Twenty Wishes

by Debbie Macomber

  Anne Marie gazed after her stepdaughter. The wedding was small, with only a maid of honor and best man. As promised, Ellen would serve wedding cake at the reception, a role to which she attached great importance.

  Melissa looked lovely in her pale pink floor-length dress. A halo of flowers adorned her head, with flowing white ribbons cascading down her back, and she carried a small bouquet of white roses. The pregnancy was just starting to show.

  Anne Marie’s one disappointment was Pamela. It would’ve meant so much to Melissa if her mother had relented enough to attend her wedding. Unfortunately, she remained upset and angry, and Anne Marie couldn’t help thinking she should have put her daughter’s needs ahead of her own feelings. But then, Pamela hadn’t come to Robert’s funeral, either, although her children could have used her support. Anne Marie hoped they’d eventually be able to resolve their differences.

  With the maid of honor and the best man, both close friends, standing beside them, Melissa and Michael approached the young minister. Jordan Turner, Alix’s husband, would be performing the ceremony. He’d agreed as long as Melissa and Michael were willing to participate in marriage counseling classes. Even with all the busyness of college graduation, the couple had gone to every session, which boded well for their marriage, Anne Marie thought.

  When the ceremony began, Ellen leaned forward, absorbing every word. This was her first wedding and she didn’t want to miss a single detail. Anne Marie had enjoyed watching Ellen line up her dolls and stuffed animals the night before and then carefully choose two—a Barbie and a panda—to march down the makeshift aisle. Later, Anne Marie had found her at the kitchen table writing furiously in a tablet.

  “What are you doing?” she’d asked.

  “I’m putting a new wish on my list,” Ellen explained. “I’m going to have a big wedding with lots of people and a dress with lace and pearls and a long veil.”

  “What about your husband?”

  Ellen chewed on the end of her pencil. “He’ll be handsome.”

  “Is that important?”

  The eight-year-old considered her response carefully. “I want to marry a man who’s handsome on the inside, too,” she’d said.

  “And if he’s good-looking on the outside, that would be a bonus, right?”

  “Right,” Ellen had said.

  Now as Melissa and Michael exchanged their vows, Ellen studied them attentively, dreaming of her own wedding one day.

  Anne Marie gazed protectively at this child who would legally become her daughter. The greatest desire of her life was to be a mother and that wish had been fulfilled—but not in the way she’d expected.

  As the ceremony continued, Anne Marie felt Dolores Falk’s presence. The older woman had nurtured the child to the best of her ability. She’d given her love and security. In the end, Ellen’s grandmother had handed her over to Anne Marie.

  Anne Marie believed Dolores had recognized that the two of them belonged together, that they needed each other. Once the bond between them was established, and Anne Marie had promised to keep Ellen if anything happened to her grandmother, Dolores had been able to die in peace, knowing Ellen would be loved and cared for by Anne Marie.

  Anne Marie placed her hand lightly on Ellen’s shoulder. The child joined fervently in the applause when Jordan Turner pronounced Michael and Melissa husband and wife.

  “This is so nice,” Ellen whispered as the music crescendoed. Then Melissa and Michael walked back down the aisle together, their arms linked and their faces bright with joy.

  “It is lovely,” Anne Marie agreed, struggling to hold back tears. It wasn’t only Dolores Falk’s presence she felt, but Robert’s, too. She knew Melissa felt him there, as well.

  “What happens next?” Ellen stared up at Anne Marie with wide, curious eyes.

  “Now we go to the wedding reception.”

  “Oh, goody! When do I serve the cake?”

  “Not till later on.”

  The reception was at a restaurant on Lake Washington. Lillie had secured the banquet room, and Melissa’s friends had decorated it and prepared everything for the small reception. Anne Marie had volunteered to help and Melissa was grateful but said she’d already done so much. Besides, her friends had everything under control.

  When they arrived, Anne Marie could see that was true. The room, which was separate from the main part of the restaurant, had a sweeping view of Lake Washington. Sailboats with their multicolored spinnakers glided across the choppy waters. A lush green lawn sloped from the restaurant down to the waterfront, bordered by rows of blooming perennials. Double-wide French doors opened onto a stone patio.

  Because the day was overcast, Melissa and Michael had decided to hold the reception indoors. Lillie had chosen the perfect location, Anne Marie thought gratefully.

  The room itself was strung with white streamers, twisted from the center of the ceiling, where a large paper wedding bell hung. The streamers fanned out in every direction. White and silver balloons were tied behind each chair.

  The cake, topped with the traditional bride and groom, sat on a table with an array of gifts surrounding it. Alix Turner had baked and decorated it herself. The restaurant had supplied an elegant buffet, for which Brandon, Anne Marie and Michael’s parents had split the expense.

  Entering the room with her husband, Melissa looked radiantly happy.

  “It’s hard to think of my little sister as married,” Brandon said, claiming the chair next to Anne Marie and Ellen. “Mom’s going to regret not flying over for the wedding.”

  Anne Marie nodded. Pamela would have to accept that Melissa had her own path to follow. “In time I believe she will.”

  “Who?” Ellen asked, then added, “Is this for adult ears or kids’ ears?”

  Brandon laughed outright. “It’s for adult ears.”

  “Okay.”

  He grinned at Anne Marie.

  The buffet line formed, and after they’d filled their plates and sat down again, Michael’s parents, Jim and Paula Marshall, joined them.

  “This turned out to be such a lovely wedding,” Paula said, watching her son with pride. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. What is it with children these days? So much happening at once. Michael graduated from college, married and a father-to-be. It’s enough to make my head spin.”

  Anne Marie agreed. “I didn’t know what to knit first, a baby blanket or a garter for her wedding.”

  “You knit?” Paula asked with real interest.

  “I’m only just learning. I’ve been taking classes.”

  “It was one of our wishes,” Ellen told her gravely.

  Anne Marie explained and marveled anew at the changes in Ellen since the child had come to live with her. When they’d first met, only three months ago, the youngster had barely spoken a word. These days it was difficult to get her to stop.

  “Have I introduced you to Ellen?” Anne Marie asked Jim and Paula and tucked her arm around the child’s waist. “This is my daughter, Ellen Falk.”

  “I’m getting a new name soon,” Ellen said, looking at Anne Marie.

  “A new name?” Paula repeated. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m adopting Ellen,” Anne Marie said, “and when I do her last name will be Roche, the same as mine.”

  “Congratulations to you both,” Jim said, sampling the lobster salad.

  “Anne Marie’s going to be my new mother,” Ellen said amicably. “I have an old one, but my grandmother told me my real mom couldn’t take care of a little girl, which is why I get a new one. I’m glad my new mother is Anne Marie.”

  The conversation moved on to pets when Ellen lovingly described Baxter, now “our” dog, and lauded his intelligence. The Marshalls contributed stories about their own badly behaved but much-loved dog, Willow. Everyone laughed a great deal, and Anne Marie was thrilled that Ellen responded so naturally and well to adult company.

  Halfway through the reception, Lillie Higgins and Hector Silva came in. Anne Marie had met Li
llie’s friend a couple of times previously. He was everything Lillie had promised and obviously adored her.

  “I’m sorry we’re late,” Lillie began as she approached Anne Marie.

  “It’s my fault,” Hector said. “My oldest grandson had a soccer game and wanted me there to see him play.”

  “Can I play soccer, too?” Ellen asked.

  Anne Marie nodded. “Should we see about signing you up?”

  “Yes!” Ellen clasped her hands, her expression rapturous. “And I want to join Girl Scouts.”

  “One thing at a time, Ellen,” Anne Marie said gently. She didn’t want to squelch the child’s enthusiasm, but didn’t want her overwhelmed by too many activities, either. She already took karate lessons and if she added soccer and Girl Scouts to that, there wouldn’t be enough time just to sit and read or knit or play imaginative games with her dolls.

  “I got your message,” Lillie said. “Have you found a house yet?”

  “No, but I’m starting to look.” However, Ellen had expressed hesitation about moving, and Anne Marie planned to go about this slowly and cautiously. She hoped to find a neighborhood close to the school; with all the upheaval in the child’s life, Anne Marie wanted to keep her there.

  “I’ll have a real bedroom, too,” Ellen said.

  “And a real bed,” Anne Marie added. Ellen hadn’t complained once about sleeping on the fold-down sofa in the tiny apartment. One of her first purchases would be a bedroom set for Ellen, with a matching dresser, bookcase and computer desk.

  She looked forward to getting her own things out of storage. She’d delayed for a long time, preferring to live in the small apartment rather than move. Her fear was that the household goods that had belonged to her and Robert would trigger too many memories.

  A few months ago, Anne Marie hadn’t felt strong enough to deal with the past. Her grief had been too raw, too close to the surface. She’d purposely kept the furniture in storage, convinced she’d never find the courage to sit at the table where she’d shared so many meals with her husband. Every item, everything she’d so carefully packed away, was linked to Robert.

  But the memories of her life with him no longer tormented her. Even knowing of his betrayal, she continued to love him and always would.

  Michael and Melissa ceremonially cut the first slice of cake, and Melissa beckoned to Ellen.

  “Can I serve cake now?” Ellen asked, eyeing the slices Melissa’s friends were placing on colorful plates. “Is it time?”

  “Looks like it,” Brandon said. They stood up and headed for the table, where the plates had been set out.

  “Aren’t you going to throw the bouquet?” Alicia, the maid of honor, asked Melissa.

  “Oh, my goodness, I almost forgot.” Melissa turned her back to her group of friends and hurled the bouquet over her shoulder.

  Anne Marie hadn’t been part of that group. She didn’t mean to participate, but when the bouquet shot directly at her, she instinctively grabbed it.

  “Anne Marie!” Melissa cried, laughing delightedly. “You caught the bouquet!”

  Ellen squealed with excitement, a plate of cake in each hand.

  “This means,” Melissa told her, “that Anne Marie will be the next one to get married.”

  “I don’t think so.” Anne Marie tried to pass the bouquet to one of Melissa’s college friends, who refused to take it.

  “Don’t be so sure,” Melissa chided good-naturedly. “You never know when love’s going to tap on the door.”

  Frankly, Anne Marie wasn’t interested in falling in love again. She had everything she needed for happiness. Ellen was part of her life now, and she’d made peace with the past. She had Blossom Street Books. Her eyes fell on Lillie and Hector, and she immediately added dear friends to her list of blessings.

  “Look,” Ellen said, tugging at her sleeve. She pointed at the French doors.

  Music swirled in from the piano player in the nearby bar.

  Anne Marie bent down. “What am I supposed to be looking at?”

  “It’s raining.”

  It was more of a mist than rain but Anne Marie didn’t point that out. “Yes?”

  “Your wish,” Ellen reminded her.

  What wish?

  Then Anne Marie remembered.

  Taking Ellen’s hand, she walked out to the small patio. With the music playing softly in the background, they removed their shoes and stepped onto the wet grass.

  Ellen slipped one arm around Anne Marie’s waist and together they spun ’round and ’round.

  “We’re dancing barefoot in the rain.” Ellen giggled.

  Throwing back her head, Anne Marie giggled, too.

  The music grew louder and their movements became more sweeping as the rain fell and people gathered at the open doors to watch them.

  She saw Brandon giving them a thumbs-up and Michael and Melissa waving. Lillie and Hector smiled.

  Anne Marie Roche had made Twenty Wishes and they’d brought her love.

  Epilogue

  November

  The courtroom was crowded as Anne Marie and Ellen waited patiently for their turn to come and stand before the judge. When their names were called, Anne Marie stepped forward with Ellen beside her. Evelyn Boyle, Ellen’s social worker, moved to the front of the court.

  Judge Harold Roper read over the paperwork, which included a home study and background check. This was actually a formality; Child Protective Services had already approved the adoption. The six months had passed quickly. They’d moved into their new home, and Ellen was a third-grader now, getting top marks in her classes.

  “So, Ellen, you’re going to have a new mother,” Judge Roper said.

  “Yes, Judge,” Ellen answered politely.

  “Your Honor,” Anne Marie whispered.

  “Your Honor,” Ellen repeated.

  She placed her hand in Anne Marie’s and edged closer to her side.

  “Congratulations,” the judge said and signed his name at the bottom of the document.

  “That’s all there is?” Ellen asked in a whisper.

  Anne Marie was surprised herself. “Apparently so.”

  Anne Marie’s mother wept noisily at the back of the courtroom. The next name was called, and Anne Marie and Ellen hugged and left the room. Laura Bostwick continued to sob, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue as they walked out into the hallway. The heavy door closed behind them.

  “Are you sure you can’t come to the party, Mom?” Anne Marie asked.

  “I’ll come by later if that’s okay.”

  “Of course. I want you to meet my friends.”

  Catching her off guard, Laura awkwardly hugged Anne Marie. “You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “My name is Ellen Roche,” Ellen announced to a guard who strolled past.

  “That’s a nice name,” the uniformed man told her.

  “Ellen Dolores Roche,” she said. “Dolores was my grandmother’s name. She’s with Jesus now.”

  The man smiled at Anne Marie and kept on walking.

  “This is my new mother,” Ellen called after him. “She loves me a lot.”

  “Ellen,” Anne Marie murmured. “He’s busy.”

  “I just wanted to tell someone I have a new name,” she whispered, lowering her head.

  “Would you like to tell Barbie and Mark?”

  The girl nodded eagerly. “Lillie and Hector, too?”

  “They’ll all be at the party.”

  “What about Mrs. Beaumont and Lydia and Cody and all my friends from Blossom Street?”

  “They wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Melissa and Michael, too?”

  “Yes.” This shouldn’t be news to Ellen, who knew all about the party at Blossom Street Books after court.

  But Anne Marie understood. Ellen was happy and excited, and she had to express that happiness. She mattered to all these people, belonged to their community as Anne Marie did. Her daughter… Anne Marie�
�s mind came to a sudden halt.

  Ellen was her daughter.

  Her daughter.

  Unexpected tears gathered in her eyes.

  “Anne Marie?” Instantly Ellen was concerned. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes—I’m just happy.”

  “Like Grandma Laura?” she asked.

  Anne Marie squeezed her hand. “Just like Grandma Laura.”

  By the time they got to the bookstore, it seemed the entire street was there to celebrate. Susannah from the flower shop had come, but could only stay briefly. She brought a number of small floral bouquets to commemorate the adoption and a pretty pink corsage for each of them to wear.

  Soon after their arrival, Alix Turner carried in a tray of freshly baked cookies, compliments of the French Café. Lydia and her sister, Margaret, came over in turns, so as not to leave the store unattended. They’d brought several bottles of champagne for the adults—Veuve Clicquot, of course—and sparkling lemonade for the kids. Lydia’s husband, Brad, dropped in later, bringing their son, Cody. Michael and a heavily pregnant Melissa showed up, too, and Ellen was doubly excited.

  “It’s going to be a girl, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Can I be her big sister?”

  “I’m counting on it,” Melissa said. She was due anytime and Michael remained close to her side. They didn’t stay long as they had a birthing class to attend, their final one before her due date.

  Theresa, Cathy and Steve, her part-time employees, helped serve, and Ellen mingled with the crowd, reminding everyone that she had a new name and a new mother.

  Late in the afternoon, both Evelyn Boyle and Anne Marie’s mother stopped by, but could only stay for a few minutes.

  “We were thinking of holding a mommy shower for you,” Barbie said around five o’clock. Almost everyone had come and gone by this point. The ones who remained were the original members of the widows’ group—with the addition of Mark and Hector. It was hard to believe nearly a year had passed since that bleak Valentine’s evening, when they’d started their lists of Twenty Wishes.

  She’d completed her list last spring.