Antique House - Book One

Chapter Nine - As Years Go By

   Looking back on the last 2 years that they spent together, Jobe couldn't help but smile at the memories they shared together. Although there were moments of sadness that occurred, he wouldn't trade these last couple of years for anything as he had such a great friend and lover in Melinda.

Their relationship had grown so much and their bond was so much stronger than before, Jobe knew in his heart that it was time to take the next step. He decided that he would drive to his grandmother's grave site and tell her his plans, but first he wanted to stop by the jeweller and have him work on the perfect ring. He could remember Melinda talking about how beautiful her grandmother's ring was and wanted to make hers as special. He hoped a jeweller could design something reflecting both her and her grandmother.

He drove to the local jeweller and headed inside the red brick building with ideas in his head and hope in his heart. Explaining what he could remember from the description of ring and what Melinda's style was, he asked the jeweller to design a spectacular ring. Waiting for the jeweller to sketch out ring design, he browsed the gold bracelets and charms. He wanted to get a bracelet to go with the ring and have charms that represent her for the bracelet as well. As he was looking through the charms, he came across the two most perfect ones and picked them out to go with bracelet. He also took the piece of paper he brought with him and set it by charms.

Once the jeweller was done the design sketch he showed it proudly to Jobe. It was magnificent and would be perfect for her.

"It is incredible! She will love it!" Jobe said excitedly as he paid the jeweller.

"It will take about a week to make, sir!"

"That's fine! I will swing by at end of week to check status!"

Just as Jobe was finished paying the farmer he worked for called advising him he needed someone to work this weekend as he had a family emergency. Jobe agreed to head over shortly and then called Melinda to let her know change of plan. As disappointed as she was she understood that something cannot be avoided and family always came first.

One of the endearing qualities that she loved about him was his dedication and loyalty, so it was hard to fault him for it. She told him she loved him and wished him a goodnight and they made plans for supper for the end of the weekend.

After they hung up, Jobe headed to the farm to see what needed to be done and see his boss off. Once he got there he headed to the main house and knocked on the door.

"Thank you for coming so soon, Jobe. I hate to bother you on your night off but my father just called as my ma is in hospital from heart attack!"

"So sorry to hear that, just let me know what you need work on and I will get it finished for you! Do not worry about a thing!"

"Thanks so much, you are a great friend and worker Jobe! I wrote out a small list of what needs done - repairs mostly and just animal maintenance. I should be back in about a week or two to check on things. Once I get there and know more about her condition I will call and update you"

"I will make sure it gets all done! You go and focus on her recovery, I will ensure it all gets taken care and complete an inspection to see what else needs done. "Jobe gave his friend a hug and wished him a safe trip.

Once he was alone, Jobe made himself a pot of tea and looked over the list that was left for him to complete in order to prioritize tasks and then he took a walk out to check on the livestock and make sure all was good for night. He decided it best to tackle repairs in morning, but before he headed to the guest quarters to wind down for night he added a few more things to list.

Satisfied that he had all necessary things covered on list, he grabbed his pot of tea and turned down lights for the night as he headed to his room to wind down for night.
During the night, Jobe tossed and turned as he was having trouble getting comfortable without Melinda beside me. Unable to sleep long, Jobe got up and rested in the lazy boy chair listening to radio until daylight sun rays broke through the darkness.