Page 280 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

“My daddy said he’s sad.”

“Why would he say that, sweetie?”

Pointing her finger at Jack, Sally said, “He said that he’s here and you won’t be buying a gazillion stamps and he won’t get any more pretty kisses but I told Daddy that I saw you kissing—a lot!”

“I was teasing, honey,” Harvey said with a chuckle. “I’ll have plenty of letters to deliver but with the war over, I don’t know how many will be sealed with a kiss.”

Betsy didn’t know whether to moan or laugh it off but when she heard her father suggest that Jack billet at their house, she felt her face heat. Did her father think that more than kissing was on the agenda? About to protest, she heard her mother’s excited voice.

“Oh yes, we’d love to have you, Jack. You can stay in Betsy’s old room.”

“Mom, I’m sure Jack has other plans,” Betsy said, too embarrassed to look at Jack.

“Don’t be silly,” Don said. “Why waste money on some hotel when he can stay with us and get three squares a day on top of a bed?”

“I wouldn’t want to put you out, sir,” Jack said.

“Nonsense, it will give us all a chance to get to know one another,” Don stated, his tone indicating it wasn’t just a suggestion.

“Then I’d be honored to join you and your wife,” Jack said. That evidently settled, he squatted down to face Sally. “One day, you’ll want to send ‘kissy’ letters too.”

“Ewww,” Sally said and shook her head. “No. I want ice cream.” The adults laughed as Jack asked for Harvey’s permission and then lifted the little girl onto his shoulders, grabbed Betsy’s hand, and headed toward the area where handles were being cranked to churn out homemade ice cream. Betsy took the cone he offered her and blushed yet again when he leaned in and suggested that the frozen treat might help take the heat out of her cheeks.

They joined the dancers again to do the Jitterbug, then Betsy laid her cheek against Jack’s chest as he slowly waltzed her around the floor as twilight began to deepen. The party started to wind down after the fireworks show where everyone joined in the singing of patriotic songs. Fresh tears slid down faces as each person realized that God had indeed blessed America.

Jane found them and made sure they knew she’d volunteered to take Betsy’s place on the clean-up committee.

“You don’t have to do that,” Betsy said. “I signed up and—”

“I know I don’t have to, but since Warren will be helping and is taking me out for coffee afterward, well, don’t feel as if you have to wait up for me.” Before Betsy could react, Jane had smiled and hurried off.

“You must be exhausted,” Betsy stated as she and Jack walked back to the car.

“I’m fine, darling, but you are limping a bit. Did I tread on your toes too often?”

“Oh, no, you are a fantastic dancer. It’s my own damn fault. I was silly and stupid. I knew I should have worn my saddle-shoes instead of these…” Realizing he’d stopped walking, she looked up at him. “What’s wrong?”

“What have I told you about cursing?”

“Cursing? I didn’t curse!”

“Yes, my dear, you just did, and you also just insulted the woman I love. The fact that you don’t even realize either has me concerned.”

“You don’t need to be, I’m a grown woman. Not that my parents seem to care. I can’t believe Daddy suggested you stay… it’s like he doesn’t trust me or you. I’m sure Mom is going to fawn all over you and Daddy is going to grill you about your intentions. It’s bound to be embarrassing.”

“Don’t worry about it. He’s just making sure he protects his little girl,” Jack said, giving her a one-armed hug. “I actually will enjoy being in a home again.”

“Still, I know you must be exhausted and all I want is to spend time alone with you. I mean, it’s not really their business. We are both—”

“Betsy, I’ve already agreed to accept your parents’ hospitality. It’s fine. But what is not fine is your language. You are a teacher, and your pupils look up to you as a role model. Cursing is not a good habit to—”

“You didn’t seem to think that having my students see us smacking our lips together all night was a bad influence!”

His only response was to tighten his hold on her hand and whisper that they’d finish their discussion later as they watched Mavis hurrying up to them. “Jack, we’re ready to go whenever you are. We’re parked right across the street.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Riddle. I’ll just walk Betsy to her car.”

“That’s fine, son,” Don said, joining his wife. “We’ll wait and then stop by the hotel so you can pick up your luggage. Betsy, we’ll see you tomorrow at church.”

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