Let me love you

9

The last few days had been a whirlwind for Mary. John had done what Mary wanted and told Jamie that he was going to withdraw from the race, which ultimately led to John kicking Jamie off the ranch. When Mary had woken up the next day to find out what had happened, she was in shock. Naturally, she had blamed herself since it was her idea to pull him out of the campaign. She had sat on the front porch of the lodge wallowing in anger and despair. John's words only offered her so much. She wasn't mad at him though. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to be. She loved him too much. Then there was the news John brought home to her, once again, nothing positive. Lynelle and a few others holding government positions now want John to step down from his role as Livestock Commissioner. Part of her hoped John would step away so he could slow down and focus on his health and family, but she knew better than to believe that. He was a power hungry man, abusive and immune to the laws in place. She raked her fingers through her hair as she was now sat in John's office with Beth. She felt a shift with John concerning Jamie and it unsettled her to the core. She felt that she were in the middle of a tug of war battle and she was going to have to pick a side: the love of her life or her child who doesn't even know she exists. She took a deep breath as John opened up a folder, documents inside. He glanced at her carefully, feeling the nerves radiating off of her. Beth wasn't immune to it either. She glanced at Mary before turning to look at John. "What's going on?" She asked. Mary shook her head and forced a smile. "Nothing. John, go on." John cleared his throat as he scanned over the pages in front of him. "I plan to remove Jamie as the attorney for the ranch. I'm putting it into a trust and you, Beth, will be the executor. My only stipulation is that you and Kayce cannot sell." He looks up at his daughter who is sporting a mischievous glance, oblivious to the inner turmoil the woman beside her is facing. "Daddy, I think this is the best news you've ever told me." John ignored her and turned his focus to Mary. "I want him taken off the payroll." Mary stared into his eyes as she gave him a silent nod.
Beth then stood up. "I'll do the honors of confiscation. I can't wait to see his face when I take away everything from him." And with that she sauntered out of the room, on a mission. Mary let out a heavy sigh and stood up from her chair. No matter how much it hurts her, she will choose John. What she had with John was real. Unfortunately, she wasn't a mother. She truly didn't have a son. She felt frustrated at the situation she found herself in. "Mary," John started but she quickly shook her head. "I'm alright," she told him then left the room. She wasn't one for drinking, but boy did she need a drink. She went in the kitchen and poured herself a plentiful glass of red wine. John followed after her into the kitchen and sighed when he saw her taking a sip from her glass. "What a shit show, huh?" He started as he walked over to her. Mary let out a pathetic laugh and raised her glass up in the air. "I've been telling myself that for years," she remarks. She sighs and sets her glass down. "What have I done, John? Did I make a mistake?" She asked him quietly. He let out a deep sigh and pulled her into his arms. "Let me tell you somethin', darlin'. You could sit here and think about the what ifs till the cows come home, but it won't make a lick of a difference, you hear me? I won't sit here and watch you tear yourself apart over this. I ain't gonna lose you to this, am I?" John was so scared that by his actions, he was going to lose her in the process. He loved Mary and he never wanted to lose her love. Mary held onto his arms as she looked up into his beautiful blue eyes. "No, John, you won't lose me. I love you. I love Jamie too, but he doesn't know who I am. Sometimes I wonder if I should tell him. Do you think it would make a difference?" She looked up at John desperate to hear his opinion. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't think it will matter, baby," he said quietly. She swallowed and rested her forehead against his chest. He gently cupped her face, making her look at him, and leaned down to kiss her. "I love you. You're strong, you know that? And I wouldn't be able to get through all this shit without you." Mary smiled softly at his sweet words. "I love you too. This situation is a disaster, but I'm glad we have each other."