Busted Gulch vol 14

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (ARCase)

To Josie, Jacob didn't know how to tell. That Sallie would be staying at the hotel.

They had both thought Sallie was out of their lives once and for all,

But seeing her face today had brought back it all.

All the memories he buried deep, the ones that made it hard to sleep

Jake thought he'd shaken her, at least for the night,

But he heard her speaking behind him to another guest alright.

Sallie smiled sweetly, "Why yes of course. I've only just arrived in BG.

Back with my fiancé Jake, just like it was meant to be. 

We're going to get married in the spring."

Sallie placed her arm around him, while the cowboy only grinned again.

Jacob tried to move away, but Sallie's nails dug into his back, a reminder to play,

Along with her game or else pay the price. 

"Well isn't that nice? Best of luck to you both.  

I think we should all raise a toast. To a reunion such as this."

"That won't be necessary, " Jacob hissed, 

"Sallie you need some rest, after the long journey. 

Let's get you checked in, follow me."

Sallie latched onto Jacob's arm happily,

They paraded through the hotel for all to see.

Sallie requested a room in the same hall,

Jacob wanted to scream and punch the wall.

Sallie in BG period was bad indeed,

But her being next door, was utter misery.

He grabbed her bag and carried it up the stairs,

Only to save face as others stared.

When Josie noticed who walked by her brother,

She had a good look then another.

Her eyes grew wide and she shuddered.

"What're you doing here?" she uttered.

"Why Josie dear, that isn't the proper way to greet your future sister-in-law at all!

My you have grown into a lady.

I'm sure you missed me."

Josie looked at Jacob instead, "It can't be true what she just said!

Not after she nearly killed you dead. Jacob, I don't understand."

Jacob ran a hand through the hair on his head, 

he forced a smile when he wanted to swear instead.

"Josie girl, Sallie will be staying in BG for a time. 

And tomorrow the three of us will dine,

Together for dinner. Just like old times."

Josie looked at Jacob like he'd lost his mind. 

Tears stung her eyes and she wanted to cry.

Something was wrong here. Sallie being back filled her with fear.

"But Jake she stabbed you, you nearly died! 

The law said she's not supposed to be by your side."

Sallie placed an arm on Josie's shoulder. "You'll understand when you're older. Jacob and I love each other, for me, they'll never be another. Besides, what happened in St. Louis was just a misunderstandin' alright. That's the past, and tonight, you and I will have ourselves a chat, get caught up indeed. By the way, you're going to be an auntie."

Sallie smiled serenely as she placed a hand on her large belly. Josie's eyes widened and her mouth opened a bit. She had nothing to say for it. Sallie put an arm around Jake's back and pulled him close.

"A winter wedding " she spoke, "Why wait until spring to make us a family and give me a ring?"

Josie cringed, "I need to be going now. I'm awfully tired. I'll see you both later anyhow."

When Josie was out of sight, Jacob turned on Sallie alright.

"I never agreed to marry you! And I don't appreciate you spreading lies too! That child isn't mine. You've lost your mind!"

Sallie smiled sweetly, "You will marry me, Jake. You'll do whatever I say. Unless you want your perfect life here in BG to go away. What would happen to Josie then? No doubt she'd be an orphan, then married off quickly to an older man. Maybe he would treat her well, about these things you can never tell. She wouldn't go to school, instead, she'd have children to raise, if she survived the birth at such a young age. Don't be selfish Jake. At least for Josie's sake."

Sallie hit a raw nerve with him, playing off fears that got under his skin. No need to tell her about Brandy just yet. He'd find a way to make Sallie regret, ever coming to BG.

Jacob dumped her suitcase on the floor outside her room door. She'd only been in town an hour or two, and he already felt as though he couldn't take anymore. He'd hurt Rue like never before. Even worse than last time around no doubt. He needed to sort this mess out.

He would have never guessed things with Rue would completely end because of this. He was angry, sad, pissed. And worst of all, he doubted Rue would believe him, regarding the truth about Sallie. Things were no doubt shattered between he and she. And he doubted he could repair that damage too. He hated Sallie even more for messing things up with Rue.

He needed to figure out a way, to get her to leave BG. Like hell was he going to play happy family!