by Elsie Davis
“Melanie, that’s enough.” Garrett was quick to put out the fire, knowing what was in store if he didn’t.
“So, what’s the family discussion?” Bryan asked.
“One of the reasons I’m successful at work is I always create a plan of action. And that’s what I did last night. It starts with one simple question for you three. How would you feel about moving back to Hallbrook and living here? You’d start back to school on Wednesday with your friends.”
“Really? You mean it?” Melanie jumped up and hugged him.
“I say awesome.” Bryan nodded, his boyish grin back in place. “But what about New York and your job?”
“I’ve talked to Jim, and we’ve agreed that it’s for the best. I’m going to put a satellite office here. Work from home and fly there when needed.”
“What’s a satellite office?” Melanie asked.
“It’s when two offices are connected and operate as one from different locations.” Garrett wasn’t sure she understood, and he tried to think of another way to explain it.
“This is the best day. Thanks, Garrett.” Bryan nodded.
“Thanks, Da—Garrett.” Garrett’s heart did a somersault. For one second, Melanie almost called him dad. One day it might happen, but for now, he was loving Da-Garrett.
“Since you’re in agreement, here’s the plan I worked out last night. I want to call it Operation April. I love her, and I’m almost positive you all do too. We need to prove to her we got this family thing figured out, and that we want her to be a part of the family not for what she can do for us, but for what we can do together as a family.” The kids didn’t even seem remotely shocked.
“We know that. We’re not blind. But how do we get her to come back?” Bryan asked.
“Excellent question. I figure we’ve got enough cookies in the freezer to last a month, which gives us a month to get everything perfect, and then we invite her to dinner to show her what we can do. Maybe we’ll even get lucky and see her in town, that way she doesn’t forget us. And her cookies will help remind us of what’s at stake. We need to learn to cook and clean and get organized with your schoolwork and cleaning your rooms. I’m going to have the house remodeled to make it bigger so April can have her own quiet place to prepare her school lessons when she’s teaching. What do you both think? Will it work? Are you in?” He’d never pictured himself negotiating and planning with children what could turn out to be the biggest deal of his life.
“Sure, it’ll work. Girls love that kind of stuff.” Bryan conspiratorial tones were as if the two of them were collaborating on a secret mission.
“They do, buddy. At least, that’s what I’m hoping anyway.”
“I think it’s sweet. Of course, it’ll work. She loves us,” Melanie chimed in.
“She does at that. All we need to do is get everything done and then invite her over. To show her we want her, not need her. Deal?”
“Deal,” Bryan and Melanie answered in unison.
“Deal,” Sandy spoke up, making everyone laugh.
“Okay, then, while I try to find a sitter for Sandy while I’m working, can you two clean up the kitchen and watch her. I still know lots of people here, and I’m going to find someone local to help us out.”
“Jessica might know someone,” Bryan pipped out.
“Amazing idea.” Garrett ruffled the boy’s hair.
Bryan beamed under the praise.
Life was chaotic with the kids but in a good way. And they weren’t the cause of issues between adults. Garrett realized that love could conquer all if two people were willing to work together and learn to compromise, and he looked forward to the chance to prove it to April.
Chapter Twenty-One
Three weeks into classes, April was overwhelmed with the workload. Between her class schedule at Plymouth University and her teacher’s assistant position three times a week over in Conway, free time was a commodity as valuable as gold. Now, more than ever, she was grateful for Garrett’s offer and bonus, although she still felt guilty for cutting out early. Without the money from her time in New York, it would have been tough to handle her classes, the homework, and the internship, all while holding down a full-time job.
She hadn’t heard from Garrett or the kids since the Labor Day festival, and she missed them. All of them. She’d reached for her phone at least a dozen times wanting to call but held back. The kids would be in school by now, and who knew if they were allowed cell phones in boarding school. As for Garrett, nothing had changed, and it was still better if she protected her heart, which meant no calling.
April was intent on treating herself after she found out she aced her morning exam, and her afternoon class had been canceled. She called Maddison, hoping she could meet her at Sally’s, but her friend was working. That was the problem with being off in the afternoon. Everyone she knew had regular jobs and were either sleeping to work the third shift, or they were at work. After she parked, she crossed Main Street and entered the diner.
A young server approached her; one April didn’t recognize. The girl sported purple hair and an earring in her eyebrow, which would be unforgettable by themselves, but the snake tattoo on her right arm was even more shocking. Christina—the girl’s name tag identifying the newcomer. Sooner or later, April would get the scoop on how the girl had ended up working at the diner because news in town usually made its way around eventually.
“What can I get you?” the girl asked, neither a smile nor frown on her face.
“Peach pie à la mode.” Sally’s pie was the best in the county, and although not so hot on the sweet calorie counter, having it as an occasional treat wasn’t so bad on the waistline. She’d jog a mile later to make up for it.
“Anything to drink?”
“Sure, a cup of coffee, please. With cream, no sugar.”
The girl walked away without another word. She wasn’t rude, just not what one expected here in Hallbrook.
April shrugged and glanced around, looking to see if she recognized anyone. Old Mr. Peterson sat in the corner with pie à la mode. The man had one of the largest dairy farms in the area and made some of the best ice cream, of which Sally bought and sold, but Mr. Peterson still came here to eat it. April wondered if he was sweet on the peach pie or Sally.
The bell on the door jingled, and Mrs. Jenkins entered. She glanced around as if looking for someone, and then shook her head. The elderly woman had manned the library for the past thirty-plus years, refusing to give up her position as head librarian. And she knew everyone in town. Her gaze returned to April, the older woman smiling as she crossed the diner and sat down to join April. Invited or otherwise.
“Don’t see much of you lately. Glad you’re finally finishing your schooling, young lady. I’m just waiting for someone, so don’t worry, I’m not here to stay.”
“It’s fine. Maddison couldn’t make it, so I’m on my own.”
Christina delivered her pie. “Anything else?”
“No, thanks. Mrs. Jenkins, would you like something?”
“No, thank you. I’ll order when my friend arrives.” The server turned and left.
“That girl looks like trouble, mark my words. Don’t know why Sally would think her granddaughter would fit in here.”
The urge to defend Christina was strong. “She’s unique and expressing her own identity. It doesn’t make her trouble.” She didn’t have to know the girl to understand there was a story.
“Girl got sent here by her mother from the city because she couldn’t handle her. That’s what I hear anyway.” Another example of a child who didn’t seem to be coping well with life. Maybe she had no one to reach out to. It made April want to help her.
“Well, Sally knows what she’s doing. Hallbrook might be just the place for the girl. We have lots of country air to refresh a person’s soul.”
“You always did have a good head on your shoulders and a big heart. Do you ever stop in to see the Williams kids anymore? I know how close you got to them. M
y, my, that little Sandy is a charmer. And she’s talking now. What a blessing.”
April sighed. “She is? I hadn’t heard. That’s wonderful. And, no, I haven’t seen them lately, not since the Labor Day festival. With my schedule, I just don’t have time to travel to New York to see them.” The idea had crossed her mind though, lots of times.
“Why would you go to New York to keep in touch when they’re right here in Hallbrook. Didn’t you know Garrett Bradley moved them all back here?”
What? Garrett and the kids were here? It wasn’t possible. No one had said a word to her. “No, I didn’t.” April couldn’t believe it. They were here. The kids. And Garrett. Things had changed more than she could have ever imagined.
“Oh, I kind of had the idea that you two were sweet on each other, nanny or not.” Mrs. Jenkins was in information-seeking mode. April shook her head.
“No. I just worked for him.” Except for the kiss after his thank-you date.
“Sandy goes to preschool now, and Taylor Milner is watching her and the older kids after school. That’s Frank and Mary Watkin’s granddaughter. They are kind and generous people. Still work at the hardware store, even though their kids practically run the place. Mary says Taylor sings the praises of those kids and Garrett, too. Seems like that boy got his act together coming back to town and doing the right thing by those kids.”
The woman didn’t stop talking, and April didn’t want her to stop. She wanted all the updates on Garrett and the kids.
“I don’t like the boy Taylor’s dating. Doesn’t have much respect for his library books and getting them back on time. You know I don’t forget anything, and if you can’t respect a book, how can you respect your elders? Boy’s got some maturing to do if you ask me.” Mrs. Jenkins had always been a stickler for the rules when it involved her precious books.
“I’m sure you’re right.” And just like that, she was off on another topic. April still couldn’t believe it. Garrett and the kids were right here in Hallbrook. They hadn’t left after the festival, according to Mrs. Jenkins. This was the first she’d heard about it. Her school and work had kept her busy and out of circulation apparently.
The bell jingled again, and Mr. Hadley, the town’s most eccentric octogenarian, walked in. Mrs. Jenkins looked up, her face softening a bit as she watched him approach. She stood. “There’s my date. Late, but I’ll forgive him if he treats me to lunch.” She winked and turned to leave, taking the older man’s arm as he escorted her to a booth.
April let out a long sigh. It was the sweetest thing to watch two people in love, especially at their age. She finished her pie and glanced at her watch. School would be letting out soon, and April was determined to see the kids, even if from a distance. She wasn’t sure what Garrett’s reaction would be if she dropped in unannounced. It rankled he hadn’t even bothered to call her.
It didn’t take her long to drive to the outskirts of town to the Bradley estate. She pulled off to the side of the road to wait for the school bus, anxiously trying to confirm everything she’d heard from Mrs. Jenkins.
Ten minutes later, her proof exited the bus in the form of Bryan and Melanie. The two kids paused, looked in both directions, and then crossed the street to the driveway before breaking into a run for the house. It was true. But the glimpse she’d gotten wasn’t near enough for her to put the car in drive and ride away.
She let out a deep breath, gathered her courage, and turned into the driveway. The kids stopped to see who’d come to visit. Their shocked but joyful expressions as they recognized her car and ran toward her, filled her heart to overflowing. This was what she’d come for.
April exited the car and met them with open arms.
“Look at you two. You’ve grown so much.” She hugged them tightly, tears of joy filling her eyes.
“Miss April, you’re here. You came. I knew you would.” Melanie smiled, hugging her again.
“Shut up, Mel. You’ll blow it all.” Bryan’s rude comment caught her by surprise.
“Will not,” Melanie whined.
“Will too,” Bryan insisted.
Just like old times. She shook her head, ready to step in and put a halt to it. “What’s going on? And, Bryan, saying shut up is not nice.” It felt like she’d come home.
Bryan frowned. “Sorry, Mel.” Wait. What?
“Apology accepted.” The two of them glanced at her and then back at each other. As if by magic, they shrugged and then hugged. There was something odd going on.
“Hey, you two. What’s going—April?” Garrett’s voice came from the front porch, and all three of them turned to face him.
“She just showed up. Isn’t that awesome?” Bryan asked, grinning.
“It is. Would you like to come in? My sitter is sick today, so I need to keep an eye on Sandy. Kids, your afterschool snacks are on the table when you’re ready.” Garrett took control as though he was a parenting pro.
“Yay. I didn’t like the school lunch today. It was a nasty lasagna, so I only ate the salad part, and I’m hungry.” Melanie grimaced.
“I’d love to come in. I don’t want to intrude, but I wanted to see everyone again if that’s okay.” April was still trying to process what she was seeing and hearing.
“Of course, it’s okay. I hope I’m included in the everyone you want to see.” He gazed at her and winked, leaving her speechless.
They all headed inside, April fully expecting the house to be destroyed without someone there to clean up today. Twenty-four hours was more than enough time to make a mess, especially for a three-year-old and two older kids who weren’t the greatest at picking up behind themselves. What she noticed, however, made her stop and take a deeper look.
The house was lived in, but clean. They made their way to the kitchen, Garrett scooping up Sandy on the way. She peered over his shoulder and held her arms out to April, clenching her fingers.
“Hold me.” It was the first time April had heard her talk, and it was sweet music to her ears. Garrett had done wonders to bring the girl back around to feeling loved and protected. April was more than ecstatic to snuggle Sandy, and Garrett seemed more than happy to let her.
“Have a seat, and I’ll get you a snack.” Garrett was far more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. He moved toward the refrigerator, giving April a clear view of the table. The kids sat down, placed napkins in their laps, and then picked up their snacks. My flag-decorated cookies.
“Are those my cookies? From the festival. How did you get these?” Why was a better question?
Melanie and Bryan grinned.
“He bought them right after I told him you donated cookies,” Melanie had a satisfied expression on her face.
“All of them?” April asked.
“All of them,” Bryan confirmed.
“All ten dozen minus one.” Garrett chucked Melanie on the chin affectionately.
“Well, that explains why they were sold out when I returned to buy some for the kids. But it doesn’t explain why you would want ten dozen.” April stared at Garrett, waiting for an answer.
“We froze them. The kids and I are hooked on your cooking, and it was a way to keep things together, as if you were still here. It was a silly idea, but it worked.”
“We’ve had one a day after school to make them last,” Bryan chimed in.
She shook her head. “And what was going to happen once you ate them all?”
“We were coming to find you,” Melanie said, her mouth coated in red and blue frosting.
“You were going to come and ask me to make more cookies?” April was confused, and a bit hurt. They wanted her for her cookies. Not her. She tried not to dwell on it. The kids wouldn’t understand.
“Something like that,” Garrett admitted with a grin. “You’ll understand soon enough.”
The kids talked nonstop, telling her about school and their friends and everything in between.
“What prompted the move here? I thought you couldn’t leave the city and the kids had start
ed boarding school last month.”
“Boarding school? Isn’t that a school where kids live?” Bryan asked. “Why would Garrett do that? He likes having us around, don’t you?” The boy looked to Garrett for confirmation.
“Yes, son, I do.” He ruffled his hair. Son.
“But Brooke said—”
“Anything Brooke said was Brooke’s doing. I asked her to investigate the schools, and she took it upon herself to apply. Yes, I know all about that. I found an opened envelope stuffed in one of the bottom drawers of my desk when I cleaned out my office. Not sure how it got there.” He smirked, knowing perfectly well she was the one who had put it there.
“Brooke overstepped her boundaries, and we’ve since parted ways. I didn’t need a secretary in New York after moving here. I’ve cut back my workload and handle the cases I want to work on from the satellite office I set up at the house. It’s best for the kids…and me.” Garrett kept surprising her every step of the way.
“I’m impressed. I still can’t believe you’re here. Living here in Hallbrook.” She shook her head, taking it all in. If they lived here, and he hadn’t put the kids in boarding school, what did that mean for her and Garrett?
“Well, believe it. The kids, Rufus, and I come as a package deal. And we are all hoping you’ll give us a second chance. Me, mainly. I know you love the kids, and some things never change.”
Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. From not a single call to asking for a second chance was a giant leap. Did Garrett need a nanny and a housekeeper? Because she was done with that job title. “I’m busy at school, and I’m not sure how it would work. I’m sorry.”
The kids’ crestfallen faces nearly broke her heart. It’s not as though she wouldn’t come to visit them. She just didn’t want to work for Garrett.
“April, can I talk to you alone for a minute. Please,” he asked, one eyebrow cocked upward, daring her to refuse his simple request.
She stood. “Sure.”
“Kids, we’ll be right back. I think I should explain things to Miss April in private.”
April followed him out of the kitchen and into the living room. “There’s nothing to discuss. I’m not looking for a job, no matter how much I love the kids. Those days are behind me. You know I want to finish school and then teach.”