Equal Access by A. E. Branson Read Free Book Online Page B

the way things are. Ever since we got engaged I’ve
been waiting for this to blow over. I see now that’s not gonna
happen unless one of you changes something.”
    “And by one of us you happen to mean me?”
    Dulsie smirked. “I have more influence over you .” She sighed slightly. “I kept thinking that when you
never wigged out Mom would finally agree you were the right man for
me. But I’m tired of waiting, and I don’t wanna have to explain to
our kids why there’s this weird dynamic with their dad and
grandma.”
    Shad almost blurted out “What kids?” before
he realized Dulsie was referring to the future. Back in the fall,
while she was still twenty-five, Dulsie informed Shad that she was
beginning to hear a ticking noise. They were still young enough she
was content to let nature take care of itself, but also fully aware
they were old enough that success at conception might take several
months.
    Shad harbored some reservation about his
ability in regard to that goal – no, he wasn’t going to think about
Brody – but they had been married for just over six years and had
been incredibly successful at contraception, despite a few “risks”
taken over that time which often bequeathed other couples with
babies. Jill must have said something today that caused Dulsie to
reconsider the merits of their family status.
    “You know,” Shad replied, “in some Native
American cultures, the husband is supposed to avoid his
mother-in-law at all costs.”
    “We aren’t Apaches.” Dulsie removed her hand
from his and reached into one of her slacks pockets. “Remember when
the two of you used to like each other?”
    “I still like Jill.”
    Dulsie locked her gaze on his again as she
pulled a set of keys out from the pocket. “You have a funny way of
showing it.”
    “It’s because of respect I stay outta her
way.” Shad shook his head. “And she doesn’t play mind games with
me. Believe me, it could be much worse.”
    “Like I said, both of you have gotten
comfortable with this little arrangement.” Dulsie stepped toward
the driver’s side door of the car. “I’ve figured out the only power
I can sway in this matter is to make it uncomfortable.”
    Shad watched Dulsie unlock the car door and
open it. “Are you going after her, too?”
    Dulsie’s eyes rolled before she looked at him
again. “I’ve been working on her all these years. Pointing out all
the great things you do. Singing your praises every chance I can
get. What I’ve finally figured out is that Mom isn’t going to
believe you’ve changed unless you change something.”
    Shad almost hated to admit it, but what
Dulsie just said was brilliant. If anything, he was surprised it
had taken her this long to come to that conclusion. It certainly
would never have occurred to him.
    Shad stepped over to the passenger side door
as Dulsie slipped behind the steering wheel. After getting seated
and closing the door, he leaned into the back seat area to place
the leather case on the upholstered bench. As Dulsie clicked on her
seatbelt, Shad turned toward his wife and gripped the steering
wheel with his right hand.
    “I love you,” Shad murmured as he leaned
closer to Dulsie.
    “Don’t change the subject,” she growled just
before they kissed. As their lips parted she smiled at him. “I love
you, too. But you’re not off the hook.”
    Shad settled into the seat and fastened the
safety belt as Dulsie started the car’s engine.
    “Anyway, it’s time for you to quit dodging
her,” Dulsie stated as she steered the car into the street and
began their drive home.
    “Umm....” Shad figured he had to respond, but
he had no idea what to say.
    Why couldn’t he just handle one thing at a
time? While Shad knew he needed to follow through with Dulsie’s
request – Pap had warned him never to disregard the instructions of
a Leeds Woman – his larger concern was figuring out what to do
about Wally.
    “I’ll see what I can do,” Shad