by Hope Malory
“After they relocated to North Carolina, they met the Devlins at a social function. Your mother captivated Grainger the first time he saw her. Your grandparents pushed her to date him, but she resisted. After months of not hearing from your father, she assumed Benton had moved on. To forget about him, she gave in and dated Grainger. He pushed for a wedding, and in time, she said yes. She walked down the aisle with him after a short engagement.”
Beasley’s brain scrambled to understand all Aunt Jacqueline had disclosed. “This is so unreal. I can’t envision her as the wife of a rich and powerful real estate mogul.”
“The privileged lifestyle attracted her at first. The Devlins insisted on calling her by her full name, claiming Isabelle was a more fitting name than Belle for someone of their stature.”
“Wow. I saw the name Isabelle Devlin in one article but could find nothing on her. Of course, I didn’t connect it with Mama because no one ever called her anything other than Belle. So, tell me about their marriage.”
“Soon after they returned from their honeymoon, they moved to one of the Devlin mansions in Manhattan.” Jacqueline paused. “As a wedding gift, her father-in-law, Grainger Devlin II, deeded the mansion to them. After they settled in, they hired servants, bought expensive cars, and enjoyed every luxury imaginable. Her new husband showered her with furs, jewelry, and designer clothes. She became a true socialite, but in the photographs she sent me, although she wore a smile, sadness reflected in her eyes.”
Beasley lifted one eyebrow. “Do you think it was because of Daddy?”
Jacqueline nodded. “Yes, I do. This must be a shock for you. Is that enough for now, or do you want to hear everything?”
“Tell me everything.”
“All right. The Devlin empire’s trouble began because of Grainger III’s thirst to expand. He went into extensive debt to grow the business. When the housing market dropped, he bankrupted the company. They lost most of their fortune. Grainger’s suicide left your mother with a heavy debt.”
That was why she insisted we never borrow money.
“Belle said the Devlins, devastated by their son taking his own life, their economic ruin, and their diminished social status, grew bitter and became reclusive. The in-laws didn’t offer her any support, monetary or otherwise.”
“So, all those invoices we found belonged to her. The situation must have overwhelmed her.”
“Yes, she was devastated, and yet determined to do the right thing and pay off the loans. Reports of her husband’s self-destruction flooded area newspapers. Your father read about it and went to visit Belle. Oh, she raged and cried that he hadn’t contacted her, but she listened and discovered it wasn’t by choice. Her father, your grandfather, insisted he stay out of her life, maintaining he would hold her back and she deserved better.”
“This is all unimaginable. How cruel of Grandpa to keep them apart like he did.”
“The happy ending came later. Benton hadn’t married, and he revealed he’d never stopped loving her. On that first visit, he proposed, but she insisted on repaying what she owed first; she would not drag him into her financial difficulties. He didn’t care about the money; he cared about her, and he swore to her he wanted to repay it so they could get on with their lives, but she refused his help.”
“How did she do it?”
A small smile spread on Jacqueline’s lips. “The woman was strong-willed like someone else I know. Like you, she had to learn how to manage everything. In the process, she became a shrewd businesswoman. She was tenacious and sold the mansion she had inherited, along with the furniture, jewelry, furs, and everything she could, to liquidate the debts.”
“Was it enough to pay off everything?”
“No. The senior Devlin accepted liability for debts jointly held in his and Grainger’s names and that helped. But against his dad’s wishes and perhaps his knowledge, Grainger bought property on his own and took out loans in his and Belle’s names. Belle worked two jobs for three years before she paid the final obligation. During that time, she acquired a vast awareness about business and herself. Her single focus was to put the past behind her and start over with the man she adored. Fiercely independent and determined, she never gave up. She was one resilient lady. Meanwhile, she and your dad fell more in love. Their wedding took place the week after she wrote the last check. In the end, she went with her heart and followed the love.”
Her mother had always stressed the importance of never giving up. Now, she had a better understanding of what that meant. “Did Nonna and Grandpa try to block their marriage again?”
“Not this time. They were not happy about it, but there was nothing they could do to stop it. Repelled by her parents’ refusal to comply with her decisions, she was desperate to keep the whole sordid business confidential. Your grandfather rejected and evaded Benton all those years. Helen came to accept him years later and ultimately grew to love and respect him. Belle wanted to leave the culture and the Devlins behind. We were all asked to keep it confidential, and I had to honor my word.”
“Yes you did, and now I understand. I’m sorry I accused you of lying.” She hugged Jacqueline.
“My dear, I understand. Belle’s secret remained private until now. I promised her I would never reveal it but if any of you ever found out, I would fill in the blanks and tell the story. So, I didn’t lie. I had never met the Devlins.”
She understood why, with Aunt Jacqueline’s past profession and her deeply ingrained manners, she had kept her mother’s secret. “Wow. This is so unbelievable. That explains the debt notices. So, she kept a few things like the red dress, the Gucci purse, and the ruby necklace.”
“Yes. She saved them as a reminder to her that money isn’t everything. Love is. She worshipped your father. I have never seen two people more in love than those two. Being a member of high society was a decision made for her, not her own. Although Grainger pushed her to join boards and work as a volunteer for social reasons, to his credit, he recognized her enjoyment of being charitable, and he encouraged her. Through her philanthropy, she learned money had its advantages. Helping people and making other people’s lives better became her passion.”
“That must be why she volunteered in Azalea Valley all those years. It had to be difficult to adapt to New York and wealth and later to go from there back to a small town in East Tennessee.”
“As soon as Benton and Belle married, she searched for opportunities to give back to the community. Although, she no longer had money, she could give her time. Her home was there with your dad. Within months, they started their family. She once told me that other than being Benton’s wife, being a mother was the greatest joy of her life. She cherished each of you.”
Putting her hands on either side of her head, Beasley said, “My head is reeling. For her to have kept this from everyone all these years is unthinkable. Thanks for telling me the whole story. This is a lot to take in. So many questions, but I need to think now. Please excuse me. I want to go for a walk.”
~ ~ ~
The beach drew larger crowds than usual for January. On this mild day, in the low seventies, families came out to enjoy the sunshine. Passing parents with six children reminded Beasley of her own family when they were younger. How could she tell her siblings their mother had had another life before them? This whole story was inconceivable. She couldn’t reconcile her image of the mother she knew with this other life she had once led. Brenner and her brothers would be as shocked as she was.
Beasley smiled at a couple around their mid-forties who were holding hands. The photograph of her mama and daddy walking together on the beach came to mind. They had adored each other. I hope to have a love like theirs someday. Her thoughts turned to Will.
Over time, she had admitted to herself she’d given her heart to Will, but what could she do about it? Brenner believed in signs and declared th
e fire that wiped out her business was a sign she was no longer tied to Azalea Valley. Her parents always instructed her to never give up on her dreams, but after talking to Aunt Jacqueline, she questioned what that meant. Until today, she interpreted it to mean she must reconstruct Beasley’s Gardens even if it entailed starting over. What a conundrum.
That evening, she called Brenner and each of her brothers to tell them about their mother’s former life. The news stunned them, and they too found it difficult to imagine her as an aristocrat.
Beasley had a restless night. When she woke the next morning, a thin sliver of sunlight peeked past the curtains. She stretched and sat up. The clattering of dishes in the kitchen alerted her that Aunt Jacqueline was awake.
She offered Beasley scrambled eggs with shrimp and fresh strawberries.
“Thanks. You’re spoiling me.”
Beasley broached the subject of her mother at breakfast. “I’m still trying to absorb all you told me about Mama and her past.”
“I’m not too surprised you found out. Of all my nieces and nephews, you were always the most curious. When you mentioned the Devlins, I suspected you would dig until you exposed the truth.”
“All this time, we assumed those invoices, the dress, the necklace, and the handbag belonged to Nonna. But none of us figured out why she had them or why she had kept them.”
“I couldn’t imagine Helen wearing such things.”
“Neither could we. I miss her.”
“So do I, every day. The two of us were close growing up like you and Brenner are. Belle and Benton raised six kids and did a superb job. Helen loved you and dedicated herself to become a surrogate parent for you girls when they died. She made sure you both completed college and positioned you for success in your adult lives. All her grandchildren became her life. She worried more about you because you were so driven like Belle. The hope was you would fall in love with a devoted and trustworthy man, marry, have a family, and relax a little. So, is there a man in your life?”
Beasley described her longtime infatuation with Dalton and how dreadful it had turned out. Next, she talked about Will and how the miles between them made it impossible for anything long term.
“Your eyes light up when you talk about Will. Sometimes we can’t see solutions to our problems, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”
“Aunt Jacqueline, I have thought about this a thousand times. A romance isn’t feasible with me in Azalea Valley and him in California. The problem is, he won’t leave. My home is in Tennessee, and I need to decide whether to start over with Beasley’s Gardens.”
“Those are some difficult choices.” Jacqueline reached over and put her hand on Beasley’s arm. “You have strength of character, brains, drive, and an incredible work ethic. The one thing missing is the right man to share your life with. From what you told me about your young man, he might be an ideal husband for you.”
“He would be if the distance thing didn’t exist.”
“Beasley, I worked hard my entire life, and now I treasure every moment and try to live my life to the fullest. I poured too much of myself into my job, often to the detriment of the people I cared for the most. I missed so much time with Helen, with your mother, and with all of you because of that. Even when we returned to the States, I still neglected my family because of work.” A smile flitted across Jacqueline’s face as she continued. “When I moved here, I decided I would try new things and make new friends, which I did. If I want to get up and walk on the beach, or read at the pool, or take a nap, I do. In general, I find every opportunity to spend time with the people I think of as family. You, Brenner, and your brothers are the only true relatives I have left, and I don’t see you a lot since I live so far away.”
“Sorry. I promise to visit you more often.”
“I hope so, but I didn’t say that to make you feel guilty. My point is it isn’t necessary to reside in the same town as your family to love them, and you can have a life with people other than your immediate family.”
“But you had Uncle Bryce and your position at the college.”
“I loved my husband more than anything, but I sometimes let my job interfere, and we argued about it. If you find someone you love like that, let nothing stand in the way of your happiness. Make memories, not regrets. When I was your age, time passed at a slow pace. Now, at this stage, the years zoom by. I recognize the stubborn, independent streak in you that reminds me of myself. With advanced years comes wisdom, but Lord only knows the mistakes I made along the way. You’ll figure out what to do. If it turns out your heart tells you to move to California to be with the man you love, then you should do it.”
That was the predicament. Her reason collided with her emotions. Her eyes clouded. “For years, my plan has been to build my business. It’s hard to think about giving up on it.”
“My dear, life doesn’t always follow a blueprint.”
“True, but my employees depend on me for a job. What will all the people in Azalea Valley say if I don’t rebuild? They’ll think I gave up. That I failed.”
“At one time, I obsessed about what other people said. As you mature, you don’t stress about what others think. Every day is a gift to treasure. And your employees will find other jobs.”
“Mama and Daddy taught me to never give up on my dream. I assumed it meant I can’t turn my back on my business. Now, I’m not so sure.”
“Could they have meant what makes you happy rather than ambition? She gave up her attachment to your father to marry the man her parents wanted for her. In the end, she attained her desire, a life with your father and with her six children. She was the happiest during those years, and she would want the same for you. Whether you stay in Azalea Valley or move to California, you need a place you can call home with someone you love and who loves you.”
Chapter 26
Aunt Jacqueline’s words replayed in Beasley’s head throughout the week. They made sense, but . . .
She savored every moment of their conversations, walking on the beach, reading in the evening, and relaxing with nowhere to go and nothing required of her. How long had it been since she was this mellow? Since before her parents passed away. Until she unwound, she didn’t realize how stressed she was. One more day before I fly home.
Jacqueline joined her group of friends for lunch, but she declined the offer to go along, choosing instead to explore the area and take one last long walk by the ocean.
The breeze blew cool on her cheeks, but she only needed a light jacket. Some runners wore shorts. The grandeur of the sea mesmerized her. Peaceful. As peaceful as the mountains. Sightseers laughed, seagulls squawked, and waves lapped at the shoreline. Kicking off her water sandals, she curled her toes into the sand. I’m going to miss this.
Reluctantly, she left and wandered around. When she found herself in an older part of town, where wrought-iron burglar bars protected the windows, she turned around and headed in the direction of the café she had passed along the way. The activity tracker on her wrist had recorded three miles and flashed twelve-thirty. Time for food.
Closer to her destination, she dodged shoppers on the crowed sidewalks. Tourists milled about, aiming their cameras to capture memories of their vacations. She entered the café and sat at a table by the front window to view visitors and locals enjoying the mild, clear day. The server came to take her order: a turkey and cheese sandwich with a slice of tomato and avocado and water with lemon to drink. In her line of vision, a sign still hung on the wall announcing a New Year’s Eve party even though it was January.
A new year. Where had the last one gone? A lot had happened in the last twelve months. Her beloved Nonna had died. She expanded her company, climbed El Capitan, and met Will. She and Brenner renovated and moved into the family home, Brenner started dating Tony, Casey reunited with her ex-husband, and she gained the b
iggest account to date for Beasley’s Gardens. Her accountant embezzled money from her company, causing financial difficulties. Then, the fire happened, wiping out her business and putting her employees out of their jobs. Here at Aunt Jacqueline’s, she learned her mother once led a very different life—one Beasley didn’t know about. What a wild time. Wonder what will happen next. So many uncertainties.
Aunt Jacqueline had meant well when she had told her if she found someone she loved, not to let anything come between her and her happiness. But it wasn’t that simple. Her words, “Could they have meant a dream of what makes you happy?” kept drifting through her brain. Except for the recent misfortunes, fulfilled described her state of mind. But was that enough?
If circumstances were different, Will would make her happy. Millie had asked what held her here, and she’d answered her family, home, and business,” That didn’t seem true anymore. Rebuilding entailed starting over on a smaller scale. “You need a place you can call home with someone you love and who loves you,” Aunt Jacqueline had said. What about her home, Brenner, and her brothers? Her brothers, except for Blake, didn’t live in Azalea Valley. And Millie is right: Brenner is an adult who can manage on her own. She would want me to be happy.
The idea of living in Tahoma, California, rather than Azalea Valley struck her as odd. She couldn’t envision making that kind of adjustment. Tennessee was the only place she had ever lived. Her mother made a huge change when she moved to Manhattan and created a different life. She accepted the role at the time, but she relished her future with Benton and their children. I am content in my hometown, but I could be happy with Will.
She imagined her mother’s face smiling at her, and something slipped inside her. She visualized what it would be like to share her life with Will. To have someone who loved her and someone she could have a family with. The image of children running around and calling her “Mom” caused her to smile. The last time she really smiled, she was with Will.