A Cherished Gift by Vicki Hunt Budge

Author:Vicki Hunt Budge [Budge, Vicki Hunt]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: EASTWOOD PRESS
Published: 2020-12-17T00:00:00+00:00

Later that evening, Jake spent an hour having supper with his family before his brother drove him to the train station. Jake’s mother reached out and gave Jake’s hand a squeeze as they finished their supper. “Well, we didn’t see much of you during this visit, but since we weren’t expecting your return so soon, the few minutes we’ve had with you have been a treat.”

Jake could tell she hoped to learn the details of his visit with Alice and her family. He had been struggling with the details himself during the past few hours. Did he really ask Alice to marry him when he had nothing to offer her? “Sorry I didn’t spend more time with you,” was all he said.

“He only came home to bolster his standing with Alice Gardner,” Milton said, a smug look crossing his face.

Jake slugged his brother in the arm, and Milton ducked before another brotherly blow came his way.

“Well, it’s true.” Milton’s grin broadened and he coughed like he was trying to suppress a big guffaw. “The guys around here are flocking around Alice since Jake left for Boise.”

“That’s enough, Milton,” Mrs. Weston said.

“Is Lyman treating you well?” Mr. Weston asked.

“Oh, yes! Uncle Lyman’s awesome to work for. He sends me out to solicit ads all the time, but he also has me write some of the news articles. He’s even starting to give me a byline.”

Mr. Weston nodded again. “That’s all good,” he said. “Learn all you can. You’ll go farther in this business than I ever hoped to.”

Jake looked at the clock on the mantel and pushed back from the table. “I wish I could stay and visit longer, but I’d better get moving or I’ll miss the train.”

After hugging his mother and shaking hands with his father, Jake and Milton donned their coats and hats and left for the ride to the train station. A driving wind had picked up bringing a cold rain with it. Both brothers tugged their hats down and scrunched their shoulders while Milton drove, and the rain pelted them.

“Keep me informed,” Jake said just before they got to the station. He referred to the notes Milton tacked onto the Clover Creek Weekly that Jake received.

“Sure thing,” Milton said, pulling his hat still lower. After a pause, he added, “You’ve changed, Jake. You’re kind of citified with your fancy duds. Where’s all your money coming from anyway?”

“I haven’t changed!” The moment Jake snapped at his brother, his stomach tightened. He didn’t think he’d changed, but he was trying awfully hard to follow Dusty’s plans. And not all those plans felt right. He hadn’t done anything wrong though. Not really. Dusty was the one who put the counterfeit money down on his new suit and bought the gloves and broach for Alice.

Jake intended to pay off what he owed on the suit with his own hard-earned money. He didn’t tell Milton that he was in debt for his new suit or that the suit was partially paid for with counterfeit money.

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