Chapter 22：That‘s all settled

―He could use me all he wanted to if that's what is used is all about. ―Great! Then you can have him. ―We've already been through this. Jessica, don't you remember when we were younger and we'd talk about getting married and having kids?

We even came up with the names we wanted. Isn't that something you still want? Jessica didn't answer because it was true and she didn't want to admit it. ―You're determined to shut out the truth, Helen realized.

―Lord, help this misguided but wonderful child understand that she's making a big mistake if she pursues this annulment. ―Lord, help this senile but kind woman understand what Mr. Monroe is really like. Helen grinned at Jessica's sarcasm.

―I'll even say amen to that if you ask the Lord to also show you what that boy is like. ―Fine. Jessica did so. ―Amen. Helen smiled. ―There. That's all settled. The annulment will not happen. The Lord will open your eyes and show you what a prize you got. Helen glanced at Mary. ―You never discuss anyone you're interested in. Is there anyone who catches your fancy?

Mary shrugged. ―I haven't seriously sought anyone out. ―Perhaps you would like your father to arrange something for you? Jessica pointedly asked. ―I know! We'll find someone you find boring who makes stupid analogies and fix you two up.

―You didn't exactly look bored on the dance floor, Helen commented. Jessica ignored her. Helen was right of course, but there was no way she'd let the woman know that. Jessica didn't find Leo boring anymore. After their kiss in the gazebo, he was anything but boring, but she wasn't going to let her attraction to him blind her to the fact that they weren't meant for each other. A knock at the door interrupted them. They turned to see Mrs. Walker enter the room. Mrs. Walker owned the nursing home and library in town. The blond in her late thirties looked relieved when she saw them.

―Thank goodness you're here, she said. ―Helen, when I didn't see you in church, I feared the worst. ―I'm sorry I worried you, Kate, the old woman replied. ―I had a personal matter to attend to with a couple of friends. Helen looked at her pregnant belly.

―Do you mean to tell me you haven't given birth yet? Kate smiled. ―No, not yet. This one knows he has three big brothers to contend with. ―Do you think it's going to be another boy? ―Most likely. I don't think Chad knows how to make a girl, she joked.

―Kate, you enjoy being married, don't you? ―Of course, I do. ―And you enjoy being a mother. ―Yes. She looked at the three women in curiosity. ―Were you three talking about me?

―No, Helen assured her. ―However, you showed up at a good time. Mary and I are having a hard time convincing Jessica to open her heart to Mr. Monroe. Why just look at how happy Mrs. Walker is, she told Jessica.

―This could be you in as little as nine months if you get started on it. Jessica groaned. Just how many people were Helen going to drag into this mess? Kate looked at Jessica. ―Your husband has been making it clear to everyone in town that you might get an annulment in a month. Since your marriage was arranged, you two have decided to see if going through with it is a good idea. That wasn't his decision, was it?

―Please, Mrs. Walker, I don't wish to discuss this with everyone. Jessica was beginning to wish she hadn't left the house that morning. Being alone at breakfast was much better than this.

―I understand. She patted Jessica's shoulder. ―If it's meant to be, it'll work out. I will quickly say that Leo Monroe is an excellent catch. Get to know him very well before you dismiss him. Not all people are what they initially seem.

She sighed. ―Well, I will return to the church. I'm glad you're doing alright, she told Helen. ―I don't like being scared like that. ―Oh, don't worry about me. Helen waved her hand. ―I'm still young. I've got plenty of years left before the Lord takes me home. But it's nice you cared.

―Alright. I'll see you later. It's good to see you, Mary. She nodded to the other woman before she left. ―It's nice that he didn't mention the fact that you wanted the annulment and he didn't, Mary commented. ―Harrison would never have done that. ―I'm not interested in Harrison, Jessica replied. ―He's only interested in money.

―That's probably true. ―At least you aren't harboring feelings for the Grant boy, Helen thoughtfully stated. ―We just need to get your focus on your husband and everything will work out. Suddenly, Brad stormed into the room. By the angry look on his face, Jessica knew that things were going to get worse for her.

―How could you do it? he demanded, staring at her. ―Does everyone know my business? Jessica shot back. ―Where does a woman have to go so she can get some privacy around here?

―You're acting like a spoiled brat. ―I love you too, brother, she sarcastically replied. He glared at her.

―Mr. Allen, I assure you that Mary and I have been working through the situation, Helen told him. ―She's stubborn but if we pray that God shows her the light, she just might come around.

―There's no talking to her. She won't listen to any of the logic anyone's presented to her. Brad threw his hands up in the air. Turning to his sister, he said, ―I'm ready to pick you up and take you back to your new home where I'll tie you down to the chair so you can't go anywhere.

―Leave me alone! she yelled. She had enough of people bullying her. She would show them all if it was the last thing she did. She would make sure the annulment was going to happen whether they liked it or not! He shook his head in disbelief.

―I love you, Jessica, but the way you're treating Leo is wrong. You're going to regret it someday if you persist on the road you've chosen. He took a deep breath to calm down.

―His bed will be a good hiding place. She shot the old woman a dirty look before she left the room. She could deal with all the disgruntled people later. For now, she needed to hide from the torrent of animosity directed at her.