A Perfect Husband

By Jeannine D. Van Eperen

A Perfect Husband is a story of family, of secrets, of love, lust, trust, deceit, and of sisters and promises set in a small desert town in California and in the lush green and also snowy small city of Appleton, Wisconsin. Will a change of scenery right a wrong? Or will it forever haunt and torment?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613091722

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

A Perfect Husband

Ms. Van Eperen’s latest , A Perfect Husband , delivers on all levels—romance, infidelity, betrayal, accidental pregnancy, family secrets, and at long last, a true and abiding love. This is Jessica’s story and though she is not looking to have an affair, she falls into one anyway. Her husband, Earl, loves her and their two daughters, but wishes for a son. A dashing test pilot occupies the last third of this love triangle. The saga continues throughout Jessica’s life, and true to this author’s promise to entertain, there is a surprise twist at the end.

Jeannine Van Eperen’s fans already know how expertly she crafts her characters, and A Perfect Husband, is the perfect new story to bring on her new fans.

Judy Ballard,

author.

A Perfect Husband

Jeannine D. Van Eperen

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Women’s Ficion Novel

Edited by: Leslie Hodges

Copy Edited by: Jeanne Smith

Senior Editor: Leslie Hodges

Executive Editor: Marilyn Kapp

Cover Artist: Tricia FitzGerald

All rights reserved

NAMES, CHARACTERS AND incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

Copyright © 2011 by Jeannine Van Eperen

ISBN  978-1-61309-036-7

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

In memory of my sister,

my best friend.

One

Nothing is so dark as a moonless night on the desert! Jessica knew she was only a couple miles from the restaurant and another few miles to the house, but the dark always gave her the creeps. It was a lonely ride this time of night, eleven o’clock. Until nine or so there was traffic enough to keep one busy with other drivers’ car lights, and then again around midnight, some night workers plied the street, heading to the airbase at the end of the road, but right now she was in the in between with little light and very occasional cars.

At first she was glad to have these hours. With the moon usually hanging bright in the sky, the drive was a rather pleasant one, but tonight, no moon, no houses on this stretch...it was so very dark.

Jessica glanced in her review mirror and saw headlights behind her and they appeared to be moving up fast, faster than the posted forty miles per hour. She should have been happy to see someone else on the lonely road, but without reason the car’s quick advance frightened her.

Fool, she muttered. Slow down. There’s a curve coming up. But the approaching vehicle didn’t slow until it was just a few feet behind her. The driver blinked his lights and tapped the car horn lightly. If that driver thinks I’m pulling over for him, he’s got another think coming! Jessica kept her car at an even forty. The driver pulled his car beside her and started edging into hers forcing her to move partly off the road, then he pulled ahead and cornered her. Fortunately, there was a flat part to the right before a two foot drop off. Jessica quickly checked around her, but in her panic forgot to lock the passenger-side door.

The other driver got out of his car and started back to her. Her panic lessened a little as she recognized the man, a patron of the restaurant where she worked—an attorney and she’d heard a rather sleazy one—but maybe there was an emergency and he was trying to warn her. All kinds of reasons quickly flitted through her mind as he strode over to her window.

Anything wrong, Mr. Solarno? Jessica asked.

Everything’s okay now that you stopped.

Had no choice. You ran me off the road. Did you do that on purpose?

"I had no choice. You wouldn’t stop. Whatcha doing? Playing hard to get?"

Jessica rolled up her window. The man was drunk, smelled like beer and scotch and onions, and God knew what else. Before she could get the car in reverse, he climbed into the passenger side of car and started to edge close to her.

Get outta here!

No, little lady, he said. You were strutting your stuff all evening at the Fiesta Room, egging me on, so now I’m here to see what you have to offer.

Nothing! Get out of my car!

Not till I get what I came for! He pulled at her blouse and brought the material down over her shoulder.

Jessica swat at him and fought as best she could. I said get out!

Come on. You know you want it. His hands started under her skirt.

Jessica finally got her door unlocked. She grabbed the car keys in her hand and as he tried to pull her down under him, she scratched his face as hard as she could with her keys.

He yelped and moved away.

She quickly got out of the car. She didn’t know what to do. Cars were so rare on this road this time of night.

He caught her wrist and wrestled the keys from her hand and tossed them into the scrubby brush that grew on the desert. Bitch! he yelled as he punched her face, then he scrambled back to his car. God damn bitch!

Jessica gathered her long skirts about her and ran into the desert as far from him as she could get. Her face throbbed and she shook with terror and indignation as she watched him get into his car and plow out, wheels hurling stones and sand at her car.

I’ve got to find my keys! Find my keys! Soon she vocalized the same words. My keys, how will I ever find them? She looked around. Tears of indignation started pouring down her cheeks. That bastard! She started combing what she could see of the desert and bramble beside the car. How far could he toss them? She looked around, seeing nothing that looked like her key chain. Earl will kill that man! I can’t let him know, but how can I not tell him? Oh, what am I going to do? In the distance she saw the lights of another car. Oh no, that’s all I need, another pervert to contend with. She dropped down to the ground hoping not to be seen. All she needed to do was find her keys and drive home—and soon.

The on-coming vehicle slowed, seeing her car half on the road and half off, started to pass then backed up and pulled behind her automobile. A man got out. By his uniform, she decided it was someone from the airbase. Jessica tried to appear invisible, not wanting another male encounter, but he looked around and saw her.

Are you all right? Can I help?

Go away! Please, go away, she said as tears rained down her face and her crying began anew.

Are you hurt?

Go away! she screamed, crying even harder.

I think you need help, his soft voice said. I’m Robin FitzHugh, USMC. I’m not stationed at the base, but I’m on my way there. If you need a doctor, I can take you there or to anyone else you’d like to see.

I just wanna find my keys and go home to my husband, she said before she could stop herself. I just want to go home.

I’ll gladly take you there, Ma’am.

I’ve got to find my keys.

Okay. I’ll help you look for them. Do you have a flashlight?

She shook her head. No. She sank down further onto the desert floor. I just want to find my keys and go home. My husband is going to begin to worry.

And well he should, the Marine said. I’d worry if my wife were late. He was silent for a moment. Did someone run you off the road and hurt you?

Sort of. I think I hurt him more. I scratched him with my keys and he let me go, but then he got the keys and tossed them somewhere on this god-forsaken desert. How will I ever find them?

Robin slowly made his way closer, listening to her talk and cry at times.

"Let me drive you home and then I’ll come back and look for your keys. Will you do that? Then I’ll bring your car back to your house, if I find—or rather when I find them. We’ll see that you get home before your husband really starts worrying. I know I’d be frantic if my wife was late."

His soft voice and his talk of Earl and of his own wife somehow calmed her. She stood when he finally came up to her and offered his hand.

I hate to put you to so much trouble. Jessica kept her eyes lowered. She didn’t want to look at any man just then.

He shrugged. I’ve nothing better to do, and I’d hope someone would help my wife in such a situation. He studied her for just a moment. I saw you at the restaurant, didn’t I?

She nodded and let him lead her to his vehicle. How astute, she thought sarcastically. Who else but a waitress at the Fiesta Room would wear a flouncy, ruffled, long skirt and a peasant blouse if she didn’t have to? At the moment she hated all men.

They hardly spoke until she gave him directions where to turn to get to her home. Right here, she said. Cottonwood Lane, then make a left in three blocks on Butterfly Court. It’s the fourth house, number one-two-seven on the box. That’s us.

I’ll go back and see about that key. How many keys on your key ring?

Just two, a big one for the house and the car key. The key ring is large because I tend to misplace it or I’d shove it inside my purse and couldn’t find it, so I bought this large key ring. It weighs a ton but I can find it. Not this time, though, out in the desert. She shrugged. You’ll never find it.

JUST AS THEY REACHED the door, Earl opened it. His eyes went from Jessica to the stranger who stood beside her. He noticed then that a strange car was parked in the driveway.

Jessie, are you all right? She was pale and had a bruise on her face. She must have crashed the car, Earl thought as he gave his wife a closer look.

I’m Robin FitzHugh, the man standing beside his wife informed him.

Earl turned his attention to the man, a Marine, a captain, he surmised.

Your wife had a little trouble on the road. I say little because it could have been worse. I think we should get her inside and to bed. She’s very brave but I believe in shock.

Earl stepped back, taking Jessica’s hand in his and led her into the house. FitzHugh followed after.

It wasn’t an accident, Earl said, mostly to himself. But she’s hurt. He put his arm around his wife. Baby, what’s wrong?

That lawyer, Solarno...he...he...tried... Jessica burst into tears.

Earl could tell she had been crying from her reddish nose and smeared makeup. Honey, you just sit down and tell me all about it.

FitzHugh cut in. I think if you have some brandy or whiskey, now would be a good time to have your wife take a sip. I’ll tell you all I know and tomorrow, after some rest, your wife can fill you in further.

Right. Right, Earl agreed, irked with the Marine giving orders, and yet he knew the man was right. Jessie came first, then the explanation. Earl hurried to the kitchen to find a shot glass and poured some alcohol into it. A captain, Earl decided. Robin FitzHugh still stood in a military at-ease position near the doorway when Earl returned and handed the small glass to Jessie.

Your wife’s car had been edged partway off the road, the Marine said. She was crunched down in the desert several feel from the car and road looking for her car keys, I found out when I could talk to her. At first I thought she’d had an accident but then found out that some piece of slime accosted her. She fought him off and scratched his face with her keys, which he then snatched from her and threw into the desert. She’d been searching for them ever since the man took off. I think I got there just a few minutes later.

That jerk Solarno hit me, Earl. I was so afraid! Jessica said and began sobbing again.

Why don’t you settle your wife and then I’ll tell you what I propose to do, the Marine said.

Earl took the glass from Jessica and set it on a coffee table. He helped her from the chair and then edged her down the hall and into their bedroom. He got her nightgown and robe from the closet. Shall I help you undress?

She just sighed.

Oh, Baby, you’re all tuckered out.

I can undress myself. You see to...to...that man. I don’t even know what his name is.

FitzHugh. Captain Robin FitzHugh. I’ll just thank him for his help and send him off, then come back to you, sweetheart.

THE MARINE WAS LOOKING at the photos on the mantel when Earl returned. We’ve two little girls, Earl said, Six and three.

I’ve got two of my own, a boy and a girl.

Earl nodded. Next time we’ll get a son, I hope.

Robin smiled. A son is nice to have but my little girl is awfully sweet. He held out his hand for a goodbye handshake.

Thanks for helping my Jessie, Earl said with a smile as the two shook hands and started toward the door. I guess my wife told you my car’s in the shop."

I gathered that from what she said. I won’t take more of your time. I told your wife I’d go back and see if I can find the keys. She’s in shock and probably doesn’t remember what I said, he added. Then I’ll bring the car here and leave the keys in your doorway. If I can’t find the keys, I’ll leave my car here, it’s a rental, and you can use it until you get your car later. I hope it won’t be too much of an inconvenience for you to drop it off at the agency by the base. I won’t need it. I’m flying out in the morning.

No inconvenience for me, but that’s a lot to ask of you. Earl rubbed his chin in thought. You better get me to drive you. If you leave your car here, how will you get to the base?

Even flying Marines walk a lot. No problem. I’ll walk. He smiled. It’s a nice night for it.

Earl nodded. I did my share of walking in the Army.

Then you know, FitzHugh said with a smile.

Again, thanks, Captain FitzHugh.

Earl watched as the Marine sauntered to the rental car, got in and headed the car back in the direction toward the stranded car. He thought for several minutes about following and helping search, but just then Jessica called to him.

THE NEXT MORNING, TRUE to the captain’s word, Earl saw Jessie’s car parked in front of the house and the keys between the screen and the house door. What a nice guy! I wonder how long it took to locate the keys? As his wife came up behind him, he turned, holding the keys out to her. He found them.

Jessica opened her eyes wide in surprise as she took the keys Earl held out to her. She shook her head. Imagine the difference between two men...that horrible Solarno and that nice man who helped me. She took a deep breath. I don’t even know his name or how or where to thank him.

Captain Robin FitzHugh, Earl said.

Robin? Like in Robin Hood? she said with a chuckle. I guess he lives up to his name. I’m glad he came along when he did. I’d probably still be looking for my keys.

How’s your jaw feeling, baby?

I’m fine, Earl. She shook her head. I just never want to have anything like that happen again.

Earl put his arm around her shoulder. I can’t wait till I get my hands on...

No! Please, Earl. He’s an attorney. He’ll have some kind of excuse, some people to say he wasn’t there. Promise me you won’t make this worse.

Something’s got to be done.

Please. For me? I don’t want anything to happen to you, get you in trouble. She smiled up at him. "I’m fine. Really.

Earl grunted and moved away, heading to the kitchen. Jessica trailed behind him and put her key ring on a hook by the back door.

Jessie smiled, seeing little Nelly and Patsy run toward her from their bedroom.

We wants some beckfast, three year old Nelly cried.

Breakfast, Jessica said, hoping someday her youngest would learn the word correctly, but she was so sweet as she smiled up at her and Earl. There would be no more discussion of Slimy Solarno with the kids underfoot.

Can I pour the juice, Mommie? Patsy asked.

It’s may, Patsy.

Uh-huh. But can I?

Jessica shook her head but decided now was not a good time for an English lesson. If you can do it without spilling it.

I can. I’m a big girl.

Jessica patted the six-year-old’s blonde head. Okay, try it. She turned to her husband. Earl, you’d better hurry or you’ll be late. Your ride will be here soon.

I won’t be late, Earl said easily, then he made his voice firm and precise. You’re not to go to work today. You need a day or so to rest up.

Oh, Hon, I can do my job. She could do it, but that didn’t mean she wanted to and was glad her husband thought she should stay home. If she had her druthers, she’s stay home and play housewife every day. Money was scarce so she trotted into the Fiesta Room for seven hours on most days. The girls were only alone for an hour at the most. Well, not really alone. Sadie, the neighbor, watched them or else Jessica’s sister did on days Sadie couldn’t for that one hour when she left for work and Earl came home. She sighed. It would be so nice to have a family dinner, but until they recouped some of the money they lost trying to start their own business, this was their life. In two more years, their loan would be paid. She couldn’t let that worm Solarno put a monkey wrench into their plans.

I already phoned in for you and said you wouldn’t be in, she heard Earl say, interrupting her thoughts. Said you had a little accident last night. Don’t make a liar outta me.

How can I? You already did.

Ha-ha-ha! Earl gave her a friendly slap on the rear as he passed by to get the keys and his wallet. He stuck his wallet into his suit pant pocket, and flung the jacket over his arm. Too bad your knight in shining armor found the car keys. If he hadn’t, I’d be driving that fancy new car he was driving.

Oh? Was it new?

Yep. Earl held out the large key ring he was forced to use since Jessica was prone to lose keys. He shrugged. Well, this one is still a pretty nice car.

Sure it is. Jessica smiled at her husband of eight years. Why don’t we have another key made? It would have come in handy last night.

Earl just gave her one of his exasperated looks. How many keys have I had made? Besides, my car ought to be ready on Wednesday and I won’t have to take yours. That extra key I had made for me is on the ring at the shop. He gave her a peck on the cheek. I phoned Ed and told him he needn’t pick me up today. You just take it easy now.

I will, Earl. Thank you for calling in for me. I don’t think I could take it if that man came in and I had the bad luck to have to wait on him.

Un-huh. You’re not going to wait on him. Not today, nor tomorrow. Ever. With that statement, Earl walked out the door.

Jessica waved him off and then went to see what kind of a mess the girls were making of their breakfast.

COME ON, SIS. NOBODY is named Robin FitzHugh! A Marine captain, no less. Ruth looked at her sister with an expression that read, my sister’s finally lost it.

That’s what Earl swears the guy is. Jessica smiled, looking at her younger sister who was agog with the story. Like a knight in shining armor he swept in and saved me, only I had already saved myself from Slimy Solarno. But he calmed me, and took me home, a real Robin Hood. I swear! She raised her right hand as if taking an oath.

Good looking too? Ruth asked, blue eyes gleaming and her long legs curled up on the sofa, intent on every word her older sister spoke. She pushed her light brown hair back