The Bluestone Review 2025

Prose

‘Til Death Do Us Part Linda Hoagland

I had about sworn off the idea that I was going to be allowed to participate in a lasting, loving relationship with an unattached man. At the age of thirty-five years, I had already outlived two divorces and was, once again, living as a single mom facing the dilemma of my two sons entering the teenage world “I have a meeting with Mr. Burton,” said Sonny. I happened to be stationed at the front desk for the lady at lunch. I liked his smile and the twinkle in his sparkling blue eyes that drew me to his world. I was Mr. Burton’s secretary so I knew Sonny would be scheduled for another pre-court filing appointment. When his scheduled appointment arrived I knew there would not be another date. Ordinary divorces never took more than two lawyer visits except when there was a difficult battle going on over household goods and/or children. We had the opportunity to speak briefly especially when I had to call him at home and schedule his second appointment. He seemed like a really nice man so I found it hard to believe that he would be the one to file for divorce. I read the notes in Mr. Burton’s file and discovered that Sonny’s wife had been stepping out on him as she looked for a bigger and better money provider. He caught her in his bed with that man. I knew after the second appointment with Mr. Burton, I would never see him or talk to him again. I had to come up with a problem that he could help me solve. A telephone call from my son provided the problem and a call from me to him hoping for a solution. “Mom, a snake, copperhead, under the house.” “Did you see it?” I asked skeptically. “No, Mrs. Marston did. She was outside in her backyard when she saw the snake crawl across our yard heading under the house. What should we do, Mom?” asked my frightened son. “I don’t know, Eddy, but I’ll try to find out but you and Aaron stay in the house until I get home.” I said as I tried to help them in the only way I could. I had no one to ask so I thought I might have a good reason to call Sonny.

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