Jane wiped her eyes as the funeral directors wheeled the small casket down the aisle, the organist playing a final haunting lullaby. The Marvel brothers, dressed in dark suits that Jane remained astonished they possessed, followed with solemn expressions. Her sniffles mingled with the sobs and blowing noses echoing off the sanctuary walls, but to her left, Genevieve sat with stoicism, while on her right, Dona hummed the service's opening hymn.

Cadence tried dissuading Genevieve from attending the graveside service, but the old woman insisted. Dona also refused to stay behind, so the four women bundled themselves into Genevieve's Cadillac. Once at the cemetery, Dona opted not to get out of the car, but Genevieve traversed the snow and ice with Cadence and Jane's supporting arms. They settled her in a velvet-covered folding chair while the Marvel brothers and the little girl's teenage uncle lifted the small casket out of the hearse and carried it to the grave.

When this second, brief service ended and most of those gathered had returned to their vehicles, the girl's family broke into sobs. Genevieve gave them a few words of condolence and heartfelt hugs before turning their care over to Prett.

Before getting in the car, Genevieve looked back at the grieving women hugging the casket. The brothers stood sentry, their silent presence offering more comfort than words.

"No parent should have to bury a child," Genevieve said. "It's unnatural." She turned watery blue eyes to Jane. "The young ones are the hardest of all. The parent's entire world crashes down. Some never recover."

She squeezed Jane's hand, and the latter nodded. Better than anyone, Genevieve understood the pain of losing children, both young and old. Jane admired her strength and ability to carry on, and for so many long years.

As Jane walked to the car's passenger side, she swept her eyes over the gravestones rising out of the snow. Montgomery proclaimed a nearby large one. Her breath caught, and she stopped short. With disbelief, she stepped around to the front of the marble stone. She ignored the husband's name engraved there, focusing instead on the wife's: Vivian Rose (Westfall) 1910-2005. A chill ran down Jane's spine. She'd found her grandmother's friend.

***

Jane picked at her square of chicken casserole and rounded scoop of gelatin salad in the church basement, thankful she wasn't expected to contribute to the surrounding conversations. Genevieve had a steady stream of well-wishers, some of whom also acknowledged Dona and Cadence. The Marvel brothers had returned minutes before and were helping the mourning family settle at another table with their plates of food.

Jane's thoughts focused on the gravestone and its meaning. Vivian Rose Westfall Montgomery. Viv Montgomery, of Westfall-Montgomery, LLC. Surely they were one and the same. Viv Montgomery, her grandmother's old friend. Viv Montgomery, who'd offered Jane help in a letter left unopened for years. Viv Montgomery, now long dead and unable to fulfill that promise. Jane sighed. Rather than providing an answer, the old woman's grave put an end to her search for one.

***

Cadence went over the menu for the second time in as many days. "Chili and oyster stew. Bread and fruit salad–Lindy's bringing that. The rest are bringing snacks. Breakfast casseroles in the morning, but we'll need to get them put together this afternoon. Tomorrow–steak, baked potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, and hotdogs." Cadence furrowed her brow. "I don't know if I can get it all done."

Jane touched her arm in reassurance. "That's why I'm here, remember?" She paused and looked towards the family room where the brothers sat, focused on their phones. "Danny's a good cook. We should ask him to help."

Cadence followed her gaze and scowled. Much to Jane's surprise, she agreed. "Okay. But he has to do what we say. I don't want him taking over."

"He won't," Jane said. He better not prove me wrong.

Danny looked at her in surprise when she stepped in front of his recliner. "Want to help us cook?" she asked. With wariness, he glanced toward the kitchen then back at Jane. "She agreed as long as you don't take over."

Danny's eyes widened in fear. Jane had seen this expression whenever he drew Cadence's attention, and she'd assumed the caregiver's too-often stern demeanor intimidated him. But now she saw the truth. He's scared he'll screw up any chance he has with her. He seemed immobilized at the prospect of making the slightest inroad. Jane turned back towards the kitchen. Her initial disappointment in his cowardice changed to satisfaction when Danny put away his phone and followed. She could feel his brothers' eyes boring into her back, surely wondering if she'd lost her mind–or if he had.

But Danny played the subservient role to perfection, performing every task asked of him with prompt expertise. Genevieve complemented him several times on his skills, in between bemoaning her own arthritic hands and chastising Dona for her inability to keep focused on her own simple tasks. Danny smiled and shook his head each time Dona asked if his long hair would cause trouble with his captain, and whenever she tried to wander off with ingredients.

None of that mattered. For Cadence's frosty terseness towards Danny soon devolved into open hostility. No matter how quickly and efficiently Danny browned hamburger or chopped green peppers or beat a dozen eggs, Cadence found fault. Even when she said nothing, her exasperated sighs spoke volumes. Within an hour, she bristled with fury. When she snatched a full trash bag out of Danny's hands because she didn't like how he was tying the flaps, Jane decided to talk to her alone. She followed Cadence to the garage.

"I can't stand any more!" Cadence slammed the trash bag into the bin. "I want to punch him!"

"Why? He's doing everything you ask!"

"I know!" Cadence choked on the words. She burst into tears, covering her face with her hands.

Jane stared at her in confused disbelief. What is this? Since yesterday's conversation, she had been operating under the assumption Danny's refusal to speak his apology was the biggest barrier to harmony between the two. Now she had her doubts. He was being helpful, even keeping a positive attitude despite Cadence's constant jabs, and she resented him for it?

What does she want? Him to act like the jerk he was seven years ago? Cadence had mentioned her hard heart, and now Jane could see the truth in that. No wonder Danny despaired. Jane wanted to fling up her hands in exasperation at the woman. "I don't understand," was all she managed to say.

Cadence shook her head, wiping the tears off her cheeks. "He'll do anything I want except say he's sorry."

"Well, he–"

"–Because I'm ugly! He can't even stand to look at me!"

"What!?" Where did that come from? "You're not ugly!" On the contrary. Cadence was tall and angular, with striking features only somewhat marred by her scars. "You look like Katherine Hepburn."

"Who's that?"

"Never mind." Jane took a different tack. "He doesn't think you're ugly. He's just scared. Because you treat him like dirt. I know he hurt you, and he hasn't apologized like you want, but you have to give him a chance. If you always bitch at him, he'll never come around."

"Oh, sure, he'll apologize," Cadence said with bitterness, waving her hand, "and I'll forgive him and then that'll be the end of it and he can get on with the rest of his life flirting with everyone and ignoring me." She collapsed into a fresh round of tears.

Again Jane's mind reeled. The illogic of the woman was staggering. No wonder this standoff has lasted so long! Why the jealousy if he flirts with other women? Why begrudge his inattention towards her when she shows nothing but contempt towards him? Why show rage one minute and cry the next? Why pine for a man she imagines instead of accepting him for who he is? Why keep his old military photo next to her bed? Jane stared at the weeping truth. "Are you...in love with him?"

Cadence sank to the cold cement floor, wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her head in her knees, sobbing.

I take that as a yes. Jane almost laughed at the paradox. They're both in love. But they think they're hated in return. This is insane.

Jane squatted in front of her new friend. "Danny doesn't think you're ugly. For one thing, you're not ugly, so it would be stupid for him to think that. In fact, I wish I had your high cheekbones." Jane patted her own cheek. "Mine have always been kinda pudgy. Like a chipmunk's."

Cadence raised her head. "No, they aren't."

"Well, anyway, the truth is, Danny's secretly in love with you."

Cadence wrinkled her brow. "You're lying."

"Nope. And he's been avoiding me ever since I found out."

"I don't believe you."

"I think he's scared you won't forgive him, and then he won't have any hope left of winning you over. He really does feel horrible for what he said. He knows it's unforgivable. And with the way you treat him, no wonder he thinks that."

"He isn't in love with me."

"Isn't he? If he wasn't, why would he bother helping today? He could've kept playing 'Words With Friends' or whatever. Instead he lets you order him around and doesn't even flip you off when you grumble about the way he measures chili powder, for God's sake! If that's not a man in love, I don't know what is."

Cadence stared at Jane with skepticism. "You think so?"

"I know so. And I'll get him to say his apology. Maybe not today, but soon." Jane stood and put her hands on her hips. "Now, go clean up. Splash cold water on your eyes. That'll help. When you're ready, come back to the kitchen. And be nice to him! Give the guy some hope."

Cadence stood, but her expression remained wary. "Why are you so nice to me?"

"Why are you so nice to me?" Jane retorted with a grin.

Cadence slowly smirked. "Because you're a cute little chipmunk."

When Jane returned to the kitchen, Danny's shoulders slumped when he saw Cadence hadn't followed. Jane couldn't bear his dejection. "It isn't as bad as it looks," she said. "She doesn't hate you. She's in love with you." Danny turned to her, his beautiful blue eyes wide with disbelief. "The problem is, sometimes women can be..." Jane glanced towards Prett, feeling glad he couldn't hear, "illogical. And punishing. She'll be nicer to you now. So you can say your apology."

Danny didn't get a chance, though, for George and Lindy arrived with Holly and Adair. The Gingery women shooed Danny away and took over the cooking, so that by the time Cadence reappeared, she found herself kicked out of her own kitchen. Jane couldn't tell how Cadence felt about that. She simply enlisted Jane in setting up tables and chairs in the large basement.

Jane counted over thirty seats available between the tables upstairs and down. She felt a nervous anticipation at meeting so many new people. At least the Turneys wouldn't be coming. "Gavin can't be the center of attention with all the Gingerys here," Cadence said with a smirk. "So his family doesn't come for New Year's anymore."

Jane lost track of all the names thrown at her when the family members arrived, except for Gerry, the mechanic who'd fixed her car. When reintroduced, he grinned and asked, "How's your transmission running?" She assured him it ran great and thanked him. "I'm glad the Kentucky hillbillies didn't scare you off," he added, looking towards Prett. "I wanted P.J. to meet you. Figured he'd bring you home."

"Why's that?"

Gerry laughed. "Because you look like family."

Genevieve pulled her away to introduce her to another great-grandson, but Gerry's perplexing comment stuck in Jane's mind. For Dona had been correct in her own observation last week. Jane didn't resemble the Gingerys. George and Lindy's children were younger versions of themselves; dark haired or blonde, with George's wide-set eyes and strong jaw or Lindy's perky nose and bright smile, or some combination thereof. The distinctive Gingery features also extended to the grandchildren, even the three with a Hispanic mother. Jane concluded Gerry meant she must look like part of Prett's family, but other than having a similar hair color as Val's, she couldn't see that, either.

Most of the women gathered in the kitchen, where Lindy headed up the meal preparation. Her daughters and daughters-in-law aided her without any needed direction, keeping up an endless chatter. In the family room, the Gingery brothers teased and joked, with the Marvel brothers hanging back in quiet observation. Danny seemed willing enough to engage in the jovial banter, but the Gingery men must not have understood sign language, for Danny ended up directing all his comments toward his own brothers.

Jane found the dynamics fascinating. Her own experience with family gatherings had been small, subdued affairs, or upscale, formal functions. Listening to the women's free-wheeling conversations and the effortless manner in which their husbands and brothers turned every statement into springboards for punch lines made her long to be part of the inner circle. But she contented herself to navigating the outer rings along with Cadence and the Marvels.

Not that their exclusion was purposeful. Gerry, in particular, attempted several times to draw Prett into conversations. However, openers such as, "I'll bet the mountain man knows a thing or two about starting a barbecue," and "Tell us the backwoods way of grilling steak," weren't the best method to engage him. Prett gave sufficiently flippant answers which elicited appreciative laughter, but he preferred to remain apart from the group.

Cadence, too, seemed content circling the periphery. Most of the Gingerys treated her with a polite indifference. She rarely said a word to anyone, but pitched in whenever she saw a task in danger of being left undone. The afternoon thus passed, and soon the family divided up for dinner. With a few exceptions, the younger generation took their bowls of soup downstairs while the elders took up seats in the dining room.

Jane found herself seated between Cadence and Danny despite her efforts to steer them together. Danny wasn't willing to sit near Cadence, likely because her chilly disposition had returned. Prett sat across from Jane, and she felt watched by him, though he inexplicably avoided eye contact.

The dinner conversation revolved around current events and politics. To Jane's surprise, Prett didn't offer his opinions despite being in friendly territory–the Gingerys were also tea-party sympathizers. He remained as quiet as his brothers. He wouldn't have said a word the entire meal if Lindy hadn't directed her attention towards him halfway through. "Genevieve says the hotel renovations are coming along nicely. I'd like to see for myself this time. How about we take a tour?"

Prett's bland expression didn't flicker, but Jane noticed his body stilled, like a rabbit trying not to be seen by a cat. This hesitation lasted just a moment before he gave a slight nod and murmured, "Sure thing."

After the table was cleared and food put away, Lindy announced she was ready to go. Prett looked as if he'd rather eat glass, and Jane had the impression he'd hoped Lindy would forget the idea. His reluctance only increased when practically the entire clan decided to tag along.

But Jane was the one who panicked. She grabbed Cadence's arm, whispering, "I didn't clean my room. It's a mess! You have to help me before they all see it!"

Jane and Cadence hitched a ride with the Marvel brothers, but since their truck was blocked in, they were the last to leave. By the time they reached the hotel, the Gingerys were already milling around the front door and peering into the uncovered windows. Once inside, the family spread out to admire the decorated lobby while Jane raced up the stairs, Cadence following. Jane snatched up her scattered clothes and tossed them into a laundry basket. "Thanks for helping me," she said as Cadence started making the bed.

"One good turn deserves another. That's what Genevieve would say, anyway."

"Yeah, well, I wish you'd take my advice about Danny. You're still giving him the cold shoulder."

Cadence's good cheer dissolved. "All he does is flirt with Holly and Adair."

Jane frowned. "Yeah, I noticed. Old habits die hard, I guess." Her clothes picked up, she helped Cadence with the bed.

"Besides," Cadence said, "I thought about what you said, and you're wrong. He isn't in love with me. He just wants me to give in, is all. So he can do what he said he'd do."

Jane stopped fluffing her pillow. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. He's not interested in me. Not really. Why would he be? He's just never had a girl turn him down before. So he has to prove he's still got it by getting me."

"You can't really believe that!"

"Listen, I know his type. He's never had to pay for sex. But here I am, putting out for money or drugs or anything at all, and I shut him down. That's the real reason he doesn't date anymore. I stomped on his ego. Because from what I've heard, he used to be a randy rabbit before that. Before his injury. If he can't even get me, then what chance does he have with other girls? Anyway, paying me isn't working, so now he's trying this."

Jane almost choked in disgust. "He's paid you?"

"Yeah. All these random money orders in the mail. Anytime I said I was saving up for something. To have my teeth fixed. To go to college. At first I thought it was Prett, but he gives me Christmas bonuses for the same thing. I'd just get this other money out of the blue. Finally figured out it was Vel. I told him he could offer me a million dollars and I still wouldn't sleep with him. So then he switched to presents. Buying me things I said I liked or wanted someday. But doing it anona–anonas–"

"Anonymously," Jane supplied.

"Yeah. You know that pearl necklace I got for Christmas?"

"From Santa?"

"Prett writes the Santa tags, but that necklace was from Vel. I decided a while ago to let him waste his money. If he wants to buy me stuff, I'll make sure it's expensive. I was thinking of wanting a fur coat for Valentine's Day. What do you think?" She gave Jane a cynical smile.

I think there are more layers of complex with their relationship than I imagined. "I think he's trying to win your heart, not your body."

"It's an act. He's pretending."

"I don't think he's pretending."

"Of course he is. Someone like him isn't interested in someone like me." She turned away, murmuring, "Maybe if the bomb had hit his face..."

Jane froze. Now I understand. Cadence considered Danny too attractive to want her. Facial scars on his part might have leveled the playing field. Angry tears formed in Jane's eyes at the lasting damage Cadence's mom had inflicted. Or the woman's words had cut far deeper wounds than her knife.

"You're not–" Jane cut herself off when she noticed a figure in the doorway. Holly. She stood stock-still as if caught, her blue eyes wide. Cadence followed Jane's gaze.

"I'm sorry," Holly whispered. "I saw you come up here. I thought I'd–I'll go." She backed out.

"No, stay," Cadence called out. "You can help us."

Holly stopped. "Help you?"

Jane moved around the bed towards the door. "We're cleaning my room before your family sees what a complete slob I am." This garnered a small smile from Holly. "They're not right behind you, are they?"

"No, they're still looking around downstairs." Holly twisted and untwisted her coat's drawstring around her fingers. She said to Cadence, "I...wanted to talk to you."

"About what?" Cadence asked.

Holly glanced at Jane, then looked at the floor, her cheeks turning red. Jane took the hint. "I'll go clean the bathroom." But she left the door open.

"I know you told P.J. about...everything," Holly said to Cadence. "I'm grateful. I didn't know how to tell Mom and Dad and..." She gave a little laugh. "Leave it to P.J. to help me make a dramatic exit."

"Prett always wants to help, even if you don't want him to," Cadence replied.

"I know that's what I said, but I was lying. He tried a few times before...but I was too stupid then."

"I've been there. I'm glad you were ready this time."

Holly gave a long sigh. "I don't know why it took me so long."

"Too pig-headed. Just like a Gingery."

Holly giggled. "You've been living with Nana too long." She was silent a moment. "So what do you want me to clean?"

After a quick consultation, Cadence joined Jane in the bathroom, while Holly dusted the bedroom and served as look-out. Jane had finished wiping down the toilet when Holly alerted them the family was coming. They hid the cleaning supplies under the sink before rushing to the sitting room, making it before the tour group arrived at the door.

"Honeymoon suite," Prett intoned as he stepped into the room. He stopped short when he saw the three women standing there, stifling smiles. Jane saw his resigned misery switch to confusion and then to something enigmatic as he focused on her. Lindy broke his gaze by turning him aside so she and the remaining family could enter. "This is Miss Jane's quarters," Prett said in a wry tone, "so perhaps she should show you around."

Jane jumped at the opportunity, not waiting to see if he was serious. She pointed out the changes in each room, playing up Val's design skills, Danny's tile work, and Prett's attention to detail. She even threw in Genevieve's anecdotes. Her impromptu delivery proved a hit. The Gingery women oohed and aahed, and even the Gingery men stopped their kidding around to listen.

"She knows more about the place than you do, P.J.," Gerry commented when she finished. "Maybe she should be our tour guide."

Prett shrugged with an indecipherable expression. But when Jane volunteered to show them the rest of the rooms, she noted his relief with satisfaction. She led the way, happy to be in charge, answering questions and relating the stories Genevieve had told about the building.

Later, as they returned to the main floor and filtered out to their respective vehicles, Lindy complimented Jane on her ability to weave Genevieve's history into the tour. "You'll need to write down those stories so I can use them when we have guests here," Lindy said. She added to Prett, "I see why you hired her."

Jane beamed with pride. Danny gave her a thumbs up, and Val echoed his sentiment. Prett, however, merely gave her a nod. But no matter. She'd broken the ice with the Gingerys, making it easier for her to join in the remaining evening's merriment. She lost at Apples to Apples, showed off her complete lack of skill at pool, celebrated when the ball dropped in New York City, and again an hour later when the New Year arrived in Nebraska. As for the Marvel brothers, Danny and Val participated in the family activities while Prett, seemingly wrung out from the earlier invasion of his privacy, planted himself in a dark corner of the basement and rarely looked up from his phone till time to leave.

Jane was amazed the Gingerys all intended to bed down in the house. Cadence gave up her room to bunk with Genevieve, the younger kids fought over the best sofas, and the teen girls begged Danny to let them sleep in the hunting cabin, only to return half an hour later, squealing it was a magnet for zombies and serial killers. Jane and the brothers left while the teens were attempting to wrest sofa privileges from the younger set. Sometime around two a.m., Jane dropped into her own bed, the large old hotel seeming especially quiet and lonely. Next year they'll all sleep here instead of Genevieve's. I doubt that will be as entertaining.

She slept late the next morning before heading back to Genevieve's to spend another day playing games, eating, and conversing with the Gingerys. She had never felt more embraced by family. Her only disappointment was that Danny and Cadence still avoided each other like the plague. 

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Please help me improve my writing by pointing out problems. And if you like what you read, please click the Vote button below. And comment! I love comments! 😊

Fun Fact:  Prairie Creek really does exist in Nebraska, but only as townships, not an actual town. There's a Prairie Creek Township in Nance County, one in Hall County, and one in Merrick County. 

My inspiration for the Village of Prairie Creek in my novel is—not surprisingly—my hometown, the Village of Chapman. 

Astute local readers will realize that in Chapter Two, when Prett drives Jane through Aurora to Prairie Creek, the description of the latter's location is closer to the real-life Marquette, NE, than Chapman. 😉 

By the way, Aurora does have a truck stop, but  with an Arby's, not a 24 hour café. I based the café off of the one in York, NE. Stop at the Petro there and eat at the Iron Skillet. You're in for a treat if it's prime rib night. 😁 (And there is no mean Gavin Turney at either truck stop. He's a figment of my imagination. LOL.)   

And last, but not least, Genevieve Gingery's house is based on a real-life house I've always been curious about. Barely visible through the trees, that house sits near the Platte River with its own personal sandpit (pond) in the front yard. 

I consider that little stretch of road along the Platte one of the most scenic in this area. I love the slightly rolling landscape:

Be sure to vote and comment! ⤵