Free Mary's Men by Stephanie Beck Page A

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    Three bites into the meal, Mary wanted to kiss Gerty. The chicken turned out juicy and succulent. The dumpling recipe Gerty passed along had been as easy as promised and so much tastier than even her mother’s mashed potatoes. The beans were her own recipe, but Gerty helped her find the freshest. So far, Thomas and Paul had barely come up for air, they ate so quickly.
    Across the table Helen ate without a word. Not much came from her mother-in-law in way of criticism or welcome. She’d arrived exactly at dinner time and sat at the table. She resembled her sons, tall and blonde with a certain sturdy quality she made look elegant. Her bright blue eyes narrowed on Mary more than once, but she’d said very little.
    “When you said you were making a chicken instead of roast I was a little disappointed, but you can make this again anytime,” Paul said, his second helping of chicken already gone.
    “It seems a bit frivolous to spend money on chicken when you live on a beef ranch,” Helen said.
    The barb hit, but Mary looked at Helen’s plate—completely devoid of chicken and nearly everything else. Her actions spoke louder than words.
    “I take it since you two eloped and Paul’s finances are tied up in the ranch you won’t be having a proper wedding,” Helen said.
    Mary didn’t wince, but the statement made a direct hit she didn’t anticipate. Finances weren’t discussed at the dinner table.
    “Our wedding was fine, Mom.” Paul poured milk into his glass. “Mary, can you pass me more chicken, please? You’re a great cook. I’m a lucky man.”
    She smiled at him, more grateful for him than ever. On her other side, Thomas sat, holding his peace while maintaining a friendly distance. She could use a hand squeeze from him, but they had to play the part for now.
    “Maybe you two could have a big reception on your one year anniversary. It would be nice to do something, especially after Duane gets home so he can meet you,” Thomas suggested. “Or you could renew your vows somewhere exotic.”
    Their mother snorted. “Don’t mention that cur at the table. It is my sincere hope that Duane stays in Vietnam. And Thomas, let’s be serious. They eloped after nearly no courtship and without any familial support. I’ll be shocked if they last past tax season.”
    The gloves were off. She’d hoped the twins underestimated Helen, but Mary had to be practical and deal with the cards dealt, not the ones desired.
    “Mom, you don’t have to like it,” Paul said, still showing no sign of anger. “But you will respect my wife in my house.”
    “Of course,” Helen said. “For however long this poor decision lasts I will be supportive. The day it ends I will help move her things out of here. I take it, Thomas, you’ll be staying with me again?”
    When Helen looked to Thomas, Mary did too. Mary could handle hiding her relationship from Helen, could even tolerate the blatant disapproval, but she refused to lose Thomas.
    “You know I’m not kicking you out,” Mary said quickly. She grabbed Paul’s hand when she really wanted to take Thomas’s. “Tell him, Paul. We’re happy to have him here.”
    “Of course we are,” Paul said. “Mom, it makes more sense for him to be here. We’re half the distance to his new job.”
    “And where does he sleep?” Helen asked almost too sharply for Mary’s taste.
    The boys said their mother knew nothing of their preference, but in that moment Mary seriously questioned if they were right.
    “I’m in the bunkhouse, but I have my meals here,” Thomas said, easily deflecting her question. “Don’t worry about it. How are things at the diner?”
    Helen scowled, not at either of the boys, but directly to Mary. She wanted to be tough, wanted to be the woman of her house, but she broke eye contact and took another bite of chicken instead. She couldn’t win Helen over, not today at least.
    “The diner is as it always has been,” Helen said. “Thomas, I need you to come to