Page 51 of Colorado Bride
“She doesn’t do that.”
She turned to gape.
“How would you know?She doesn’t treat me badly when you’re around, only when you’re gone.Someday, sneak back in after you’ve left and you’ll see what I have to endure.”
“All right I will.Tomorrow I’ll leave through the kitchen as usual and come back in the front door.Then I’ll see exactly what you’re talking about.”
“That should do it.”
They continued to the house and went into the kitchen where they found Doris doing her ironing.
“Mother, we have some news for you.”
Her eyes brightened and she looked up.
“What is it?”
“Emily is expecting a baby.”
“Hmpft,” said Doris and continued with her ironing.
“I thought that would make you happy.You’ll have another grandchild.”
Doris put the iron down on the stove to heat.
“With her as the mother?I don’t think so.Now if Melissa were having your baby that would be something to celebrate.”
“That’s the end, Mother.I’ve told you again and again never to mention Melissa in this house.You will be moving out, Just as soon as I can get a house built for you.You can live with your hatred to keep you company.”
“No, Ben, please,” cried Doris.“I’ll be good.I’m sure I’ll like the baby.It is a part of you, too.Please don’t send me away.”
“It’s too late.I’m building the house, just as soon as I can.”
Ben and Emily left Doris crying in the kitchen.
“She’ll come around before she moves.”
“Are you really building her a house?”
“Yes, I will.It will probably be March before I can get it done, so she’ll have to live here until then.”
Emily nodded.“I understand.Are you still coming to see how she really treats me tomorrow?”
“Yes.I want to know.”
The next morning, when all the men were leaving for the day, Ben put his plan into action.
He acted like he would any other day.
He wrapped his arms around Emily and kissed her thoroughly.
“Goodbye, Mrs.Logan.See you at lunch.”
She sighed, smiled and stepped away.
“Goodbye Mother, see you at lunch.”
He kissed her on the cheek.
