For Better or Worse

By Alisha Jones

When Myra's husband is sentenced to life in prison for murdering the husband of the woman he loved, she vows to stay by him no matter what. Even though he pushed her away at every turn, she is true to her word, even visiting him in jail and enduring his insults and threats. However, when her husband is killed in prison, she gets a new lease on life and, with a little help from a new man in her life, she learns that life does have a "better" side.

Kyle Kelly, who moved from Hollywood with his best friend, Grady, seeks to woo the newly widowed, Myra Crenshaw. But, when tragedy strikes, he will learn that, even though his life has been mostly good, there are some bad times.

Can he and Myra make it through the bad times, and find love in each other? Or, will her jealousy and pride keep them from discovering life's pleasures.

Also, can old Frank finally gain the love and attention that he's longed for from an old friend, or will she be unable to provide him with all he's ever wanted because of her fear of loss?

Find out the answers to these questions, and much more, in the second novel in the 'Vows Series', For Better or Worse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Jones
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370185825

Book preview

For Better or Worse

By: Alisha Jones

Dedicated to Mitch Busick Jr., who left us too suddenly and too soon.

You are gone, but never forgotten.

Thank you for all your help on this book.

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2017

One

The courthouse steps were filled with newspaper and television reporters. Each hungry vulture awaited the inevitable appearance of the murderer that had plagued their small town with gossip and hordes of people. Gazing out over the throng, Myra Crenshaw took her husband’s hand. It’s gonna be okay, Tom, she promised. Just don’t stop and make any eye contact with them. We’ll just walk right on through them.

Tom sneered at the woman seated so comfortingly beside him. He had never really loved Myra. Her blonde cropped hair and pale, blue eyes made him nauseous. In fact, he only married her because the woman he wanted had been taken from him. He had always loved Lily Morgan, but when Brice had strolled into their town, she was lost to him. Jerking his hand free from the woman’s grasp, he snapped, I already know that Myra. You don’t have to come in there and hold my hand like a child.

Of course, I do, she grieved at the loss of contact. She had loved her husband dearly, and even when he was accused, and ultimately confessed to, the murder of Brice Morgan, she had stood by him every step of the way. I’m your wife, Tom. I still love you, even if you did mess up.

Mess up?! he shouted. Mess up?! He rolled his eyes and looked his wife in the eye. I murdered a man, Myra. I killed someone! Don’t you get that?

Of course, I do. But...

Not only did I kill Brice, but I liked it, he confessed bitterly. I wanted him out of the way, so I could have her. Bile rose in his throat as he thought of that fateful night. He had followed Brice Morgan into the house, watched him ascend the scaffolding, wiggled it so the man would lose his balance, and shoved the metal beams on top of him. He had even sat by him while he choked and gurgled on his own blood. Unfortunately, Lily had come home and found him lying there before he had died. Tom remembered the look on the woman’s face as she watched life slip from her husband for the next two days. She never left his side. How he wished that she could have cared for him in that way! She had been the prize to be won ever since his school days. He longed for her and wished for her the way a child wished for an expensive toy.

I know you wanted her, Tom, Myra began.

Want, he clarified. I still want her. I will never stop until I have her.

Disheartened that her husband couldn’t love her the way she loved him, she climbed from the car and slammed the door behind her. She wanted to smile when he screamed that she had almost slammed his fingers in the door, but she couldn’t make her face register a smile. Her heart was broken... again. She knew, when she married Tom, that he still had a crush on Lily Morgan. But, she had hoped after being married to her, and enjoying all the benefits that came along with it, he would begin to see her as someone to love. Sadly, he never had. Even now, when most men would cling to their wives for support, he still pined for Lily. Myra cringed when she noticed the woman walking up the courthouse steps. Now, Lily Harrison, and pregnant with her new husband’s child, she radiated beauty. Myra could see why Tom had longed for her, but that didn’t make the sting of his rejection any easier to take.

Shoving and scratching her way through the mob of reporters, Myra finally opened the huge door and entered. Immediately, she headed for the ladies’ room. That would be the only place she would be able to get a moments peace before the sentencing. She stepped into the bathroom and headed towards one of the stalls. Reaching for the handle, she gasped when it opened on its own. Coming face to face with Lily was the very last thing Myra had wanted. Oh, sorry, she said lowering her head. I didn’t know anyone was in there.

That’s okay, Lily Harrison said as she touched Myra’s arm lightly. How are you doing?

Stunned that the woman would even ask, Myra stood unable to speak for a long moment. When she couldn’t respond, Lily spoke again.

Are you gonna be okay?

You’re asking me? Myra asked shocked. My husband is on trial for murdering your husband, and you wanna know if I’m okay?

Myra, I don’t hold you accountable for what Tom did, Lily soothed. He acted on his own will. I can’t imagine what you must be going through.

Myra’s eyes instantly began to fill with tears. As she sniffed and brushed them back, she attempted a small smile. I’ll be fine. I have to go. Tom will need me to support him now. She knew it was a lie, even as she stepped out into the hallway and spotted him shackled to the bench outside the courtroom. He didn’t need her then, and he wouldn’t need her now. Still, she held her head as high as she could muster and followed him into the courtroom. When he sat in the chair beside his lawyer, she patted his shoulder and whispered, I love you.

Tom rolled his eyes and shrugged off her hand of sympathy. Suddenly, he saw the woman he wished to own. Lily’s long, brown hair flowed free and her golden eyes peered at him for only an instant. However, that was long enough to know that he still wanted to possess her. Glancing down at her swollen belly, he pretended that she were carrying his child. With the thoughts filling his mind, he winked at her unconsciously. When she sneered at him and was escorted to her seat by her new husband, Grady, he whipped back toward his lawyer. If this doesn’t go well, you will be looking for another line of work.

John Anderson, who had desperately tried to decline the case, looked to his client. I don’t know how else you expect it to go, Tom. You practically admitted to killing the man in front of a Sheriff. Shaking his head, he almost smiled at the man’s brashness. Granted, Tom hadn’t known that the Sheriff was listening to him confess to a murder, but alas, he had. So, John had expected no less from a sane jury, than a ‘guilty’ verdict. Oh, sure, like any good lawyer, he tried to dissuade the twelve people from remembering certain facts about the case, but he didn’t hold out any hope for the man.

Tom grunted and growled at the man seated beside him. Then, I guess you had better watch your back.

John peered at the wealthy man handcuffed to the chair. He may have lost this case, but he couldn’t say that he was upset about it. Tom Crenshaw was a boil on the skin of the human race, and he would be satisfied with the verdict of ‘guilty’. He and Tom, along with the defendants, stood as the judge entered the room from his chambers.

Well, I can’t say that I’m sad that this trial will soon be over, the judge said. This one case has been a thorn in my side since day one. He recalled how Tom Crenshaw’s family had tried to pay him a large, unseemly amount of money to try to get the case thrown out of court. But, he had stood his ground, and he hoped that the jurors, whom, he was sure, had received the same bribes, would stand their ground as well. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? As the foreman rose and informed him that they had, he breathed a sigh of relief. This jury had taken far too long to reach a decision that seemed so obvious to him. He assumed that the bribe money was the cause of the delay, but he couldn’t be sure. As the bailiff handed him the slip of paper from the foreman, he opened it tentatively. Again, another sigh of relief escaped him. Controlling his satisfaction, he read the decision aloud. Tom Crenshaw, a jury of your peers have listened to your case and to the case presented by the defendants. However, due to the evidence against you, not the least of which is your own confession, this jury, and this state, find you guilty of the murder of Brice Morgan. He paused as the crowd cried, clapped, or raged. Sentencing will be held at nine a.m. tomorrow morning. He banged his gavel on the large, oak desk and descended the stairs.

Tom Crenshaw slammed both of his fists into the table and kicked his chair to the ground. Catching the attention of the woman he desired, he laughed wickedly, It’s not over yet, sweetheart. I’ll still have you. Laughing even harder when the woman’s husband lunged for him, he backed away as the attack was prevented by the town’s people. Escorted from the room by the police and shoved into the back of their car, he still smirked and began to plan how he would gain his revenge on the woman he so longed for. No longer would he be satisfied with owning her. Now, he wanted her to suffer, and he would see to it that she did.

Myra felt a hand touch her arm and she jumped at the contact. As she looked up, she saw deep, blue eyes filled with compassion along with something else she couldn’t quite name.

I’m so sorry, Mrs. Crenshaw.

Thank you, she said. Um, do I know you? she asked as the throng of people gathered around her.

My name’s Kyle Kelly, he said. I’m a friend of Lily and Grady.

Ah, she said as recognition settled into her mind. She had seen him around town but had never talked to him. Of course, she reached out to shake his hand, but was thwarted by the mob. As she was pushed backwards and turned aside, she watched him blur into the crowd until he finally disappeared. Cameras, notepads, and microphones were shoved into her face as she shielded her eyes from the bright, lights. No comment, she shouted several times as she tried to push her way to the exit. Her tears flowed like hot, salty tracks down her face while she ran out into the sunlight. Running to her car, she told the limo driver to get home as fast as he could. Slumping down into the soft leather of her car, she sobbed and wondered what would become of her and her two children. She hadn’t allowed Tommy and Reagan to come to the courtroom, or even watch the news channels. She had already talked to them about what their father had done, but she didn’t want them scarred by the twists and spins that the news would put on the story. Now, as she headed home, she tried to focus on how she would tell them that their father would be in jail, probably the rest of his life. Tommy adored his father, even though Tom had never shown any interest in the boy. And, Reagan, who had just turned twelve, needed her father’s love so badly. How would they all cope without him? Finally pulling into the paved driveway of their home, she scanned the mansion in hopes that she would be able to find a way to provide for her family. She had never really believed in God, but, if it would help her with her children, she would start.

Two

Kyle walked into the cafe where his best friend, Grady, stood hovering over his wife. Grinning at the protective daddy-to-be, he sat at the bar stool. She’s pregnant, Grady. She’s not broken.

Grady Harrison turned to his friend and chuckled. I know that. I just want her to take it easy once in a while. She works way too hard for a pregnant lady.

Lily touched her husband’s face and smiled lovingly. I’m only five months along, Grady. We still have a long way to go before I’ll need to take it easy. She winked at Kyle knowing he would take her side. Besides, hard work never hurt anyone.

She’s right, Kyle smiled. She knows what she can handle.

Thank you, she said to Kyle. You havin’ the special today?

Of course, he smiled. When Grady took the seat beside him, he laughed, Man, you’ve got it bad.

Got what? Grady asked still watching his wife closely.

The daddy blues, Kyle chuckled. You do know that you already have a son, right?

Of course, I know that, Grady snapped. After he married Lily, he had adopted her son Riley as his own. But, this time is different. I’ve never been an expectant father before.

Kyle patted his friend’s shoulder, You’re gonna do fine. He sipped his sweet tea and wondered what all the fuss was about. How would he know? He had never even known a love like the two of them shared. They talked about each other, all the time, with such affection that he found himself jealous at times. Oh, how he would welcome a love like they had. Sure, he’d dated many women while he and Grady lived in Hollywood. In fact, being Grady’s agent meant that he had to wine and dine many women. But, he had never known that kind of love for any of them. Trying to clear his mind of things he couldn’t control, he said, So, I tried to talk to Myra Crenshaw today, but that mob of reporters got in the way.

Yeah, they were scavengers, Lily admitted.

I still can’t believe that she’s still married to that guy and sticks by his side like she does, Kyle confessed. I mean, the guy’s a complete whack-o. Why doesn’t she just find someone else?

Lily smiled to her husband and informed their friend, There’s only one reason that I can think of.

What’s that? Kyle asked obviously missing some secret passed between the man and his wife.

She loves him, Grady said reading his wife’s thoughts.

Even after all he did? How can she? Kyle had never heard of such a thing. Why, on earth, would such an amazing, attractive woman stand beside a man who had done something so horrible?

Honestly? Grady said. I’m not sure that I know why. But, she must love him very much to still stand with him even though he is so cruel to her.

What do you mean? Kyle wondered.

Lily tried to give Grady a ‘that’s enough’ look, but when she saw that her husband hadn’t caught on, she took control of the conversation. Tom was never very nice to Myra. He didn’t marry her for love, and he completely neglected her the entire time that they were married. But, sometimes, people, like Myra, love so deeply, that they look beyond what they could have and focus on what they already have. She took her husband’s hand and held it to her face.

That’s right, Grady said tenderly. When you truly love someone, you take those vows seriously. He kissed Lily’s hand and said, For better or worse.

Kyle shifted uncomfortably at the display of affection. Well, I’d say that things are just about as bad as they can get.

You just wait until you fall in love, Grady said as he watched his wife walk back into the kitchen of her cafe. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Hmph, Kyle grunted before turning back to his glass of tea.

Are you coming to church with us tomorrow? Lily called from the kitchen. Riley has talked of nothing else except sitting with his Uncle Kyle.

Kyle’s lips twisted into a small grin. He adored that kid from the minute he laid eyes on him. Riley, who had been deaf since birth, was teaching him how to sign to him. He was catching on quickly and could already have a small conversation with him, but he hadn’t learned as much as Lily or Grady. I guess I did promise the kid, didn’t I?

Yes, you did, Grady said. And the last thing I need is a sad little boy on my hands.

Alright, Kyle agreed. I’ll meet you there. He thanked Lily when she slid a plate of food in front of him and delved into the grilled chicken sandwich like a hungry bear fresh out of hibernation.

Better slow down, boy. My fat arms can’t fit around your waist to give you the Heimlich.

Kyle didn’t have to turn around to know who was standing behind him. Grace had such a way of sliding right into your heart like your own mother. Maybe not, Kyle smiled as he turned his bar stool to face the woman. But they are just the perfect size for hugging.

Grace laughed as she swept the boy into her arms. Kyle had been in their town for a little less than two years, but she had grown to love him like her own son. Pushing back from his embrace, she wiped the gray strands of hair from her wrinkled face. Is my girl feedin’ you good?

Yes, ma’am, Kyle smiled. Best sandwich I’ve had in years. Truth was, he had delved into the same sandwich every week, but it was still delicious.

That’s my girl, Grace smiled nodding toward Lily. Grace and Lily weren’t family by blood, but she had treated her like she was her own daughter, and when she and Grady got married, she was proud to have a son. Since Grace had lost most of her family long ago, she was thrilled to take in these youngsters who had no one else. Now, you eat up and get back to work.

Yes ma’am, Kyle smile at the motherly attention. When he moved away from Hollywood, he had taken a few months off and enjoyed getting to know the people of this little town. But, since there wasn’t much call for a Hollywood agent in the area, he had taken a job at the hardware store. He didn’t need much money for two reasons. First, he had made several wonderful investments over the years, and now, his money was working for him. And, he only had himself to care for. With no family to speak of, he had been on his own for most of his life. So, he was used to living meagerly. Of course, living meagerly in Hollywood was quite a bit different than in this small town in North Carolina.

Looking to Grady again, he asked, So, when do you leave for the set?

Grady slumped in dread, Uh, two days. Kyle was a wonderful agent and had gotten him the lead roles in many movies. But, sometimes, the guy was just