Stolen Miracles

by Mary Manners

  Like the mess she was in. She reached for the remote, switched off the background noise of the TV. Outside, the wind whispered restlessly through trees, singing to her aching heart. She took the throw from the couch and padded through the front door to the porch.

  Cole had kissed her. She pressed a finger to her lips, still tingling from his gentle touch. What did it mean? Where would it lead?

  She relaxed against the rail for a moment, drawing a breath of air that carried the scent of drying leaves and wood smoke. The sky was brilliant with stars, the moon a sliver that winked at her.

  What’s Kimmy dreaming about? Does she ever wonder…?

  Rebecca slipped into the porch glider and wrapped the blanket tight around her shoulders. Setting the bench into motion, she considered her options. Should she consult an attorney? Plead with Cole? Or, maybe she should just take Kimmy and run.

  The very thought brought a wave of guilt. She couldn’t, no matter how much her heart ached, ever do that to her child—or Cole. She’d seen Kimmy with Cole and knew the love they shared was unbreakable. She would never want to destroy that bond, and it was ludicrous to consider breaking it.

  The way it was ludicrous to imagine that Kimmy had been taken from her in the first place. A single act…insurmountable heartache.

  Rebecca splayed a hand across her belly, remembering the first time she’d felt Kimmy inside her. The fluttering kick was evidence of a miracle, and she carried that miracle inside. The same day Steve had presented her with the double-heart locket, a symbol of two lives intertwined.

  “You’ll fill it with the baby’s picture—and yours. It’s impossible to separate the two of you now…lives forever joined.”

  Were they forever joined, or was it possible to separate something that God himself had brought together?

  Rebecca closed her eyes, but tears spilled anyway. What should I do, Lord? Is there any hope at all?

  A vibration startled her from the prayer, and Rebecca realized her cell phone was tucked in the pocket of her jeans. She wrestled it from the pocket, swiping tears from her face as she checked the caller ID. She pressed the connect button. “Cole?”

  “I’m sorry. It’s late.”

  “I’m not sleeping.”

  “I can’t either.” He paused. “You’re crying.”

  She sniffled. “Just a little.”

  “Please don’t, Becca.”

  “I can’t help it.” She swiped her eyes again. “It hurts so much, Cole. I’m breaking inside. I need…”

  “I’ll be by for you in the morning.”

  “What?”

  “Is nine o’clock too early?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll need help with Kimmy’s party. She’s expecting you for her birthday. I want you to be there, too, Bec.”

  Her heart raced. Was she dreaming? She tucked the phone against her shoulder and pinched her thigh through denim. No, the sharp pain told her she was wide awake. “Are you sure?”

  “It’s Kimmy’s birthday. Do you really think we’d celebrate without you?”

  Silence. His words swept through her, leaving a wake of emotion.

  “Cole, I…”

  “Hang up now, Becca.” His voice softened to a gruff whisper. “Get some sleep, OK?”

  “I don’t know if I can.”

  “Promise me, Bec, that you’ll try.”

  “OK. I promise.” She paused to touch her kiss-bruised lips once more. The ache in her heart warmed to a flicker of love. She wished he was there beside her, to kiss once more. “Goodnight, Cole. See you in the morning.”

  10

  Rebecca watched as Cole placed yellow candles on the cake she’d designed. For her, each candle represented a year without Kimmy.

  “Remember the one to grow on, too, Daddy.” Kimmy eased in beside him, tugging on his sleeve. “Did you think of a wish?”

  It was just the three of them. Cole had explained that Patty was placed on official bed rest. Her husband, Derek, would be by in a bit to drop off Kimmy’s gift. In the meantime, they’d enjoy cake and ice cream as a trio.

  Of misfits...

  The thought startled Rebecca. Were they three misfits, really? The day, despite the unimaginable circumstances, had been more than lovely thus far. She’d helped Cole decorate the kitchen with helium balloons and a shiny banner emblazoned with crepe streamers. Then the three had moved to the expansive yard where she and Cole took turns pushing Kimmy on a plank swing Cole had strung from an enormous oak tree.

  “Higher, Daddy, higher.” Kimmy’s pleas were peppered with squeals of laughter. “I want to catch the sun!”

  Rebecca stood back, watching Cole’s muscles strain beneath a T-shirt untucked from a pair of faded jeans. This was the way she remembered him—purely masculine and without the suit and tie. Her pulse stuttered as he laughed along with Kimmy, and she found herself joining in, as well.

  He’d kissed her, and she found herself wishing he’d do it again.

  “You give her a push, Bec.” Cole stepped aside. “Give it a whirl.”

  “Push me, Miss Rebecca.” Kimmy pumped her legs, and pink glittery tennis shoes sparkled in sunlight. White lace ankle socks were already littered with dirt, and her knees were smudged with grass stains. “Higher than Daddy, even.”

  Rebecca placed a hand on the small of Kimmy’s back and gave a slight shove. The connection brought tears to her eyes. How she had dreamed of a moment such as this!

  “You’re a brave girl to swing so high,” she murmured. “You’re flying, Kimmy.”

  “Like a bird.” She let go of the swing for just a moment, holding her hands out straight to her sides. “I’m a big girl, now.”

  “Yes, you are.” Becca melted at her giggles. She tucked the moment away in her heart as she offered Kimmy another gentle push.

  After a game of Hide and Seek and a round or two of Follow the Leader, the three shared a meal of Kimmy’s favorites—macaroni and cheese, grapes, and fruit snacks. An odd combination, but somehow it all fit together perfectly.

  “Where’s the pink candle, Daddy?” Kimmy’s voice drew Rebecca back.

  “Right here.” Cole showed Kimmy a candle, larger than the others, of baby-soft pink and garnished with swirls. The wick was dark, evidence that it had been lit before. Wax congealed along the sides. “Do you want to place it on the cake?”

  “Uh huh.” Kimmy thought for a moment, and then finally set it into the frosting opposite the others and beside a mound of fruit snacks. “How’s that, Daddy?”

  “Perfect.” He smoothed her hair and then turned to light each candle one by one. The aroma of burning wax filled the room, and a soft glow cast shadows along the kitchen table. “Time to sing.”

  Rebecca’s gaze drifted over Kimmy’s head to lock with Cole’s. He nodded slightly and then segued into a wobbly rendition of Happy Birthday. She joined in as Kimmy took both their hands, one on each side.

  Rebecca’s voice cracked as she struggled to keep up with the words. The birthday song…finally. But would this first time also be her last? After today, what came next?

  Kimmy clapped as the song ended. “Make a wish, Daddy.”

  “But it’s your birthday.”

  “Don’t you remember? I gave my wish to you.”

  “Oh…” He turned away, but not before Rebecca saw the tears that clouded his eyes. “Right. OK.”

  He closed his eyes and surprised Rebecca by reaching for her hand. She waited until he finished his silent wish, all the time wondering what he was yearning for.

  “The pink candle is still burning.” She motioned to the larger candle, now the lone burner in one corner of the cake. “Don’t you want to blow that one out, too, Kimmy?”

  She hesitated and looked to Cole for guidance before answering.

  “That’s Mommy’s candle,” she explained. “She always lit it for my other mama, the one who carried me in her tummy. Right, Daddy?”

  “That’s right.” Cole nodded.

 
“I don’t understand…” Rebecca’s knees turned to pudding. The floor pooled beneath her. “What do you mean?”

  “Leah started the tradition on Kimmy’s first birthday,” Cole explained softly as he squeezed Rebecca’s hand. “Though she didn’t know Kimmy’s birth mother, she wanted to honor her. It’s almost as if she sensed…”

  “My other mama took care of me, didn’t she, Daddy, ‘til I came to you.”

  “Yes, she did.”

  “But who will blow out the candle now?”

  “Rebecca should.” Cole pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to help steady her. “Hold my hand while we say our prayer first.”

  “Can I say the prayer, Daddy?”

  “You most certainly may.”

  Kimmy reached for Rebecca’s hand and bowed her head. “God, thank you for my other mama…the one who loved me enough to give me to Mommy and Daddy.” She squeezed her eyes tight. “Daddy said she’s real special.”

  ****

  The words tugged at Cole’s heart. He felt Rebecca tremble beside him and wished he could take the pain from her and carry it as his own. It was so much for her to bear…too much.

  “Daddy, why’s Miss Rebecca crying?”

  Cole’s head snapped up as Kimmy’s question registered. Rebecca grasped his hand as if it were a lifeline. Tears streamed down her cheeks and dripped onto the tile floor.

  “Hey, there…” He gathered her in, cradling her cheek to his shoulder. “Don’t cry, Bec. It’s going to be OK now.”

  “The candle…” Her voice cracked as she burrowed deeper into the safety of his embrace. “All these years, you did that?”

  “Leah did that, mother to mother. She must have known how hard it was for you.”

  “Daddy…” Kimmy tugged the hem of his T-shirt. Her green eyes were round with concern as she gazed up at him. “Is the pink candle for Miss Rebecca? Is she my other mama?”

  “She could be.” Cole pressed a hand to her hair. “We don’t know for sure yet, but maybe she is. Would you like it if she were?”

  “Yes.” Kimmy eased in close to Rebecca and raised her arms to be lifted up. “Am I too big to carry?”

  The words brought a torrent of tears as Rebecca turned to gather her up. “No, honey. You will never be too big for me to carry.”

  “Daddy told me you were special.” Kimmy wrapped her arms around Rebecca’s neck and settled against her chest. She sighed deeply. “Oh, he was right.”

  11

  “You’re early.” Rebecca sat back in the chair as Cole entered her office at Precious Miracles. “Kimmy’s on the playground with her class.”

  “I know. I saw her out there. She’s having a blast. She really likes it here.”

  “I’m glad. She’s adjusted fine.”

  “Yes, she has.” He slouched in the doorway. The way he drank her in with his slate-gray eyes made Rebecca’s nerves dance. “But, I’m not here for Kimmy. I’m here for you.”

  “Me?”

  His voice was low, husky. “Can you get away for a bit and take a walk with me?”

  “I’d like that.” She nodded. “I think the teachers can manage without me for a while.”

  “Good, Bec.” Cole stepped over to the desk and reached for her hand. “Because there are some things I really need to say to you.”

  “And things I’d like to share with you, as well.” She left her purse, taking only her sweater and Cole’s hand.

  They slipped from the building and crossed the street, making their way through the park and toward the landing. A slight breeze rustled through the trees, and drying leaves crunched beneath the soles of their shoes. Rebecca loved the smell of fall—mums and hay dancing with the swirl of wood smoke. She tilted her head to watch light spill through the colorful treetops. When the park opened at the far side, the Tennessee River beckoned with a sun-dappled current that kissed the shore.

  “Kimmy wants to go skating this Saturday.” Cole paused to look at her. “Would you like to come with us, Bec?”

  “Does she want to try out the figure skates I bought her for her birthday?”

  “You guessed it.” He gave her a sly grin. “That was awfully sneaky of you—making the skates a gift that can’t be returned.”

  “It worked, didn’t it?”

  “You could say that.” He shook his head. “Kimmy’s begged to sleep with those skates every night for the past week.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Dead serious. But I convinced her that cuddling with the blade guards was a whole lot safer.” He smiled at her. “All she talks about is how you braid her hair and the stories you share with her. I thought all of this would be hard on her, but I think she’s adjusted really well. She already loves you.”

  “You know, Cole, you’ve been an amazing daddy. And Leah, well, Kimmy may not look like her, but her personality shines through. If I’d chosen you both myself, I couldn’t have done a better job.”

  “Shh…” He pressed a finger to her lips.

  “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Rebecca murmured as she gazed over the water.

  “Not as beautiful as you.” Cole traded her hand for an arm around her shoulders as they started along the greenway trail that followed a section of the river.

  Rebecca’s pulse sang. “You’re in a happy mood.”

  “That tends to happen when a person falls in love.”

  “Are you saying…?”

  He turned to her. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’ve fallen in love with you, Bec. Do you feel anything…like that for me?”

  “I do. I have…since that first afternoon we spoke at the rink so long ago, and again when you walked into my office to enroll Kimmy.”

  “You could have fooled me.”

  “I was embarrassed. I never thought you could feel—”

  “The same?”

  “Yes, the same.” She shook her head. “And then, given the circumstances, how could I expect you to feel anything but contempt, or possibly pity, for me?”

  “Knowing what I know, Becca, only makes me love you more.” He tucked a knuckle beneath her chin. “You’re the most amazing woman. I never imagined…”

  “And, Kimmy…what does she think?”

  “She thinks along the same lines as her daddy. She wants to know when you’re coming back to read her another bedtime story.”

  “What did you tell her?”

  “Tonight?”

  “I’d like that. I love reading her stories, braiding her hair, watching the plays she orchestrates for your poor, poor cat.”

  “Washing dishes together is fun, too.” Cole winked. “You look good in an apron.”

  “And you’re attractive elbow deep in soapy water.”

  “Touché.” He delved into the pocket of his suit jacket and brought out a legal-sized envelope that he handed to her. “Here’s something for you. It’s just a copy, but all the same…”

  She took the envelope. “I don’t understand.”

  “Open it.”

  She ripped and tugged and gasped at what she found inside.

  Adoption papers…five years old. Signed with a flourish of legalese.

  “Those papers can say what they want.” Cole’s eyes were round with a mixture of love and understanding. “But I know, in my heart, what the truth is, Bec. Kimmy is your daughter—”

  “And yours.” She smiled through her tears. “There’s no easy answer here, is there, Cole?”

  “Wait. I’ve been busy. There’s more. May I?” He took the silver chain from her neck and paused to sit at a bench along the riverside. Opening the locket, he drew a small photo from his pocket and pressed it into the folds of silver. Satisfied, he nodded. “It looks perfect.”

  A photo of her and Kimmy, hugging in front of the birthday cake, fit neatly into the case.

  “But, how did you know?” Rebecca’s breath caught.

  “I have my ways.” He slipped the necklace over her head once again and smoothed it back
into place along the collar of her blouse. “I’m not saying I understand God’s plan in this, Bec. But I do know one thing—no heart should be empty.”

  She swallowed hard to force tears back. “Is yours…empty?”

  He shook his head. “Mine’s so full of love, I think it’s going to burst.” He leaned in, his breath warm on her cheek. “May I?”

  “Please.”

  His mouth claimed hers, and the kiss held all the promises Rebecca longed for.

  “You know, Becca, the answer we’re searching for might be closer than you think.”

  She could hardly draw a breath. She longed for him to kiss her again. “How so?”

  “God’s given me a second chance, Becca.” His fingers slipped beneath her hairline and stroked the scar hidden there. “I loved you once, a long time ago. But it wasn’t meant to be—at least not then. But now, all I can think…”

  “He’s given me a second chance, too.” Rebecca took his hand and pressed his palm to her cheek. “I never, in all the years I hoped and prayed, could have imagined how wonderful this—you—would be.”

  “Life has been a wild ride for both of us, Becca. Things have changed in ways neither one of us could have imagined. Twists and turns, a detour here and there, don’t have to be bad things. They can be whatever we make them.”

  “I understand that, now.” She leaned in. “Kiss me again, Cole.”

  He did, lingering until she was breathless.

  “I have one more thing for you—for us.” He kissed her once more as he slipped to one knee and tucked a hand into his pocket. When he withdrew it, something caught the sun’s reflection, refracting into a brilliant rainbow of light.

  It was a diamond set in a delicate gold band. A hand fisted at Rebecca’s mouth as she gasped. “Cole…oh, my!”

  “Becca, I love you in a way I never dreamed I could. Will you make my life—our family—complete? Will you marry me?”

  Epilogue

  Sunlight danced over the Tennessee River as Cole drew Rebecca close, his fingers twined with hers. The breeze carried the familiar scent of his aftershave…clean evergreen and spices she’d grown to love.