Second-Chance Sweethearts

by Cindy Caldwell

  Tamlyn leaned back on the couch and blew into her mug, the steam spiraling.

  “So. He and his daughters have some memories that you don’t have. Of their mother, Allen of his wife.”

  Corinne glanced at the book sitting next to her on the couch.

  “Yes, they sure do.”

  “And that’s to be expected,” Tamlyn said slowly.

  “Of course it is. I know I sound silly, and I really do understand it. I do. It’s just that—if we were ever to be able to have a relationship, it would have to be new. Separate. Me. Not me trying to replace Mary.”

  Tamlyn sat quietly for a moment and reached for the book on the other side of Corinne.

  “This is the book Opal gave you? For the chili recipe?”

  Corinne sighed and nodded.

  “Yes. She wanted me to learn to make chili the right way. The way her mother did.”

  Tamlyn flipped through the book for a moment and raised her eyebrows.

  “Have you looked at this?” she asked.

  “No. I haven’t had the heart to. It was just really clear to me that I’m not Mary. And I don’t want to be.”

  Tamlyn stretched her ankle, turning it in a circle.

  “I hear what you’re saying, Aunt Corinne, but think about it this way. I know it’s been years since Mary died. Opal and Olivia loved their mother, and she and Allen had a wonderful relationship.”

  “Yes, I know,” Corinne groaned. “I know I sound like a whiny baby. I don’t begrudge them that. I’m happy for them.”

  Tamlyn laughed. “I know you are, because that’s who you are. Hear me out.”

  Corinne sighed and rubbed her eyes.

  “It’s normal to feel the way you’re feeling, I think. I know I would. This has gone very quickly, and I know you’ve been hopeful. And after what you experience long ago, that would be scary. To hope again.”

  Corinne wiped away a tear with the back of her hand.

  “I didn’t think it was. When I told Allen what had happened, I really didn’t feel anything. That made me happy.”

  “I’m sure it did,” Tamlyn said. “And you thought you were free and clear. But think about it. Everything that happened tonight could have made you feel frightened again. That there was someone else in the background. Because there is.”

  Corinne sat up straighter and turned toward Tamlyn.

  “Yes, there is, now that you mention it. I hadn’t thought about that.”

  Tamlyn refilled their mugs and leaned on the kitchen counter.

  “But there’s one big difference here. Mary’s a memory. She’s not here, not now. At this moment, you have Allen’s heart.”

  Corinne waved her hand and shook her head.

  “I thought I did, but I’m not so sure.”

  “Don’t be silly, Aunt Corinne. I’ve seen how he looks at you, and when you two are together, you’re like two kids who’ve just fallen in love. It’s obvious. To everybody. Opal and Olivia included.”

  “Oh, Tamlyn. What am I supposed to do?”

  Tamlyn picked up the book from the coffee table and handed it to Corinne. She leaned forward and kissed her aunt on the cheek.

  “I have to go to bed. I will be at work all day tomorrow for meetings, but I plan to come to the party.”

  She tapped the book a couple of times before she stood up.

  “I suggest you get a good night’s sleep, then read through that book. Maybe you can make friends with Mary’s memory, too, and realize that you can be a part of something magical. Something wonderful.”

  Corinne flipped through the book quickly, her eyes not really focusing on all the handwritten notes in the margins. Mary’s notes. She shut it quickly and looked up at Tamlyn.

  “I don’t think I can.”

  “Aunt Corinne, I’ve known you my whole life as a loving, adventurous, exciting free spirit. Maybe it’s time for you to look a little deeper here. For your own good.”

  Tamlyn smiled at Corinne and set her mug down in the sink.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight. I love you, and I know that this was meant to be.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart,” Corinne said as Tamlyn went back into her bedroom.

  She picked up the book again and held it to her chest. When she got to her room, she set it on the bedside table, knowing she should probably read it, but she just couldn’t bring herself to. The ache in her heart was too big, and she turned off the light, wishing for sleep to take it away.

  Chapter 15

  Raindrops pounded on the window and Allen rested his head on the cool glass. A storm had come up just after sunrise, and Allen had stood out in it for a little bit, listening to the thunder as it rolled closer.

  He’d tossed and turned all night, his mind racing back to the look on Corinne’s face as Opal gave her Mary’s cookbook and she’d left in such a hurry. They’d been interrupted just before he was going to tell her how he felt, what he knew in his heart to be right. That Mary was his past, and if he had anything to say about it, Corinne would be his future.

  Just as quickly, his mind went back to Texas, when the girls were in high school. It had been a happy time, and they’d all been devastated when Mary died. It hit them all hard.

  They’d each reacted in their own way. Opal had graduated from high school and stayed to help him in the family hardware store, attending community college until they’d come to the ranch. Olivia, his eldest daughter, had always been a bit of a pistol, leaving Texas as soon as she could for college in New York. He’d never understood how she could possibly want to leave Texas, but lately he’d realized he didn’t understand a lot of things. He’d never in a million years thought he’d leave the home he’d shared with Mary and the girls or sell the hardware store. And it had all happened so quickly.

  He crossed over to the mantle and looked at the picture of Mary with Opal and Olivia. They looked so much alike, and he knew they loved their mother as much as he had.

  Opal’s response had surprised him. Maybe he hadn’t given enough thought to how the girls would respond, and just saw it as him trying to replace Mary. In his heart, that wasn’t it at all. He’d carefully thought about how he could make room for both Corinne and Mary, and he was certain he could. But it didn’t appear that his daughters felt the same way.

  Was he really free to make this choice, anyway? Didn’t he have an obligation to his kids? It was clear that in many ways, they’d like things to stay the way they’d always been. Complete with chili and Fritos, cookies made just so and traditions to stay intact.

  And this had happened quickly, too, with not a lot of time for everybody to adjust. But it seemed so right. He hadn’t been looking for anyone, but somehow this beautiful, fiery, adventurous woman had landed right on his doorstep. He had a second chance at another great love—lightning might even strike twice for him—and he wasn’t going to miss the chance, but maybe he’d been a little too selfish.

  He went back inside, and Opal, still in her pajamas, handed him a cup of coffee. Kona, just the way he liked it.

  He nodded thanks and sat down at the kitchen island, not knowing exactly what to say.

  Opal leaned against the kitchen counter, blowing on her coffee as she eyed her father.

  “Dad, I’ve been thinking.”

  “Uh-oh,” Allen said, and they both laughed. “That doesn’t always end well.”

  “Very funny.” Opal stirred a spoonful of sugar into her coffee cup, tapped the spoon on the side of the mug and set it down on the counter.

  Allen waited patiently, his thoughts jumbled with everything that had happened.

  “First, I want to apologize that I hurt Corinne. It hadn’t crossed my mind that giving her the book and talking about the chili might be difficult for her.”

  Allen nodded at Opal, her words feeling sincere.

  “I know you didn’t mean to hurt her, honey. Thanks for that.”

  “I really am sorry. I honestly was just trying to help. My intention was to t
ry to make her feel better, more part of the family.”

  Allen’s eyebrows rose. This wasn’t something he’d expected, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter.

  “Really? It appeared to me that you were telling her that to be part of the family she needed to make chili like you mother.”

  “And in hindsight, I’m sure that’s how she took it, too. But what I meant was, here’s a way to get to know us better. Honestly, a way into my dad’s heart.”

  Allen sat up straight and ran his hands through his hair. This wasn’t what he’d expected from Opal, but he figured it was now or never for him to tell her how he really felt.

  “Sweetie, she’s already got my heart.”

  Opal set her mug down and rubbed her eyes. She reached for a tissue and wiped at her cheeks.

  “Oh, honey, I’m sorry,” Allen said as he stood and took her into a bear hug.

  “Dad, I’m the one who’s sorry. I didn’t mean to make a mess of things, and it’s pretty obvious to everybody that you love her. I know that, and I want you to be happy, too. Just like the rest of us. It’s just—I don’t know how to explain it.”

  Allen smoothed his daughter’s hair and kissed the top of her head.

  “I don’t know how to explain it, either. All I know is that I do love Corinne, but I still love your mother. That will never change.”

  Opal kissed Allen’s cheek and sat down at the table.

  “I know, Dad. I can see that. And I truly do want you to be happy, to move on like the rest of us have. Find happiness of your own.”

  Allen sat down beside Opal and took her hands in his.

  “Opal, I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve realized that there’s room in my heart for all of it. Every bit of it. You, your sister, your mom, and Corinne. I love you all.”

  Opal sat up straight, a smile spreading slowly.

  “Did you hear what you said?” she asked, her eyebrows raised.

  “What?”

  “You said you love her.”

  “Oh, I guess I did,” Allen said and his eyebrows rose, too. “What do I do now?”

  Opal laughed and slapped her knee.

  “I think the appropriate thing to do would be to tell her.”

  “Oh, right,” he said as he stood and paced in the kitchen. “She was pretty upset last night. I’m not sure how that would go.”

  Opal tapped her chin and Allen thought he should probably worry.

  “What are you thinking?”

  “Nothing,” she said. “I’ve got to get dressed and open the gallery. Why don’t you call her?”

  He rested his hands on the mantle, looking one last time at the pictures of his family. He rearranged them a little bit, leaving room in the middle. There was plenty of room for more pictures. He turned toward Opal and smiled.

  “I’ll do that,” he said as his heart felt a little lighter, a flicker of hope somewhere deep inside.

  Chapter 16

  Corinne had finally fallen asleep, and was awakened by the sound of thunder rolling through the trees. It suited her mood, and she stayed in bed a little while, listening to the rain patter on the roof of Tamlyn’s apartment.

  She finally got up and dressed, trying not to think about the book she’d shoved in her nightstand drawer sometime in the middle of the night. She’d tried to ignore it, but with it right there, she couldn’t help but wonder what might have been with Allen if they’d been able to figure it out.

  She’d just poured her second cup of Kona coffee when a knock sounded at the door. She looked around before remembering that Tamlyn had gone into work early.

  She tied her robe more tightly around her and her stomach sank at the thought it might be Allen. She didn’t think she could talk to him at the moment—her emotions were too raw.

  “Who is it?” she asked through the door.

  “Corinne, it’s me. Opal.”

  Corinne took a step back and her hand flew to her mouth. This was almost worse than having Allen come over. She had no idea what she could possibly say to Opal at this point.

  But here she was. Corinne squared her shoulders, ran her fingers through her hair and opened the door.

  “Morning, Opal,” Corinne said, opening the door wider for Opal to come in. She might as well get it all out on the table and end this charade.

  “Hi, Corinne. Thank you for answering. I had imagined you might not want to after what I did last night.”

  “Would you like some coffee?” Corinne asked. “Have a seat.” Her heart thudded in her chest as she poured a cup and handed it to Opal, sitting down at the table beside her.

  Opal inhaled the aroma and said, “Kona coffee. My dad’s favorite.”

  Corinne flushed and fiddled with the spoon on the table.

  “Yes, we do have that in common,” she said quietly.

  “You have more than that in common. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, actually,” Opal said after she’d sipped her coffee. “Corinne, I’d like to apologize about last night.”

  Corinne’s stomach fluttered. She leaned back in her chair and shook her head.

  “No need, Opal. I completely understand. I really shouldn’t have thought it could be any other way.”

  Opal leaned forward on the table.

  “I think I’ve messed this up pretty thoroughly, Corinne. I wasn’t trying to say that you weren’t welcome, but that you were. More than you could know.”

  Corinne sat upright and frowned. This wasn’t at all what she’d expected Opal to say.

  “What do you mean? It was clear that the chili was wrong, and that I should make it correctly. And all of the pictures of your father and your mom, and all of you—you look so happy.”

  Opal looked down at the napkin on the table.

  “We were happy,” she said as she crumpled the napkin. “Very happy. But that was a long time ago, and Mom’s gone.”

  Corinne’s heart tugged, and she kicked herself for having been so completely selfish. This young girl had lost her mother, her family gone. And here she was worrying about herself.

  “I’m so sorry, Opal,” she said, leaning forward and taking Opal’s hand.

  Opal squeezed back and looked up at Corinne, the sadness in her eyes changing slowly.

  “Corinne, these past few weeks have really changed everything. We all still miss my mother, but I haven’t seen my father this happy in ages. Truly ages. And it’s warmed my heart. You did that.”

  “I did?” Corinne asked, the flutter back in her belly.

  “Yes,” Opal said. “I haven’t seen him smile or laugh this much in years. I mean, sure, he’s laughed, but not like this. Not like the way he does when he looks at you.”

  “Oh, my,” Corinne said, her hand on her cheek. “I guess now that you mention it, it’s been the same for me,” she said awkwardly, not sure how Opal would take it. She was happy to see that Opal smiled and slapped her palm on the table.

  “I knew it. You love him, don’t you?”

  Corinne gasped and stood up. She paced for a moment, her hands in the pockets of her bathrobe. Slowly, she turned to Opal, her smile wide.

  “Yes. Yes, I suppose I do.”

  Opal stood and walked toward Corinne, her arms open wide.

  “I knew it,” she said as she hugged Corinne tight. “I’m so glad.”

  “But what if—how do I know—your mom—” Corinne stammered as Opal stepped back.

  Beaming, Opal said, “I have an idea. Why don’t you look through the book I gave you last night? I really wasn’t trying to be critical. I just wanted you to know a little more about us, my dad—and my mom. It might help.”

  Corinne couldn’t ignore the pleading in her voice, and she glanced toward her bedroom where the book was.

  “Please, Corinne, trust me. All we’ve ever wanted was for someone to love Dad as much as we do. And I think that’s you.”

  “Oh, my. I guess I do,” Corinne said and she couldn’t help but laugh. Opal joined in and gav
e her another hug before she headed toward the door.

  “I hope to see you tonight at the party,” Opal said before she headed out the door. “And I know my dad does, too.”

  Corinne took a deep breath after Opal left. This certainly was a strange turn of events. She glanced at the book on her nightstand and decided that she should trust Opal...that they both loved Allen and maybe there was something in the book that could help her trust that he might be able to love her, too.

  She brushed her hand against the cool satin of the dress she planned to wear later to the party, fiddling a moment with the feather she planned to wear in her hair.

  She sat down on the bed, propped the pillows behind her back and reached for the book, ready to dive in and learn more about the Hamiltons.

  Chapter 17

  Allen had been hoping that all the hard work that had gone into this party would be a cause for celebration. The set for the old time photos had turned out great—the antique vase that Corinne had picked out was perfect, and he’d added white roses. The only thing that was missing was his partner in crime, the one who he’d pulled this all off with—Corinne.

  He’d called earlier in the day but she hadn’t answered her phone. Eventually, Tamlyn answered and told him Corinne had left for the day, and that she wasn’t sure where she was. He’d asked if she was coming to the party and Tamlyn had quietly answered that she really didn’t know.

  Allen paced in front of the set they’d put together, sitting down in the rocker they’d chosen several times and pulling the chain of the pocket watch he’d slipped into the pocket of his satin vest, checking the time about ever three minutes.

  He’d wanted everything to be perfect and to surprise Corinne. As he paced one more time, he caught sight of himself in the full-length, oak mirror on a stand they’d set to the side so that guests could check out their costumes before the photographs.

  He cocked his head and peered at himself—his tailed black coat fell over his black jeans, his emerald green satin vest shone in the lights of the barn. His black bolo tie—with an emerald green pendant to match Corinne’s eyes—was tipped in silver. He’d gone back to the antique store a few days ago and bought the coat she said had looked handsome on him, and the bolo tie she’d admired. He reached in his pocket and his fingers closed around the small velvet box he’d also gone back to get—the beautiful ring that had looked so perfect on her finger.