Tom Anderson. He thinks he has to come and check on me all the time since your father passed away.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.” Teresa shook his hand. “This is my daughter, Emma.”
“You’re William’s daughter? I didn’t know he had a child.”
“We discovered each other only recently,” Teresa responded.
“Oh. Well, I hope you enjoy your stay in our small town.” He paused. “Mary, if you need me, call.” Grabbing an unsold carrot to snack on, he left, only to turn his head back as if scoping Teresa out.
“Nice fellow, that Tom,” Mary said. “He’s a friend.”
“Hi, Grandmother Jones,” said a trio of young teens as they passed by.
“Hello, girls.”
“Grandmother Jones?” ask Teresa.
“Some of the folks call me Grandmother Jones, because I tend to adopt people.”
“Like Emma and myself.”
“Yes, only in this case, you are truly family to me.”
“I’m hungry,” Emma interrupted.
“Me too. Why don’t we clean up and go eat in town? My treat,” Mary said.
Teresa smiled, thankful for Mary’s kindness. She wasn’t accustomed to letting her guard down. The safe feeling she had around Mary, as if home, was priceless. Unlike the past four weeks on the run, careful not to stay anywhere too long…
After they finished their meal at the local diner, they headed home. Jabbering the whole way, Emma talked nonstop about her day, repeating several times, “It was the best fair ever.”
Enjoying her childhood was something Teresa hadn’t seen her daughter do for some time.
Teresa felt more relaxed than she’d been in ages, and she loved the feeling. Having to be so guarded for their protection, she’d forgotten what it was like to be carefree and act her age. After all, she was only twenty-five.
Within a mile of home, Mary cleared her throat. “Teresa, you know I have the garden coming in and I am not as young as I used to be. With your father gone this year…do you think you could stick around a little longer and help me out?”
Could this be what she’d been praying for? Security, happiness, the ability to stay in one place for an extended period?
“Yes! I mean, we would love to help you…if you’re sure we wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
“Oh, you’ll be doing me the favor. There is just such a good deal of work to be done, I couldn’t possibly do it all by myself.”
Did Mary truly need them or did she recognize their desperate need for a place to stay? Teresa might never know the answer, and truthfully, she really didn’t need to. She was just thankful she and her little girl would have a safe retreat, for however long it lasted. Peter would have no reason to search for them in Tennessee.
When they pulled in the driveway and parked, Emma climbed over her mother’s lap in a rush to hop out and explore the farm. The child was once again free—exploring, running, and climbing the old oak tree located in the front yard. As a child should be.
Mary and Teresa carried the bit of leftover produce and empty containers into the house.
“I’ll make some glazed carrots with these for dinner tonight.”
Teresa and Mary worked together to prepare the meal. Pork chops, mashed potatoes, and glazed carrots soon adorned on the table. Teresa called in Emma to wash up.
As they ate, Mary relished the moment. How much she already enjoyed the company that her stepdaughter and grandchild provided.
The evening hours were especially lonely since William’s death. This had been their personal time together, when they would eat, sit, and talk before retreating to bed.
A grateful Teresa insisted on doing the dishes. Fatigued, Mary agreed and retired to her chair, closing her eyes to shut out the rest of the world.
A few minutes later, Teresa came in and directed Emma to go take a bath and prepare for bed. Relaxing, Teresa sat down on the sofa, watching Mary rock back and forth. In a way, she envied Mary, who had no responsibilities except to herself. But, on the other hand, she could not imagine her life without her precious little girl.
Finished her bath, after some assistance from Teresa, Emma bounced into the room, only to settle onto the couch, snuggle against her side, and quickly fall asleep. The four year old seemed to disappear in the overstuffed mattress as Teresa tucked her in place.
Returning to her previous location on the couch, Teresa desperately searched for the right way to open up to Mary about her circumstances and why she had come in search of her father. Mary looked so peaceful, rocking to the gospel songs coming from the TV. Instead of divulging her dark secrets that night, Teresa opted to say goodnight and go to bed. She hated to burden her new friend with her ugly troubles.
* * *
The morning came fast for the city girls. Breakfast was cooked and on the table when Teresa and Emma entered the room. “I would have helped you if you had woke me.”
“I thought you needed your sleep. Besides, I enjoy the quiet of the morning.”
Within the hour, they were outside checking on the remaining pumpkins in the side garden. Then they moved onto the barn, where they mucked out the stalls for the horse and cow.
Beads of sweat formed across Teresa’s forehead. She smiled as she thought of all the exercise classes she paid for, when she could have had a better workout here for free.
By lunchtime, Emma was becoming increasingly cranky. Teresa knew she had to be starved, because her stomach had been gnawing at her for at least thirty minutes. With the last stall finished, Mary finally asked, “Anyone hungry?”
Oh, thank goodness, Teresa thought to herself.
“I am,” Emma yelled out.
“Good. Let’s go and fix lunch.” Mary claimed Emma’s hand and led her to the house. Following behind, Teresa smiled at the sight of Mary helping Emma wash her hands. Her stepmother seemed to truly care.
Mary took out a frozen pizza and slid it in the oven. After they had eaten, Mary excused herself to clean up while Teresa escorted Emma to the bathroom. As Mary finished scrubbing the last plate, an idea formed to surprise Teresa and Emma with some fun. She knew just the place. She made a quick call, thrilled to learn her plans were a go.
Coasting into the living room with a grin as big as Texas, Mary noticed Teresa looking at a photo frame. “This picture on the bookshelf. Is it of my dad?”
“Yes, that’s my dear William and his sidekick, Major. I never saw a dog so devoted to one person. He followed William everywhere, even if it was from the living room to the kitchen.
When William passed away, Major refused to leave the gravesite. I would go and put food out for him, but if he ate anything, I couldn’t tell. Then one day, Major was gone. Never saw him again after that. I believe he just grieved himself to death. Except…I don’t want you to think I’m crazy,
but sometimes I believe I see William and Major walking toward the farm, as they had done so often after a day in the woods.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy, Mary. It comforts me to hope William and Major are watching over us.”
“Well, enough about that. Let me see…what did I come in here to tell you? Ah, yes. You both need to get a jacket and your boots, as we are going on a little adventure.”
“Okay. But what—”
“You’ll see.” Mary winked.
Puzzled by Mary’s statement, and certainly curious, Teresa took Emma’s hand, grabbed their jackets, and tugged on their boots as directed. She followed Mary out to the truck.
The road was unpaved, bumpy, and so narrow, Teresa wondered what would happen if they met a car on the road. A few miles later, they arrived at another farm. A smell, not pleasant but tolerable, floated through the air. Several old barns were located across the property. Parking close to the biggest, the three stepped out. Teresa and Emma trailed after Mary into a large, covered arena. Mary smiled as a beautiful, brown horse was brought to them, followed by a tan and white pony. “I thought we all could use a little fun today. So I called and arranged this earlier, after I finished cleaning the kitchen.”
Tom Anderson popped up between the horses. “Ladies, welcome to the Circle A Riding Ranch. I’ll be your instructor for today.”
Leaning into Mary, Teresa whispered, “I thought he was the sheriff.”
“He is. It’s his day off.”
“Who’s first?”
“I am!” screamed Emma.
“First lesson—no screaming, especially around the horses.”
Tom saddled the pony and placed the youngster on the horse. Then he led the animal out into the arena, instructing Emma about sitting straight and how to stop and start. A huge grin overtook Emma each time she passed her mother and Mary.
Teresa patted Mary’s shoulder. “She loves this. Thank you.”
“I hope you will too.”
“Me? I never rode before. I’ll be honest…I’m kind of scared.”
“Nothing to it. Tom taught me how to ride a few months ago. I was scared too, but Tom is there with you and the fright goes away. You’ll see. He is a natural born teacher.”
As the pony finished its last circle, Tom and Emma returned to the posting area. Lifting the little girl off the saddle, he said, “Now tell everyone what the number one rule is.”
“Never be around horses without an adult.”
“Good girl,” Tom said.
“I’m so proud of you. You did such a good job.” Teresa hugged Emma.
“Your turn, Mom,” Tom said, smiling big as he tied the pony’s reins to the fence and guided the beautiful, brown horse closer to Teresa.
Mary motioned for her to give it a try.
“I’ll help you up.”
“I think I can do it myself.” Teresa struggled with the saddle until Tom finally stepped in and gave her a lift from behind. As she settled in and regained her composure, embarrassed Tom needed to assist her, she claimed the reins. Tom led the horse out into the arena. Each time Teresa finished a lap, her daughter clapped with excitement and she couldn’t help laughing. Teresa didn’t want to admit it, but she was having fun. Tom had to be the most even-tempered and patient man she’d ever met.
As the lesson ended, Teresa realized she hadn’t thought about anything but riding the horse—certainly not her problems—and she loved it. Climbing down, Teresa walked toward her family.
“I think your mother enjoyed herself,” Mary said as she lifted Emma up to the fence.
“What did you both think about the riding lessons?”
“Fun,” replied Emma.
“It was fun,” Teresa said, trying to ignore her attraction to Tom. She was in no position to be involved with anyone. The baggage she carried was overwhelming and she wasn’t sure when she would be free.
Tom tried not to focus his attention too much on Teresa, but his interest was piqued, as was the feeling that the young mother was hiding something. The worst thing he could do was to scare her away by pushing her too hard for a date. After all, this was only their second meeting.
CHAPTER THREE
That evening, Teresa lounged on the couch. As she stood to prepare Emma and herself for bed, soreness seized her thighs and calves. With every step, she moaned, causing her daughter to laugh.
“I don’t think I have ever been this sore before.”
“Horse riding can sneak up on you the first time.” Mary grinned. “There’s some pain reliever in the bathroom cabinet if you want to take something.”
“Thanks. I believe I will.”
“You’re welcome,” Mary replied.
After brushing their teeth and a quick change into pajamas, mother and daughter returned to the couch to join Mary for her nightly ritual of watching rerun episodes of Andy Griffith. Falling asleep before the last ten minutes of the show, Emma dropped her head across her mother’s lap. As she caressed her daughter’s hair, Teresa’s mind drifted to Tom.
“Mary, what do you know about Sheriff Anderson?
“He moved here a few of years ago. He’s single, if that is what you’re asking.”
Quickly, Teresa answered, “No! I mean…that isn’t what I wanted to know. He just seemed to be a nice person and good with horses.”
“Yes, Tom is good with horses. He owns a couple and keeps them at the Circle A.”
“So he rides a lot.”
“I suppose. But he stays pretty busy as the sheriff.”
“Do you think he would be able to give us future riding lessons? Emma enjoyed it so much.”
“Emma did have a great time,” Mary agreed. “We’ll ask him about it this Sunday at church.”
“Good. Well, it’s getting late and I need to carry Emma in bed. So, I guess I’ll say goodnight.”
“Okay, dear. Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.”
With an exaggerated yawn, Teresa scooped Emma up and disappeared into the bedroom. A smile crossed Mary’s face as she also stood. “Goodnight, Lord.”
* * *
Teresa woke to the sun warming the bedroom and gazed over at her beautiful daughter, who looked so peaceful Teresa decided not to wake her. It was good she slept a little longer, because today would surely prove active.
After Teresa dressed, she went into the kitchen. The smell of coffee already drifted throughout the house. The tiny room was brightened by the large window and cheerful yellow walls. An aged butcher block countertop covered the cream-colored cabinets. The pine wood floor showed years of wear and tear, but to Teresa, this kitchen was beautiful.
In her housecoat, Mary sat at the table drinking her coffee.
“I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I overslept.”
“You look like you’re in deep thought.”
“You know, I have been, and I’ve decided that I’m going to take the day off. I’ve not done that in…well, I can’t even remember.”
“Is there anything special you want to do?” Teresa poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.
“Oh…I think I am going to lay around the house and catch up on some reading.”
Teresa desperately wanted to spill her guts to Mary. She had come to trust her. After all, she was her stepmother, and she needed a family more than ever now.
“Mary, I’d like to explain the reason we showed up on your doorstep.”
“Very well.” Mary reached out and touched Teresa’s hand.
“I came here to hide from my husband, my ex-husband, because he won’t accept we’re through...” Pausing, she took a sip of coffee. “My mother even moved to another state so we could free ourselves from Peter. When I was able to slip away with Emma, we left and went to my mom’s new place.”
Reaching out, Mary touched Teresa’s hand again, giving her the support to go on with her story.
“I’d had run from him before, but he always found me. The beatings were worse wi
th each time…” Her voice cracked.
“Oh, sweetheart. Why didn’t you call the police?”
“His father is the police—the chief of police, to be exact. I’m not the first girl Peter has abused, but I am lucky in that at least I lived.”
“Lived! Why did you marry someone like him for?” Mary covered her mouth. “I’m sorry. I should have said that. I’m sure you had your reasons.”
“At first, he was great. Kind and generous. A bit glamorous for a simple girl like me. I guess I got swept up in his lifestyle. We were always going out to fancy restaurants and he’d buy me nice things. I thought he had a good job, but…but…”
“Go on, sweetie.”
“Then I found out he deals drugs. I didn’t know it until after we were married, and I was pregnant with Emma. I confronted him, and the honeymoon was over. As time went on, he became irritable about every little thing, and then he turned violent. At first, he would apologize, but toward the end he didn’t even bother to do that.”
“What about the girl who died?” Mary’s voice quivered, as if she were afraid to ask.
“They couldn’t prove Peter had anything to do with her death. The police said she overdosed and then drowned in the tub, but her family said she always took showers, and that Peter had gotten her hooked on drugs to keep her compliant. The parents suspect his dad covered up any evidence of foul play. The man staying in the hotel room next to them reported that he heard intense arguing the night she died. Peter’s never admitted his guilt, not exactly, but he’s hinted that the same thing could happen to me.”
“This is awful, Teresa. We have got to protect you from this monster. Are you sure that he has no idea where you are now?”
“No, I don’t think so. When I found the letters that William and my mother had exchanged, and I learned that he was my father, I kept the evidence with me always.”
Mary shook her head again, clearly in shock from Teresa’s story.
“After Mom passed away, I started finding dead roses left on the doorstop. Peter knows they’re my favorite flower. One morning, garbage was thrown all over the yard. Strange phone calls in the middle of the night unnerved me. But it wasn’t until he left Emma’s stuffed lamb in the mailbox that I confirmed he had found us. He’s the only one who knew that Emma carried that lamb everywhere. Peter feeds off of the fear of others.”
A Christmas Gift for Mary Jones Page 2
