'Til Death Do Us Part

By Alisha Jones

As if Elsie Taylor’s life couldn’t get any more complicated, now she has to choose between the man she’s loved for most of her life, and the man that has loved her for most of his life. As Riley and Justin spar off to win Elsie’s love, she soon realizes that only one man has captured her heart.
Penny Thomas, the last of the Thomas triplets, is content with being alone. That is until Derek Gilbert and his three daughters drive into town. Not only do the girls despise Penny as their new nanny, but Derek has the personality of a porcupine... all pins and prickles. Can these two learn how to get along for the sake of his daughters? Or will Penny finally decide that she can no longer be the brut of their teasing?
Grace has but one request... to live out the remainder of her days close to the ones she loves. However, when her husband and daughter beg her to take the trip of a lifetime, her security will be tested and the timing couldn’t be worse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Jones
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370148981

Book preview

‘Til Death Do Us Part

By: Alisha Jones

All characters appearing in this work are purely fictional.

Any resemblance to persons, living or dead,

Is coincidental.

Text Copyright ©2015

All Right Reserved

I would like to dedicate this work, and the entire ‘Vows’ series

To Miss Tricia Makar

You’ll never know what a help and a blessing

You’ve been to me.

Prologue

Trudging up the stairs to her boyfriend’s apartment, Elsie dreaded what she would have to do. It had already taken her too long to gather the courage, and now, she was seriously reconsidering her next steps. She should probably just turn around and go back home, but she had already taken enough. She couldn’t stand feeling like her life was in limbo. She had to move on to the next phase of her life. However, whether she would do it with, or without, Riley, was going to be totally up to him. Her mother had given her quite a bit to think about during their shopping trip, and now, she would see it through to the very end. As she unlocked the door and stepped inside, she heard the familiar sound of the tapping of a keyboard. She slammed the door a little too hard and dropped her shoes by the door. She started to call out to him, but of course, he wouldn’t hear her. So, she ambled into the living room, where she was sure to find him. Sure enough, he was exactly where she left him. With his head bent over his laptop, she wondered if he was asleep. That was the only explanation for his still being in the same spot for five hours. She walked around to the front of the couch and faced him. Somewhat angrily, she signed, Are you still looking at that thing? It was a silly question, and she really didn’t blame him. After all, he did work very hard during the week. Why shouldn’t he relax, doing what he loved to do, on the weekends?

Riley jumped at his girlfriend’s sudden presence in his home. You scared me to death! he shouted. Closing the laptop, he said, That was a fast shopping trip.

Elsie glanced at her watch and claimed, It’s been five hours! She showed him five angry fingers and rolled her eyes indignantly. She marched toward the kitchen heatedly and grabbed a soda from his fridge.

Riley threw his laptop onto the couch beside him and jumped to his feet. He could tell that something was definitely wrong with her. He grabbed her arm gently and turned her to face him. Hey, what’s wrong with you? he signed.

We need to talk, she said, knowing that even though Riley had been born deaf, he could still read lips.

Did something happen with your mom? he wondered.

Elsie had finally been able to pull her relationship, with her mom, into neutral ground. After her seemingly, unforgivable, mistake years ago, she’d finally called her mom and made peace. However, she still lived with her Nana and Frank because she loved them dearly, and her grandparents needed her. No, nothing happened with mom, she said as she rolled her eyes again. She grabbed a soda for him too, and took his hand, leading him back to the couch. She watched him sit beside her and she took a tentative breath. I wanna ask you something, and I want an honest answer.

Okay, he signed as he sat back on the couch. He took her hand in his and kissed his tenderly. I’m listening. He popped the tab on his soda and took a long drawl.

She drew another quick breath and blurted, Will you marry me?

Riley spewed the drink from his mouth, showering the couch, carpet, and pictures with the sticky syrup. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and asked, What?! With his hands and clothes drenched in spit and soda, this was no time to use his hands.

You may be deaf, but you know what I said, she claimed. I want a straight answer.

Riley swallowed hard, Yes, I…

Yes?! she queried with a mixture of astonishment and glee.

Let me finish, Riley warned before she carried him to the altar on her back. He laid down his soda, wiped his hands on his jeans, and took her hands in his again. You know I plan to marry you. And, I will. Someday. When we’re both ready.

Ready? she asked. "I am ready. I’ve been ready for years. She stood simply to put some distance between them and said, Do you realize that we’ve been together for ten years?! She flailed her arms and added, Ten years, Riley." They had been just friends for the first two years after she came to town. Then, they started dating after realizing that they both felt a connection to the other. They also dated other people, but Riley claimed that it ate at him to see her with other guys, so, after three years, they became exclusive. Now, they had been that way for five years, and Elsie was practically begging to take their relationship to the next level.

He stood to take her in his arms, but she backed away from his grasp. I know that, Elsie, he claimed. When you moved here and we became friends, I knew that you would be the one that I would marry. I’ll never want to spend my life with anyone else. But, I’m just not ready yet.

So, is it that you’re opposed to marriage in general, or just marriage to me? she begged. She hated to hear herself sound so desperate, and for once, was grateful that he couldn’t hear the pleading in her voice. She sat back on the couch when her legs began to feel like noodles.

Riley sat beside her and explained, Look, I just don’t like what people turn into when they get married. I’ve had so many friends that I used to be able to hang out with, that I would text after they were married and ask if they want to go out to play ball, or come over and play video games, or just hang out. It’s like they just disappear and forget about their friends.

Yeah, I’ve been in some of their houses when they received those texts from you, Elsie admitted sorrowfully. They blame it on their wives, but the truth is, they just want to be with them. They love them enough to stay with them, even if they wanted to get together with you.

No way, Riley said unbelieving. They always say their wives won’t let them come over, or that she has made other plans for them.

I know, Riley, she claimed. I’ve been there when the wife gives her man the choice. Honestly, sometimes, she would rather he go out with you, so she could go out with the girls, but he chooses her.

That’s just crazy! he seethed as he stood and paced in front of her. If I loved a woman enough to want to marry her, I would certainly want the world to know it. I wouldn’t be hiding behind her, ashamed of what others might think!

Elsie hung her head and knew what she had to do. I know, she said, defeated. That’s why this is gonna be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Chapter One

I don’t wanna do it anymore! Penny shouted at her sisters. Since Pop died, I’m the only one who even takes care of the garage, and I can’t stand it!

Penny, calm down, Benny said alarmed that her sister had raised her voice to them. The usually soft spoken, polite sister they once knew, was quickly turning into a beast.

I will not calm down, Beverly! she spat the name her sister had hated before she’d married Jacob Anderson. I want to be done with the service station for good.

But, why is this coming up now? Jenny asked. She and her sisters are triplets and they had always loved to work in their father’s garage.

Because I’m the only one who works here anymore, Penny claimed. Seeing the looks on her sister’s faces only deepened her anger. Their looks of perfect contentment and satisfaction were just about enough to make her sick.

Well, I’m sorry, Penny, Benny spat, but Jacob and I are on the road so much that I don’t have time to worry about this place anymore.

I know that, Penny said more calmly than before. And, Jenny, I know that you and Henry raise your girls and take care of the church and all of its members. I know all this and, believe me, I understand. But, I don’t want the burden of it anymore.

I didn’t know it was a burden to you, Penny, Jenny soothed. Since when? she took her sister’s elbow gently and led her to a nearby table.

Penny sat with her sisters and examined them a minute. Jenny wore a pretty, black skirt with a pale, pink shirt with a large flower on the shoulder. Her hair was pulled back into a cute knot at the back of her neck and her shoes were a pair of strappy sandals. Benny’s outfit was exactly what you’d expect from a world traveler. Her blue jean skirt was quite fashionable and her bright orange shirt only highlighted her red hair. Her feet were also adorned with some cute flip flops and her face glowed from being in the sun. Then Penny stared at her own appearance. Her cover-alls were practically painted in grease and oil. Her hair was yanked back into a messy ponytail and her face was smudges with dirt. Her shoes were the ugliest work boots that she had and her fingernails were, and probably always would be, stained from years of being under the hood of a car. She drew a ragged breath, fearing that she would, again, lose her temper, and began to explain, Look, I can’t explain why I feel the way I do now, but I just don’t want to work in this garage for the rest of my life. I know that may sound silly to both of you, but you two weren’t around Pop the last few years. He was mean and hard and…

Oh, Penny, I’m sorry, Jenny said taking her sister’s hand. We should have been around more and taken some of the burden.

I didn’t know that he was so hard to get along with, Benny claimed. What happened to him?

We didn’t want to tell you, Penny said. We wanted to spare you the details. But, he had Alzheimer’s and he just got to be downright mean sometimes. When Benny bowed her head, she said, Hey, it’s okay. I was happy to take care of him, but I don’t want to work this shop anymore.

But this place had been in our family for years, Benny claimed. How can you just turn your back on it?

Penny straightened her back and asked, Are you willing to let your husband travel for his work by himself? When Benny wouldn’t answer, she asked Jenny, And are you willing to let Henry do all the work for the church by himself and raise your girls alone? She’d stunned them speechless. Good. Then, how can you ask me if I’m willing to give up my whole life to keep it?

But, you don’t have a… Benny began without thinking of the ramifications of her spill.

Life? Penny grinned flatly. Yes, I know. And I never will if I’m bound by this garage and the legacy that it holds. I can’t keep it going by myself and I really don’t want to.

What did you have in mind, Penny? Jenny asked. At her sister’s questioning look, she claimed, You’ve obviously given this a lot of thought.

I have, Penny admitted. I realize that it’s the only garage in town and only one of two gas stations, so I’m not willing to close it down, but I would like to sell it.

I can’t believe this, Benny shot out of her seat and paced wildly. This is the only connection that we have to Pop! What would he say about selling the only thing he gave us?

Honestly, I don’t know, Penny said, keeping her cool. But, I do know that if Momma were alive, she would tell him that we have to live our own lives and we have to do what makes us happy. A small tear formed in her eye and she confessed, Haven’t been happy in a very long time.

Benny instantly cooled. Returning to her sister’s side, she knelt at her feet. Penny, please don’t cry. I admit, it wasn’t right for us to abandon you the way we did and I’m sorry. But, I don’t think this is the right answer.

What if you rented it out? Jenny asked. Would you be willing to still keep up the finances if you didn’t have to run the garage?

You mean, hire somebody to do the work, and pay them a salary? Penny wondered. Giving the idea some thought, she thought she may be able to compromise. It’s an idea.

It’s a brilliant idea, Benny smiled excitedly. I don’t know why we haven’t done it sooner.

Would you be able to handle the hiring? Jenny wondered. I could run over here in between church visits, if you need me.

Well, Jacob and I are leaving in a couple of days, but I could help ‘til then, Benny offered.

No, no, Penny waved a dismissive hand. It shouldn’t be that much harder than selling the place, and I was fully prepared to take that on alone.

Can I ask you somethin’? Jenny wondered. At Penny’s head nod, she queried, Is that what this is all about? Your being alone?

Penny shied away from her sister’s knowing, prodding looks and admitted, "You each have your own families and, after Pop died, and even a little before that, I had nobody. I am alone."

Sweetie, you’re never alone, Jenny smiled sympathetically. I live here in town and I know Benny would fly home if you absolutely needed her.

Of course I would, Benny agreed.

I know that, Penny said as she swiped at a stray tear. But, neither of you have ever had to go home, in the afternoon, to an empty house. You’ve always had someone waiting on you or caring about you.

Jenny and Benny felt utterly ashamed of how they had neglected their sister. The three sat in silence for a moment, then, Benny stood and said, She’s right, Jenny. She needs to get out and get a life. She has to sell the garage.

What? Penny asked stunned that her strong-willed sister would make such a statement.

Jenny smiled and nodded, She’s right, Penny. You have to sell it. You have to get out from under Pop’s thumb and be your own woman. You have to get out and find your own place in the world.

Are you serious? Penny begged. Because once it’s gone, there’s no claiming it back.

Crazy woman, Benny laughed, we know how a sale works. She pulled her sisters to their feet and said, Let’s take a walk around the old place.

Together, they held hands and talked. They shared funny stories about their parents and especially about the garage. The girls recalled the day a movie star, Grady Harrison, had come to town. They hadn’t recognized him until he started dating Lily, now his wife. But, they remembered how their Pop had called them ‘P, B, and J’ in front of the actor and laughed when he thought he was talking about a sandwich.

Jenny remembered the day that Henry had come looking for her, but she had to stay home with their mother, because she’d been sick. He’d driven all the way out to their home and pretended to visit her sick mother, just to ask her out. And, she recalled the day he’d picked her up at the garage to show her that he’d begun building their home that they would share.

Benny recalled the day her husband, Jacob, rolled into town in his tiny, hybrid car, asking for directions. She’d thought he was so handsome that she became tongue-tied. She remembered how he had asked her to show him around town and she’d let him drive her monster truck instead of trying to squeeze into his car. Then, when he had finally realized that he was in love with her, he had practically begged her to marry him. She giggled at the memory and shared it with the girls.

Penny smiled at her sister’s memories but said, I’m so happy for you both, and I’m so glad that you were able to find love even from here. But, I don’t think I’m gonna be so fortunate.

Of course, you will, Jenny claimed. You just have to be patient and wait for God’s timing.

Patient? Penny asked without a hint of malice. I’m… we’re thirty six year old, Jenny. How much longer will I have to wait for someone who will love me unconditionally?

I don’t know, Jenny claimed as she squeezed her sister’s hand. But, I do know that God wants all of his children to be happy. And, if you’re not happy, then I’m sure that your man is already on his way.

You think so? Penny wondered anxiously.

I do, Jenny smiled.

The sisters walked around the garage grounds a few more minutes, then Penny said, I will miss this old place.

We all will, Benny groaned nearly heartbroken to see it sold. But, we want you to be happy much more than we want to keep this old place.

Thanks, girls, Penny said as a small tear escaped her eye. I love you both so much.

We love you, too, Benny smiled.

Penny did love her sisters so very much, but she knew Jenny was right. God did want her to be happy, but maybe He was waiting for her to put a little action to her faith. She would sell the thing as soon as she could and she would leave their town. She would miss it terribly. The people, the church, the café, it was all home to her. But, she knew that she had to leave home in order to find her own place. She had lived here long enough to know that there was nothing left here for her.

Chapter Two

Frank?! Chantelle called as she stepped into her mother’s home. Are you here? She studied the new pictures that were hanging on the walls and the ones that adorned the end tables. How proud her mom and Frank were of their grandchildren! Frank!

Well, I'm here child. You ain't gotta holler! His toothless grin shone brightly as he hugged his step-daughter. Sound like a wrung chicken, he laughed.

Now look, she warned playfully, I came over ‘cause you asked me to. She nudged his ribs teasingly, What was so all-fired important that I had to drop everything and run over here? Of course, she and John only lived across the street from her mom and Frank, but she enjoyed teasing the old man.

Well now don't get your gander up, woman, Frank smiled again and led her to the couch. Come sit with me. When she sat beside him, he began to tell her his reason for such a quick and secret meeting. Look, this year is my fifteenth anniversary with your beautiful mom. His heart skipped several beats as he recalled their wedding day. That beautiful, summer day will forever linger in his memory as the best day of his long life. Shaking his head from his reverie, he said, Anyway, I want to take Grace away on a trip to the mountains for our anniversary. I have it all paid for and the reservations are all taken care of. I even organized a list of relaxin’ activities for the two of us to do together. The cabin has front porch rockers and a small wood stove. It's a cute little place and I really want to do it for Gracie.

Chantelle grinned at the pet name he had called her mother for years. Oh I think that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard, Frank, she smiled as