The Widowed Bride by Stella Clark

Author:Stella Clark [Clark, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Mail-Order Bride Series, marriage of convenience, Novella Length Story
Publisher: Aryn House Publishing
Published: 2019-05-08T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Once she disappeared, Jake leaned against the counter and tried to get his thoughts straight. He appreciated her help, that was all. It was nothing more and nothing less. She was just helpful. Sort of like Libby had been. He squeezed his eyes shut. Libby. He could feel her touch on his hands even now. Jake tried not to move, remembering the sound of her laughter.

It hurt. That was something he accepted. Everything hurt. And now he had added a new pain in his life, bringing in another woman to take his late wife’s place at the store. He hadn’t thought of that. He hadn’t expected it. Taking a deep breath, Jake tried to calm his heartbeat. What was done was done, and it was okay if he felt a little fond towards her. It was friendly affection at most, which they would need in their marriage. Friendship. Nothing more.

“Store’s looking good, Mr. Benson.”

He jerked his head up. Mr. Tate Werner from the bank had walked in. How long had he been standing there? Straightening up, he glanced around and swallowed. “Good afternoon, Mr. Werner. How can I be of service? Do you need honey?”

“No, but I could use something sweeter.” The tall banker came and leaned on the counter. Jake invariably took a step back, gritting his teeth. He didn’t like being made to feel small in his own shop. “You haven’t paid off your loan. And it’s been a while.”

Don’t look at the register, he told himself. Last time he’d paid right out of there, he’d had issues offering change to his customers for the rest of the week. It had been a mess. “I know, I know. I’m coming up with the money. I could have a payment soon.”

“Tomorrow,” Tate corrected him.

Jake opened his mouth, but the hard line was set on the other man’s brow before he left. It was going to have to be tomorrow somehow. Jake tried to sort out how he could make that happen. He was close to having a full payment ready, but they were still short. His thoughts turned away from Virginia as he tried to think of how to save the store.

Virginia knew little enough about the loan, and he didn’t want to worry the woman. She could concentrate on other things.

***

Virginia’s own thoughts focused on Jake Benson as she strolled home. He was an awfully nice man.

She knew it was still early, but her hopes were high and soaring. The man hadn’t yelled once, and he listened—mostly—when she talked. And he was trying to help her learn to read. As she passed the shops, she tried to practice, hoping to impress him before their next lesson. Twenty-six letters was a lot to memorize, but she was familiar with most. Some of them had odd sounds or too many sounds to them, but she didn’t mind. He was a patient teacher.

And on top of that, he was good-looking. Two girls had dropped by the shop shortly after she arrived.

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