Annie Crump

Precocious and fashionable Annie is fortunate to be married to a hardworking man, even if he'll never be the beloved fiancé she lost to illness years ago. Bartering for what his family needs in exchange for haircuts and shaves, Tommy desires to prove himself worthy of Annie's affection. But is their relationship strong enough to survive when secrets from his past threaten their home and livelihood during the worst ravages of the Dust Bowl?

Since Tommy was a friendly, verbose fellow, the courtship didn't last long before my sisters decided it was time for me to marry. My age made a difference. I was twenty-nine, and old maid status was coming upon me faster than ruffians made moonshine.

Then he said the magic words, "I promise I'll always take care of you."

And although no one could touch my heart like Adelai, Tommy lifted my spirits enough I'd try to put the past behind me.

I had a few reservations.

He'd avoided answering when I asked what he'd been doing the last few years, and I wondered if there was something he didn't want to share. Pushing for answers didn't seem right, because he hadn't pushed me to share about Adelai. I agreed to marry.

But what was I getting into? I hardly knew this man. I had four brothers-in-law, all different as sour grapes and honey. Would he drink too much like Tillie's husband? Or be distant like Susie's? Surely not. I prayed my new husband would either be fun like Bobbie's or kind-hearted like Jennie's. Whatever he was like, this marriage would be for life.

I wish I'd known what kind of life. I wish I'd known more about Tommy.