Marriage of Necessity

~31~ Not Just Dancin' Goin' On

Junior and I get back to the farm, and we find the other three sitting on the porch, sipping on the lemonade I made yesterday. When we get to them, Matthew stands up.

He walks over and rests his hand on Junior's shoulder. "You ok?"

Junior nods. "I'm gonna call her 'ma' from now on."

Matthew's eyes immediately look like they're getting misty as he nods and squeezes Junior's shoulder.

Then he softly kisses Junior on the head, saying nothing. I have a sneaking suspicion that if this man spoke right this second, his voice would sound a touch different.

"HOW COULD YA DO THAT?!? WE MADE A PACT TO HATE HER!" Remi yells as she stands up, spilling lemonade all over herself in haste, and throwing the cup to the ground.

"Remi," Matthew says in a warning tone.

"No. I'm all alone! The only one I had left got put under her spell too. I DON'T WANT HER HERE!" She screams as she jumps off the porch and runs as fast as she can towards where we just came from.

"I'll try and talk to her," Junior says as he starts running after Remi.

"No, let her cool off," Matthew says in a stern tone, brooking no argument.

We sit on the porch, enjoying our one and only rest day of the week, while I try and focus on the joy my heart feels with Junior—And ignore the sorrow it feels with Remi.

How do I help her, Lord?

~*~

By the time supper is on the table, Remi still hasn't come home.

"Matthew, I'm getting worried about her," I say as we all sit down.

"You're really gonna be worried 'bout her when I git through with her," he mumbles as he starts cutting his meat.

"Don't you DARE discipline her for this. This is my fault."

Matthew rolls his eyes and sighs loudly. "I'm tired of ya takin' the blame for everythin' all the time. She's been gone for near 6 hours. She's late for supper—She's in trouble, and none of this is yur fault."

"How can you sit there and be so calm? What if she's hurt?!?"

Matthew nods. "After I eat, I'll start searchin' for her. I'm hopin' she'll come back on her own before then. It'll be worse for her iffin I hav'ta find her."

I decide it best if I keep quiet during the remainder of the meal. Why isn't he more concerned about her? She's liable to be devoured by some beast, while he's sitting here devouring his roast.

Once we finish eating and Matthew pushes his plate away, the door opens.

Matthew doesn't even turn around as he sips on the last of his water.

"Where ya been?" He asks as he sets his cup down.

"Walkin'."

Matthew nods, his back still facing his daughter.

"You best git to walkin' towards the barn, young miss."

Remi is quiet as she leaves, shutting the door behind her.

"Matthew, please....." I say as I stand and start clearing the dishes.

"Make her a plate. She'll be in to eat in a bit," he says as he stands up and follows after her.

I shake my head angrily as the boys help me clear.

"Jamie, can you get me some fresh water, please?"