The Bargain

By Viti Lee Tackett

" And leaving all others be faithful unto her til death do you part.
Ginny stood there listening to the words the preacher said. Would Lucas agree to the vows he had just heard---could he say the words?
I do. He said them.
Now it was up to her. Could she bring herself to say them? Could she agree to a marriage that was only a bargain between them? They were strangers, but here they stood, ready to commit to a lifetime with each other. The time had come. She must give an answer; an answer that would determine the rest of her life
I do. She said them. The words that would make her one with this man standing here beside her. Had she lied to God? Had he? What happened to people who lied to God?
When Ginny Carver, a young woman who was raised with wealth and had only known a lifestyle that goes along with having money and Lucas Kane, a poor country preacher who struggles just to support his family are brought together by desperate circumstances, can they find a way to survive in a loveless marriage? Will the commitment they made and their need for each other be strong enough to see them through the hard times ahead?
When a man from Ginnys past returns and offers her the love she craves and the lavish lifestyle she was used to, will her commitment to God and to the marriage keep her faithful to Lucas and the vows she took on her wedding day? "

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 24, 2009
• ISBN: 9781465316950

Book preview

Chapter 1

Lucas Kane drove into the city limits of Coopersville. He turned on Elm Street and pulled his 1934 Ford four-door sedan over to the curb. The car was two years old but it still looked new. It was a gift from his parents and the first brand new car he had ever owned so he had taken good care of it. He checked the address to make sure he was at the right place. This is it, all right, but why would someone who lives in a mansion like this send for a country preacher like me? He got out of the car and walked up to the door. He knocked and stepped back, waiting.

I’m Reverend Lucas Kane, he said when the door opened.

Come in, Reverend. Papa is expecting you, the pretty young woman standing there replied. She reached out and shook his hand. I’m Ginny Carver. Thank you for coming so promptly.

The message sounded urgent.

She nodded. Papa is very anxious to talk to you. Follow me, she said and walked upstairs.

He followed her. She stopped at a room at the top of the stairs and motioned him inside.

Papa, Reverend Kane is here. She walked over and kissed the man lying on the bed.

Thank you for coming so quickly, the man said. Pull that chair close to my bed and sit down.

I’ll leave you two alone, Ginny said. I’ll be right outside if you need me. She walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.

Young man, do you remember me?

You do look familiar, Lucas replied. But I just can’t place you.

I owned Carver’s Department Store, he explained. You came in often with your pretty young wife.

Of course, he said. Now I remember. It’s good to see you again, sir.

I was sorry to hear of your wife’s untimely death. It’s always a tragedy when one dies so young.

Thank you for your concern, Lucas said his voice choking.

Mr. Carver quickly changed the subject. I guess you’re wondering why I asked you to come here today. There are two reasons, he said. The first is that I am dying, and I need to make peace with my maker. He paused. Reverend, my wife was a fine Christian woman, the best I’ve seen. She read her Bible and prayed faithfully every day. I’ve heard her call my name in prayer many times but I turned a deaf ear because I was a strong man and thought I didn’t need anyone’s help, not even God’s. He wiped a tear away and continued, I guess her prayers finally caught up with me. These past few days I’ve felt a tugging inside. I know that it’s God calling me, and I want to make things right with Him, but I don’t know how.

I’ll help you, Lucas said. He opened his Bible and turning to John 3:16 he read aloud, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He looked at the man and asked, Do you understand what I just read?

Yes, I understand that God loves me and that Jesus died for me.

Good, then we will continue, Lucas said, reading scripture after scripture, explaining each one as he read. Are you ready to pray now, he asked closing his Bible.

Mr. Carver nodded as tears filled his eyes and they prayed until he felt peace inside.

It’s done, he cried happily. I feel good inside. Thank you for helping me.

No, I should be thanking you, Lucas said embracing the old man. I count it an honor to have helped you find the Lord.

If Abigail is looking down from heaven and can see me now, I know she is rejoicing. Her prayers have finally been answered.

I’m sure that she’s rejoicing and waiting for you to come home to her.

Well, she won’t have long to wait, he said thoughtfully, and that brings me to the second reason you’re here. It’s Ginny, my daughter. I need your help with her, too.

I’ll be glad to do whatever I can, Lucas told him, wondering what this was all about.

When Ginny was a senior in high school she had plans to marry a young man named Matthew. They were to be married in June and move to the east coast where he was going to college. But the wedding never took place. My wife took sick before graduation and needed care twenty-four hours a day. We were facing the Great Depression and times were hard. I was working day and night just to keep my business from going under and I didn’t have the money to hire someone to come and care for her, so Ginny broke her engagement to Matthew in order to stay home and take care of her mother. Abigail lived for four years, and when she died something inside of me died too. I became ill and when I could no longer work I lost the store. Ginny has stayed by my side and taken care of me for the last three years. She gave up her chance for happiness in order to take care of her mother and me.

She sounds like a very loving and caring daughter. You must be proud of her.

Yes, she’s the best daughter a man could ask for and she deserves a lot more than what she will get once I’m gone.

Sir, I’m sure your daughter will be devastated when she loses you, but you have the comfort of knowing that she will be provided for financially and won’t have to worry about money, and, in today’s world that means a lot.

That’s the problem. When I pass away she will lose it all . . . the house, the furnishings, the car; everything I own will be sold at auction to pay the medical bills that have accumulated due to the lengthy illnesses of my wife and me. Ginny will be left with nothing and no one to take care of her.

What about relatives?

There are none, he answered. Abigail was an only child. I had one sister but she died when she was thirteen. Our parents are long gone so that leaves no one.

Lucas’s heart ached for the man and his daughter. What can I do to help?

Ginny only knows how to do one thing . . . keep house and take care of folks. She’s the best there is at doing that . . . but who can afford to hire a housekeeper these days?

You’re right about that, he agreed. I certainly could use some help around my house, but I don’t have the money to pay for it.

What if there was a way Ginny could work for you just for room and board?

Lucas shook his head. I’d like to take her in and give her a place to live, but that would never work. As young and pretty as she is, there would be far too much talk, and as a minister I can’t afford that kind of gossip.

There is one way it would work and there would be no gossip.

I don’t see how.

You can marry her.

You’re asking me to marry your daughter . . . Absolutely not!

The man sat up in bed. I thought you were a kind, caring man but I was wrong, he shouted. Get out of my house now!

The young minister could not believe he would even suggest such a thing so he lashed out in retaliation. How dare you ask me to marry your daughter?

They heard the gasp before they saw her standing there. No, Papa, no, she cried and ran out of the room and down the stairs.

I’ve got to go after her, her father cried, trying to get out of bed. I’ve got to explain.

You stay in bed. I’ll go after her. Lucas raced down the stairs knowing he would have some explaining to do as well.

She was standing with her hand on the doorknob ready to run outside.

Wait Miss Carver, I need to talk to you, he called. Please let me explain. He rushed over and put his hand on her shoulder. I’m sorry for the way I acted.

No, I’m sorry, she sobbed. Papa had no right to ask you to marry me.

He loves you very much and was doing what he thought was best for you. I have two daughters and if they were facing what you’re facing I would do the same thing.

You’re married? There was disbelief in her voice. Does Papa know?

He nodded his head. Yes, he knows I was married. My wife died a few months ago.

I’m so sorry, she said compassionately. No wonder you were upset. I apologize for Papa’s rudeness.

No, I’m the one who should apologize to him, and I will, but first we need to talk.

I heard loud voices. Is anything wrong? a slightly stooped distinguished looking man inquired, walking into the room.

Dr. Wilson, I’m sorry we disturbed your nap, Ginny said. Nothing’s wrong here but you need to check on Papa. He’s very upset. Tell him that everything is okay and I’ll be up to see him in a little while.

And, who is this? the doctor asked looking at Lucas.

This is Reverend Lucas Kane. Papa sent for him, Ginny answered, then turning to Lucas she added, Reverend, this is Dr. Wilson, our family doctor.

Lucas reached out to shake the doctor’s hand. I’m glad to meet you sir.

The doctor grunted still not convinced that everything was fine. Just because the man was a minister didn’t mean he was okay. He’d keep an eye on the situation. I’ll go check on Lamont, he said abruptly and walked up the stairs.

I don’t think he trusts me, Lucas said as soon as the doctor was out of earshot.

Don’t let it bother you. He has been Papa’s best friend since they were kids and he gets a little too protective of us at times, especially now that Papa is so sick, she explained. He’s been staying here day and night for the past week in case we need him.

That’s a relief, he said. I’m used to folks trusting me and it bothers me if they don’t. He paused a moment, then added, Your father is right to be worried about you. I’m worried about you too. Let’s sit down and come up with a plan so you’ll have a place to go after . . .

After Papa is gone, she said finishing the sentence he was going to leave unsaid. She sat down on the couch beside him. I appreciate your concern, Reverend, but this not your problem. We just met a couple of hours ago and you’ve got enough troubles of your own without worrying about me. Besides, you’re not obligated to care what happens to me.

Oh, but I am, he replied before she could protest further. As a child of God and as a minister of the gospel it is my duty to help you any way I can; and, I do care what happens to you.

I don’t understand that logic, but since you’re willing, I sure can use some help.

Your father said you have no relatives but isn’t there an aunt or uncle or maybe a cousin somewhere?

She shook her head. There’s no one at all. When I lose Papa I will be all alone in this world . . . not one person on earth who is kin to me.

He felt compassion swell up inside him for this young woman and tried to imagine how it would feel to be totally alone with no family ties anywhere. I’m so sorry, he said. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have my family to care for me.

I didn’t think much about it until now when I face losing Papa and I have no one to turn to.

What about friends?

She shook her head again. I’ve lost all contact with them over these past seven years.

What about the doctor and his family, he asked. It’s plain to see he cares for you.

She shook her head for the third time. Mrs. Wilson died a few years back and he later lost their home due to the Depression. Now he lives in a small room in the back of his office and because times are hard he just barely makes enough to get by himself.

He was beginning to see the hopelessness of the situation, yet was determined to keep trying. What about this Matthew that you were planning to marry. Is there any chance that the two of you might get back together?

I haven’t seen or heard from him since he left, but I did hear that he got married about five years ago, she answered. He probably has a couple of kids by now.

I’m sorry things didn’t work out between you.

Oh, it’s okay, she assured him. I just hope he’s happy in his new life.

Most women would wish a life of misery on him, Lucas commented. It’s refreshing to know that you don’t.

He was not only my fiancé; he was also my best friend. I could never wish a life of unhappiness on him.

Okay, we can forget about Matthew, he said. There’s no one else you’re close to?

Well, there is this couple, James and Marilyn Porter. They own the General Store here in town, she said thoughtfully. Their daughter, Caroline, and I were best friends when we were kids. We were together most of the time, either at my house or hers. So, they think of me as family . . .

That’s great! he exclaimed. You can stay with them until . . . He stopped when she started shaking her head.

They live in a small two bedroom apartment over the store and two months ago Caroline left her husband and moved in with them, along with her five kids, so they don’t have room for me.

So there really is no one, he sighed, a sound of dismay in his voice. He stood and walked over to the window. Lord, there’s got to be a way, he prayed silently. Help me find it. He looked out the window at storm clouds that gathered on the far horizon and he thought of the storm clouds that hovered around this young woman threatening to destroy her very existence. That can’t happen, he muttered to himself. I won’t let it. He walked back to the couch and sat down beside her, and taking her hand in his, he said, I’ve been thinking and praying and I see only one way out of your situation.

What’s that, she asked eager to hear any idea that would give her a ray of hope.

We’ll get married and you’ll come live . . .

No, she shouted, jumping to her feet. That’s not an option.

Hear me out before you say no, he said. You’ve got to have a place to live and I sure do need help with my house and kids. I can’t afford to pay someone to work for me. I can offer room and board but I could never bring you into my home except as my wife.

So this marriage will be a bargain between the two of us, she commented. I will get a place to live and you will get a housekeeper.

I guess that’s right in a way but there’ll also be wedding vows between us, so that will mean we are committed to each other.

But we don’t love each other, she said, sitting down beside him. We don’t really know each other. How do you know I’m the kind of person you would want taking care of your house and your children?

You gave up your chance for happiness to care for your parents when they needed you. It takes a loving and caring person to do that and that’s exactly the kind of person I want to take care of my kids, he assured her. I can see by looking around this room that you are a good housekeeper and I’m willing to take a chance on your cooking.

But marriage is forever and the wedding vows are sacred, she said still not convinced that it was the right thing to do. Won’t we be lying to God when we promise to love each other ’til death?

He stroked his chin, deep in thought. He didn’t quite know how to answer her question. Finally he spoke, Wedding vows are a covenant made before God and they are very sacred, but I believe God will understand the reason we’re getting married; and there are different kinds of love. I think the care and concern we’ll give to each other for the rest of our lives qualifies as a special kind of love, and I believe God will approve.

Well, you’re a minister and you know about these things, but can you be content living the rest of your life in a loveless marriage? Are you willing to make that kind of sacrifice?

Even though my wife is gone I still love her with all my heart and I always will, he answered. There will never be anyone else for me except Sarah. I could never fall in love again so I won’t be making a sacrifice. I am concerned about you though. I’m sure that someday you would meet a nice young man; the two of you would fall in love and get married, and have a long happy life together. You deserve to know that kind of love but there’s just not enough time to wait for it to happen. You’ll be the one making the sacrifice.

When I get married, for whatever reason, I will be faithful to my husband. I would never break my wedding vows or my commitment to the marriage; neither would I think of it as a sacrifice.

I don’t have much to offer in the way of worldly goods but I can promise to provide for you in the best way possible, so if you’re willing to accept my offer, he said, taking her hand. Will you marry me?

She couldn’t see where she had a choice, and, he was looking out for her good. Yes, Reverend, I will marry you.

He sighed in relief. That takes a load off my mind. Now, we need to decide when and where the ceremony will take place. It should be soon.

She nodded. Papa won’t last long and I would like for him to there. I want him to give me away.

How about having the wedding in your father’s room tomorrow morning? he asked. I’ll go by and get the license as soon as the office opens in the morning. I know a minister here in town that can perform the ceremony, unless there’s someone you want to marry us.

No, there is no one. Your plan sounds good to me, she said. So I guess that takes care of all the details.

There is one more thing, he said, a slight grin on his face. Since we’re getting married tomorrow, could you call me Lucas instead of Reverend? That sounds so formal.

Lucas, she repeated teasingly. I think I can do that, but, in return you must call me Ginny, not Miss Carver.

Okay, Ginny it is, he said. And for a moment their eyes met and their hearts felt light, and, it seemed good to be there together. But he broke the spell when he glanced at his watch and exclaimed, The kids will be out of school soon. I’ve got to be going but I need to apologize to your father for the way I acted.

You go on home. I’ll talk to Papa, she said. When he hears about our plans, an apology won’t be necessary. She opened the front door.

Until tomorrow then, he said stepping outside.

Until tomorrow, she replied shutting the door behind him.

Chapter 2

Ginny stood before the mirror staring at the image portrayed there. This should be the happiest day of her life . . . her wedding day; but there was no sparkle in her eyes, no glow on her cheeks. Her heart was silent too, no joyful song ringing forth, no happy melody.

As the image in the mirror stared back at her a faint smile formed on her lips. At least she was dressed right for the occasion. She was a vision of loveliness in her mother’s elegant wedding dress. The gown was silk with a jeweled bodice, heart-shaped neckline and empire sleeves of silk and lace. Her long blonde hair fell down around her shoulders under a veil held in place by a cascade of flowers.

Even though this was a simple ceremony, it was the only one she would have, for when she married Lucas it would be ’til death. Mama this is my wedding day and I’m wearing your gown just like we always talked about. How I wish you were here, she whispered, as a single tear rolled down her face. I need you with me today. I need your advice. We don’t love each other, Mama, so is it right to make those sacred vows before God when our marriage is just a bargain between the two of us? The doubts of yesterday were nagging at her again. He’s a good man, kind, and considerate. It was his idea to get married so I won’t end up on the streets alone and penniless. I owe him a lot. But I don’t want to lie to your God, Mama. Please show me what to do.

The Twenty-Third Psalm flashed through her mind. She knew it was her mother’s answer to her plea for help but she couldn’t recall the words. She’d read it to her mother dozens of times but she couldn’t remember how it went. She’d have to wait until after the ceremony to find the answer because now it was time to walk across the hall into her father’s room and give herself in marriage to a man she barely knew. She sighed as she opened the door and walked out taking the first steps to what would become the rest of her life.

Meanwhile, inside the room several people were gathered waiting for her entrance. Reverend Tony Evans was there ready to perform the ceremony, his wife, Myra, who would stand up for the bride and also play the wedding march on the accordion, and Dr. Wilson who would stand up for the groom. Mr. Carver, dressed in a black suit and tie, lay on the bed, waiting to give his daughter away.

Are you sure it’s okay about the ring? the old man asked. It will mean a lot to Ginny to wear her mother’s wedding band but she will only do it if it’s okay with you.

It’s fine with me. I didn’t have time to buy a ring and besides I could never afford one like that, and she deserves the best, Lucas answered standing beside him, tall and looking quite handsome in his Sunday suit and tie. His brown hair was combed to perfection. Kindness showed in his brown eyes even though the sparkle had faded since Sarah’s death, leaving a sad look. He couldn’t let his feelings show through today so he hid them behind a warm smile as he waited for the ceremony to begin. He tried to imagine how Ginny must be feeling about marrying a man she barely knew. Lord, help us both, he prayed silently.

Strands of ‘Here Comes the Bride’ rang out, the door opened and Ginny stepped inside. Forcing a smile she walked over to the bed, leaned over and kissed her father. I love you, Papa and I’m glad that you’re a part of my wedding, she whispered as the music stopped.

Tears welled up in his eyes; tears of joy and of sadness. There were happy ones because he was here to give Ginny away on her wedding day but sad ones because he knew this would be the last thing he would ever do for his daughter. He clasped her hand in his and whispered, I love you too, baby girl. He wiped a tear and continued, You look as beautiful as your mother did on our wedding day and I hope you’ll be always as happy as we were.

She nodded and squeezed his hand as the minister stepped forward.

Who gives this woman to be wed? he asked, getting the ceremony underway.

I’m her father and I give her in marriage. Mr. Carver spoke in a voice clear and firm. He gave her hand a final squeeze and then placed it into the hand of her soon to be husband. Take good care of her, he admonished Lucas before letting go.

I will sir, Lucas assured him, then holding onto her hand they walked over and stood before the minister.

Lucas Franklin Kane and Virginia Anne Carver, you have come here today to unite in holy matrimony. I charge both of you, and all others present, if you know of any reason why the two of you should not be joined together, that you speak now or forever hold your peace. He paused a moment, waiting. Since no one knows of any reason why this couple should not marry, we will continue. Join hands and face each other.

Lucas felt her tremble as he took hold of her hands. He looked into her eyes and smiled, hoping to reassure her that everything would be all right.

Lucas, do you take Ginny to be your lawful wedded wife and do you promise to love her and cherish her, and stand by her for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, and leaving all others be faithful unto her ’til death do you part.

Ginny stood listening to the words the preacher said. Would Lucas agree to the vows he just heard—could he say the words?

I do.

He said them. Now it was all up to her. Could she bring herself to say them? Her mind went to the Twenty-Third Psalm. What was the message contained in that scripture that Mama wanted her to know—if only she could remember. She felt Lucas squeeze her hand and she realized the preacher had finished reading her vows and was waiting for her to respond. The time had come . . . she had to give an answer, an answer that would determine the rest of her life.

Ginny, Lucas whispered.

I-I do. She had said them. The words that would make her one with the man standing beside her—had she lied to God—had he? What happened to people who lied to God?

Lucas, do you have a ring? the preacher asked.

He nodded reaching into his pocket. With this ring I thee wed, he said slipping it on her finger.

Reverend Evans placed his hands on their foreheads and prayed for God’s blessing to be on their marriage and that they would enjoy a lifetime of happiness together.

Lucas and Ginny since you have covenanted together and pledged your love for each other and, by the power vested in me as a minister, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Lucas, you may kiss your bride.

He took her in his arms and kissed her—a kiss passionate enough to fool those looking on. They must believe this marriage was the real thing.

Hugs, handshakes, and well-wishes followed. When they died down Lucas handed the preacher a five dollar bill. Thanks Tony, I appreciate you doing this on such short notice.

"I