“Oh.” I could barely say a word.
“Yeah… Anyways, one morning I got the idea to enlist. I didn’t want to seem like a coward so I decided that if I was going to die, I was going to die for something good. But, when I got to the front lines, everything changed. The men there were fighting for the people they loved; they weren’t throwing everything away like I was. I realized how utterly selfish I was being. I had parents who loved me and who wanted me to make a family of my own. That’s when I decided to reach out to you. I was still on the battlefield when I sent that letter but I got your reply as soon as I got home. I chose to fight for someone and that someone just happened to be you.”
I didn’t say anything at first; I let the world around us fall silent. Even the crickets refused to chirp. He had put me in shock but, at the same time, left me relieved. There was no holding back anymore. I knew I could trust him with the truth.
“Hey, I know this is a lot and I know you may look at me like some weak little boy but please, give me a cha-” He began to plead with me but I immediately cut him off.
“When I was seventeen ye-” I cleared my throat, making room for the words that I’d never let out before, “When I was seventeen years old, I hung myself from the loft in the barn.”
“What?” his eyes widened.
“Mama and Papa went into town that evening and Ethan was at a friend’s house.” I explained, “As soon as I was alone I took Papa’s lasso, climbed up to the loft, and hung myself from one of the rafters. It didn’t work, though. The rope broke and I fell on my arm and broke it. I told Papa it was an accident; he didn’t say too much about it. Although, Mama was the one who really pissed me off. She didn’t even ca-”
“Bethany, why would you do something like that to yourself?” He placed his hands over his face.
“Things had gotten real bad for me… like with what happened with you, my life had no meaning all of a sudden. I felt like a complete burden on my family… Mama had taken Ethan away from me at that point… and no one in town would talk to me because I was a ‘farmer’s daughter’… you see, I just- I felt so alone. Nothing mattered to me anymore; I wanted to disappear.”
“How do you think your family would have reacted if they actually lost you?” He asked.
"Drink the night away, I guess." I replied blatantly.
"Really?" He raised an eyebrow, "So... they're big alcohol fans?"
"No, didn't mean it like that." I shook my head, "All I'm saying is that my parents would probably be glad to finally get me off their hands."
"Why do you say that?" He asked, a concerned look washing over his face.
"I'm not exactly the 'ideal' woman. I don’t prance around in long dresses; I don’t keep my opinions to myself; hell, I don’t even know how to cook." My eyes dropped to the floor, "That night, I should've died right there and then. It would've been easier on everybody..."
"Don't say that, Beth." He grabbed me by the shoulders and forced me to face him, "Listen, in that letter you sent me, you didn’t hesitate to speak your mind. I don't know anyone else who is brave enough to stand up to a veteran. You're a strong, smart, independent woman; don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
“A-Andrew…” I stuttered as he moved his face closer.
“Shhh.” He whispered before planting his lips over mine.
His mouth was warm and inviting; I didn’t hesitate to let him in. Tasting the honey suckle sweetness of his lips, I let myself slip away in his arms. Everything just felt so achingly right. That’s when I knew that this is where I belonged; right here with Andrew by my side.
The next morning, an icy frost settled on the farm, bringing the Christmas spirit. Andrew’s mother was hard at work preparing sweets and his father was busy cleaning for their long anticipated guests. I debated helping them but it occurred to me that I had a more pressing task at hand. Only an hour after I woke up, I strode straight into Andrew’s room. He didn’t notice right away so I just stood there for a brief moment and examined his odd positioning. His back was flat on the ground while his feet rested on the side of the bed. He was also reading a copy of “Black Beauty” upside down.
I knocked on the side of his doorway which made him jump from his awkward seating to an upright position.
“What are you doing?” I laughed.
“Reading.” he replied
“Upside down?” I raised an eyebrow and pointed to the book that was now on the floor.
“Yup.” He grinned. I gave him a smile in return but didn’t bother to question him any further. Andrew was a strange guy but that’s what made him perfect. He patted his thighs and I gladly took a seat on his lap. His arms enveloped me into a warm embrace as I let my head rest gently on his chest. I traced his inner bicep which suddenly caused his heart beat begin to quicken. Blushing, I buried my face into his neck.
“Bethany,” he swallowed, “this is a problem.”
“What?!” I shot up and looked him straight in the eye.
“Yes, I believe this a huge problem.” His gaze intensified.
“And why is that?” I scowled.
“I think I’m falling in love with you.” He smiled.
“Ass.” I punched him in the chest, “Really, Andrew, you need to stop playing these games with me.”
“I’m afraid that’s impossible.” He laughed, “You’re just too fun to play with.”
I punched him again, this time in the arm. However, as soon as I did, he brought his lips over mine and kissed me hard. His mouth was hypnotic and left me in a daze. Before I could protest, he finished me off by biting my lower lip. I let out a loud moan but slapped a hand over my mouth right after. My cheeks turned a bright red as I blushed in embarrassment. Andrew ran his fingers through my hair and brought my head back to his chest.
“I mean it Bethany; I love you.” He whispered.
“You know something?” I let my lips tickle his ear, “I love you too. Andrew, I want to stay with you. Here, in America.”
“Well I should hope so,” He smiled, “otherwise that kiss would’ve been pointless now wouldn’t it?”
“True.” I nodded, keeping as serious of a face as I could, “Hey, could I ask a favor?”
“Of course, I don’t think there’s anything I wouldn’t do for you.” He rested his head gently on top of mine.
“You need to stop buttering me up here.” I blushed, “Anyways, I need to go home to give my parents the news. So… I was wondering… would you mind going with me?”
“No! Not at all!” He hugged me tighter, “I would love to meet your parents.”
And so it was settled. In a week, Andrew would accompany me home to get my things and break the news to my parents. For some weird reason, I was actually excited. I wanted Papa to know that I was in good hands and share with Mama the fact that she had actually done something good for me. And as for Ethan, I wanted him to meet his new brother-in-law. Andrew did an amazing job at sharing his life with me; I just wanted to return the favor.
Later that night, Andrew’s entire family came to visit. They came bearing gifts and homemade sweets. I greeted each of them with shear excitement and they all beamed brightly when they realized who I was. I introduced myself as Andrew’s girlfriend but it was clear to everyone that we were obviously more. His mother and father had asked me to help them serve dinner when there was sudden commotion in the living room. I froze when I realized what was happening.
“Everyone, I have an announcement!” Andrew walked in, clanging a metal fork against his glass, “I would like to make a toast!”
My face flushed a bright red as he made his way over to me. His entire family crowded around us giggling and whispering to each other.
“To Bethany! For giving this broken man a chance.” He hollered before getting down on one knee, “I love you, Beth, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
My heart felt like it was about jump out of my chest. A sudden rush of tears streamed down my cheeks as Andrew pulled a sma
ll box out of his pocket. He snapped it open, revealing a silver ring which seated a large diamond.
“Beth, I’m asking you here and now, once and for all,” He looked me dead in the eye, “Will you marry me?”
I let the warmth of the atmosphere swallow me whole. Then, I gave him my answer.
“Yes.”
*****
THE END.
About the Author
Christian Michael is head of Purely Publishing, a digital publishing company that solely releases clean romance stories.
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[2016] Alone and Pregnant Page 55
