Miserable in Montana (Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Book 16)

by Cheryl Wright

  “Good evening, Mrs Davis.” He smiled at her as though his presence wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. “I wanted to ensure Marigold arrived home safely. You can’t trust anyone these days.”

  Ma stared at him, and not in a good way, then her face softened a little. “Thank you,” she said, not sounding particularly grateful. Leaving the door wide open, she walked away, pulling her robe tightly around herself.

  “Can I see you tomorrow?” Luke whispered.

  She glanced back over her shoulder at him. “Won’t you be working?” She watched as his shoulders stiffened, but had no idea why.

  “I work nights,” he said matter-of-factly. “Maybe we can take a stroll in the park? Can I pick you up at eleven?”

  Should she? Marigold really wanted to say yes, but was torn between her own wants and her mother’s feelings. He reached out and grasped her arm.

  “It’s just a walk in the park,” he said, his eyes pleading with her.

  She never could resist those eyes. “Alright, but I’ll meet you there.” She stared at him momentarily, daring him to refuse her request, but he said nothing. Marigold scurried inside, and closed the door behind her.

  ~*~

  Luke checked his watch. Marigold was twenty minutes late. Was she even coming?

  He willed his heart rate to slow down. Why was he so set on seeing her today?

  He already knew the answer – he’d waited years for her, more than ten. He couldn’t bear to have his heart broken yet again. And if she didn’t show? He dare not even think about it, because if she didn’t eventually turn up, he’d know she’d made her decision.

  He got up from the wooden bench and began to pace the dirt path, then to try and distract himself he wandered down to the stream where a handful of ducks were enjoying the water. Not that it was very deep; ducks didn’t need much water to swim. As long as they could kick their little legs they were happy.

  “Luke!” He spun around at the sound of her voice, and his heart did a little flutter. He’d only seen her last night, so why did her presence make him feel so excited? Exhilarated.

  “You made it. I thought you weren’t coming.” It was true, he’d been on the verge of leaving several times, but forced himself to stay. She’d never broken her word before and he had no reason to think she would this time.

  “I’m really sorry,” she said quietly. “Ma needed my help.” She looked on the brink of tears, so he pulled her close and rubbed his hands across her back.

  He stared into her sad face. Last night she’d been happy and had enjoyed their night together. Today she seemed the opposite. “Is there anything I can do to help?” He would help where he could, but figured Marigold would deny his offer anyway.

  She shook her head. “Ma has worked so hard all her life, even when Pa was alive.” She glanced up at him. “I think she’s just plumb worn out.”

  Luke dearly wanted to tell her the truth, but it wasn’t his story to tell. Besides, he risked losing her if he said anything. Making him out to be the bad guy when he was innocent. It was so unfair.

  A tear rolled down her cheek and he gently brushed it away. “I wish I could do something to help. If I could get a better job, one with longer hours, and Ma could give up work.”

  He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Try not to worry,” he said gently. “I’m sure something will turn up.”

  She said nothing, but pulled out of his grip. He wanted to hold her longer, to comfort her, but he also didn’t want her upset, and if she stayed in his arms any longer, he knew that’s what would happen.

  “Shall we visit the ducks?” he asked as she hooked her arm through his. “There are a few there, some ducklings too.”

  That seemed to brighten her up a bit, and she almost ran toward the stream. “I should have brought some bread,” she said as they got closer to the edge of the stream.

  He reached into his pocket, glad for his last minute idea to bring some along. “I have a few slices,” he said, handing it over. Her face lit up with delight and she gently hugged him.

  For the next few minutes they stood in silence as she threw bread to the ducks. They fluttered about, each trying to reach it before the others. When it was all gone, they continued on the pathway through the park. There were trees scattered about and a number of native bushes. Here and there beds of flowers could be found. It was a work-in-progress, and still needed quite a bit of work to make it palatable, but it was quiet and they had privacy away from prying eyes.

  The last thing Luke wanted was for Maggie Davis to find out he was trying to court her daughter. The woman hated him with a vengeance. What happened to her husband was not his parent’s fault, or indeed his fault, but Mrs Davis had never believed that, and likely never would.

  Why should Marigold have to pay for the sins of her father? It was totally unfair.

  He stared down into her face. Such beauty. He’d known when she was just a teenager she would be beautiful beyond his imagination, and he was right. Not only was she beautiful on the outside, but the inside as well. Marigold had always been such a sweet thing, and he’d regretting cornering her that day behind the church hall. Teenage shenanigans, brought about by hormones.

  Still, he hadn’t regretted kissing her, but for a moment he felt he’d frightened her. He would never do anything to harm her, not ever. Not that she’d known it or ever would, but he’d protected her back then. He’d looked out for her, and kept the scum of the earth gang boys away from his sweet Marigold.

  He even had the scars to prove it.

  “...long.”

  Luke’s head shot up. What had he missed with his reminiscing? “Sorry, I was a million miles away. What did you say?”

  She grinned at him, and it took all his resistance not to kiss her. “I said I have to work this afternoon. I can’t stay too long.” She looked far from happy about the prospect. “The little I earn isn’t even enough to put food on the table.”

  He knew things were tight, but had no idea they were so bad, and his heart broke. A thought suddenly came to him. “What if I could get you a job? One with far more hours.” He glanced down at her.

  Her eyes opened wide. “Could you?” She sounded so excited, and looked happy too.

  “You would have to work at night,” he said quietly, not sure she would be interested. Now he was not so sure he should have even mentioned it. He knew she wouldn’t take money from him, but he would gladly help her out.

  “I am not that sort of girl, Luke Jensen!” she screamed at him, and pushed him away. She began to run from him and he grabbed her arm.

  “Marigold,” he said, lifting her chin with his fingers. “I know you would never do that.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. Perhaps he’d gone about this the wrong way. “On second thought, I have a friend who is looking for a reliable waitress. Local too,” he said. Yes, that would be far better. “Do you think you could do that?”

  She glared at him. “Are you sure that’s all I’d have to do?” He felt hurt that she thought he would try to make her work as a soiled dove. He would never, especially not to sweet innocent Marigold. Besides, he wanted her for himself when she agreed to marry him.

  His first suggestion of working for him would never work. Not that she knew that’s what he was suggesting. It had far too many hurdles anyway. For one, how would Marigold get to and from work in another town? It would be a logistical nightmare.

  He wished he’d never mentioned it. He should have simply asked her to marry him. That way he could supported her and Mrs Davis and no one would think anything about it. She would have no reason to complain then. Now it was too late. He’d already opened his mouth and couldn’t take the words back.

  Or could he?

  “Why don’t we get married?” he blurted out.

  At first she stared at him, concern written all over her face. Then she burst out laughing. “You always were a joker,” she said, but stopped laughing when he didn’t join in.

  “I wasn’
t joking,” he said, his feelings hurt at her reaction. “I’m serious. That way you wouldn’t need to work.” He felt hollow. Had he just ruined his chances with Marigold? He certainly hoped not – he’d pined for her since their teenage years. “Your mother too. I would support you both once we married.”

  She stared at him. Oh, he knew the thoughts running through her head – her mother had taken care of that. Marigold thought he was the worst of the worst and was penniless. Mrs Davis couldn’t be farther from the truth.

  He reached out and held her by the waist. Touching her, even through her coat, sent a thrill down his spine. He wanted so much to hold her right now, but would she refuse his advances after what he’d just said?

  She continued to study him. She was trying to decide if he was being serious or really was joking. “If you can get me the details of that waitress job, I’ll look into it,” she said, her voice shaking. Was she really going to ignore his proposal?

  “Good. Have lunch with me tomorrow and I’ll give you the information. Bunny’s Café at noon?” He held his breath waiting for her response. Finally she nodded, and he walked her back home in silence.

  What would Marigold say when she eventually found out where he worked? The business he owned. He’d deal with that when it happened.

  ~*~

  Marigold was torn. She appreciated the paltry number of hours work she got each week, she really did, but desperately needed a job with longer hours and far better pay. She had never really enjoyed working there, but felt a certain loyalty to her boss. Besides, she badly needed the money.

  Sure, he’d helped put money in the household pool, but it was never enough. Her poor worn out mother contributed the bulk of the household income, and even between them, it was never enough.

  Ma had worked hard for as long as Marigold could remember. Scrubbing floors and doing laundry for well-to-do clients on the other side of town had run her into the ground. By the time Saturday night rolled around, Ma was far too tired to enjoy her life, and spent most of the time in bed trying to ease the pain of her body or simply sleeping. It broke Marigold’s heart.

  If she could get a full-time job that paid a decent wage, Ma could give up work. At her age, Ma shouldn’t still be working, but refused to allow Marigold to take on the same sort of work, or even to take over from her.

  Ma called it a form of slavery, said it had ruined her life. She was probably right.

  “Marigold?” Her head shot up as Mrs Quinn stood impatiently at the counter with her purchases. “Did you even hear a word I said?” she snapped. Marigold hoped Mr Green didn’t hear the retort. It could be the end of the handful of hours work she had each week. Her only savior would be if she managed to secure the waitressing job Luke had mentioned yesterday. He made it sound as though the job was hers if she wanted it, but that surely wasn’t true.

  Marigold brushed a nervous hand across her forehead. “Sorry, my mind was elsewhere.” She smiled briefly at the customer and pulled out the account book, writing each item down carefully. “All done,” she said when she’d finished entering each purchase. “Can I carry it out to the buggy for you?”

  “Thank you, Marigold.” Mrs Quinn was always polite but it was obvious the woman thought herself higher up the rung than Marigold, and it stung.

  Once back inside, she tidied up the shelves to fill in the last fifteen minutes of her shift. Then she would head to the diner and have lunch with Luke. Her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing him again. Not that she’d told Ma – she was at work, so would never find out.

  The notion caused guilty pangs. She would be off galivanting about with Luke Jensen having a lovely lunch, while Ma slaved away at the Hannigan’s mansion, scrubbing their floors. Her only saving grace was the fact she would find out about the waitressing job Luke had told her about.

  She pulled off her apron and hung it behind the door.

  Mr Green came out of the storeroom and headed toward the cash register. He pulled out a few notes, handing them to her. “I’m sorry, Marigold,” he said quietly. “I’m afraid today was your last shift.”

  Her head shot up, and she swallowed hard, trying to force back her emotions. “Oh, Mr Green,” she said shakily. “Did I do something wrong?”

  He reached into the register and handed her some more notes. “Take this as a small bonus,” he said gently. “Business isn’t what it used to be, and I can no longer justify paying anyone. I’m really sorry, Marigold. I know you need the money.”

  She nodded, but was feeling far too emotional to say much. “Thank you,” she finally managed, and pulled on her coat and gloves, then left. Her only hope was that Luke hadn’t been leading her on. Despite him having a reputation as a no-hoper, he’d never proven to be unreliable for as long as she’d known him.

  “There you are,” he said, leaping toward her as she approached the diner. “I was beginning to worry.” He stared at her. “Are you alright? You don’t look your usually bubbly self.”

  She couldn’t bear to look at him and admit what happened, so stared to the ground instead. “I lost my job. Mr Green says he can’t afford to pay me any longer.”

  “That’s great,” Luke said, then slipped his arm around her waist.

  She glared at him. “Great? Did you even hear what I said?” Her heart thudded. If the proposed job didn’t work out, she would be in real strife, and would have to take on whatever came along despite her mother’s protests.

  “Trust me,” he said, and lifted her chin with his gloved fingers, but it was little consolation. “Let’s go inside out of the cold.” He led her into the cozy diner where they sat at a small table close to the fire. He helped Marigold out of her coat, and she pulled off her gloves. The warmth of the fire enveloped her almost immediately.

  A middle-aged woman approached their table. “Hello Luke,” she said as she placed a bottle of water on the table, along with two glasses. “Who’s your friend,” the other woman asked. She placed a glass in front of each of them, and poured out the water.

  “Barbara West,” he said, “But everyone calls her Bunny. This is Marigold Davis.”

  “Pleased to meet you Marigold.” The woman looked tired, and as Marigold looked around, realized there were no other staff.

  “You too,” Marigold said. “You here alone?” she asked.

  “For now. What can I get you?” She handed them each a menu, and Marigold’s eyes skimmed it. There wasn’t much on the menu, but if Bunny was handling the entire place alone, it was no wonder.

  “The hearty soup looks good. I’ll have that please,” Marigold said before she could change her mind.

  “Make it two thanks Bunny.”

  More customers came through the door and Bunny guided them to a table. She disappeared into the kitchen and came out a short time later with their order on a small wooden tray. She left a plate of sliced bread and some butter in the center of the table. “It smells delicious, thank you,” Marigold said as she leaned in to get the full aroma of the soup.

  “The food is always wonderful here,” Luke told her. “Eat up,” he said, indicating her food.

  It was a busy diner, and Marigold spent a lot of her time watching Bunny trying to balance between seating customers and serving the food. “How does she even do it?” she asked her luncheon companion.

  He grimaced. “With great difficulty. What do you think of the food?”

  She studied him, then looked down into her empty bowl. “It was delicious.” She was far too distracted by Bunny’s situation to think too much about the now non-existent food. “What about yours?” She was simply being polite, and was certain Luke knew it.

  “Always,” he said, then reached across the table to cover her hand. “About that waitressing job I told you about,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Are you still interested?”

  “Definitely,” she said. “Especially now that I don’t have a job to go back to.”

  His head shot up and he nodded. She wasn’t sure what was going on and f
ollowed the direction he was looking. As she turned, she saw a smile cross Bunny’s face, then a look of relief. The older woman walked over to their table.

  “The job is yours if you want it.” Bunny stared down at Marigold, her eyes begging her to say yes. “You will start at seven, and finish at three, six days a week. You can have extra shifts if you want them. The evening meal is always busy.”

  Marigold sat in stunned silence. She had not been asked to prove her skills as a waitress. Indeed, she had not been asked to prove anything.

  “The job is mine?” Her eyes filled with tears and she fought back the emotion of knowing she finally had a proper job and Ma could retire. Luke squeezed her hand.

  “It really is,” he said gently, then reached out and wiped a stray tear away.

  “Can you start tomorrow? I can really do with the help, as you can see.”

  Bunny’s words pulled her out of her emotions. She glanced about. By now the place was almost full, and the poor woman looked exhausted. “No, I can’t,” she said, then suddenly stood. “You need help right now.”

  Bunny wore a grin from ear to ear, and she suddenly moved forward and hugged Marigold tightly. “I can see we’re going to get along fine,” she said, then took Marigold’s hand and led her into the kitchen. Marigold glanced back over her shoulder to see a satisfied smile on Luke’s face.

  Chapter Three

  “Don’t argue, Ma,” Marigold said firmly. “I’ve already started at my new job, and it pays far more than what we have earned between us in the past.”

  Ma stared at her. “How can that be?” She shook her head in disbelief.

  “Well... it’s a busy café, and I’ll be working six days a week.” She shrugged. She hadn’t really thought about the money part before, and just accepted it was good. “The owner is lovely and it’s permanent, so no worrying about losing my hours. She said she’ll teach me to cook when she has the time. Fancy stuff too.”

  Taking a sip of her coffee, Ma shook her head. “It sounds good, but how do we know we can trust her? What if I quit my job, meagre as it is, and yours falls through? What then?”