Chapter 34 & 35

Chapter 34

Mark and Mr. Warren helped Katie out of the truck and up the stairs to her bedroom. Mark asked Mr. Warren to give Katie’s diet plan to Ms Sue. “I’ll stay here and help her get comfortable. Ask Ms. Sue to make her something simple for dinner. The doctor said eat light tonight, but she does need something to give her strength. I’ll be down in a few minutes to get the food.” Mr. Warren went down to the kitchen and told Ms. Sue. “Everyone else already ate. You guys must be staved. I saved you a plate if you want to eat. You need to keep strength too.”

Mr. Warren smiled, “Thank you for saving us some. I am not really that hungry but I will eat. Do you mind if I eat in here so we can chat?” She smiled, “Not at all. I’d love it. You can keep me company while I fix Ms. Katie’s food. How is she? Is the baby ok?”

“She is pretty weak. They said the baby was fine for now as long as she takes it easy. I don’t know why she continues to go out there and work. She said herself it gets too hot. That’s how Katie has always been, little miss stubborn. Just like her mother.”

“Yes I’d agree with that. But you know John, if she’d not been that stubborn, this place would not be the huge success it is. It was hard at the beginning and most people would have given up. Katie refused; she was determined to make it work. She made us all very proud to be working for her. We know she won’t give up.” They continued their conversation while Ms. Sue finished Katie’s dinner. “Here, you want to take this up to her John? Tell Mr. Mark I’ll have his dinner ready too. He needs to come down and eat.”

Mr. Warren carried the food up and Mark helped Katie eat. “Ms. Sue said for you to come down and eat too Mark. I’ll stay with her. You go eat.”

“Thanks, but I am not hungry. You guys just go ahead. I’ll stay here. She needs me.”

Mr. Warren took a deep breath, “Mark, she needs you to be strong and you can only do that if you eat. Please go.” Mark looked at him sternly, “Please don’t lecture me sir. I know she is your daughter, but she is also my wife and that’s my baby she is carrying. Nothing is more important than they are right now. Please just let me be.” Mr. Warren almost spoke again but thought better of it. He just turned and walked out of the room. Just before she shuts the door, “I am here if you need anything.” He walked back downstairs and told Ms. Sue his conversation. “He is as stubborn as her sometimes. I’ll just take his plate up to him. I know he won’t talk to me that way and he’ll eat. Could you finish clearing the table John?”

“Sure will Sue. Good luck with Mark though. I think this is all really getting to him.” Sue carried Mark’s food up to the room, knocked softly on the door and went inside. “Mark, I know you said you weren’t hungry, but I was hoping you might eat a little so I brought it to you. How is she?”

“She is sleeping right now. She ate some and then took her medicine. They gave her something to help her sleep. Ms. Sue, why is this happening? She has been through so much.”

Sue set the food on the table and sat down in a chair across from Mark. “Mark, I don’t know why this is happening. God just sometimes does things His own way but I do know that He knows better than us and if He thinks this is best, than it is and as hard as that is to understand, we have to accept it. Give her a day or so and she’ll be fine. Now you eat and you both get some rest and we’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks Ms. Sue. Good night.”

Sue went back down to finish cleaning up the kitchen. She and Mr. Warren continued talking. After the kitchen was clean they went into the living room and sat and talked for hours. They were having so much fun talking that neither realized how late it is until the clock struck midnight and Ms. Sue spoke up, “Gracious me. It’s midnight. John, I have to get up early and start making breakfast. I haven’t stayed up this late in years. I better get going. It’s been great talking but I have got to get some sleep. Good Night.”

“Gosh,” John said, “time does fly when you are in good company. Good night Sue. Sleep well,” he said as he kissed her on the cheek. Sue just smiled and walked to her room. Mr. Warren sat down and finished his cup of coffee. He thought about Katie. He realized he needs to pray for her but he had not prayed in years. He and his family were very active in church. In fact, he was an elder and Katie’s mother helped with Sunday school. But when Katie’s mother was killed, Mr. Warren gave up on church and hadn’t been involved since. He never understood why a loving God would take his wife away at such a young age and leave him all alone to raise a little girl. He had forgotten how to pray. He decided he’d just say what was on his heart. “God, if you are still up there, I am sorry that I gave up on you. I realize that sometimes things just happen. I know that your plans are always better than ours. God, thank you for continuing to love me even when I gave up on you. Thank you for allowing Katie and Mark to have such great faith in you and to openly share that with others. Father, please help Katie right now. She needs you in so many ways. Please help her get strong and be able to continue to carry that little life inside her. Father, help me be able to understand and help her and Mark where they need it. Help Mark stay the strong stable force that Katie needs. Be with the entire situation and the trial. God, there is just so much I feel I need to say after so many years of leaving you out. I don’t want to leave you out any more. Help me be the person you want me to be and come back fully to you. Father, I am sorry. Please forgive me.” Mr. Warren fell on his knees by the couch and began crying. He realized God had been with him the whole time and that all he needed to do was ask for His help and strength. He decided that from that moment on, he’d have a new perspective and be a better person. He climbed into bed about 1 am. He went to sleep just remembering all the songs he used to sing in church. He sung himself to sleep that night, with a smile on his face and a new song in his heart.

He woke up the next morning as the rooster crowed. He had a new leash on life. As soon as he got up, he had a smile on his face and began whistling. He came out to the living room and to his surprise, saw Katie sitting on the couch. “Good morning Princess. How do you feel?” he asked as he leaned down and kissed her head.

“Better. I had a good night’s sleep. Why are you in such a good mood this morning?”

Mr. Warren sat down beside her. “Katie something happened last night. I prayed for the first time since your mother died. I just poured my heart out to God. Katie, not only did He hear me, but also He reminded me that He has been there all along. He reminded me of His never ending love and He put a new song in my heart and gave me a brand new start.”

Katie smiled at her father, surprised at what she just heard, “Wow! That’s awesome Daddy. Mark and I have been praying for you. He will be excited to hear this and so will Ms. Sue.”

Mr. Warren smiled, “Speaking of which where is Mark and Ms Sue? I want to share it with them.”

“Mark, is up taking a shower and you know where Ms. Sue is so go on. I am going to sit here and read while I wait for Mark.” Mr. Warren kissed Katie’s cheek and walked into the kitchen whistling one of his favorite old hymns. As he opened the door he heard Ms. Sue singing the same song. They looked at each other and Ms. Sue spoke, “Sounds like we both got the same song this morning. You know I haven’t sang that song in years but I woke up this morning and it just came to my mind and now I can’t get it out.”

Mr. Warren just smiled. “That’s kinda what happened to me. I have to tell you what happened after you left last night.” As Sue continued to make breakfast, Mr. Warren told her the story. She was so excited she flung the eggs across the room. They laughed as they both cleaned it up and washed their hands in the sink. Standing there, Mr. Warren looked deeply into Sue’s eyes. “Sue, do you think God is trying to tell us something by giving us both the same song this morning? I mean.” She interrupts him, “John, I don’t believe in coincidence. There is a reason and I also believe He has brought us together for a reason. We just need to take time to figure that out.” Mr. Warren took Sue’s hands in his, “Sue, thank you for helping me find God again. You may not know it, but you just being here and being you was a true turning point and for that I am truly grateful.” Sue smiled and hugged him, “John you are so welcome. Thank you for listening to God.” They continue to embrace until Sue’s eggs started to burn. “Gracious my eggs!” she hollered as they released their embrace. “Now I have to start them all over. Breakfast will be late now.” She looked at Mr. Warren and smiled, “but it was well worth it.” Mr. Warren smiled, “I’ll go set the table while you finish.” He grabbed the plates and set the table. Sue began singing the song again and Mr. Warren began whistling again.

By the time he finished setting the table, breakfast was ready. He helped Sue carry the food to the table and while she rang the bell. When she returned she saw Katie sitting with Mark on the couch. “Mrs. Katie, are you ready for your breakfast now? I have it ready.” “Sure Ms. Sue,” Katie replied. Just put it at my place on the table. I am going to try to sit there and eat.” Mark helped Katie up and walk to the table. As they ate Mr. Warren told Mark about what happened the night before. The ranch crew strolled in one by one, ate and went back out to work. Mark was excited about Mr. Warren’s experience. Mark also apologized for what he said to Mr. Warren the night before. Mr. Warren replied, “Don’t worry about it Mark. It may have actually helped me. Anyway, can we talk seriously for a bit? I have something I’d like to run by you.”

Mark and Katie looked at each other. “Sure daddy,” Katie said. “Is there something wrong?”

“No nothings wrong. I just have sort of a proposition for you.”

“Um, ok shoot, what is it?”

“Well, you know that I need a new place. I really like it here but don’t want to be a burden to you guys. At the same time Sue and I are getting along nicely. Hopefully that will continue and I would love to be here and see my grandchild grow up. So I was wondering if we could work out something. I want to maybe build me a little house on one of your back acres and live back there. We’d all still have our privacy but be close together. I was hoping we could work out a deal for payment or even work it off. Now I know it’s a lot to ask, but I’d work hard to pay you back. What do you think?”

Mark and Katie smiled and look at each other. Mark got up and stepped into the office. Katie said, “Daddy, this experience really has changed you. I never would have thought you’d actually ask for help.”

“Katie, God really changed me. He showed me that we can’t do it alone and that we need to put aside our pride sometimes. This is the first big step for me in making a change.” As he spoke Mark returned with a large piece of paper and set it in front of Mr. Warren. “ What’s this?” Mr. Warren asked.

Mark said, “It’s your new house.”

“What? My new house what do you mean?” Mark told him how they were planning to build him the house. Mr. Warren stared at the plans in disbelief. He began to cry.

“Guys, I don’t know how to thank you. This is great. I don’t know what to say.”

“Daddy,” Katie says, “just having you here will be enough. Besides we want to do it. Now let’s look at the plans and if there is something you want to change or add, we can let Collin know while there is still time.”

“Wait do you mean Collin Henderson from Henderson Custom Homes?”

“Yes, that’s the one. He is a good friend of Mark’s. Why? Do you know him?”

“Wow!” Mr. Warren cried. “I don’t now him personally but your mother and I always dreamed of having one of his homes. We knew his company when his father owned it. He was a friend of your mother’s from high school. We never could afford to have one built but he’d come out every once in awhile when business was slow and show us all the new features and help us dream. I never thought I’d be able to afford one. You guys, it’s too much. I can’t let you lay that kind of money out for me.”

“Mr. Warren,” Mark said. “I assure you that absolutely no money will exchange hands for this house. Collin and I are kind of doing an exchange and that’s all you need to know. Now let’s look at the plans and make any changes so I can let Collin know today.”

They sat and talked about the house. Ms. Sue even helped out while she is cleared the table. Of course Mr. Warren asked for her input on some parts and she just smiled and said what she thought. The house remained pretty much as Katie and Mark designed but with a few changes that Mr. Warren made. Mark left to call Collin and tell him of the changes while Mr. Warren helped Katie to the couch. “Katie, why don’t you and Mark move to the downstairs suite until you get your strength back. You don’t need to be going up and down those stairs. I’ll move into another guestroom upstairs until you are better. It’s no big deal. Doug will be back next week and we will both be up there.” “Thank you Daddy. That’s sweet. I think it is a good idea and am sure Mark would as well. He has been carrying me up and down the stairs. That would make it much easier on him, if you are sure you don’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind. It’s the least I can do. Also, I was thinking that Ms. Sue and I could postpone our dinner tomorrow night and stay here for you.”

“Daddy, I wouldn’t hear of it. You go on out and have a good time. Mark will be here and Ms. Sue has called her Cousin Margaret to fill in for her. It will be fine. Margaret has helped out around here several times when we have had big events or needed help. She knows her way around. Now you two go out and have a great time. As a matter of fact, you better call the flower shop and place your order. They are pretty busy on weekends. I’d do something nice, maybe not all daisies but have at least one in it or something.”

“Well I was thinking about a single rose with a daisy. What do you think?”

“She’ll love it. Go in the office after Mark is finished talking to Collin and call the flower shop so it will be ready for you to pick up tomorrow.”

Just then Mark came out of the office, “Collin said those changes would be easy and no problem. He did want to talk to you Mr. Warren about some colors when he gets to that point.”

“Ok great. I can’t wait. Mark, don’t you think it’s about time you call me Dad? It’s been long enough with this Mr. Warren stuff.” Mark smiled, “Sure Dad. I can do that.” Mr. Warren smiled as he walked into the office to call the flower shop. Just then Hank came running through the door.

“Ms. Katie, I just heard what happened are you ok?” “I am better. So how was your date last night?” Katie asked with a smile.

“Well, it was great. We had a great time. Dinner was wonderful. We just talked and got to know each other without Mandy constantly wanting to interrupt. The concert was fun. We felt like kids again. We never ran out of stuff to talk about. I always worry about that. Are you sure you are ok?”

“Hank, I am fine or at least will be. Just need to take it easy and get my strength back. So did you ask her out again?”

Hank smiled, “Actually yes. We are going out again tomorrow. Katie, I know this may seem early but I really think I love her. I just don’t know if she is ready for a commitment. She talked some last night about her ex’ and I could really tell she was still bothered by what happened. I just don’t know how to approach that topic.”

“Hank, just be patient with her. You remember how Mark was with me. He knew a long time before I was ready that he wanted to make a commitment. He was patient. He gave me the time I needed to get over Billy and put that all behind me. Then one day I finally realized it too. That made all the difference. Just knowing how patient he had been all that time made me love him even more. Karen will be the same with you. Just give her time and let things flow naturally. When I talked to her about asking you to the concert, that was one thing that came up. She was worried that she was not completely over Mandy’s father. I told her that if she wanted to take you to the concert not to let the past ruin it. I also said that at the same time, she needed to be patient and let things take the course they will. If you both do that, it’s only a matter of time before you both will be ready to move on. Just be patient.”

Hank listened to everything Katie said, “Wow! You really know your stuff. You are great. Don’t you have a degree in counseling?”

Katie laughed, “Kinda. My undergrad is in counseling psychology. I wanted to go to grad school after Billy got out of the army and get my Master’s in family counseling but never got back to it after he was killed. Now I have the ranch to run.” Hank looked at her, “You should really think about going back. I think you would be wonderful. You could have your own little office. Thanks again,” Hank said as he went back to work.

“He’s right you know,” Mark said from the office doorway and startled Katie. “You should think about it. You are great at it.”

Katie looked at him, “Yeah but what about the ranch? I am needed here.”

“K,” Mark said sitting down beside her, “the ranch will be fine. If it’s something you want to do, you should. Besides, I can run the ranch and your father can take over the books and office work like we talked about. Then you could go back to school and start a practice.”

“Mark, with the baby, I am not sure it’s such a good idea.”

“Katie, I am not saying enroll tomorrow. Think about it while you’re taking in easy and do research. After the baby comes, we can discuss it and move forward if you want, but I do think you should think about because you are wonderful.” Katie agreed to think about and do research as she could. That was always a dream of hers and it would be great to achieve that dream after all. She could do riding lessons on the side and either have an office on the ranch or even one just in town since it was only about 15 minutes away.

Chapter 35

By Sunday afternoon, Katie is felt much better. She could finally get around the house on her own and didn’t have someone constantly watching her. She was still taking it easy, staying in the house catching up on paperwork and other things that needed to be done. She either had to cancel riding lessons or sometimes has Mark or Hank do them for her if the student is advanced enough. They couldn’t really take the time to show basics to the younger or newer students. She did sometimes sit out on the porch, watching and shouting instructions.

After lunch her father asked her if she felt up to going on a short walk. She thought it would be nice to get out of the house. So she agreed but only for a short one. They took off down the trail toward the pond. They walked for awhile in silence. Finally Mr. Warren spoke, “Katie, what do you think about this thing with Sue?”

“Daddy, I think it is wonderful. You guys both need someone and you got it in each other.”

“Katie,” he sighed. “That’s not what I mean. I mean would you be fine if things progressed? I know it might be hard seeing me with someone other than your mother. I don’t want to pursue things if your aren’t comfortable with it.”

Katie stopped walking and looked directly at her father, “Daddy, I want you to be happy. If Ms. Sue makes you happy then go for it. I almost think of Ms. Sue as a mother. She and I have had lots of talks over the time I have been here. She is wonderful. I know that one reason you may not have gotten into such relationships in the past is because you were worried about how I feel. Mom has been gone for a long time and in that time you have spent most of your life making me happy and providing for me. Daddy, I want you to be happy. It’s time you did something for yourself. I give you my blessing to make that happen.”

Mr. Warren just smiled, “Katie, you are just like your mother. She would be so proud of the woman you have become. I only wish she were still here to see it. I know she is up in Heaven smiling right now saying, ‘That’s my girl.’” They hugged and walked back to the house. Katie asked her father to come into the office when they get back. Katie began showing him some of the inner workings of the ranch. “Mark and I were kinda hoping you’d be willing to take over some of this stuff for us. That could be part of your help around here and paying for your up keep,” she said with a smile. He looked through some of the paperwork and books that Katie kept. “I am impressed Katherine. You have done a wonderful job at this. I certainly taught you well. I would be happy to take care of some of this for you but don’t think I am gonna me calling you boss.” They both laughed and Katie showed him where she kept everything that he might need.

“Mark, knows things in here to so if you have any questions and I am not around, he can help you. Jeff knows some too but he usually tries to steer clear. He says it gives him a headache.” They sat and discussed some of the work for awhile. “Daddy, its almost 4. You better get to the flower shop before it closes and get back here and get ready for your date.”

Mr. Warren smiled, “You’re right. We can do this later. Can you call the shop and tell them I am on my way?” Katie picked up the phone as he left.

He got to the shop just before closing. They said Katie called and they were waiting on him. He thanked them, took the flowers and left. He rushed back to the ranch to get ready. He decided to surprise Sue and wear some of his new “cowboy” duds. He picked out a nice pair of jeans and his favorite button down. He put on his new boots and even a cowboy hat. He was splashing on his cologne when Katie knocked on his door. “Looking sharp cowboy. It’s odd seeing you dressed like that. I like it.”

He smiled, “Question is, will Sue like it?”

“Daddy she’s gonna fall over when she sees you all decked out. She told me several months ago that she had a dream about a handsome cowboy knocking on that back kitchen door with flowers in his hand and sweeping her off her feet.”

He smiled, “Well, I don’t know about the sweeping her off her feet part, but I was planning on going to the back door to pick her up.”

“That’s a great idea. Have fun and don’t keep her out too late,” she said as he walked by her and out the door with flowers in his hand.

Right at 6 he knocked on the back door. Ms. Sue answered wearing a nice dress. “My My Ms. Sue, you do look beautiful this evening. These are for you.”

She took the flowers as he walked in the door. “Thank you John. You look nice. I like your new look. It fits you.” She put the flowers in some water.

“Ready to go?” John asked.

“Sure am. I have been looking forward to this since you asked me.” John offered his arm and he escorted Sue to his car. He opened the door for her and then closed it after making sure she was safely in. He smiled as he stepped into the car and drove to town. Ms. Sue was surprised when he drove right through town. “We not going somewhere in town?”

John smiled, “No, I am taking you to a little place I know of in the next town over. I am not familiar with things around here. I use to take Katie to this place on our father daughter date nights. It’s great.”

After a few more minutes they finally pulled in. Sue soon realized this just isn’t a restaurant. “John, what kinda place is this?

“It’s a fun place. They have really good food and in the back is a big dance hall. I thought that if you were up to it we could do some country line dancing after dinner. Tonight is beginners’ night where they kinda teach you all the dances and then they have a free dance time for couples and such. What do you say?”

“I haven’t been dancing since I was in my 20’s. I use to love it. I always wanted to get back to it. Let’s go.” John was glad he picked something that she would like. They talked a lot during dinner. They talked about what they both wanted out of their life. They talked about Katie and the upcoming baby. Sue said, “I hope you don’t mind but I kinda look at Katie as my daughter so I see this as my grandchild too. I figure it needs to have a grandmother since Mark’s parents are no longer around. Is it ok if I call her mine and the baby mine as well?”

John smiled and took Sue’s hand, “I think it is a great idea. Maybe one day we could make it official.”

“What do you mean John?” Sue asked.

“Well I just meant if things continue to go well then maybe we could make it official.”

“You mean get married?”

“Well if it comes to that and you’d like to,” John said.

Sue looked at him, “John, I am not sure how you would take this but you know, we both have a lot of years behind us. I have always been one to give it to you straight. So here it is.” John gulped. He wasn’t sure what was coming. He thought his comment had upset Sue and that there was no chance of pursuing a relationship now. Sue continued, “Honestly John, I’d marry you right now if you asked me and we found someone to do it. I really feel that after the other night and what happened to you and our singing the same song, well, I knew right then that we were meant to be together. I don’t know how I know but I just felt God strike me right then and there, as if to say, here he is Sue grab him and don’t let go. I have never been so sure of anything in my life and we are talking about 40 plus years here. I know this might not be the right time to say it but I felt if I didn’t, I’d just burst.” John sat there in shock. He didn’t know what to say. He took a drink of his tea, thinking to himself, is this woman crazy? Am I crazy? What’s going on. Then he looked at his watch.

“Well we’ve still got time. I know the justice of the peace and he should be at home right now. He’d do it.” John said this almost jokingly just to see if Sue was serious. He also knew that it would one day happen and that God had brought them together but wasn’t sure this was the right time.

Sue looked at him, “Really he would? What about rings? Don’t we have to have rings?,” she asked with a smile.

John thought for a minute before speaking, “Slow down Sue. Are you really serious about this? I mean I would love to marry you but don’t you think this is a little fast. I can make it happen if you want, but we have only really gotten to know each other the past week or so. Are you sure?”

Sue thought for a minute. “John, I am sure. I don’t know what it is but I just know that I can’t go another day without marrying you. The other night when we stayed up talking, it was the hardest things I had to do to leave you sitting there. Then you told me the next morning what happened and I knew there was a reason. I have spent my time since in prayer. I had these feelings about you that would not go away. Feelings I have had for no other man. I prayed for God to either take them away or to have an opportunity to have our relationship move forward quickly. He is giving us a wonderful opportunity. I feel in my heart this is what we are to do. I spent the two hours before our date asking God to show us where he wants this relationship to go. Just before you knocked on my door and while I was still praying this, a song came on the radio. It was a country song. I haven’t heard called, ‘Will you marry me?’ The song ended and on the very last beat you knocked. As I said I don’t believe in coincidence, I believe it was from God. I don’t know why it seems He wants it to happen so quickly, but He does.”

As soon as Sue finished, John pulled out his cell phone, “Sue I’ll be right back.” He wandered to where Sue could still she him but could not hear what he was saying. After a few minutes he returned and held out his hand, “Come with me.” Sue took his hand and he led her back to the car. After he got in, they drove to another part of the town. He drive to a small jewelry store on the corner, “Come on.” They got out and the owner greeted them at the door. “Hey John, come on in.”

“Thanks Thomas for doing this. I owe you big time.”

He ushered them to a section of the counter, “No problem, I was in the back doing some inventory and was going to be here anyway. Now do you want just the bands or do you want a diamond as well?”

John turned to look at Sue, “It’s up to her.”

Sue was still in shock stuttered, “John, you can’t be serious. I choose?”

“Yes, anything you want. You look and I will make a quick phone call.”

Thomas first pulled out a rack of diamond engagement rings for Sue to see at and then wedding bands. She found several she liked. John was standing on the other side of the store making a phone call and didn’t hear them talking. Sue really wanted an engagement ring but doesn’t want John to have to buy one. She knew he was on a tight budget right now. Before he comes back she finally decided on just matching bands. Thomas could tell she really wanted a diamond but didn’t say anything. When John paid for the bands, Sue continued to look at the diamond rings. There was one Thomas could tell she just loved. John saw her looking at them and leaned in to talk to Thomas so Sue couldn’t hear him. “Thomas, she wants a diamond doesn’t she? And she feels bad about asking me for it doesn’t she?”

Thomas softly answered as he swiped John’s card, “Yes, she does. There was one she just loved.”

“Thomas, do you think you could give me the same deal we talked about? I know it’s a lot to ask.”

“John, we have been friends since high school. I’d do anything for you. I’ll give you the same deal. I sized her while she was looking. The band just happened to be her size. The diamond she really wanted is a size too big. I’ll resize it and you can pick it up tomorrow after lunch. Our same deal.”

John shook his hand. “Thomas you are a true friend. Thank you.” John collected the bag with the ring boxes in it. “Sue, we better go. The Justice of the Peace is waiting on us.” Sue smiled and grabbed John’s hand as they left the store.

The ceremony was very simple. John loved the rings that Sue selected. They said their vows, exchanged rings and kissed for the first time. They were both surprised as they kissed. It was odd having the first kiss be as husband and wife, but it was special at the same time. John thanked his friend, the Justice of the Peace. They made small talk and then John and Sue left hand in hand. They decided to go back to the dance hall and celebrate. As they drove Ms Sue spoke up, “So how do you think Katie will react?”

John snapped his head around and stopped the car, “Oh my Gosh. I didn’t even think about that. How are we going to tell her? Wait, we can’t spend our wedding night at the ranch. It would be way too odd. Do you think Margaret could cover for you till morning?”

Sue thought, “I am sure she could but I’d need to call her. Can I use your phone?”

John hands her the phone, “You can tell her why but tell her not to tell anyone, please,” John said as she dialed the number. Sue spoke to Margaret and asked her not to tell anyone. Margaret agreed to not only stay until they returned but also not to say anything. Sue hung up, “Done.”

John smiled, “Ok Mrs. Sue Warren. We will just find a room here in town for the night,” he continued driving. “I know a good place on the way back to the dance hall. We can stop there before we go dancing.” Sue smiled, “Mrs. Sue Warren, I like the sound of that. This is going to take some getting use to.”

They spent several hours at the dance hall. They had so much fun dancing, laughing, and cutting up. Everyone at the dance hall really enjoyed them being there as well. One of the dance instructors asked them if they’d like to join her regular Sunday evening couples’ class. They agreed and shared the news with her that they had just gotten married about an hour earlier. The instructor proceeded to announce it to everyone in the hall and they all joined in a big celebration that went on until about 11 PM when most everyone had gone home. John spoke to the instructor and said they’d try to be back next week but if not would be back as soon as they could. She thanked them and congratulated them again as they left.

They were so tired when they got back to their hotel. John was glad they had so much fun. He never thought when this night started that Sue would have so much fun let alone become his wife. He was happy. He had never been this happy since Katie’s mother. He knew what Katie had told him was right. He’d spent so much time making others happy, he’d forgotten about his own happiness. Now he and Sue would be happy together.