Distant Lovers - 9

Poppy held Mace close and she cried, and mumbled words he could not understand. It had been a long time since He had held a woman..especially one that look just like her sister.
For one moment he visualized Lily in his arms. He was thinking about the child T.J. and what that kid went through...He searched back and remember fighting for his old Maw, after his Paw had died with the lung sickness. 1

About that time he pushed Poppy away and took a long look at her. "Well here I am smack dab in the middle of damn if I don't and maybe damn if I do. How's this going to work? You and I hitched-up and all." 2

"Mr. Mace we will wed and live in your old house yonder. You will have your room and I will have mine. It's just to save the kids neck. We saw for our selves he's slow learner, a dumb bell." "How can we stand in the way of that hangin judge? It will be a circus in town."3

"It better be now! before I change my mind, said Mace."4

Mr. Mace; the Parson Jenkins is waiting at your old homestead..I took the liberty of cleaning it early this morning before the sun was up. "What?" I knew this was the only loving thing to do. So we can get on with it just as soon as we get there...plus I announced it to the morning paper. 5

Mace was boiling now; he felt like a bear caught in a trap. But he had agreed so they mounted up and rode off to his old ranch.6

It was really a beautiful quick ceremony, and a few friends were there too. They had fresh lemon aide and cookies. Got blessing from all in attendance. Mrs. Jenkins the Parsons wife, two of her cousins Jessie & Joyce - another set of twins, her last living uncle Joe. 7

After some good-byes and see-you Sundays...Mace asked what the preacher ment by that remark. "I ain't goin to no church on Sunday." With that said; Poppy just smiled.
We have to go one Sunday; so the town knows we hitched."8

"Let um read the paper they pays 2 cents for." Mace grabbed his saddle bags and went to his room. He was surprised, the bed was made. Clean linens and a pitcher of fresh water for drinking on the table. He laid down and fell asleep awaking to the crowing of rooster...bacon, coffee and hot bread cooking. He was hungry so he got up finding his wash water ready. Clean clothes on the chair by his bed...Damn she sure's a good woman..cooking, cleaning, washing and all. "What the hell? She going to be hard to get rid of."9

(see what happens next)10