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AS NICK AND JIM WALKED to the car, Jim filled him in on what he wanted to do.
“If you two are serious about getting married then you better do it quickly before the word gets out that you’re back.”
“They wouldn’t stop us, would they?”
“You never know, but I expect they’ll try.”
As Nick drove back to the supper club he announced: “Jimmy, my boy, I guess we’re going to get you married. Are you up for it?”
“Would you help us?”
“Hey, what’re friends for? First you’ll need a marriage license. Leave that up to me. Next you’ll need a preacher. Do you know one?”
“No, but I’ll bet Mr. Barkley does.”
“You’re right and if he asked for you how could a good, God-fearing preacher refuse?”
“You mean the preacher could refuse to marry us?”
“Remember, you’re in Blue Ridge and Peggy is a convicted murderer. What would his congregation think? They might just vote him out of the pulpit.”
“I didn’t think it was going to be so hard to do.”
“Relax. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. I’ll pick you up at 9:00 a.m. and we can get the license situation out of the way. Before I get there, talk to the Barkleys and let them in on what’s going down. Let them know you need a preacher ASAP. If I know them, getting a preacher will be the easy part.”
“Nick, I know you are my friend, but doing all of this for me is more than a friend should have to do.”
“Nonsense, my boy. This is exciting. I haven’t felt this good since... What do you know? I haven’t felt this good in my entire life! It just goes to show you when you do the right thing for the right reason it feels great. Now let’s you and me go get a steak at Harry’s.”
“What about the supper club?”
“Tuesday is always slow. Maybe I will start a new routine. Tuesday will be steak night with friends!”
He had many questions to ask Nick, too many for the present evening and this just didn’t feel to be the right time. Getting married seemed an almost impossible task by itself. He just took this opportunity to tell Nick about his childhood and his detention years. Nick also shared some of his past with him. It was as if the sharing cemented their friendship for life.
Nick dropped him off in front of the post office and waved good night.
Jim climbed the stairs and went straight to bed. He had a restful sleep, obviously well needed.
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