Continuing with SO WONDERFUL AS WANT Ch. 16, Ex. 7 Likes, comments, shares appreciated. She had the husband she wanted, and someday they would make their own baby, duly sanctioned by the laws of God and man. * * * Ten-year-old Quinn reached across his sister for another helping of grits. The girl rapped his hand and he howled. “Emily,” Zach scolded. “Keep your hands to yourself. And you,” he said to his son, “mind your manners. We don’t grab for things in this family. If you want something, ask for it.” The children continued poking each other, and Zach shot them a silent rebuke, after which both children finished their meal without incident. “Okay, kids,” Ginny said, lifting her bulk from her chair. “If you’re done eatin’, go git ready. Your mama’ll be here soon. An’ Emily, make sure you gather them eggs ‘fore you go.” The children ran off and Ginny caught Zach’s questioning look. “Well, you know she comes for ‘em ever’ other week,” she said matter-of-factly. “I forgot this was her week,” he said, ready to cut and run. She stayed him with a hand to his shoulder. “Do you hafta go?” “I don’t want to visit with her, Gin. I told you that.” “You don’t hafta visit with her. Just be here when she comes.” “Dammit, Ginny, why are you so set on this?” She lowered her head and voice. “I just thought it’d be nice to have my husband by my side when his ole sweetie drops by.” Zach sprang to his feet. “Don’t do this, Gin. Don’t turn on the tears.” Ginny obediently dabbed at her pooling eyes with a corner of her apron. “Why are you so afraid to see her, Zach?” “I’m not afraid to see her. I just don’t want to. Can’t you understand that?” “N-no,” she said, twisting her apron. “I don’t understan’. I think maybe you don’t wanna see her cuz you’re still in love with her.” He swallowed hard. “That’s not true. Dinah means nothing to me, I swear.” “Then stay here when she comes. Please.” “I—I can’t,” he said in a choked voice. Ginny stared back, the pained look on her husband’s face hurting her more than his words. Untwisting her apron, she smoothed it across her bulging abdomen. “Awright,” she said in a small voice. “I understan’ now.” Zach grabbed his pole and broke for the door. Ginny pinched her eyes shut as the truth hit home. Corky had tried to warn her, tried to tell her Zach would never give up Dinah for her, and he’d been right. Why hadn’t she listened to him? She gave a sad, little laugh. What a pitiful bunch they were, each wanting someone he couldn’t have. Except for Dinah. Somehow, Dinah always came out ahead. She thought if only she could hate Dinah it might displace some of the pain. But how could she hate someone who was like a sister to her? No, she couldn’t hate Dinah; she loved her too much. And despite Zach’s denials, he did too. Links to purchase in comment section below.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:10:41 +0000