Ten Thousand Kisses

By Mildred Colvin

Can a young teenage girl truly fall in love when the boy scarcely gives her the time of day?

Stephanie Dawes thinks so when she forever after compares all men to her high school crush and finds them lacking. Stephanie is tired of kissing frogs while searching for her prince. But she needs help to care for her widowed mother and younger sister. With their house in need of repair, she finds a job in the city so she can help while looking for her illusive Mr. Right.

Due to the conniving of her friend, she moves next door to Walt Jenkins, the very guy she never forgot. Having given up on him long ago, she notices another neighbor who fits her criteria. He has money, is handsome, and attends church regularly, while Walt refuses to darken any church door.

Gray Harding can only get a partnership in his father’s law firm by earning the privilege. He doesn’t mind working hard, but he’d like some appreciation for his efforts. In the meantime, he enjoys the company of his pretty neighbor, and hopes his past doesn’t catch up with him.

Walt Jenkins is surprised when Stephanie moves next door, and wonders if she’s up to her old tricks of chasing him. But she and his sister are friends, so he agrees to keep an eye out for her, and is concerned when she dates Gray. Not that she listens to him.

Stephanie and Walt find even more in common as troubles with his father and her mother, respectively, keep them in turmoil each time they visit their hometown of Golden Springs, Missouri. Join in as Stephanie learns to accept what she can’t change, and Walt finds that forgiveness is more life changing than he ever imagined.

Romancing the 60s series, set in the small fictitious town of Golden Springs, Missouri, is a light-hearted glimpse at a time many baby-boomers look back on with fond nostalgia. Granted, the Sixties held much upheaval, but if you remember that decade, you’ll likely have many happy memories as well. This glimpse back in time is an attempt to touch on the every-day lives of some purely fictional young people, who are not so unlike some you may have known.

Join this journey to a time in history that doesn’t seem so historical to some of us. Grab your copy of Ten Thousand Kisses now! A faith-filled, sweet romance that will carry you away for an enjoyable and unforgettable time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mildred Colvin
• Release date: Oct 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005689254

Mildred Colvin

Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

Book preview

Ten Thousand

Kisses

Romancing the 60s series

1961-Book 2

Mildred Colvin

20th Century Christian Romance

Ten Thousand Kisses

Copyright©2020 by Mildred Colvin

All Rights Reserved

Cover © Mildred Colvin and © Pixels.com

Smashwords Edition

Scripture portions are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from its author except for brief quotations in printed reviews.

Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

Contents

A Brief Note

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Sample Chapter

About the Author

Other Books by Mildred

Note from the Author

A Brief Note

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. I’m taking a look back in time with Romancing the 60s, and hope you enjoy this look at the world at that time. Much went on during this decade that I will not touch on, as I hope to remember the day-by-day life in a typical small Missouri town. Every decade has the good and bad that affect us all, but we as individuals also face our own battles. We live and love, hurt and are hurt, but also help, uplift, and touch each other’s lives in ways we are often not aware, often for eternity. If you’re like me, you will have forgotten much, and possibly only remember what was important to you at the time. And what you remember will likely be unique to you just as my memories are to me. In beginning this series, I’ve learned that others did not see or experience the same things I did. And that’s all right. I’m not an authority on the 1960s, I passed through only once, and that far too swiftly, but I hope you enjoy reading the stories I’ve been given to write.

More stories for this series are in the works, and I’d love for you to know about them as they become available. One easy way to keep up with the publication of my growing list of books is by visiting:

https://books2read.com/bymildredcolvin

Simply click Follow This Author below my name to receive a free ebook, Awakening Joy, by leaving your email address in the newsletter sign-up form. I will not share your email and will not flood your inbox, but will let you know when I have a new book published. I’d also like to tell you of discount promotions I participate in throughout the year, and when I’m able to offer a book for free.

God bless!

Mildred

DEDICATION

To Billie, Cindy, Debbie, Della, and Jan. And why did I start listing names? There are far too many to mention here, but you know who you are. If you recognize Golden Springs, this fictitious town that may resemble one you remember, you can know I’m thinking of you too. Just don’t look for your counterpart in these stories, because the characters and the situations they find themselves in truly are fictitious.

Ten Thousand Kisses

Chapter 1

Golden Springs, Missouri, Spring of 1961

Stephanie Dawes snatched what she needed from her dresser drawer and grabbed the dress she’d hung last night in front of her closet. She hurried down the hall and breathed a sigh of relief when she found the bathroom empty.

Her little sister, Lindy, didn’t have to be at school until eight-twenty, while she had to be at work by eight o’clock sharp when the dime store opened. Lindy could wait.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Only three more days to work, then she’d be off Sunday and Monday. And she had a date Saturday evening with Will. She placed her underthings on the sink edge and hung her dress up. After making sure she had a clean towel, she turned to the mirror. Her hair didn’t need washed this morning. Hair and nails time was on Friday or Saturday nights, depending on when she had a date.

She’d been dating Will about three months already, but hadn’t decided if he was the prince she hoped for. Sometimes it was hard to tell. She should know. She’d dated enough to last a lifetime. But if a girl didn’t kiss a few frogs, how would she ever find her prince? And even if it took ten thousand kisses, it’d be worth it once she had his love.

She brushed her hair into as much of a ponytail as she could. It was too short for a real one, but she liked the convenience of her mod bob, as the beautician had called it. It fit her needs with the blunt cut and windblown look. At least Will said he liked it. Satisfied her hair wouldn’t get wet, she turned the shower faucets on. Only nothing happened.

She turned them off and on again. Not one drop of water fell. Please, not today! She swung toward the door and grasped the knob, about to call out, before remembering. Daddy couldn’t help her anymore. She slumped against the door, angry with herself for forgetting. How could she, when almost three years had passed since his death? It wasn’t as if she forgot all the time, but when something like this happened, she just didn’t think. With a deep sigh, she pushed herself upright and, wrapping her bathrobe around her, went downstairs to find her mother. What else could go wrong with this house?

The whistle of the teakettle led her to the kitchen where Mom lifted it from the white gas range. After she poured water in a cup, she turned to Stephanie. Want some coffee?

Maybe later. I’d like to take a shower right now. She stood by the table, watching her mother stir the contents in her cup.

Finally, she looked up. I don’t think you’ll be taking a shower this morning. When I checked for hot water in the sink and nothing but cold came out, I went to the basement and stepped into a puddle of water. Looks like the water heater went out during the night. I’ve turned the water off.

Anger washed over Stephanie before she could stop it. But it seemed something went wrong way too often around here. Ever since Daddy died, it’d been that way. Shame quickly replaced her anger. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. She pulled a chair from the table as Lindy burst into the room.

Where’s the water?

Mom laughed and lifted the teakettle. If you’re looking for hot water, there’s some here. She pointed toward two gallon-sized glass jugs. If you want cold, it’s right there. Can’t ask for anything more than that, right?

Well, yeah. Lindy looked from the jugs to the teakettle. I was hoping for a shower.

So was I, but it looks like it’s a quick sponge bath and hope for better tomorrow. Mom set a bowl of oatmeal in the middle of the table, then turned to the oven and took out a pan of biscuits. Why don’t you get some milk from the icebox, and we’ll have breakfast?

Refrigerator, Mom. Lindy did as told, but obviously couldn’t resist correcting her outdated mother. Iceboxes are a thing of the past, aren’t they?

Mom chuckled. I’m sure you’ll find a few still in operation around town, but mostly, you’re right. Old habits are hard to break.

Stephanie thought of her first instinct when she couldn’t get water and had to agree. Calling for her dad to fix things was a habit she needed to break. Mom, do you have any idea what a new water heater costs? And we can’t install it. That’s another expense. Then we’ll have to clean up the basement. The more she talked, the worse she felt. Maybe we should sell this old rambling house and get something smaller with less maintenance.

Whoa, Steph. Mom finally got a word in. Let’s find out the cost first before we get hysterical. Do you have any idea what it would be like even if we could find a buyer for this house? We’ve lived here for almost twenty-five years. Two stories with a basement and attic can hold a lot of accumulation in that time. This is the only home you girls have ever known. She looked around the kitchen, and Stephanie followed her gaze.

They sat at a table for eight in the middle of the room that seemed so much larger than it had when Dad and her brother were home. The stove and refrigerator sat along one wall. Cabinets and a counter took up the length of the room on each side with the double sink under the window. Three doors lined the remaining wall. The middle one led to an enclosed porch and then outside, and the one on the right opened to stairs to the basement, while the remaining door hid a nice-sized pantry. The room was clean but cluttered with things they seldom noticed unless they needed them, very much like the rest of the house. Such as the ceramic cookie jar sitting on the counter, made to look like a wishing well. It had been a wedding gift for her parents. She’d filled it with more cookies than she could count. I know, Mom. We’d have to give away things that only we care about. It isn’t as if we have anything of value, but so much of sentiment. So what can we do?

Mom visibly straightened and looked from one girl to the other. We’ll get the basement cleaned out. Most of that water will go down the drain, but there’s likely to be some damage to anything stored down there. Let’s hope not much. We’ll have to get the water heater fixed even if we sell, so let’s concentrate on that before we think of doing anything else.

I don’t want to sell. Lindy looked around the kitchen. I love our house.

I know. Stephanie sighed. It was just a thought. I don’t want to move either, even though it would be wonderful to have a house that isn’t falling down around us.

Mom held out her hands to each girl. Let’s pray and eat, then we’ll talk about getting someone in here who can help.

After the prayer ended, they discussed their options while they ate.

How are we going to afford this? Stephanie felt a heavy weight of dread. Neither she nor her mother made enough to support the three of them. Her brother, Norman, occasionally sent a little home, but he was still a private in the army, barely out of boot camp, and his pay didn’t go far.

Mom stared at her plate, then looked up with the hint of a smile. It’ll be fine. I’ll take off work today and get it taken care of.

No, Mom. Stephanie released a sigh. You can’t do that. What about the woman who took off too many days and lost her job? We really can’t afford for that to happen. I’ll call Mr. Hart at the store. He’ll understand.

Mom’s smile turned wry as she nodded. Yes, you’re right. Your boss is noticeably nicer than mine. You may call the repairman.

That isn’t a problem. Stephanie picked up her glass of milk. I’ll look in the phone book. What’s the name of that plumber I’ve seen around town? Jones?

Oh, no. Don’t call him. Plumber’s charge too much for us. Mom waved her spoon back and forth. There’s a handyman recently moved to town, I understand. I’m sure he won’t charge as much. Call him.

What’s his name? Is he in the phone book? She set her empty glass down.

Um, his name is Malone. Mr. Malone. Mom set her spoon down, shoved her chair back, and stood. Hold on. I’ll get his number.

Do you want to call him before you go to work?

No, that’s fine. You can. Mom hurried out.

Lindy stood and took her dishes to the sink. I’ve got to get ready for school somehow. I guess no water means we don’t wash dishes this morning.

Stephanie hadn’t thought that far ahead. We’d better be able to before the day’s over. This could be a real problem.

Yeah, well, I’ll see you later.

Mom returned as Lindy left. Stephanie took the paper she handed her. Bill Malone. I could’ve looked for his number, Mom. You didn’t have to write it down.

Oh, no, that’s fine. Mom took her dishes to the sink and placed them with Lindy’s. I’d better get to work now. Are you sure you can handle this?

Yes, I’m sure. Stephanie added her dishes to the others. If your handyman comes right over, I may wash the—

Stephanie! He isn’t my handyman. Mom stared at her with wide eyes, as if she’d suggested something horrible.

I just meant…

Oh, I know what you meant. I’m sorry. Mom shook her head. I don’t know why I said that. It’s just so distressing to wake up to a mess in the basement and no water. Who knows how much this will cost before it’s all done? Well, I’ve got to get to work. Don’t forget to call in work and tell Mr. Hart what’s going on.

I’ll call a little before eight when he’s likely to be there. It’ll be fine. If your… if Mr. Malone can help us out this morning, it’ll be a blessing. Actually, I should go call him first.

Yes, do that. Mom seemed flustered as she hurried from the room, and Stephanie didn’t blame her one bit.

The cost of a new water heater and getting it installed might be more than they could afford. She only made fifty-five cents an hour, which was well below the minimum wage of one dollar, and Mom barely got that at the shirt factory. She’d read in a magazine that the average income required weekly for an American family to survive was $84.00. The only way they’d come close was if Lindy went to work, too. Or if she found a better job and could work a full forty-hour week. But where in Golden Springs could she do that?

She closed her mind to the worry and hurried into their large living room. A sofa sat in the center of one wall with a mahogany coffee table in front and matching end tables on each side. An arrangement of matching and contrasting upholstered chairs occupied the space around and across the room from the sofa. It was a comfortable place for visiting or family gatherings. Sometimes, Stephanie liked to relax here. She perched on the conversation table and lifted the phone receiver, then dialed the number her mother had given her. Ten minutes later, she had arranged her day as she neither wanted nor had planned. But what else could she do? Dad was gone and someone had to take care of Mom and Lindy.

~*~

Saturday morning, Walt Jenkins turned off the highway in Golden Springs and drove through town to his parents’ house. If he could put in a quick visit and escape, he’d be content. He wouldn’t be here if Mom hadn’t called and asked him to come home for the weekend, but that was the point. Seeing mom and the kids. Being as civil as possible to dad for mom’s sake would be hard, but he couldn’t promise any more than that. The impasse between him and his dad hurt her the most, and he hated it. He’d spent his growing-up years waiting to leave home, and now he dreaded returning even for a visit. After parking in front of the house and sucking in a breath, then releasing it, he got out and walked to the door.

As usual, Belinda opened the door before he reached it, her smile wide and welcoming. She enveloped him in an enthusiastic hug, which he returned and added a kiss to the top of her head. How are you doing, squirt?

She stepped back and planted both fists on her hips. I’ll have you know I’m not a squirt. I’m almost a teenager.

Before he could respond to her indignation, Michelle came into the room, her eyes lighting up as soon as she saw him. Walt, you’re home. She hurried across the room and gave him a quick hug, then stepped back. How long are you staying?"

Same as always. He glanced toward dad as he walked in and stood near his favorite chair. Their eyes barely met, but Dad stuck out his hand. Glad to see you, son.

Always ready with an attempt at civility. Sure, he was sober now because he knew Walt was coming. That didn’t mean he didn’t nip at the bottle at other times. If only he could believe he’d stopped drinking, but he just couldn’t. He took Dad’s hand and shook. Something inside seemed to shrivel and rebel against the farce. An invisible wall stood between him and his dad, keeping them apart, making any attempt to forget the past useless. How could he believe Dad had made