by Mercy Levy
“Even still, I have been so ungrateful to you, and you have done nothing but show me kindness. I don’t deserve anything you have done for me, and now you are on the verge of losing everything,” she said. He sighed. He couldn’t argue with that fact, but at the same time, he didn’t want her to feel as though she was responsible for it.
“Look, everything is going to work out. Some way, somehow. It always has in the past, and I know that it will in the future. I just thank God that I can still think, that I can still walk, and that I still can work.” He looked down at his hands then touched his head, and she shook her head.
“How can you thank God in a time like this? You are about to lose everything in your life, and you are going to thank Him? Shouldn’t you be asking Him why he is letting these things happen to you? You could have been killed!” Jane didn’t know what else to say. She didn’t understand her husband, and though she very much wanted to, she didn’t feel that she often could. It was as though he thought about things entirely different from her, and in spite of her greatest efforts, she simply did not understand.
Jack smiled at her and shook his head.
“God always takes care of us, and that is why I am thankful. So many things could have happened that didn’t, and I am going to thank Him for that. At the same time, he has provided me with so much, even with the hardship, and I am going to thank Him for that as well. You can’t go through your life thinking that anyone owes you anything, that is not what life is about. It’s not what you can get, it’s what you can give. Always be thankful, Jane.” He spoke with such conviction, she didn’t see any room for argument.
For the first time in her life, she was truly able to see what it meant to be grateful, and she felt ashamed that she had taken so much for granted. Instead of being miserable for moving to the West, she should have been grateful that she didn’t end up on the streets. She should have been grateful for the kindness he has shown her, and she should have been grateful that nothing worse had happened.
There were so many things she had to be thankful for in her life, and they were things she never realized were important before. With tears in her eyes, she walked over and sat down next to Jack, putting her hands over his.
“I’m so, so sorry, Jack. I have taken so much for granted here. I love you, and I have treated you more terribly than anyone else I know. You deserve so much more, and from now on, I want to be there to make sure you are treated that way.” She looked into his eyes and spoke with such conviction, she knew she looked serious.
He looked at her with clear surprise in his eyes. “I thought you wanted to go back home?”
“You are my home. I have never been loved like you love me, nor have I ever had anyone care about my happiness like you care about mine. You really would give me anything, and I know that is because of your love. Jack, I want to spend the rest of my life with you—for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I love you.” She could hardly believe the words were coming out of her mouth, but Jane knew that she meant every word that she said.
She had finally learned how to be thankful for the life she had been given, and she realized what was important. She didn’t want to lose her husband as she had always lost everything else. No matter what, nothing could replace the love that they had for each other—and no money or other kind of wealth could even compare.
“Jane, I know you are feeling sorry about what happened, but I can’t let you throw away your happiness because of that. I am most likely going to be living on the streets. I am going to have to start all over again, and I am okay with that.” Jack looked at her with the most serious expression on his face and she sighed. She knew he was right, if she was making this decision, she was going to have to be happy with it.
It wasn’t fair to her, and it certainly wasn’t fair to him to go back on her word a second time. But when she thought about leaving—when she thought about having a big empty mansion married to a man who only cared about appearances and money—she couldn’t imagine why she would go through with it.
Although she hadn’t realized it before, when she was with Jack, she was happy. He had shown her what life was really about, and she wanted to live that with him. She didn’t care about money any longer. All she wanted was to be together—no matter what life threw their way. On a sudden impulse, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
They shared a long, passionate kiss, and when she finally pulled back, she looked at him with the most serious look in her eyes she could muster. “I love you, Jack, and I choose to be with you.”
A slow smile spread over his face, and he drew her in for another kiss. As soon as their lips met, all doubts were erased from her mind. This was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with—for richer or poorer.
Chapter 15
“Well, I guess this is it,” Jack said as he looked around the kitchen. Neither he nor Jane wanted to leave, but they hadn’t been able to find anything to sell, and because of that they hadn’t been able to get nearly the money they needed to save the farm. They would have to turn it over to the bank, and decide what they were going to do next.
Although in the pit of her stomach, Jane didn’t know how she was going to enjoy living out of a hotel—or even worse, living at the church or on the streets—she knew she was going to have to be willing to go through with it. She had promised Jack that she would, and she owed it to him to stick with that promise.
“Is this really it?” Jane asked as she looked around the room. In the month she had been living there, she had never really taken the time to look at everything as it was. Her eyes had always been too critical to be loving before, but now, she didn’t want to leave any of it. She could see the hard work that had gone into each piece of furniture or kink in the wall, and she admired it all. Jack looked emotional himself, but he nodded, not wanting to show any sad emotions to her.
It was hard enough that they were leaving, he didn’t want her to feel any more responsible for the situation than she already did. He put his arm around her, and they turned to go to the door when there was suddenly a knock that startled them both.
“Who do you think that is?” Jack asked as he smiled at her. She knew it was going to be Mr. Rook, but she just shook her head. Jack walked over to the door and threw it open, ready to have a comment for the man who was about to take their home. However, it wasn’t Mr. Rook, but Mrs. Patmyre, a woman from church.
“Hello, hello!” she said as she walked in. In her hands, she was holding a pot of soup. Without waiting to tell them what was happening, she walked in and set it on the table. Shortly after, Mrs. Jordan also arrived with a casserole. She set it next to the soup. After her came Mrs. Briggs, then Mrs. Hammit. Each woman who came in set more food on the table, and though they all said hello to Jack and Jane, they were more focused on talking to each other.
“Look!” Jane said as she pointed out the window. Jack looked out and gasped. All the husbands to these women were in the barnyard tending to all the things Jane hadn’t been able to do herself. It was a magnificent sight, with each one working together to make the job go smoothly. More couples arrived, and soon the kitchen was filled with many of their neighbors.
Both Jack and Jane were doing their best to get an explanation out of someone, but no one was answering. Finally, Pastor Davis stood and raised his glass, holding up his hands and quieting the room.
“My apologies for the intrusion, Jack, but I didn’t think you would mind. With all that has happened, we didn’t think that you had the time to make a dinner, Mrs. Franklin.” He smiled at Jane who blushed and shook her head.
“This is very kind of you, but we can’t stay,” she said. He held up his hand, stopping her from saying anything else.
“Hold on there, and let me finish,” he said. He reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope, then held it up for the room to see.
“As you have all heard, this couple has had their fair share of struggles. But, I must say, through it all, it
has been amazing to see how the two of them have worked through them all. When I heard from the doctor what happened with Mr. Rook, I knew that we had to act. I am thankful that you have chosen to stay, Mrs. Franklin, and I have to say, we are pleased to provide you with this.” He held out the envelope and Jack took it, but instead of opening it himself, he handed it to Jane.
She looked at him for a moment, then she slid her finger under the wax and broke the seal, opening the flap on the front of the paper. Inside, there was more than enough money to keep the house and pay for Jack’s medical bills.
“We took a collection, and we hope that you are willing to accept. I know that this is all sudden, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all happy to have you hear. You have both endured hardship, but when we work together, I think we can overcome anything,” Pastor Davis said. Jane was speechless.
“You didn’t have to,” Jack said, answering for her. His voice cracked as he spoke, and Jane knew he was just as emotional as her. They were both very much cared for by the people in town, and though they had had their hardships as well, it was clear they were going to come through for the family.
“I know you were supposed to have that yesterday, but let me assure you, Mr. Rook has agreed to take what we have collected. I told him that we were going to give this to you today, and we are grateful to him that he allowed us to do so.” Pastor Davis raised his glass, and at that moment, Mr. and Mrs. Rook walked in.
“We hope we aren’t too late. I know this might seem a bit awkward, but no hard feelings,” Mr. Rook said as he looked at Jack. Jack laughed and held up his hand.
“You’re welcome here if you cannot take my house!” he cried out. Mr. Rook pointed to Jane.
“If you want to say something about that, look no further than that wife of yours. She is the one who convinced me to give you more time anyway.” He laughed and Jack put his arm around his wife.
“Well, I think we are all in agreement that we have plenty to be thankful for!” Pastor Davis said, and a series of agreement ran through the room as each person shouted an amen. Even Jane yelled out her agreement, and Jack held her closer than he had before.
“Everyone, I want to thank you all for coming, and please, make yourselves at home!” Jack called, and after a cheer ran through the crowd, everyone started helping themselves to the food and eagerly chatting with each other. Jack, however, turned his attention to Jane.
“You are amazing, and I want you to know that throughout all of this, you are the one thing I thank God for every day of my life.” A slow smile spread over her face, and she nodded.
“There was a time I couldn’t say the same, but now, I want you to know that you, too, are the biggest thing that I am grateful for, and always will be. Happy Thanksgiving, my love.” She looked into his eyes as she spoke, and he laughed.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” he replied. He didn’t wait for her to say anything else, but bent forward and pressed his lips against her. In the midst of the crowd, the couple shared a kiss, and Jane knew, without any doubts in her mind, she had made the right decision.
And she was thankful.
THE END
Albert’s Christmas Mail Order Bride
Chapter 1 – Melted Snowflakes
"Joy to the world! The Lord comes! Let Earth receive…" the voices drifted off into the night as the carolers passed by, leaving a trail of silence behind them.
“Father, would you like to go out tonight? It might do you some good to see some other people and hear the singing. I know how you love singing.” Jasmine Garfield gently nudged her father on the arm, trying to wake him.
His snoring continued, so Jasmine tried once more. He grunted as he stirred, then sat up in his chair. He looked around the room, confused for a moment; then his eyes settled on his daughter.
“What? Jasmine! What are you doing? How many times have I told you not to bother me in my study? Get out!” Mr. Garfield glared at his daughter angrily, and though she tried to explain why she was in the study, he wouldn’t listen.
“I said get out! You know you aren’t allowed in here! Out I say!” He slammed his hand on the desk, and Jasmine pursed her lips as she turned and hurried out of the room. She gently closed the door behind her, fighting the tears that filled her eyes as she did.
She could smell the alcohol on her father as she had tried to wake him. He wasn’t working in there, and she knew it. He was drinking. Ever since her mother had passed when she was only ten years old, her father had drunk far more than he should, far more often than he should.
The bank notes and other bills had started to pile up, and there were letters from the collectors asking for pay. But Jasmine had no money of her own, and she knew her father was spending it faster than he was earning it.
The owner of a small fishing business, it had been a long time since he had been on the water. Lately, he had hired her two cousins to take the boat out and catch the fish, but they were bringing back fewer and fewer each trip they made, but her father spent money as though they were catching as many as they had been over the summer.
Jasmine knew his money was going primarily to the local saloon, and it bothered her greatly. The more her father drank, the meaner he became. He rarely had anything nice to say to her anymore, and she really disliked the friends he had made.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Jasmine quickly dried her eyes and took a deep breath. After pausing for a second, she opened it quickly, unsure of who she would find on the other side. To her relief, it was the reverend’s son, Tristen.
“Miss Garfield! Hello. I wondered if you might by home. Father asked if I might stop by and inquire how your father is doing? He was supposed to meet for the donation to the charity this afternoon, but I’m afraid we didn’t see him there.” He looked over her shoulder, but Jasmine smiled and stepped outdoors, pulling the door closed behind herself.
“Father is fine, but I am afraid he’s quite caught up with… business at the moment. I will be happy to let him know you stopped by.” She smiled nervously, hoping her father wouldn’t come outdoors. Tristen looked first at her, then back to the house, as though he was uncertain as to believe her.
“That is unfortunate. You see, the orphanage is running short this year, and your father’s usually one of our top donors. I would greatly appreciate a word with him.” He smiled down at her, but Jasmine put her hand out, stopping him from coming toward the door.
“I understand, and I am sorry for that, but as I said, Father is busy right now. I-“
“Jasmine! Who is it?” Suddenly the door opened from behind her, and Mr. Garfield stepped out. He looked at Tristen, and his face changed. Rising to his full height, Mr. Garfield crossed his arms over his chest before speaking.
“Mr. Bernard. What brings you to my house? Do you call on young ladies uninvited often?” He looked at Tristen arrogantly, but Tristen shook his head.
“No, no. It’s nothing like that. I was here because of the meeting this afternoon; I expected to see you there." Tristen looked calm, but Mr. Garfield's face changed.
"If I wanted to donate, I would've come to the meeting!" He roared. Tristen took a step back and excused himself for being forward.
“I understand that, but I just thought-“he tried, but Mr. Garfield continued.
“You get off my property! Off! I don’t want to see you come back again, do you hear me? And you, young lady, you get inside this instant!” He pointed toward the door, and helplessly, Jasmine walked back inside. She could hear her father still yelling at Tristen, and she wished she hadn’t answered the knock in the first place.
Suddenly, her father came back in, looking angry.
“Jasmine! You don’t open that door for anyone, anyone! Do you understand?” He looked at her harshly, and Jasmine didn’t know what to say. She nodded slowly.
“All they want is my money. But they’re not going to get it! I refuse. It’s my money, and it’s mine to do with as I please. You stay in the house
from now on, understand?” He turned back to his daughter, who nodded once more.
“I said do you understand?!” Her father shouted, and Jasmine stammered a reply.
“Y-y-yes Father. I’ll stay inside.” She hesitated, wanting to say more, but her father nodded approvingly.
“Good. Now I’m going to bed. Don’t stay up too late.” And with that, he walked back into his study, closing the door behind him. Feeling defeated, Jasmine walked to the window, looking out at the snow that had lined the panes.
She could see Tristen walking up the street, toward the church, and she would have given anything to be able to go with him. Life with her father was only getting harder, and now he had completely cut her off from the world.
Chapter 2 – An Unwanted Marriage
“Merry Christmas to you, Good Sir! And you, Miss!” A young boy pushed past Jasmine and her father, ignoring the gruff reply Mr. Garfield shouted back at him.
"I don't think he means any harm by it, Father," Jasmine said quietly as she put her hand back on her father's arm. He grunted, angry to be out in the cold, and angry that he wasn't back home in his study. Mr. Garfield didn't like going out, and he especially didn't like going out on business. But, the bank insisted he come in for a meeting, and Jasmine had agreed to escort him downtown.
"It's just barely turned winter. Much too soon to be calling Christmas wishes, if you ask me." Her father shook his head, and Jasmine hid a smile. She greatly enjoyed the holidays and didn't mind at all that there was nearly a month until Christmas. This time of year made her feel that people cared about each other, though she knew her father and his friends only cared about themselves.
"We'll be home soon; then you can forget about Christmas and the snow, and anything else you want to forget about." Jasmine smiled at her father teasingly, but he only grunted.
