Project Pride & Prejudice Ch 22 Trial Run

Chapter 22 Trial Run

Will woke up with his arms aching and in an uncomfortable position. He opened his eyes and quickly shut them hoping the day had just been a bad dream. He could hear voices behind the door and reluctantly recognized that this was reality and someone was helping Beth in the restroom. For a moment he was angry that she had not awakened him, but he chastised himself for being selfish along with reminding himself of Beth’s quick embarrassment at that level of intimacy.

When the door opened he closed his eyes again feigning sleep. The nurse said that breakfast would be coming in about an hour and that Beth had done well through the night. She said that she would assist her again if needed, but she was encouraged that Beth had not felt any dizziness or discomfort during this outing. She suggested that she get the “big lug” out of the bed and walk around the unit with him later to make all the other nurses and patients jealous. The two women giggled and Beth slid back into the bed.

As soon as the door closed, Will felt an elbow in his side, “Ok, ‘big lug’, I know you’re playing possum.” She teased.

“I can’t possibly awaken as it is too early and everyone knows big lugs are notoriously late sleepers.” He answered without opening his eyes.

“But I want a kiss” she pouted dramatically.

Will sprang up on his elbows and looked down at her. A bruise had formed on her face probably from when Jeannie was flailing around. Will lightly traced it with his fingers before moving to caressing her check. “I’m happy to oblige” He bent down and lightly touched her lips, but the kiss soon deepened, and he knew he had to stop in order to maintain his self control.

“Elizabeth,” he whispered softly, “It gets more and more difficult for me to simply kiss you. Maybe I should leave now.” He didn’t want to leave, but he was telling her the truth and the depth of his feelings for her.

She opened her eyes, hoping that he was still looking down at her, “If you think that’s best.” She answered just as quietly.

“No. I don’t think it’s best, but sometimes I think I’m going to explode when I’m near you. And I’m an animal to be thinking this way. You’re in the hospital. How sick am I?”

“Fitzwilliam,” she reached up to touch his face. “I think you are the most patient man on the planet. Can I tell you a secret?” Will nodded. “If you’re sick then I must be terminal because I want you too.”

“Oh, Lord, Elizabeth, you’re the one who has to remain sane. There is no way on earth I’m going to let you give in to me. Especially not here.” He stared into her face and chuckled, “But it’s nice to know that at another time I might just play that trump card.”

“I can always say I didn’t know what I was saying because I had hit my head.” She laughed with him.

“Just move over a little and let me hold you. You need your rest before the parade of docs and heaven knows who else will bombard you before they let you go home. And by home, I mean Pemberville.” He put his finger on her lips as she was about to protest. “Nope, not going to listen. You’re not going back to your house. You’re not going to Marie’s either. You’re coming HOME, with me. I intend to spoil you rotten and make it so that you will want to break your lease and stay forever.” He gently helped her move so that he could spoon against her.

“I already want to stay forever” Beth said almost to herself. In answer, Will pulled her closer. They both fell into a peaceful sleep until the morning hospital barrage began.



After eating her breakfast and submitting to several residents and doctors, Will escorted Beth around the unit. Several staff commented that Will looked worse than Beth, which made her giggle so he didn’t become too agitated. Towards the end, she was leaning on him heavily and she admitted to a little dizziness and some pain. They were about two rooms away when Will’s concern grew too much for him so he picked her up and carried her into her room.

“I can’t stand to have you in any pain, Elizabeth,” was his only comment as he set her down on the bed.

“Fitzwilliam,” she said smiling weakly, “you can’t just pick me up and take me everywhere.”

“Oh yes I can.”

“Well, that was the most disgusting display of prideful gallantry I’ve ever witnessed.” Richard stood in the doorway with mock severity. “All the nurses are out there twittering away about that “big strong man fawning all over her” he spoke in falsetto. “It’s too early for all this gushy stuff.”

“Nobody asked for your opinion.” Will didn’t even glance his way. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“If you remember, dear cousin, you don’t have your truck here. So, I’m the chauffeur when they spring you, Beth.” He moved past Will and kissed Beth on the cheek.

“Hey, I let you do that yesterday because everybody was stressed. Don’t push it.” Will grumbled from the chair.

Richard winked at Beth, “It’s a wonder he could get you back in the bed what with lugging that huge ego of his around.”

“I think I’ll like watching the ongoing entertainment of the two of you for a couple of days,” Beth grinned while closing her eyes. “That wore me out.”

The two men looked at each other and their smiles faded. Richard sat down in the chair opposite Will’s. They were silent as Beth drifted in and out of sleep. The door opened and Marie stuck her head in. “Hi. Is she OK?” They nodded. “Well, I have a little girl here who wants to apologize to her momma and to Mr. William.”

Beth’s eyes opened and she held out her arms to Jeannie. Her daughter ran to her with so much force that Will put his arm out to stop her before she crashed into Beth. Jeannie eyed Will angrily, but did stop and ask if she could have a hug from her momma. Beth’s eyes were shining as she sat up and folded Jeannie in her arms.

“I’m sorry, momma. I’ll listen next time, I promise. I won’t put dirty hands in my mouth.” She said earnestly.

“I forgive you, honey. And we’ll try harder next time to understand each other, OK?” she kissed her daughter as Jeannie remarked on the collar and the bandages.

Marie reminded Jeannie that she needed to speak to someone else in the room. She turned to Will and looked at the floor. “I’m sorry, Mr. William. You didn’t hurt my momma.”

“No, Jeannie, I didn’t. Do you remember who did?” There was dead silence in the room.

“I didn’t mean to.” Jeannie was still looking at her shoes.

“That’s not what I asked.” Will insisted. Richard was going to say something, but Will’s hand shot up behind Jeannie, so no one spoke. “Do you know what you did, Jeannie?”

“I pushed my momma, then I hit her with my hand.” She said honestly. “But I didn’t mean to do it, Mr. William.”

“I know you didn’t mean to, Jeannie, but it happened all the same. You are getting too big to fight with someone like that. But you will try harder next time, won’t you?” She nodded her head in agreement. Will lifted her chin up and he kissed her on the tip of her nose.

Jeannie laughed and said, “Wait ‘til I tell Melissa that Mr. William gave me a kiss!”

“I’m sure she’ll love to hear that.” Richard remarked.

“Momma, I’m going back to my cottage now.” Jeannie turned back to her momma.

“Yes, I know. I will miss you.” Beth was trying not to cry, but she wasn’t winning the battle.

“See ya.” She skipped back to Marie. Turning around once more, she blew her mother a kiss and then she was gone.

The two cousins cursed under their breaths as they saw Beth crumble into the pillows. Richard turned to look out the window as Will sat on the bed and took Beth into his arms. He tried to soothe her, but he recognized that this would be a pain she would feel constantly to one degree or another.

Her nurse came in and announced that she was going to be released soon and rattled off all the discharge instructions along with pain managment and wound care and follow up appointments. Beth signed off where necessary and Will assured the nurse that Beth would rest and would get checked out and be seen by whomever they wanted her to see. Within the hour, Will was helping Beth into Richard’s jeep.

Will was beginning to rethink his insistence that Beth come to Pemberville as the drive was extremely uncomfortable for her. Richard was driving slowly but that just seemed to stretch the agony out, so the last few miles he gunned it. Never were three people happier to see a driveway. Will came around to help her out, but Beth seemed quite unsteady. In one fluid motion, he picked her up again and at Richard’s direction, took her to his office.

As they had done for Richard’s recovery, a bed was now set up for Beth. Georgiana left a note stating that she and Seth had taken Callie to town for lunch and then they were going to a matinee. Richard remarked that Will was not paying his sister nearly enough for her talents. They heard the back door slam and some agitated broken English thrown about. All three of them winced at the same time, “Juanita.”

An hour later, Beth was resting with a stomach full of chicken noodle soup, an earful of motherly wisdom and a noseful of disgusting as the war of the rag was lost.


Juanita ordered Will to either swim some laps or go and ride his horse to release his tension. He opted for the swim since he didn’t want to be away from Beth for any length of time. She told Richard he didn’t look too good either, and he explained his guilt over yelling at Callie. She listened as she prepared their supper and only occasionally asked a question or made a comment. Finally she looked at him and stated, “You love her, too, yes?”

“Yes, but not the way everybody keeps insinuating. I think I feel for her like Ed does, you know, Justin’s popi. He is quite protective of her and treats her like a kid sister. That’s how I see her now, honestly. If Will hadn’t made his move, that might have been a different story, but I don’t regret her.”

“Callie, she has you here” she wiggled her little finger at him and laughed.

“Yes, that’s true I think. I imagine Georgie was a lot like her or she would have been if we were a happier family.”

“You and El Torro did the best you could. She is stronger than you know. School will be good for her. She will grow. You will see.” She gave further orders for the meal and for Beth’s rag which Richard listened to with much amusement. She was leaving as Will was returning from the pool.

“Get a shower and for heaven’s sake, shave. We are not going through that phase again.” Richard commanded as he chased Will up the steps. Beth had awakened and heard their bantering. She smiled thinking about what the day to day life on this farm will be for her and her daughters. Thoughts of Jeannie stirred her heart and she prayed that with the team effort they could reach her.



Freshly showered and shaved, Will quietly opened the door to check on Beth, he was momentarily alarmed that she was not there, but relaxed instantly when she came up from behind and hugged him. “You smell good,” she purred.

“Wish I could say the same for you,” he chuckled.

“That was a low blow, sir and certainly not the words of a gentleman.” Beth pouted but didn’t let go.

“I thought we established this morning that I was no longer a gentleman when it came to you.” He turned around and kissed her hungrily as she melted into his embrace. “Whew! I don’t remember that thing smelling as bad as that.”

“You are not helping towards my recovery one bit, mister.” She playfully hit him on his chest. He then noticed that she was wearing one of his T shirts and boxers. Looking down he arched his brow. “I guess Georgiana brought these down for me. Do you mind?”

“No, except you will drive me to distraction like that. Richard’s in town showing some rental properties so it’s just the two of us. Unless, of course, Juanita flies in again to lecture us all and to make sure you’re wearing that disgusting thing. I’m sure, though, that we could find something to do.” He growled seductively in her ear.

“I’d give anything for a hot bath, but you certainly cannot help me with that.”

“Why not? I can run bath water just like anyone else. Georgiana must have some smelly stuff somewhere up there. It’s a garden tub, you know. Plenty of room”

“Fitzwilliam…” she warned.

“I’m just saying for future reference.” He laughed and kissed her again before running up the stairs on his mission.

Ten minutes later Beth was relaxing in the huge tub surrounded by sweet smelling bubbles. Will had even lit some candles though it was the middle of the afternoon. They argued over her climbing the stairs; but she was secretly thrilled when he picked her up and carried her without notice. With eyes closed she recalled his strong arms and gentle hands as he deposited her at the bathroom door. His puppy eyes as she closed it behind him sent chills though her even with the warm water engulfing her. She sighed deeply and wondered what he was doing while she was indulging in this rare luxury.

Will had spent several minutes of agony leaning up against the bathroom door. All he could think about was joining her in her bath. Finally, he walked away and wandered into his old room which now functioned as a studio. He began drawing a picture of Beth that she would not see for a long time into their marriage. It was the only therapy he knew to fight the animal that wanted her so badly.

He was shaken out of his revelry by Richard bounding noisily up the steps. “Where is everybody?’

Hastily shoving the drawing in a file cabinet, Will answered and came out of the room. “I’m glad you’re home. Let’s play pool or something.” He shoved Richard back towards the steps.

“Now?” Richard asked with smirk “Why, where’s Beth?”

“She’s taking a bath,” came the terse reply.

Richard laughed, but decided it best not to make a comment that Beth might be able to overhear. He acted as the sacrificial lamb to Will’s relentless beating. His only comment to his cousin was to try not to shatter the cue stick or the balls for that matter to which he only received a scowl.


Although Callie had been told her momma fell, she was still quite upset when she saw Beth sitting up in the bed. “Momma!” she cried as she ran towards her. “What did Jeannie do to you?” she demanded.

No one was prepared for that reaction from her, so there was a moment of stunned silence before Beth patted the bed for Callie to come sit next to her. “Honey, it was an accident.” She said as she gave Callie a kiss and a hug.

“But she did it, didn’t she?” It appeared her youngest was not going to back down. “Momma, tell me the truth.”

Beth looked up at Will who was nodding his head as the rest of the room suddenly cleared with excuses ranging from getting a snack to answering messages. Will stayed behind in support of Beth but to also begin what he hoped would be the two of them handling issues with the girls together.

Callie’s arms were crossed in indignation as she listened to her momma relate most of the details of the accident. She shifted quickly and hugged Beth tightly. “Sometimes I don’t like Jeannie at all.” She said defiantly. “She should just stay at that stupid SKAT place.”

Will interrupted Beth before she respond, “Callie, I can understand why you are mad at Jeannie. I was mad at her, too.” Both Callie’s and Beth’s eyes grew wide at Will’s admission. “The problem is, though, Jeannie can’t always control her anger. That’s why she is getting the help she needs at SKAT. And, we still need to forgive her ‘cause even though she makes us mad, we still love her, right?”

Switching her gaze from Will to Beth, Callie asked, “Is it OK if I stay mad for a little bit longer. She hurt my momma, Will.” A tear escaped down her cheek.

Not wanting Beth to see that, he quickly scooped Callie off the bed and whirled her around the room. “Yes, little princess, you may be mad at her for five more minutes, then we will both say goodbye to the anger and concentrate on making your momma feel better.”

Callie was trying so hard not to laugh, but soon her squeals were heard throughout the house. Richard and Seth looked at each other as they sat drinking iced tea in the kitchen. “I wouldn’t be Beth for a million dollars.” Seth remarked shaking his head.

“Neither of us could be Beth. But that reminds me, I want to talk to you.” Richard went on to explain his resolution to understand Jeannie better and that Seth could play an important role to the girls as they got older and had more questions. Seth listened intently to his brother’s reasoning and nodded in agreement. The decided that while Beth was with them they would ask some questions and formulate some plans if Jeannie had any difficulties when she was with them.

“You know, Rich, you’re good with kids. Too bad we didn’t know that before, huh?” Seth didn’t mean it as a cut on Richard, but his older brother felt the sting anyway.

“Yeah, too bad. But I think I can be pretty good with college boys who think they’re too big for this!” Richard lunged for Seth and they were soon wrestling on the floor. Of course, Callie ran in to see what the ruckus was all about and soon wrestling gave way to a tickle frenzy that brought Beth out to witness as well.



After supper, Beth was sitting up in the bed with an ice pack on her head and neck listening to some music. Everyone except Will was out in the pool enjoying the warm evening. Fatigue and muscle soreness were starting to get the better of her when she sensed that someone, probably Will, was in the room and watching her. “Why do you do that?” she asked without opening her eyes.

“Do what?” Of course it was Will.

“Lurk in doorways.”

“I didn’t realize I was lurking.” He moved to sit next to her on the bed.

‘Well, what would you call it?.” She asked impertinently.

“Gazing at a beautiful woman.”

“Potato, Patato,” she giggled.

“Don’t make fun of me.” He said half seriously.

“Fitzwilliam, have you noticed that I try to call you that all the time? I remembered what you said and I always want you to feel my love, even when I’m making fun of you.” She kissed him on the nose. “Hey, what have you got in your hand?” She had finally opened her eyes.

“One of the reasons why I stare at you.” He unrolled a canvas with a portrait of Beth sitting on her porch swing surrounded by beautiful flowers. Beth looked at it for quite awhile before lifting her swimming eyes up at the man who obviously saw her in a much different light than she saw herself.

“Oh, Fitzwilliam, I don’t know what to say. If I say it’s beautiful, it will sound like I’m bragging about myself.”

“You are beautiful. I could look at you all day. I could draw you all night. Sometimes I think I’m getting obsessed. But what a way to go crazy.” He kissed her gently, then placed her head on his chest.

“I’ve waited a long time for you to show me your art.”

“I know. I can’t really explain why I’ve been so nervous about you seeing what my eyes see.”

“Because it is such a deep part of you. You said you stopped painting after you lost your family.” She wanted him to talk more about that time, to trust her even more with who he really was.

“Yes.”

“Why, Fitzwilliam? Your art could have been an escape for you. Isn’t that what you help the kids do in art therapy?”

“Not exactly. And by the way, it has not escaped my notice that you use my full name.”

“Don’t change the subject.” She pinched him lightly then kissed the place on his chest.

“Ouch! Unhand me madam!” he laughed and then sighed heavily. “Several weeks after the funerals, when Richard went back to Ft. Bragg, I had a particularly bad day with the kids. I lost my temper and came very close to smacking Seth when he was trying my patience – funny how that trait has stayed with him. Anyway, I didn’t know what else to do, so I put them both in their playpens, turned some music on, took their monitor with me, and I went upstairs to my room. Not the master bedroom I’m in now, but the one I grew up in.

I took out a canvas and just starting painting. I was into acrylics then. What came out was indescribable really. It was fierce and angry and violent and it scared me half to death. I shut the door and didn’t go near that room for a long while. I went so far as to buy new clothes so I didn’t have to go in there. I’m not sure, but I think Juanita ventured in there once. I met her on the stairs and she was white as a sheet and couldn’t talk to me. She never mentioned it, though.”

“Oh, I wish I would have known you then. I would have comforted you.”

“I would have eaten you alive. I’m sure of it. No, we met just when we were supposed to. I truly believe that, Elizabeth.” They held each other and soothed each other’s weariness. “I don’t want to leave you down here tonight. I don’t want to leave you period.” He stroked her hair and lightly kissed her forehead.

“I know, but the kids – “

“- are perfectly aware that we are adults. Richard has teased me enough in front of them that I think they are quite aware of your convictions and my, well, my attempts to abide by your wishes.”

“Poor Fitzwilliam. I hope I’m worth the wait.”

“I’m banking on it.”


In the end, Beth won out and Will reluctantly climbed the stairs to go to his room. Callie had chosen to sleep in what had been Lydia’s room the night before and Will was already making plans to paint it any way that Callie wanted. Making plans was what was keeping him sane. He had called the owner of the cabins where they had stayed last year and booked three for the first week of August. Marie and Ed accepted the invitation to go and Will figured that the guys could bunk in one and the girls in the other. More importantly, he had met a fellow art student who specialized in jewelry design and together they had drawn plans for the perfect wedding and engagement rings. She told Will she would have the engagement ring completed by the end of July. He just hoped he could hold out that long.

In spite of her reasoning, when Beth awoke from a nightmare at 3am she missed Will by her side. Remembering the images of Jeannie crying out for her and Beth not being able to reach her caused her to let out a sob. Slowly climbing out of bed, she walked over to the bathroom and shuddered at her pale tear streaked face. When she came back out, Will was practically standing at attention.

“Are you alright? I heard you crying.” He reached for her and drew her to him.

“It was just a dream, but it upset me nonetheless” She told him what she remembered and held on tightly to him as she spoke.

“I imagine you will continue with that dream, honey. But I do think that next week we need to go to SKAT and meet with Jeannie’s team. She was saying some pretty antagonistic things to you. But that’s good actually; maybe she is ready for some family type counseling where we all can share. Your life has changed a lot. So has hers. She probably doesn’t understand it and that’s why she was angry with you.”

“I guess that makes sense. By the way, thank you for the way you talked to her at the hospital and how you worked with Callie, too. You’re pretty handy to have around.” She smiled up at him then stood on tip toes to kiss his cheek.

“I was hoping you’d begin to notice that.” He scooped her up and carried her back to the bed. After tucking her in, he refused to listen to her arguments and held her close as she fell back asleep. “I don’t care who sees us or what they think. My days of sleeping without you are numbered.” He whispered to her not sure whether she was awake or not. She was awake and smiled to herself as she prayed for sweeter dreams.


Beth’s bruises looked worse over the next two days and her neck still ached frequently. Will set her up to see a chiropractor who gave her some exercises to do along with suggesting some deep tissue massages. She left his office feeling a little better but still quite tired. Dr. Evans had called and just as Will predicted, he suggested they hold a family meeting when Beth felt up to traveling the hour distance. She agreed and set the date for the next Monday.

Saturday evening, Beth told Will that she thought she and Callie should go home soon. He wasn’t happy about it, but understood that it was the right thing to do. They decided that depending how Monday went in Ft. Wayne, she and Callie would go home on Tuesday. The young couples had gone out for the evening so Richard, Callie, Will and Beth hung out by the pool and then watched a video of Callie’s choosing. Beth was preparing for bed when Rachel and Georgiana came in.

They explained that the boys stayed at Justin’s for the night. Rachel asked Beth if they could talk to her for awhile. Beth had missed their late night phone conversations lately and so she agreed to them grabbing some blankets and sleeping with Beth in the office. Will grumbled as he was shown the door, but he did love that his sister had Beth to talk to about everything.

After a few minutes of questions about bruises, headaches and what did they eat on their date, Rachel said there was a reason they wanted to talk to Beth. Recognizing the seriousness in Rachel’s tone, Beth assured them that they could speak openly to her. She was quite surprised when Georgiana said that they were considering breaking up with Seth and Justin. When Beth asked why, the girls said that they both were thinking about going to their colleges early to go through Rush Week. They thought belonging to sororities could be a lot of fun and a great way to make friends.

Beth had never considered the Greek life in college but knew several women who loved the camaraderie of it all. She asked the girls if that was the real reason for wanting to break it off with the guys. Rachel shook her head and said that was just part of it. She went on to explain that although neither young man had pressured their girlfriend, they believed the guys were hoping to take their relationships to the physical realm. The girls said they just were not ready for that and they didn’t think it was fair to the guys to keep them waiting.

The three talked into the night about relationships and sex and all the emotions and responsibilities that came with them. Beth convinced the girls to talk to their boyfriends honestly and make decisions together that would be for the best. She respected these two young women for their beliefs and for the love that they had for Justin and Seth. Although it would be difficult to see them apart, Beth fell asleep thinking that maybe it was the right thing to do. After all, they were all still quite young and the college years were definitely challenging and maturing in their own right.


Monday morning came quickly and Beth prepared not only to be sitting in the car for the hour each way, but for whatever emotions and discussions would come. Richard had asked to come along so that he could learn more about what to do to help, so he and Callie were in the back seat as Will drove silently. No one was in a very happy mood, probably due to nervousness. It didn’t help that it was a rainy day.

Dr. Evans took the time to meet with Callie first then he invited Beth to join them. Callie talked openly about her anger toward her sister and her fears when Jeannie was home. He gave both of them suggestions to communicate and also what to do if Jeannie became too much out of control. Callie went back outside and sat with Richard while Will explained more about what had happened the week before.

When Jeannie came into the room, she immediately hugged her momma and Will. She asked if she was going home for a visit. Dr. Evans told her that she was here to talk about what had happened the week before and anything else that they need to go over together. At first Jeannie refused to acknowledge the confrontation between her and Beth but eventually she did talk to her momma about missing her old house and not being allowed to come home. By guiding the conversation, Dr. Evans was able to coax Jeannie’s feelings out and also to have Beth explain about moving and about all the changes they had faced as a family.

Another issue that came to light was Jeannie’s anger over Will not working with her anymore. She thought he was mad at her or had chosen Beth and Callie over her. After assuring her that wasn’t the case and promising some special time with just the two of them, Jeannie seemed content and was anxious to get back to the cottage for their summer activities. She hugged Will and Beth goodbye, ran outside and hugged Richard and Callie and then skipped outside to more adventure.

Richard and Callie joined the conversation again and Richard asked what he could have done differently and how to work with Jeannie at the farm. Dr. Evans commented on how much support Beth seemed to have in her new town and how important that would be going forward. He didn’t pull any punches when he spoke of the difficulties adolescence was likely to bring. He even warned the two men about being alone with her and safeguards that needed to be in place.

The group was silent again as they headed back to Bryan. Richard commented how much he respected the SKAT program and in a rare display of affection, clapped Will on the back for what he was attempting to do with his life. Callie snuggled up to Richard on the way home and Beth remarked that he wasn’t such a bad guy himself. The rain was relentless which seemed to make Beth’s head ache even more. She excused herself to go rest when they reached the farm. Callie wanted to play with her dolls in her makeshift room.

Will and Richard talked briefly about the meetings and the two determined that although not an easy path, they believed that they could add stability and a little more fun into the life that Beth had already built for her family. Will let Richard in on the plans for Hocking Hills, and his cousin was thrilled that Beth would be a permanent part of the family very soon. They even spoke of Richard building his own home on the property, but Will insisted there was no rush.

Preparing to go to his room to make a few phone calls, Will walked past his office to check on Beth. At first he thought all was quiet until he heard what he thought was weeping. Opening the door a crack, his heart broke looking at Beth laying face down crying into her pillow. He hesitated, not knowing if she would welcome his intrusion, but he couldn’t stand to see her upset, so he proceeded into the room. Not wanting to frighten her, he gently called her name before sitting down on the bed. Beth became perfectly still when she heard his voice. For a moment he thought she would tell him to leave and quite possibly she was fighting with herself over doing just that.

Finally, she rolled over and attempted to sit up. Instead of waiting for her, Will slid down in the bed and took her in his arms. ‘Don’t hold it in, my love.” He whispered into her ear. “I’m here, we’re all here, but we know you’re the one who feels the most frightened and unsure of the future.”

Through her tears her broken words flowed out, “Will, are, are you sssure you want us in your life? Hhhhaven’t you all had enough to dddeal with?”

“Elizabeth, I cannot imagine my life without you. But I’m not blind; I know that we will have major challenges ahead of us. I think that we’ve proven to ourselves that we make a pretty good team.” He kissed the tears streaming down and held her close as he spoke.

“If you need to bail out, Will, now would be the time to do it.”

“Did you not hear what I just said? Elizabeth, there is no bailing out. I love you and I love your daughters. You are stuck with me, my love.”

Within a few minutes, Beth was calm and was falling asleep as Will continued to stroke her hair and whisper any words of comfort and love her could think of to help. The storm raged on outside and Will felt his emotions in turmoil as well. He could not bear the thought of Beth and Callie leaving tomorrow. He wondered if his plans for the engagement should be scrapped and if he should just convince her to move in and get married at City Hall as soon as they could get a license.


Beth awoke about an hour later still feeling the weight of their meeting with Dr. Evans. More comforting was Will’s deep breathing and the steady beating of his heart with his arms still surrounding her. The wind was still blowing strongly and she could tell that lightning was flashing through the sky. Suddenly a very large boom of thunder reverberated through the house. In no time at all, Callie was yelling for her mother as she frantically through open the door and dove unto the bed.

“Momma, Momma, the house is going to break!” she yelled as she struggled to reach Beth by climbing over Will. At the same time, Will was waking up from all the commotion. Callie was clamoring over Will’s chest trying to reach Beth. If her daughter hadn’t been so scared, Beth would have laughed as she and Will were fighting through blankets and disorientation.

“Callie, Callie, stop a minute. Your momma and I are right here. The house is not going to break.” Will was attempting to get a hold of Callie before she ended up hurting Beth. Another roll of thunder rumbled through the house and Callie held onto to Will begging him to stop the house from breaking. Will explained again that the house would be fine and that there was just a big thunder storm outside. Between the rumbles they began hearing the tell tale sounds of hale hitting the windows.

Will rolled Callie over to Beth and rushed to the window. Calling that he would be back, he raced out the door and they heard the back door slam as he obviously was headed toward the stable or the barn.

Beth soothed Callie’s nerves explaining that the house was big and old but was made to withstand a lot wind and rain. The room was dark and Beth noticed that the electricity must be off as well. She told Callie that they needed to help out by finding candles and flashlights. Callie was concerned that Butterscotch the pony would be very frightened so Beth explained that Will was probably out there right then taking care of the horses.

Together they found several candles and flashlights. The hail had stopped, but Beth could still see the pellets on the ground. Never having to worry about crops before, she wasn’t sure just what damage the corn would sustain, but she was fairly sure hail would not be any good for tomatoes. She remembered seeing a radio in the kitchen and when she found it, she turned it on to hear the weather. The severe thunder storm warning was no surprise but there was no tornado warnings issues. About ten minutes had passed and the thunder seemed to be moving on to they could hear it, but it was not shaking the house.

Will returned soaked through but said that everything was alright. Callie listened as he told her Butterscotch and the other horses were frigtened too, but they were all calm now. "This is life on a farm, ladies." He stated as he ran up stairs to clean up and join them again.