Rose and Jacob

“Very nice. Okay, I’m rested and, I think, ready to finish the diary.”

She climbed off Dean and turned around to scoot back between his legs.

“Thank you for the distraction.”

“Yeah, well, if you carry on wiggling that bottom where you’re wiggling it, you’re going to get more of a distraction than I think you’d planned for the beach.”

“That really is a tempting offer. I’ve always wanted to make out on the beach. We’ll have to take a rain check for when it’s dark.” Mack turned her head and laughed when she looked into Dean’s lust-filled expression. “Okay, fun’s over . . . for now.” She reached for the diary, laughing to herself at the look on Dean’s face because she was passing him over for a diary from 1947.

Chapter 22

April 14, 1947

Today’s the day…

On my way down the stairs, I felt really well or, at least I did, until Mother asked me to join them for breakfast.

I entered the dining room and could tell straightaway that something was wrong. JT wasn’t there, which meant he’d been told to eat in the kitchen.

“Who is this man you’ve been seen with?” Heck. So Richard had been to see them.

I decided to be as honest as I could. “I have fallen in love with a good man, and he’s asked me to marry him.” I paused and looked up at them, “I’ve agreed. I love him with all my heart.”

Father looked ready to burst. “If he’s a good man, why hasn’t he been to ask me for your hand in marriage?” he roared.

“Because I asked him not to,” I said quietly. Father was such a snob.

“Why?”

I took a deep breath. “Because Jacob doesn’t have a lot of money. He has an apprenticeship awaiting him in New York. I love him and want to be with him. I was afraid you wouldn’t understand, and that you would prevent me from seeing him.” There was no way I was mentioning Boston.

“So you keep saying you love him, yet you’re ashamed to bring him to meet your parents?” Father threw his napkin down on the table.

“I’m not ashamed. Frightened, yes, but never ashamed of him . . .” I was as stubborn as my father when I wanted to be, but I stopped short of admitting that I was ashamed of my parents and how snobby they were.

“Then prove that to me, bring him for dinner tonight.” Both Mother and I sat in shock.

“If you’re serious, then I will.”

“I’m serious. Seven this evening, we’ll meet this young man you say you love.” Father sneered.

I turned and stomped out of the house. I was halfway to work before I realized I hadn’t eaten breakfast. I felt slightly dizzy so I stopped at Belle’s to buy a pastry, which I quickly ate in the restroom so Mr. Young wouldn’t catch me. No one was allowed a morning break.

When I finished eating, I brushed the crumbs from my blouse and headed onto the library floor. Where I practically bumped into Richard, who I ignored by walking past him. He ca

me after me.

“Rose, wait. I want to talk to you.” He grabbed hold of my arm.

“I have nothing to say to you. Please stop bothering me.” I tried to pull my arm free, but he was holding me too tight.

“You’re going to regret being with him. He’s not worth it. He can’t give you what I can.”

Anger and frustration filled me and all of it was for Richard. “I will say this for the last time. Leave. Me. Alone.” I stamped on his foot. He released my arm. I hurried away, back to the desk. Mary gave me a quizzical look, but I ignored her and pretended to be sorting some papers out on the desk. Richard left and I sagged against the desk in relief.

Not long after, Jacob appeared, I followed him behind the antiquated books.

He pulled me straight into his arms and hugged me really tight. I lifted my face for his kiss; he didn’t disappoint me. “I love you. Are you sure about tonight?” he asked.