Checking In

It's been a while since I've posted. 

Between graduations and parties for that, doctor's appointments, sorting  seasonal clothing and feeling exhausted and frustrations with keeping everyone happy, I'm just about washed out.

The dog has decided that all her belongings (toys, blankets, old slippers, socks and whatever else she has siphoned off from Dennis and me) and then she insists on keeping it on the floor in the lane of traffic. If one of us doesn't break a leg tripping on all of it, it will be a miracle.

There are severe storms predicted for tonight. I hope the electricity stays on at least. Last night we were without power for most of the night. I got up once in the night and could not see my hand in front of my face. It was like I had suddenly gone completely blind. It was rather scary. 

Dennis and I have spent a lot of time together this past weekend.  I'll be alone with Maizie most of tomorrow. Dennis has an appointment in Topeka tomorrow afternoon. Dental appointments! Uggh! I'd rather have major surgery!

HICB ch.11 wc1678

HICB ch.11 wc1678

Jayda kept up a constant stream of chatter as she was transferred from the elevator to the front door of the hospital. Mark had found an aide willing to help carry her belongings as he transferred from the wheelchair to the pickup seat. She argued with the staff that she could get up into the pickup seat by herself, even though she almost collapsed to the concrete driveway when she tried to stand.

“Ooops! I guess I’m not quite as strong yet as I thought. Thank the Lord I wasn’t holding little Mark Lee at the time.”

One of the nurses standing behind her replied, “That’s why we have those rules, Ma’am. Too many falls. Too many lawsuits.”

“I reckon that’s right. I’ll behave from now on.”

As the nurse opened the door to the backseat of the pickup, Jayda said, “Wait! I want to hold him in my lap.”

“No, Ma’am, all babies and small children ride in the back seat, facing the rear of the truck That’s an absolute rule. A law, even. Little Mark Lee rides in the back in his new car seat. Mom, you ride in the front seat next to Dad.”

Jayda blushed, and climbed up into the cab’s front seat, with the assistance of one of the nurses. Mark was busy loading her belongings into the pickup. He pretended not to hear what was being said, but a slight smile appeared on his face.

When everyone and everything was in the pickup and the doors were closed, Mark turned to Jayda and asked, “Do you need anything else from town while we’re here?  Any formula, diapers, or anything else?”

“No, the hospital sent a gift package with enough of all the supplies we should need for about a week. That was so generous of them! Everyone has been so kind to me, but especially you, Mark. How can I ever repay you? You even paid my bill, which must have been in the thousands! I don’t even know how much it was! Thank you so much, Mark. I promise I’ll repay you someday, as soon as I can.” Jayda put her head in her hands and sobbed. “I just feel so useless.”

Mark put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.  “Jayda, Sweetheart---I know how difficult this must all be for you. But sometimes God answers our prayers with the people around us. You were praying for someone to save you, weren’t you? And I’ll bet you were worrying about how you’d feed and diaper Mark Lee. Right? Ok, well, maybe it’s not me and the staff at the hospital that deserve the most thanks. Maybe it’s God you should be thanking. It’s great to have your thanks, here and now, and the staff enjoyed having you with them for that short time, too. Didn’t they give you a warm good-bye when you left? Well, they get paid to take care of you, and I think they really enjoyed having you, because you are so grateful. We can buy a box of chocolates or a fruit basket and have it delivered next week. Or maybe you can deliver it yourself when you are stronger. Ok?”

Jayda smiled and nodded. “That sounds like a great idea.”

“All right then, let’s get little man home. I’ll bet he’d like to have a long nap, away from all the hustle and bustle of this hospital. We can pick out a nice card, and I’ll get a fruit basket made up for the hospital staff and next week we’ll deliver it.”

“Let’s go home, Mark,” she answered, her tears full of unshed tears.

“We’re outa here, Babe.”

Mark revved the engine and put the pickup in gear.

The nurses watching from the hospital door grinned at each other and hugged each other.

One nurse said to the other, “You know, it’s days like this that make me glad I’m a nurse. That was so romantic. She’s one lucky lady.”

“She certainly is. Lucky to be alive after being in that ditch in a tornado, for Pete’s sake! Lucky her baby was born so perfect without any prenatal care, and lucky she has that handsome young man to take care of her. I heard a rumor that he’s wanting to marry her. Isn’t that sweet? She says he’s not even the father. How rare is that? A handsome stranger rescues her from the jaws of death and then wants to marry her. That there is fairytale stuff!”

 

As they drove by the spot where Jayda’s car left ruts in the ditch, she shuddered and quickly looked away. She turned to Mark and asked, “You said there wasn’t any damage to my car, then? How can that be, when it was buried so deeply in that mud?

“I didn’t see any damage, but then it was covered in mud and debris. I’ll check again, when I wash all that mud off.  It ran fine, and I drove it to your house without any issues. You’ve kept it running pretty well?”

“I have them check the oil and other fluids at least once a month, and I really don’t drive it all that often. Just to town to get groceries and sometimes to mail a package for my business.”

“Oh, really? You have a business? What kind of business?”

Jayda laughed. “It’s really more of a hobby. I don’t make much from it. I sell costume jewelry online. It sells for only five dollars per piece, but it’s really pretty and people eat it up.”

“Cool. I’ll have to see it sometime. Do you have any men’s jewelry? I’m not a pretty boy, but I’ve seen some men wearing like a gold chain around their neck, or a bracelet made of braided cord. Do you have that kind of thing?”

Jayda smiled. “I sure do. And it does look very nice on men. I know some men feel threatened by things like that. I think that comes from their own insecurity. But I do sell quite a bit of men’s jewelry. When I get settled, I want to cook up a special supper for you to thank you for everything. You can look at the pieces I do have, and I can text you the link to my website, where you can look at more. It’s fun to shop for just that right piece.” Jayda’s face became quite animated when she talked about her business. She’s gorgeous, even without makeup.

As they pulled into her driveway, Jayda looked around anxiously.

“What’s wrong? Is there something not the way you left it?”

“No, I guess not. For a moment, I thought it looked like someone had been here. Tracks in the gravel. But then I remembered you had been here while I was in the hospital. So, everything’s cool.” She gave a tremulous smile, then busied herself gathering up her bags and purse.

“I don’t think Brad has been here lately, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve checked on your house every day and kept it locked up tight. Let’s get you settled in and I’ll check around the buildings again to make sure. Ok? Jayda?” he paused.  “Everything is going to be ok. Relax. Enjoy your son. I’m just a hop and a skip down the road, and if I get a call from you that you are in trouble, I can be here in about five minutes. Ok?” He touched her arm, then caressed her face.

“I’m here for you, Jayda. Let’s get this little man into his own bed so he can relax. Are you hungry or thirsty? I can fix something for you to eat. I know there are cold soft drinks in the fridge, ‘cause I put them there to cool. You like Dr. Pepper, don’t you? I stocked your fridge with cold drinks, fruit drinks, and a six pack of beer. There’s also fixings for salads, some meats, and vegetables. I saw some chips and dips in the refrigerator too.”

“Wow, Mark. You haven’t left anything for me to do; have you also cleaned and straightened my house? Made my bed, done my laundry?” Jayda joked.

Mark blushed and dropped his head.

“Well, uhhh---actually---yesss, I did do all of that too.”

Jayda stared at him, her mouth open in shock. Her eyes were like saucers. Saucers that were threatening to overflow with tears.

“Mark, what happened to our backing up and slowing down. I didn’t mean for you to take over all of my life!” Then realizing she had been rude, she covered her mouth with her hand and stared at him with a horrified expression.

“Oh Mark, I’m so sorry! That was incredibly rude of me! Please forgive me!” The tears that had been close to falling before ran unheeded down her face.

Mark had looked guiltily at her, then his expression turned to sorrow. He knew he was supposed to back off, but he just couldn’t. He was having too much fun playing the hero, and he just cared too much for her and her son to back away. But if she really didn’t want him---he opened his door and hurriedly came around to her side of the truck. Opening the door, he helped her down and gently made sure she could stand without falling, then retrieved the baby carrier and assisted both of them to the house. He set the carrier down on the porch stoop while he fished out the house keys and opened the door.

He assisted them inside and settled them down on the sofa, then retrieved her belongings and all the baby’s and put them on the kitchen counter.

“Ummm, I’d better get back to my place. It’s hot and the cattle will need water. I’ll check on you later.” He gave her one last look, turned, and left. A moment later, she heard his pickup start and then heard him leaving quickly down the road. He was gone, and he hadn’t even said he forgave her.

 

 

 

 

HICB Ch. 10 wc 1437

HICB Ch.10 wc1437

The nurse visited with Jayda about resources she could use for after her discharge from the hospital. Jayda listened attentively, knowing she would need all the resources she could get. She looked over the pamphlets the nurse had given her, and asked questions about things that she didn’t understand.

After the nurse left, Jayda sighed and worried about what she had gotten herself into. She folded her hands and closed her eyes in prayer:

Lord, help me to understand and put all of this in perspective, so  that I may care for my son the way he deserves. Please let me care for Mark Lee without interruption and further abuse from his birth father. Help me to protect him. I love him so much, despite his father’s abandonment. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Jayda checked the bathroom and the furniture around her room, gathering up any personal belongings, and bagging them for moving back home. Then she peeked into Mark Lee’s bassinet. He was lying quietly, looking up at her. She picked him up and cuddled with him in the chair beside the bed. She murmured soft love words to him, while she waited for Mark to arrive. He promised he would be there to pick her up by 11 a.m. It was now 10:45 a.m.

She heard his boots striding down the hall and smiled. He was early, and she thanked God that she was ready. All she had to do was talk to the business office and beg for them to allow her some time to pay her bill. A frown on her face indicated her level of anxiety over that darned bill. Oh well, too late to worry about it anymore. He was almost to her room.

A scent of aftershave right outside her door, as he talked briefly to a nurse about the logistics of getting her into his pickup made her smile. He always thought of everything. He was so good to her.

Thank you, Lord, for sending your angel Mark to save me the other night, and even now, he is saving me and protecting me. May he never regret it, and always be my friend. I’d love for it to be more, but that will take more time. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Finally, he appeared in the open doorway, and Jayda smiled when she saw his happy grin.

“Hi, pretty lady, are you ready to leave this joint?” He took his hat off and entered the room. Looking around, he saw several bags with her personal belongings, the flowers, and a few gifts on her bedside table. He came closer and with a long finger, pulled the blanket back so he could see little Mark Lee.  The baby peered up at him and blinked.

“Hey little man, are you ready to go home?” Mark touched the baby’s cheek and smiled. “He’s so adorable. Someday, I’ve got to get one of these for myself.”

Jayda, startled, looked up at him. He wants a baby? Really? I wonder---

“Are you ready to leave? Is there anything else  you need to do before we go? I’ve got plenty of time, so don’t feel rushed.”

“Hi, Mark. I certainly am ready to leave. I can’t wait to get home where I can be comfortable with Mark Lee. I do need to stop by the  business office before I leave, though. I’ve got to ask for an extension on my bill. I just don’t have the money to pay it right now. I think I might have twenty dollars in my purse, and maybe a hundred dollars in my bank account. Do you think they’ll understand?”

“Jayda, I something to tell you. I stopped by the office the last time I was here, and I paid your bill in full. You don’t owe them, or me, anything at all. So anything else you need to do?” Mark grinned.

Jayda struggled to get out of her chair with the baby in her arms. Her face had turned white with shock. Mark helped her to stand, and when she reached out to hug him, tears flowing freely from her eyes, he wiped them away with his thumbs. She was speechless, but the expression on her face told him all he needed to know. He put his arms around her and the baby and held her gently.

It was the first time since he had rescued her from the ditch and left her at the hospital that he had held her like that, and he enjoyed every second of it. It just felt so right, holding them in his arms. It felt natural, like he should be there with them, and not just for the moment, but forever.

Jayda struggled to speak. She was so shocked and overcome with emotions. She was feeling anger, because, once again, he had broken their agreement to be just friends, and had taken on her debts, and yet, it seemed so natural that she would be in his arms. She wished it was a permanent situation---that they could be together always.

Follow your heart.

The inner voice she had heard the night before echoed in her brain. She had almost forgotten that. But how did that translate to what was happening now? He hadn’t asked her for a permanent relationship. Had he?

“Come on, Babe. Let’s get you home,” Mark said quietly. He turned to the bedside table and grabbed several of her bags, and walked to the door. Just outside the door was a wheelchair. He brought it in and wheeled it to stop just in front of her. He turned it to a ninety degree angle to her and with a wave and a bow, he declared, “Your chariot, my Queen!” He reached out and took little Mark Lee from her arms and held him while the nurse, who had suddenly appeared in the room, helped Jayda to sit in the wheelchair, then turned it to face the door.

“Oh I don’t need this thing. I can walk to the pickup!” Jayda argued.

“Oh, no you can’t. I’m parked a ways away. It was a struggle in this heat for me to walk the distance,” he winked at the nurse, who winked back at him.

“Actually, dear, it’s hospital rules. No one leaves through that front door without a chariot. Liability issues, you know. You can hold your son while Mark carries your bags, and I’ll push your chariot to the door. Once we get there, you’ll sit there and wait with me for Mark to bring the pickup to the front door. Then we’ll get you all loaded up, and you can go home. Once you get there, be very careful walking, you might feel a little weak for a few days. You already have the doctor’s orders in your paperwork, be sure to make those appointments, and keep them! A home health care nurse will visit you in a few days to see how you are doing, and make assessments of you and the baby. Do you understand all of this?”

“Yes,” Jayda sighed. “I’ll behave myself. And I’ll take good care of Mark Lee.”

“I’ll be around and check on her very frequently, too,” Mark chimed in. I’ve made it my mission to take care of her.”

“You’re doing a great job of it, too, Mr. Reeves,” the nurse added.

The little procession moved to the elevators, which was located right across from the nurses’ station. Nurses who had helped take care of the mom and baby dropped what they were doing to come and give Jayda hugs and congratulations wishes. Many had tears in their eyes.

The elevator opened, and Mark entered and held the door open for the nurse and the wheelchair. He grinned and said a loud ‘thank you” to all the nurses. They all waved and grinned back at him.

When the elevator doors closed, one of the nurses said to another, “you know, she calls that hunk her ‘hero in cowboy boots’?” She grinned and wiped a stray tear from her eye. The other nurse nodded and replied, “I’ve heard her say that, and I think it’s true. He did rescue her from a situation that could have been very dangerous. He’s so gorgeous: tall, dark hair, blue eyes, and so romantic!”

“Yes, he is! If I was about twenty years younger and not married, I’d be wanting to spend some time with him!” she sighed “She is one lucky woman!”

“That’s for sure!” They both signed in unison and then turned back to their work.

 

.

   ess:

HICB Ch.9 wc964

HICB Ch.9 wc964

Mark delivered all the baby supplies he had purchased to her place and wished he could put them away. He wasn’t sure which bedroom was meant to be the nursery. She hadn’t decorated any particular room yet. He felt a little like Santa Claus as he brought boxes and bags and piles of baby things into her house and picked a likely room right across the hall from her bedroom. 

He set up the crib, and put a little mattress pad, and crib sheet on the bed, then installed the little animal mobile. He put some stuffed animals in the crib, not too many, he didn’t want to suffocate the little guy. He folded a baby blanket with farm animal babies and placed it at one end of the crib.

When he felt he had done all the damage he could, he closed the door to the room and locked the house. Driving toward town, he couldn’t help but grin, and he increased his rate of speed. He couldn’t wait to see the expression on Jayda’s face when she saw all that he had done.

Arriving at the hospital, he suddenly thought, “How is she paying for all of this bill?” He stopped by the business office and asked to see someone about Jayda Michaels’ bill. He was led to an office, where he sat and waited briefly. A nice middle-aged lady with a sweet smile came in through the door carrying a mug of hot beverage, coffee, he decided, by the pleasant aroma.

“Hello? My name is Judith Collins. I’m head of finances here at Salina Regional. May I help you?” she smiled.

“Umm, yes, I want to ask about Jayda Michaels’ bill. I’m not related, yet. I’m hoping to marry her as soon as possible, and I know she doesn’t have any insurance, and no money to speak of and---” he stammered when he realized he was running on and on.

“I’m sorry, but HIPPAA laws don’t allow me to discuss her case with you. Only her list of contacts can have access to any information. If you speak with her and ask her to let us put you on her list, then and only then can we discuss anything to do with her case. Do you understand?” She looked apologetic but firm. “Tell me, have you asked her to put you on her list?”

“Well, no---but I was hoping to pay the bill and surprise her. A kind of gift for the baby, you know?” He was holding his hat and turning it around in his fingers. He realized he was doing it and stopped. He looked down and a sad expression came over him.

“Oh, how sweet!” she said, smiling tenderly at him. She looked at him for a few seconds, assessing his intent. “Mr. uhhh---what is your name? I didn’t catch it”

“I’m sorry. My name is Mark Reeves. I was the one who found her and her car in the ditch the night she delivered Mark Lee. She was so thankful she named him after me. I didn’t expect that but was so honored. And well, I just want to help her anyway I can.” Mark flushed, embarrassed.

“Oh, how precious! Let me see what I can do, ok?” She stood, beaming down at him, then left the room. A few moments later, she returned and sat down in her chair. “The nurse is helping Jayda add you to her list of contacts. As soon as you are added, then we can discuss her bill. That is so sweet for you to help her this way.”

“Well, Ma’am, it’s like this. When I saw her in that ditch, and she was having all those contractions that were just racking her with pain, I just seemed to fall in love with her at first sight. Can you believe that?” Mark looked down, embarrassed. His hat started revolving around the brim again.  He always did that when he was embarrassed or nervous. “I want to ask her to marry me, as soon as I can.”

At that point, the woman began to tear up. His confession was so romantic, and she instantly prayed that the two of them could have a wonderful marriage and a beautiful family together.

Her phone rang, and she answered. She listened for a few moments and then returned the receiver to its cradle. “Mr. Reeves, you are in luck. The nurse asked Jayda if she would like to add you to her list of contacts, and she said yes. So, we can discuss her bill now, ok?”

“Great! How much is the total?” The lady looked at her computer and scrolled a way, then looked up at him and gave him a figure.

“Wow! Babies are expensive, aren’t they?” He dug out his wallet and handed her a credit card.

“Yes, they certainly are, thank you so much for doing this. It certainly makes things simpler for us, and for Jayda. I hope it doesn’t inconvenience you too very much.”

“No, my credit is excellent, so I always have new credit cards. I haven’t used this one before. If it doesn’t clear, I have others.”

“Actually, it did clear, Mr. Reeves. Thank you very much. Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

“No, I don’t think so. Are we all done on the bill now? I’d like to go see Jayda and Mark Lee now.”

“Of course, Mr. Reeves. Again, thank you very much. And the best of luck with your proposal and future together.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. I may need all the luck I can get.” Mark stood and placed his hat back on his head. He turned and left her office, headed toward Jayda’s room.

HICB Ch. 8 wc828

HICB Ch.8 wc828

Jayda sighed as she gathered her personal belongings from her hospital stay and placed them in the bag the nurse provided. She forced herself to relax, but the problems on her mind refused to disappear. The bills, the added responsibility of caring for herself and an infant, Brad’s hostility and abuse, and her growing attraction and dependency on Mark: all contributed to her anxiety.

Her nurse had offered something medical to help with her anxiety, but that would only add to her bill, and it wouldn’t help long-term, which is what she needed. She prayed for a quick save, but didn’t really believe there could be anything like that coming for her.

Her mind drifted back to her hero in cowboy boots. Was Mark her savior? Was she pushing him away when he was what God had sent to save her? How could she know for sure? Jayda prayed again for wisdom and reassurance. A thought came to her. Just follow your heart.

“Really, God? Is it that simple? How can it be so simple?” Jayda smiled, remembering how Mark looked at her, his tender touch, his desire to help almost drove him to her.

Is he the one, Lord? The thought came again, just follow your heart.

“Ok, Jesus, I’m letting go of these problems and giving them to you. Please let Mark be the answer to my prayers. I think I’m falling in love with him, and Lord, I do think he feels something for me, too. He hasn’t said he loves me yet, but I can see it in his eyes, his touch, and the way he looks at Mark Lee. I think we could be so happy as a family together.”

Jayda looked upward and smiled. “You know all I’ve ever wanted was for someone to love me, and now to love Mark Lee as well. I don’t need diamonds and pearls. I don’t desire fancy vacations or a fancy home. I’m just a simple country girl, who wants to cook and clean and maybe sell my costume jewelry to friends locally. I want a man to help me pay some of the bills. I’ll work hard to help him. But please, dear Lord, let Mark be the one!”

Just follow your heart.

“Thank you, Lord. I will.”

Jayda peeked in at Mark Lee, sleeping peacefully in his bassinet, making little sucking movements with his mouth, his fat little cheeks slightly flushed. His long eyelashes brushed his cheeks. Tiny fists stretched upward toward the ceiling, and he yawned, his tongue sticking out briefly before his mouth closed and he returned to his nursing-like movements.

Jayda’s heart melted as she watched her son. Her heart expanded even more than it did when she first saw him.  How could someone love another human being so much? And she was ready to invite another human into her heart.

Please God, she begged.

Follow your heart.

Jayda turned the light down until it was just a nightlight and settled down to sleep. Thy will be done, Lord.

Jayda, go to sleep. I’ve got it covered.

Jayda smiled as she drifted off into sleep, to dream of the three of them living together as husband and wife and son. What a beautiful dream.

 

 

Mark awoke with the sunrise, yawned, stretched, and arose to meet the day. He took time to fry up some bacon and eggs and toast with grape jelly. He read his mail as he ate at his breakfast table, then headed toward the barn to do chores.

His animals greeted him eagerly, as they always did, and he raised his face toward Heaven.

“Thank you Jesus for this beautiful warm day. The sun is smiling down at me, and I can imagine it is you, Oh Lord, smiling and telling me this will be a great day. I feel that too. I’m bringing Jayda back home to her farm. Lord, I pray that you will protect her and help her with her problems. I want to help, but she resists my assistance at times. How can I make her feel love for me? How can I gain her trust? I would make her mine if she would take me---in an instant, Lord. How can I help her best?”

Just follow your heart.

“What? Who said that?” Mark turned around to see no one standing there. The voice he had heard sounded like someone talking to him there in his barnyard.

Follow  your heart.

Mark spun around again. What on earth is going on? Suddenly, it occurred to him  Could this be God speaking to him? He looked up, and the sun smiled down on him. He crossed himself, and said, “Thy will be done, Lord.”

He grinned as he finished his chores, then returned to the house to take a shower and change. He was bringing his sweetheart home today with little Mark Lee. It was going to be an awesome day!

 

 

 

 

 

Hero in Cowboy Boots Ch. 7 wc 944 Jayda Comes Home

Mark left the hospital and drove to Walmart. He picked up a few grocery items for himself and for Jayda. Milk, bread, pork chops, hamburger, cheese, pickles, mustard, potatoes, toilet paper and a cake that read “welcome home!” in blue letters on cream colored frosting all went into his cart. He also picked up a card that read “Thank You” on the front and that was blank on the inside. He planned to write his own words on the inner portion of the card.

He drove to Jayda’s farm and checked outside to make sure there was no damage from the storm or rabid boyfriends. He carried the groceries to the front door and let himself in with the key Jayda had given him. 

He put the groceries away and checked the inside of the house like outside. He found some trash in the garbage can and gathered it up in a large trash bag. On the top of the kitchen bag, he glimpsed a crumpled-up note on ruled notebook paper. He could see large handwritten words in all capital letters. Curious, he picked it up, and smoothed it out. Guiltily, he read the words and took in a sharp ragged breath. He found a gallon size Ziplock bag and put the note inside and sealed it. He would have to deal with this situation once and for all.

He looked up Brad Jenkins in the phone directory and found his address and phone number. Mark wrote it down on an envelope in his pickup truck. Then he locked the house up again and drove back to his own farm.

After his evening chores, Mark ate a quick supper, then placed a call to Brad’s house.  After four rings, a female voice picked up the phone.

“Hello?” The voice sounded young, maybe about twenty or twenty-five years old.

Mark hesitated, unsure if it was the right number. He checked his cell phone screen. Yep, it was the same number he had written on the envelope. Mr. “I’m not ready for Marriage” must have a new Sweetie.

 A asked politely. 

“Certainly, Mr. Reeves. Just a moment, please,” Mark could hear footsteps followed by a door being opened. A masculine voice, in an irritated tone, said, “What is it this time, Monica? I’m trying to work on this proposal, and you keep interrupting me.”

“I’m sorry, Brad. You have a call on line two. Can you take it, or shall I take a message?” Monica, who must be his secretary, replied. Mark faintly heard Brad on the other end of the call.

“Oh, just what I need, another distraction. Very well, I’ll take it. But the next time the phone rings, just disconnect or let it go to voice mail. I’ve got to get this done, or I’ll lose the account.”

Mark heard Monica say “Yes, sir. I won’t bother you again.” Then he heard a click and Brad spoke in a brusque tone.

“Brad Jenkins, Farm Equity and Associates, may I help you?”

“I hope you can, Brad. I’m Mark Reeves, and I believe we have a common acquaintance, Miss Jayda Michaels. Am I correct?”

“I know Jayda. What’s this all about? I’m a busy man and I don’t have time for social chit chat!”

“Well, Brad, I’m a good friend of hers, and I have reason to believe you have been stalking her, threatening her, and being a general nuisance to her. I want it to stop! Now!”

Scoffing, Brad replied, “I don’t know what in tarnation you are talking about. Jayda and I had a relationship once. A very intimate relationship. But it’s all over now and we don’t even speak any more. So you can take your threats and accusations and leave me the hell alone!” He slammed the phone down, and Mark heard the dialtone.

Mark hung up his phone and smiled. Let’s just see what Mr. Jenkins does now.

Mark walked out to his pickup and grabbed the box with the new car seat and installed it in his pickup. He had newborn Pampers diapers, baby wipes, and a baby care kit, with lotions, powders, and other baby needs in a box on the back seat of his pickup truck. A baby mobile was on the front seat beside Mark. Little farm animals rotated around under the umbrella with  sweet baby music playing. Mark grinned when he imagined little Mark Lee lying watching that mobile. The only better thing would be if it were all at Mark’s house and Jayda was hanging on his arm, not Brad’s.

 

Jayda fed Mark Lee and placed him gently in his little bassinet.  She worried that she didn’t have all the things she needed for him. But she had no money to buy them, and she didn’t even know how she would pay the hospital bill for her stay.  Thank God that Mark Lee was born healthy and didn’t have any physical problems. It would have been a financial disaster for her if he’d had deformities or breathing issues, or anything like that.

She wondered if she should sell the farm and move into town. She didn’t want to do that. Rent would be expensive and other bills would be more as well. But she might have to think about that. One of the office staff had just left, asking her how she planned to cover the costs that were rising every day. They wanted her to pay when she was released. There just wasn’t any way. Tears ran down Jayda’s cheeks as she sobbed quietly. Would the problems ever stop? What else could possibly go wrong?

 

 

 

Mark left the hospital and drove to Walmart. He picked up a few grocery items for himself and for Jayda. Milk, bread, pork chops, hamburger, cheese, pickles, mustard, potatoes, toilet paper and a cake that read “welcome home!” in blue letters on cream colored frosting all went into his cart. He also picked up a card that read “Thank You” on the front and that was blank on the inside. He planned to write his own words on the inner portion of the card.

He drove to Jayda’s farm and checked outside to make sure there was no damage from the storm or rabid boyfriends. He carried the groceries to the front door and let himself in with the key Jayda had given him. 

He put the groceries away and checked the inside of the house like outside. He found some trash in the garbage can and gathered it up in a large trash bag. On the top of the kitchen bag, he glimpsed a crumpled-up note on ruled notebook paper. He could see large handwritten words in all capital letters. Curious, he picked it up, and smoothed it out. Guiltily, he read the words and took in a sharp ragged breath. He found a gallon size Ziplock bag and put the note inside and sealed it. He would have to deal with this situation once and for all.

He looked up Brad Jenkins in the phone directory and found his address and phone number. Mark wrote it down on an envelope in his pickup truck. Then he locked the house up again and drove back to his own farm.

After his evening chores, Mark ate a quick supper, then placed a call to Brad’s house.  After four rings, a female voice picked up the phone.

“Hello?” The voice sounded young, maybe about twenty or twenty-five years old.

Mark hesitated, unsure if it was the right number. He checked his cell phone screen. Yep, it was the same number he had written on the envelope. Mr. “I’m not ready for Marriage” must have a new Sweetie.

 A asked politely. 

“Certainly, Mr. Reeves. Just a moment, please,” Mark could hear footsteps followed by a door being opened. A masculine voice, in an irritated tone, said, “What is it this time, Monica? I’m trying to work on this proposal, and you keep interrupting me.”

“I’m sorry, Brad. You have a call on line two. Can you take it, or shall I take a message?” Monica, who must be his secretary, replied. Mark faintly heard Brad on the other end of the call.

“Oh, just what I need, another distraction. Very well, I’ll take it. But the next time the phone rings, just disconnect or let it go to voice mail. I’ve got to get this done, or I’ll lose the account.”

Mark heard Monica say “Yes, sir. I won’t bother you again.” Then he heard a click and Brad spoke in a brusque tone.

“Brad Jenkins, Farm Equity and Associates, may I help you?”

“I hope you can, Brad. I’m Mark Reeves, and I believe we have a common acquaintance, Miss Jayda Michaels. Am I correct?”

“I know Jayda. What’s this all about? I’m a busy man and I don’t have time for social chit chat!”

“Well, Brad, I’m a good friend of hers, and I have reason to believe you have been stalking her, threatening her, and being a general nuisance to her. I want it to stop! Now!”

Scoffing, Brad replied, “I don’t know what in tarnation you are talking about. Jayda and I had a relationship once. A very intimate relationship. But it’s all over now and we don’t even speak any more. So you can take your threats and accusations and leave me the hell alone!” He slammed the phone down, and Mark heard the dialtone.

Mark hung up his phone and smiled. Let’s just see what Mr. Jenkins does now.

Mark walked out to his pickup and grabbed the box with the new car seat and installed it in his pickup. He had newborn Pampers diapers, baby wipes, and a baby care kit, with lotions, powders, and other baby needs in a box on the back seat of his pickup truck. A baby mobile was on the front seat beside Mark. Little farm animals rotated around under the umbrella with  sweet baby music playing. Mark grinned when he imagined little Mark Lee lying watching that mobile. The only better thing would be if it were all at Mark’s house and Jayda was hanging on his arm, not Brad’s.

 

Jayda fed Mark Lee and placed him gently in his little bassinet.  She worried that she didn’t have all the things she needed for him. But she had no money to buy them, and she didn’t even know how she would pay the hospital bill for her stay.  Thank God that Mark Lee was born healthy and didn’t have any physical problems. It would have been a financial disaster for her if he’d had deformities or breathing issues, or anything like that.

She wondered if she should sell the farm and move into town. She didn’t want to do that. Rent would be expensive and other bills would be more as well. But she might have to think about that. One of the office staff had just left, asking her how she planned to cover the costs that were rising every day. They wanted her to pay when she was released. There just wasn’t any way. Tears ran down Jayda’s cheeks as she sobbed quietly. Would the problems ever stop? What else could possibly go wrong?

 

 

 

Wrecks

Enjoying some nice weather this week, but it's supposed to be cooler this next week with temps going back down in the thirties and highs in the forties some days. 

It doesn't bother me too much, because I'm inside most of the time, but it makes it hard for Dennis to work on his "projects" and that makes him kind of irritable.

I know he doesn't feel well, his back is painful almost all the time, and he's got some other pains that are not printable. I try to be patient with him, but I'm going through my own aches and pains. Mine are mild compared to his. His pains make him fearful that one of his cancers have come back, or spread to another part of his body. Talk about stress, for both of us.

It's times like this that I lean on God to help give me peace, compassion and understanding. If I could take his health issues onto myself and spare him, I gladly would. His crosses are heavy, but I've survived many health issues too. I'm not one to complain. I prefer to go into the bathroom or bedroom and close the door and suffer in silence. 

I went to my ENT doctor yesterday to see if perhaps my balance problems could be due to my inner ear problems. He talked so fast---I could only understand part of what he said. I'll go into my health portal online and read his progress notes, then I'll understand what's going on. 

I need to get back to writing on my book. I've come to a crossroads in the plot and haven't decided which way to take it. My brain has been fuzzy lately. I don't know if its my meds causing it, or early dementia. When I was at the doctor's office yesterday, I couldn't put three words together to make a sentence, and my memory is slipping. 

Getting old sucks.