Dovetail(25)

He’d hoped the reference to him dating would bother her. Certainly she’d realize over time what she’d given up. How could she not? Without him, her life had to be dreary. He waited and waited, but she never wrote back, and when he sent her flowers on her birthday, the florist called him to say she’d refused to accept them. He went and picked up the bouquet from the flower shop and then, the next day, gave them to one of the secretaries at work, the one he knew had a crush on him. She went gaga over them and over the next several days became even more solicitous toward him than usual, keeping his coffee mug topped up, complimenting his ties, and laughing at all his jokes. Now, that was a woman who knew how to act around men. Too bad she wasn’t Kathleen.

One good thing—Kathleen wasn’t dating anyone. That was in his favor. She had high standards and would never find someone who compared well to Ricky. That much he knew. The returned flowers were a setback, but he didn’t take it to heart. She just needed time. Someday they’d tell the story of their breakup to their children and grandchildren. He’d describe it as a silly phase when Kathleen just needed to take a step back before realizing that Ricky really was the one for her. Getting married again would be necessary, but they’d still count the time in between when they celebrated their anniversary. In the scheme of things, it would make their lengthy, devoted marriage seem all the more precious. He pictured taking hold of her hand while telling the kids and grandkids, “I wasn’t about to let this one get away.”

In return, she’d beam at him, love in her eyes.

Kathleen was not making this easy, but nothing worth having ever came easily. He knew she was making him fight for their love, and he was up to the challenge. Ricky was a winner. Always had been; always would be.





CHAPTER FOURTEEN





1916


Attached to the side of the automobile was a bulb horn. Frank squeezed the bulb and laughed when the younger girls jumped at the noise. He did it twice more while making a point to grin at Alice as if she were in on the joke. Honk! Honk! It sounded loudly, making Mae cover her ears in alarm. Frank shouted, “Sounds like my granddad when he blows his nose!”

He turned off the engine, jumped out of the automobile, and bounded up the steps until he stood directly across from Alice, then pulled off his hat and held it to his chest. He wore a white shirt buttoned all the way to the top and breeches tucked into his boots. Pearl couldn’t help but notice the way Frank’s suspenders bulged over his muscular chest. So many times she’d tried to talk Frank up to Alice, citing his broad shoulders, sleek blond hair, deep voice, and baby-blue eyes, but Alice didn’t care. She just didn’t see him as a beau. Pearl thought Alice couldn’t afford to rule anyone out, much less Frank, who came from a well-to-do farming family. And he so clearly adored her. That kind of devotion didn’t come along every day.

Frank grinned broadly and said, “Whaddya think of my new chariot, Alice? It’s a two-seater. Now I can drive you to the picture show on Saturday night.” He spoke to her father. “With your permission, of course, sir. I can drive ahead of your wagon so you can keep an eye on us the whole time. I respect Alice. I wouldn’t want to ruin her reputation.”

Mr. Bennett put his arm around his daughter’s shoulders. “I will be driving Alice and her sisters in the wagon as usual, Frank. I’ve seen enough of these automobiles stuck in the ditch spinning their wheels to have little faith in their ability. A horse-drawn wagon has always been good enough for the Bennett family.”

“Yes, sir,” Frank said. “Respectfully, might I ask you to make an exception, seeing as how I’ve been courting Alice for four and a half months now?”

Alice, who’d been leaning against Father’s shoulder, took a step forward and spoke calmly. “I have told you many times, Frank, we are not courting. I am glad to consider you a friend, but I have no romantic interest at all.”

“Aw, Alice, I know what you’ve said, but my mind is made up. There’s no other girl for me. Someday I aim to propose marriage.” He spoke confidently, then took a step back and smiled widely. Frank’s own father had teeth that were stained yellow, but Frank himself had gleaming white teeth. He’d told Pearl that he’d never chew tobacco for that very reason. “Any wife of mine will be proud to be seen standing next to me,” he’d said.

Alice shook her head, almost a little sadly, it seemed to Pearl. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Frank, but my mind is made up as well. You need to find another girl to court if you’re so eager to settle down.” Her face flushed red with emotion. She hated to hurt anyone’s feelings.

“What?” Frank’s lips parted, as if he was about to make an objection. Then he seemed to collect himself and tried another tactic. “Are you teasing me, Miss Bennett?”

“No, I would never do that. I’ve tried to tell you before in a polite way, but you don’t seem to understand, so I’ll say it plainly. I don’t think we’re suited for one another.”

Frank’s face clouded. “You’re making a mistake, Alice. Don’t be so rash. Take a few days to think it through before you make such a final decision. I would hate to see you miss out and have regrets later.”

John Lawrence came out of the shadows of the porch. Pearl had almost forgotten he was there. His voice rang out clearly. “I think the lady has made her decision in this matter very clear. A gentleman would defer to her wishes.”