Page 15 of Mail Order Marvelous
“That’s something you have to decide for yourself,” Myrtle told her as they washed the dishes and packed Myrtle’s wagon.
“It’s making me crazy.”
Myrtle sighed.“But you’re planning on staying here, right?You’re going to remain married to Jack and live happily ever after?”
Josie laughed.“Happily ever after?I’m not so certain about that.But Jack is a good man.I was late with supper one night, and he didn’t even get angry.”
“What did you expect?”
“Well, when my ma was late with supper, my stepfather burned her.”
Myrtle stopped wiping the dishes and turned fully to her friend.“Your stepfather was not a good person.He was evil.A monster even.You have to stop judging all men by him.”
Josie stared down into the dishwater.“I know.What I don’t know is how to do that.”
“If you had never seen how your stepfather treated your mother, and you met Jack, what would you think of him?”
“Good question,” Josie said, thinking about it.“I would think he’s kind.Easy to please.”
“Not all men are easy to please, but I’m glad Jack is.He sounds like the opposite of your stepfather, so stop comparing them!Accept Jack for who he is.A good man who treats you with kindness.”
Josie nodded slowly.“I’ll try to do that.”
“Don’t try.Do it.If you find yourself comparing the two men, make your brain instead tell you five things you like about Jack.Five reasons you’re glad you marriedhimand not someone else.”
“All right.That’s what I’ll do.”
“And if you feel like you can, tell Jack all the reasons you’re glad you married him and not someone else.He’s the man you want to spend the rest of your life with, so you should tell him!”
“I suppose you’re right.I will do my very best.”
That evening when Jack returned from work, she had supper on the table.“Did you have a good day at work?”she asked, determined to be positive and not dwell on the past.
He nodded, washing his hands.“It was a long day.One of the men had a tree fall on him.He probably won’t make it.”
“Oh no!That’s terrible.”
Jack nodded.“He’s a good man.I was proud to call him friend.”
Josie set supper on the table and sat down with him.“I’m so sorry.”
“I am too.”He ate his soup in silence that evening, his mind obviously on his friend.
“What can we do for the hurt man?”Josie asked as she was clearing the table.“What’s his name again?”She couldn’t remember the name he’d used when he’d prayed for the other man.
“Luke.Katie is watching over him.I don’t think there’s anything we can do.”
Josie frowned.“Why don’t I take them lunch tomorrow?Even if Luke isn’t up to eating, Katie and Mr.Johnson will be.I’m sure Katie doesn’t have time to cook as well as care for your friend.”
“You’d do that for me?”Jack asked.
“I’d do anything for you.You’ve helped me see that not all men are mean.I feel blessed to get to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Jack stood and walked to her, wrapping his arms around her tightly.“That means more than I can express.”
“I’ve been comparing you to my stepfather since the day I got here.I don’t need to do that anymore.You’re nothing like him.You’re someone I’m proud to have as my husband.”
He rested his cheek on her head.“I’m so glad you realized that.Thank you.”
