During the drive home, Jonathon was sick with grief. So many times he'd thought he'd had his chance with Helen, and then she'd been wrenched from him.  But this time it was far worse, knowing she would be all alone in a strange city, working in a dangerous factory with a child on the way. If something happened to her, if she was hurt, or couldn't make enough money to survive and was living on the streets, he'd have no way of knowing.

Feeling his eyes sting with unshed tears, he leaned his head back on the leather seat and squeezed them shut. He couldn't bear this. He loved her too much.

This was all his fault, he thought suddenly as a white hot rage burned through him. What the hell had Walt Dwyer been thinking? Everyone knew you didn't do things with a girl that would get her in the family way until you married her. Walt had been completely careless with Helen, a girl he supposedly cared about.  Jonathon would never forgive him for putting her in that terrible position.

It was quiet when he came in the house, and he went directly up to his bedroom. He was glad Billy's bedroom door was closed when he reached the top of the stairs. His brother had said he'd had a school project that was due on Monday.  Hopefully he'd be too busy to notice Jonathon was even home because he couldn't talk to anyone in the state he was in.

In his room, he kicked off his shoes and took off his jacket. After loosening his tie, he laid on his bed and pulled a pillow over his head. His eyes stung again, but this time he didn't try to stop the tears.

Hours later, there was a knock on his door. "Johnny, what are you doing in there?" Billy asked loudly. He sounded alarmed, and no wonder. Jonathon didn't think he'd lain in bed when the sun was still up since he was a toddler.

"I'm reading over reports."

"Oh, well, it's time for dinner."

Jonathon sighed deeply. He considered not going down, but he knew Billy would ask questions. "I'll be there in a minute," he called out. Slowly climbing out of bed, he thought he hadn't felt this bad ever, not even when he'd lost his parents.

He avoided Billy's eyes when he took his place at the table, hoping his brother wouldn't notice how red they were. Annie came through the swinging door and set down the last of their dinner dishes. Jonathon contemplated the food without interest while his heart ached unbearably. Maybe he should beg off, say he wasn't feeling well so he could have an excuse to go back to bed.

"Did you hear the news about Helen Anderson?" Annie said, and his head snapped up.

"No, what is it?" Bill asked.

"She's leaving town – permanently!" Annie cried. "She said she doesn't think we'll ever see each other again."

Billy looked at Jonathon with shock. "Why would she do that?" he said, turning his attention back to Annie.

"She wants to get a job at a factory to help with the war effort – for Walt."

Jonathon studied her carefully, but from the look in her eyes, he could tell she didn't know the truth.

"I know why she wants to help out," Annie continued sadly. "But she's my best friend. I'm sure going to miss her."

"Did she say when she was leaving?" Billy asked, looking back and forth between Annie and Jonathon.

"This Friday," she said, and turned to leave.

When she was gone, Billy leaned towards Jonathon, but Jonathon wouldn't look at him. "Did you know about this?"

"Yes, I knew," he muttered.

"You need to go to her! You need to talk her out of it, convince her to stay!"

"I already tried."

"And?"

Jonathon shrugged his shoulders. "She's still leaving."

"You have to try harder, Johnny!" Billy leaned back in his chair. "I know it's not right to go after a fellow's girl right after he's died, but you're in love with her!"

"Don't you think I know that?"

"You can't let her leave now, not when you have a chance with her!"

"I told you, I already tried."

"Maybe there's something else you can say, something you haven't thought of."

"Billy!"

"I mean it!"

"She's made up her mind. There's nothing more I can do."

Billy let out a huff. "I've never seen you behave this way. How can you let her go so easily?"

"It's not easy!" Jonathon said, finally meeting his eyes. "I'm sick over it!"

Billy shook his head. "After everything you've gone through with her, I can't believe you're willing to let her go without a fight. If it were me, and Kitty had decided to leave town forever? I'd be at her house right now. I'd never give up trying to convince her to stay."

"It wouldn't do any good," Jonathon muttered miserably.

"How can you be certain of that?"

In the silence that followed, Jonathon considered telling him the truth. He longed to share his pain with someone he could trust. And maybe it would help ease the terrible grief a little if he could talk about it.

"There's a reason why she's leaving. She hasn't told anyone, and you can't tell anyone either, not even Kitty."

"You know I wouldn't, Johnny," Billy said, leaning forward.

"She can't stay in town... because..." He sighed. "Before he left to go fight, Walt Dwyer got her in trouble."

Billy studied him quizzically, and Jonathon knew he didn't understand.

"She's in the family way, Billy."

Billy covered his mouth with shock. "That's terrible," he said faintly.

"She's leaving town so there won't be a scandal."

"But – where's she going to go?"

"When I talked to her, she didn't know, but she told Annie the same thing she told me. She's going to one of the big cities where they're hiring women."

"She'll be working in a factory while she's – she's –" Billy asked, unable to continue.

"She said she would make bullets, or bombs if she could," Jonathon said, wanting his brother to understand how bad it was.

"You can't let that happen!"  Realizing Annie could overhear, Billy lowered his voice. "You have to stop her."

"What can I do?" Jonathon said, spreading his arms. "She's not married, she's having a baby, and the father is dead."  Another wave of grief washed over him, and he slumped.  "I could offer her money," he said to his plate. "But she probably wouldn't take it. She's too proud."

"You could offer to marry her."

Jonathon lifted his head. "What?"

"If it were Kitty, and she'd been in love with someone else and gotten in trouble, that's what I'd do. I could never live with myself if I let her go off alone in that condition."

"But – what about the baby? She's not going to give it up. I don't blame her, but–"

"Are you willing to lose Helen because you don't want to raise a child that's half Walt Dwyer's?" Billy asked levelly. "People adopt all the time, Johnny, and in most of those cases, the child comes from strangers. This baby would be half Helen's. If you said it was yours, no one would ever guess the truth."

Jonathon stared at his brother. Could it really be that simple? Would he be able to raise Walt Dwyer's child as his own? As Billy had said, it would be half Helen's, and he would have no problem loving that part. He immediately imagined a little girl with blonde curls and blue eyes, and a warmth filled his chest. But what if it was a boy? That would change a lot of things.

"The thing is, Billy...  Would you be okay with Walt's child being a Blackwell? If it was a son, he'd be the heir."

"It wouldn't bother me. It's not like I expected to be the heir."

"It was a possibility, you know. I wasn't sure I was going to get married – and this would be Walt's child, not mine."

"If you raise it, boy or girl, it'll be your child, Johnny. It wouldn't change the way I feel about it. I'd love it the same."

"That's because you're a much better man than me," Jonathon said quietly.

"I don't believe that. You'd love it too, because it's Helen's child. The two of you will raise it together, as a family."

A family – with Helen, he thought, the ache in his chest easing. Wasn't this what he'd always hoped for? "How did you get to be so wise?" he asked his brother, able to smile for the first time since he'd talked to Helen.

Billy's face lit up. "You'll go ask her?"

"Yes, I will, tomorrow."

"I know you'll be able to convince her, Johnny!"

"I'll do my best. Now let's eat before our dinner is completely cold."

He took Billy's plate and began filling it, while his thoughts whirled. Asking Helen to marry him would solve a lot of problems, but if he got her to say yes, that wouldn't be the end. Helen may have friendly feelings for him, but she wasn't in love with him. She was in love with Walt – and she was still grieving his loss. And on top of that, he had to figure out a way to keep anyone from finding out the baby was Walt's.

That night, Jonathon barely slept as he considered every angle of what he was facing and made plans. The next morning, he felt he was ready, but he was antsy. There was so much that could go wrong if  everything wasn't done perfectly.

He could barely pay attention while he made his rounds at the mine, and decided not to delay things any further. As soon as he returned to the office, he told Mrs. Gibson he had an unexpected meeting in town and to not expect him back for the rest of the day.

While James drove him into town, he rehearsed what he was going to say, but when the car pulled up to the front of the Moore's large Victorian, his stomach was doing flops.

"Wait here," he said to James when he got out. "I'm going to take Miss Anderson for a walk, and when we return, I'll be ready to leave."

"Aye, sir," James said with a nod.

This is it, he thought climbing the stairs of the front porch. He was committed to do this, to marry Helen and raise her child as his own, but would she say yes? If she refused his offer and insisted on leaving town, there would be nothing he could do to stop her. He took a deep breath and rang the bell.

Mrs. Moore opened the door and her eyes widened with surprise. "Mr. Blackwell!" Then she smiled widely. "Hello! I'm guessing you've come to see Helen." She opened the door wider so he could come inside.

"Yes, I am. Is she in? Oh," he said as Helen appeared on the stairs, wearing the same black funeral dress. Couldn't her aunt and uncle have bought her more mourning clothes?

"Johnny, what are you doing here?" she asked breathlessly. She'd stopped half way down and it was clear from the way her eyes darted back and forth between him and her aunt, she was worried he'd come to tell her secret.

"I was hoping you might agree to go for a walk with me," he said quickly to reassure her. "It's a beautiful day."

"You've come to take my niece for a walk?" Mrs. Moore said. "This must be a very busy work day for you. You should be flattered, Helen." She was puffing up with pride, and Jonathon grit his teeth to keep from saying anything.

"Yes, ma'am," Helen said, coming down the stairs the rest of the way. She wouldn't meet either of their eyes, and Jonathon knew she was still concerned.

"Let's go, shall we?" He opened the front door for her, then nodded to Mrs. Moore after Helen stepped out. "Good bye."

"Have fun!" she called out, before he closed the door.

"Why did you come, Johnny?" Helen muttered under her breath while she headed to the sidewalk at a brisk pace.

"I wanted to talk to you."

"There's nothing more to talk about."

"That's not true."

She stopped suddenly and turned on him. "Why are you torturing yourself like this?" she cried, spreading her hands out. "You know I don't have any choice."

"Please, Helen," he pleaded in a quiet voice. She was being too loud and he didn't want nosy neighbors spying on their conversation. "Come to the park with me. I want to talk to you in private."

She considered him for a long moment while he held his breath. Then her shoulders drooped. "Okay."

While they continued down the sidewalk, he stole glances at her. Her face was ashen except for the dark circles under her eyes. The heavy secret she was carrying wasn't healthy for her, or the baby. The first thing he was going to do after he married her was to make sure she ate better and got more sleep.

Since it was a school day, the park was almost empty when they arrived. There were only two young mothers with strollers, and he was glad to see they were leaving. They'd have the park to themselves.

"After we talked yesterday, I couldn't stop thinking about you," he said to start.

"You have to forget about me, Johnny! I told you that!"

"Please listen to what I have to say," he said, wanting to stop her before she went any further. "I decided I can't stand by while you face – what you're going through. I have to – no, I want to help you."

"How would you help me?" she said, immediately wary.

"I've come to ask if you'll marry me."

Her mouth dropped open. "You're not serious."

"I am – very serious. I want to marry you, and I'll raise your child as my own."

"That's crazy" she said, shaking her head. "You're not thinking right."

"It's not crazy. You didn't tell anyone about the baby, did you?"

"No, you're the only one I told, but don't you see? They'll know as soon as it's born that it couldn't be yours!"

"Babies come early all the time! If I claim it's mine, no one will question it."

"I – I don't know what to say," she said, looking around the empty park as if she was searching for the words.

"I'll adopt your child. It'll be raised as a Blackwell, with all the benefits that come with that."

"I don't understand why you're doing this for me?"

"Because I love you, Helen," he said, taking her hand. "I love you too much to bear seeing you in this kind of trouble. I can't stand by and let you get hurt if I can do something to stop it."

  She slumped. "I know you care about me, Johnny, but – I don't think it'll work." She pulled her hand out of his. "There are too many things that can go wrong, and I can't let you get dragged into a scandal."

"It will work! Once we're married and you're living on the estate, no one will know how far along you are, or whether the baby is full term or not. Believe me! I've thought all of this through."

"Johnny," she said with exasperation, but she didn't continue to argue and he could sense he was making headway.

"Please trust me," he said, taking her hand again. "Please say yes."

"What about my aunt and uncle, and Mr. Dwyer?" she said, tears appearing in her eyes. "It's only been a week since Walt's funeral."

"By time they hear about it, you'll be my wife and they won't dare question either of us. I'd rather face a few people gossiping behind my back than live with the knowledge you're all alone in a big city in your condition."

She wiped her eyes with a shaking hand. "I want to believe... but I don't know."

"Please marry me, Helen," he begged quietly. "Please let me help you – and your baby."

At the last word, she looked up at him, tears still swimming in her eyes. "Yes, Johnny. I'll marry you."

Overwhelmed with emotion, he pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Helen! Thank you!  You won't be sorry. I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy."

"Okay," she murmured into his jacket.

When he let go, he was disappointed she didn't seem happier. Watching her wipe away more tears, he decided she was still concerned things might not work out. But once she was married and he had her safe at home, she'd realize she had nothing to worry about anymore.

"So – I shouldn't tell my aunt and uncle?" she asked, looking at the houses in the distance.

"No, you can't tell anyone about our plans," he said firmly. " We don't want them interfering.  I want you to leave on Friday like you're still going away. I'll have a taxi waiting outside the house to take you to the train station. Say your good bye's there. I'll be at the train station, and when you arrive we'll go to the Justice of the Peace. I'll have all the paperwork ready so we'll be able to get married right away."

"You really have planned this out," Helen said, but it was in almost in a monotone.

"I had to. I won't allow anything more to happen that might hurt you."

"I can't believe you're willing to do all this for me."

He took her hand and smiled. "After we're married, I'll take you home and you can call your aunt and uncle to let them know."

"What about Annie and Billy?" she said with her voice rising. "What will they say when they find out what we've done – and why? We won't be able to hide it from them!"

"I told Billy already. I'm sorry about that," he added quickly when he saw her face fall. "I needed his advice. He helped me decide what to do, and he gave me his blessing. He's going to be very happy to know you'll be a part of the family soon."

"That's really – kind of him," Helen said, tearing up again.

"Annie doesn't know," Jonathon continued. "But I'm sure she'll understand, just like Billy and I do, and we can trust she'll keep quiet."

Helen sighed, but she didn't say anything.

"You don't need to worry anymore. I've got everything covered." He took his fountain pen and small pad of paper out of his jacket pocket. "Here are my numbers at home and at the office. If you need anything before Friday, if you have any questions or need help, call me right away."

"Are you ready to go back?" he asked after she took the paper from him.

"Yes, I'm ready."

Walking to her house, it sank in that he'd done it. He'd convinced Helen to marry him, and in a few short days, she was going to be Mrs. Jonathon Blackwell.  It was like he was floating he was so happy, then he looked over at Helen, and his heart sank. She looked just as grim as when they'd gone to the park.

"You're not still worried are you?"

"A little."

"Is it that you don't think you'll be able to keep this from your aunt and uncle?"

"I've been keeping a pretty big secret from them so far, Johnny. Another one won't be that difficult."

"Of course you have. I didn't think about that." He stopped now that they were in front of her house. "I wish you wouldn't worry. You're safe now. You have me to take care of you."

She examined him, considering what he'd said, and then managed a small smile.  "I haven't felt safe in a while." 

There was so much he wanted to say to her, but he knew it wasn't the right time. He held his hand out for her to shake. "We should look like we're saying good bye in case your aunt is watching."

She put her hand in his. "Good bye, Johnny." Her skin was soft and warm, and he was relieved her blue eyes were less troubled than they'd been a moment ago.

"Until Friday," he said quietly.

"I'll be there." Her eyes held his a moment longer, and she dropped them shyly, a small smile still on her lips.

He waited on the sidewalk until she'd let herself in and closed the front door. When he turned around, James got out of the Duesenberg. "Back to the office, sir?"

"Nope," Jonathon said, grinning widely. "Take me to the department store. I've got some shopping to do."

Climbing in the back of the car, he felt like singing. He couldn't wait until Friday, the first day of the rest of his life with Helen.

****

Jonathon has finally gotten his 'Yes' from Helen.  Will things go according to plans?  I'm sure you can tell Helen is a lot more hesitant about it all.  How do you think things are going to go?  I can't wait to hear what you think! 

While I was writing this chapter, it hit me that the town where Jonathon and Jess lives has always appeared in my mind exactly like the small town where my grandparents lived in rural Illinois.  Many of the places I've described, including the layout of the town and the types of homes there, are ones I'd seen many times during my childhood. 

I know this chapter was over a month in coming, and I apologize.  Between trying to decide what I should write for the Wattpad Block Party, and then writing it, my youngest being home from college, and the holidays, it literally took forever to get this chapter finished, and I felt every day of it. 

The good news for all of you is the chapter for the Block Party is going to be a Jess and Marty chapter.  I'm very happy with it and I know you're going to love it!  You can expect that to be posted on Feb. 2nd.  Also, I made a New Year's resolution to get this story finished as soon as possible because I really want to concentrate on publishing The Boy in the Woods.  I'm determined to write every day until Jonathon's story is finally told.

Happy New Year to all of you!  I wish you a healthy and productive 2016!

Katherine