Marred Scarred Mine

By Bridgitte Lesley

After saving the defenseless lambs from near death Josh himself was caught in the fire. His bravery had left him marred and scarred. Marks which he felt he had to hide from prying eyes. He knew the chances of love and marriage had been destroyed. There was nothing good to look at.

Mitch had to start her life all over again. Independence had suddenly taken a funny turn. She now had a family to look after. Her own. The roles had been reversed. They were now her responsibility.

The stress was almost unbearable but Mitch had to keep up appearances. Her new business started with a flourish but the farm didn’t seem to make much progress. Her father didn’t seem to feel the pressure and urgency to succeed.

After a while Josh felt as though he had been left out in the cold. What did the future hold for Josh and Mitch? Could they make things work or was life all about the farm, business and survival?

Could Mitch manage to keep her head above water? Was there more to life than work?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Jan 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310169076

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Mitch paid for the six eggs and the pack of bacon, and walked out of the shopping center, following the crowds. As she looked ahead, she was horrified at the sight she saw. Her immediate reaction was shock so she slowed down, paused, and composed herself. Taking in a deep breath of air, she carried on walking until she was standing in front of the couple who were in the throes of devouring each other and causing a spectacle of themselves. She cleared her throat, and they both turned and glared at her. Raymond stared at her with huge eyes as his roaming hands almost dove straight in to his jacket pockets. Mitch took the packet she was holding and handed it to the woman. He prefers them sunny side up and the bacon really crispy. She folded the woman’s fingers over the packet handles. All the best, Raymond. Mitch walked off feeling furious. She knew he wasn’t sincere. But then again she also realized why. Even though she was engaged to him, they hadn’t slept together. There was no spark. He had tried to force the issue, but she wouldn’t give in to him.

Mitch sighed as she walked. She felt somehow as if something had been lifted from her shoulders. A smile formed as she strode along and climbed in to her Jeep. Her cell phone began to ring. The ringtone was a dead giveaway, and she hit the speakerphone and answered. Yes, Raymond.

It wasn’t anything near to what it looked like.

Mitch gurgled with laughter. You almost devoured the woman. I am not an idiot. I think our engagement is truly over.

Mitch—

Tired of your excuses. Always out at a meeting. And every late night has something to do with work. The two of us are not compatible after all.

I am sorry.

So am I Raymond. So am I. In future do the kissing somewhere more private. That was rather embarrassing for anyone walking by. He was quiet as she spoke. Have to go. Cheers. She cut her call and drove straight home.

As she walked through the door, she saw the red light flashing on the answering machine. She listened to the message, and sighed as she picked up the phone and dialled her parents. Mom?

Oh, Mitch. I have terrible news. Your father has been retrenched.

Since when?

Today. The company is closing. They were all called in and told that their packages would be in their bank accounts by the end of the day.

Mom. Is Dad home?

Yes. He has gone to lie down for a while. He doesn’t feel very well.

We will sort something out Mom. Where are the kids ?

Your brother and sister will be here soon. Clive only arrives in half an hour. Jenny went with the neighbor to buy milk at the shop.

Don’t start fretting. Somehow we will make a plan. She could hear Tanya was about to break down in tears.

Mitch we can’t survive on that package. There are things to pay. We won’t be able to afford the house, Tanya whispered.

Leave it in my hands.

Thank you.

As she put down the phone she let out an enormous sigh. She would have to take over and look after the family. Fortunately, she was in a position to do so. Her plans would now include them all, not only herself.

She picked up her cell phone and dialled. Garth, Mitch Martins. The farm you have listed. Has anyone submitted an offer yet?

Hi Mitch! Lovely to hear from you again. No. Still nothing. They are pretty desperate.

Make them an offer. I am going to buy that farm.

It is way out in the middle of nowhere. Are you sure about this?

How far is it from Mundeen?

About thirty minutes’ drive.

Perfect. Can you knock them down in price?

I will try.

When will you let me know?

Half an hour?

Sure. Reach me on this number please.

Okay. It was a huge risk she was taking, but hoped her plan would work. She was positive her parents would agree with what she was thinking, and her plan of action.

It took the entire evening to negotiate the sale of the farm. Mitch had endless calls from Garth but he was, eventually, able to bring the price down, and she made an offer that was accepted. She immediately put her house and business on the market. Time was a huge factor, and she had to move as fast as possible.

Josh stood in his bedroom. He didn’t dare look in the mirror as he dressed. What he saw, he disliked intensely. He walked through to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee and quietly sat down as Mary handed him his breakfast. I wonder when they are going to sell that place next door.

The asking price is too steep, Josh said.

I guess they need the money.

I think they are being greedy. They have inflated the price and will never get that amount. If they aren’t negotiable, they could sit with that property until such time as they lose it.

Butch walked through and took a seat. Morning Josh.

Good morning Dad.

I am sure we will hear if they have sold. They are far too old to be running that farm. Their family have all grown up and left. The pair of them are not farmers. Not even interested. I guess it is one of those things.

Josh looked up as Sarah and Sam walked in to the kitchen. I hope we get nice neighbors with kids.

Hopefully, but don’t put your hopes up too high though, Josh said.

At least you have each other. You have all the animals in the world. We live in the perfect place, Mary said.

City kids would love what we have, Josh said, as Sam sat down, smiled, and nodded in agreement.

Are you taking us to school today Josh?

I am.

Are you going to see your girlfriend? Sarah asked, and Mary glanced at Butch, then at Josh, as he suddenly tensed up.

She isn’t my girlfriend, Sarah. She never was. Felicity wasn’t really a friend either.

But I thought—

Sarah. Sarah looked at Mary and nodded. It was the end of the discussion.

They all finished their breakfast, and Josh got up to leave. The children followed and climbed in to the van. As always, Josh drove in silence as he took them to school. He waved as they walked in to the grounds, and then he slowly made his way back. He pulled to the side of the road and stopped. They all thought he had a thing for Felicity. But they were all mistaken. He didn’t like her looks, or the manner in which she behaved. Before he had his accident she had almost thrown herself at him. Josh had literally pushed her away. He could have ventured forth and given her what she had wanted. But it wasn’t what he had in mind. After the accident, she suddenly backed off from him. He sighed shaking his head. Josh tried to make peace with his injuries. His future with a woman was bleak. Actually, he didn’t see himself having a family of his own at all. Josh started the van and carried on driving home.

Josh walked in to the house. Mom I am in the shed sorting out the hay.

I will fetch them Josh. Thank you for taking the kids.

My pleasure.

Josh, about Felicity—

I need to explain something to you. Mom, I don’t fancy that woman. I never have and never will. She is not welcome on this land. I really do not want to have anything to do with her. Every time you hear her name it is connected to a different male. Women who sleep around do not appeal to me. Right?

Is it because—

No. I felt that way since the moment I met her. She is far too familiar with the patrons down at the pub.

Don’t let that put you off from going down to the pub for a drink.

Felicity knows to steer clear.

Mary chuckled and nodded. Glad I know how you feel. Josh walked out and strolled down to the stables. He had a busy day ahead.

CHAPTER 2

It had taken ages for Mitch to persuade her parents to pack up and move. They would be moving in together. Jenny had turned in to a right royal pain in the rear. Clive on the other hand was as excited as could be. He couldn’t wait to move.

Mitch drove to Mundeen on the Friday evening. She had a meeting with the Principal of the high school on the Saturday morning, but before they moved, she wanted to get a feel of the town. She took her time as she travelled down the main street, and drove up to the local pub. Mitch climbed out of her Jeep and walked to the pub which was very lively. She found a place to sit, ordered a pie, chips and a soda, and quietly sat and waited. One thing she didn’t do was look around and attract any attention to herself. Eye contact was never a good thing. It could, and generally did, create the wrong impression.

Josh looked over at Mitch. He hadn’t been down to the pub in ages. She had caught his eye. He couldn’t help but admire her. She was absolutely beautiful. All she wore was a little make up, but she really didn’t need any. Felicity noticed the men looking at Mitch and walked over and banged her plate on the table. A few of the chips fell right off of the plate on to the table. Mitch slowly looked up as the soda was rammed down as well. Do you treat all your customers with that attitude, or is it only the women?

I beg your pardon?

On second thoughts. Keep that pie, Mitch said and walked straight out of the pub, heading for the Jeep.

Seething, she climbed in and drove to the hotel. The rude treatment was not necessary. She walked in to the restaurant, which was very quiet, where she ordered a meal and a cup of coffee. It wasn’t long before she had finished her meal. She checked in, then walked up to her room.

Josh was quiet as he sat, wondering who the woman was. There had been no talk about strangers in town, and there were no newcomers. The farm next door had been sold to a family of five. He hadn’t met them, but he didn’t think she was part of that family. Josh paid for his drink and walked out. He climbed in to his van and slowly drove home. He spotted the enormous Jeep parked outside the hotel.

He drove straight home. He felt odd, and, somehow, excited. The woman he had seen really appealed to him. She was different, beautiful, and had acknowledged him with a slight nod, but she wasn’t a local. He smiled to himself. Josh knew that, though there was absolutely no possibility of ever seeing her again, she had definitely brightened his day. Something he had needed. It had felt as though his days were shrouded in gloom and doom.

Josh pulled up at the house, walked inside, and went straight to the lounge. Mom, the farm next door, you did say a family will be moving in there. Didn’t you?

Yes. The Martins family and their three children. I think the children are the same or a similar age to Sarah and Sam. They are being enrolled at the high school. Why do you ask?

Just curious. When will they arrive?

Soon. The house has to be cleared by the end of the month.

But that is next weekend.

Butch walked through and grinned. And we cannot wait. I like the neighbors but it would be even better if the neighbors were our age.

Josh chuckled and nodded. Night.

Night Josh.

Josh walked through to the bedroom. He took off his clothes and stood in front of the mirror. Twisting and turning this way and that, he studied his marred body. Through his eyes it was ugly. The scars were off-putting. At first it made him nauseous to feel them, or just look at them. He sat down on the bed and stared at the floor as he thought about the beautiful woman he had seen. I have no chance. He got up and climbed in to bed. Sleep took forever to come. All he could think about was the stranger in the pub.

On Saturday morning, Mitch met with the Principal of the school. Clive and Jenny were enrolled without any problems. She had all the information she needed. They didn’t wear school uniforms. It was a very small school in comparison to what they were used to at home. She drove to the farm once her meeting was over, but didn’t let anyone know she was there. Mitch pulled over, and sat and looked at the farm. She could not wait to move. Just looking at the wide expanse made her excited.

After a while she made her way home. Her first stop was to her parents. They had been packing for ages. Mitch walked inside, only to find Jenny yelling. I hate this! Jenny yelled, and turned and glared at Mitch. We won’t have any friends!

Mitch looked at Jenny. I am not going to speak to you again, Jenny. Change your attitude and change it fast. You are making everyone feel uncomfortable.

So what!

I have enrolled Jenny and Clive at the school. They go to school in their jeans and sneakers. There is no required uniform. As long as they are neat, Mitch said as she walked through to her parents.

Tanya hugged Mitch. Thank you.

Thomas smiled, and looked at her. Everything has been arranged for Friday. When are you going to be joining us?

A week after you arrive. The house sale has gone through, but I have a few things I need to wrap up before I leave.

Personal things? Thomas asked.

Mitch chuckled, and shook her head. Nothing personal. To do with the clinic.

And the animals will be travelling with you?

Mom, it is far easier than having them in the car with Clive and Jenny. They will all be in their baskets. The dogs right at the back. I will take it slowly.

You are going to a lot of trouble for us Mitch.

Not really Dad. But I think things will be better for everyone if the animals follow afterwards.

Jenny will settle down.

Dad just ignore her for a while. I know she can be annoying. Once she gets there, life is going to be different. Thomas sat down and sighed. Don’t sigh like that Dad. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.

Tanya spoke quietly. I don’t like that little girl next door . Her bad habits are rubbing off on Jenny.

Mitch nodded in agreement. I know. Right. I am on my way. Do you need me to do anything during the week?

We have it all under control.

Dad, you know what to do when you arrive.

I have all the details. The forms and the money for the municipal offices, Thomas said. Mitch smiled and nodded. She kissed her parents and started leaving.

And where are you off to? Jenny asked as she stood with her hands on her hips and spoke to Mitch.

Lose that attitude. I have animals to see to and a house to pack.

It isn’t fair that you are moving in to your own cottage.

Jenny!

Coming Dad! Mitch walked out and shook her head. Jenny was becoming a bigger problem every single day. She knew she would have to sort her out. Tanya was far too lenient with her.

CHAPTER 3

It sounds as if there is a huge truck coming up the road, Josh said excitedly as he walked outside to look. Butch and Josh stared as the enormous pantechnicon slowly drove past the house. The family car followed. About bloody time. The Martins family has arrived, Josh said. Butch chuckled and nodded.

I am glad.

Mary walked out and looked at the men. Have they arrived?

They have, Butch said.

"I will make a lovely casserole and we can take