One More Second Chance

by Jana Richards

  Excited whispers echoed through the gymnasium. Julia was shocked he’d speak of Chloe’s pregnancy in such a public way, but perhaps it was for the best. People would find out soon enough. Might as well come clean.

  “My wife and daughter and I have decided that she will be keeping the baby and will likely be taking advantage of the daycare in order to continue her schooling, so it would be the height of hypocrisy for me to advocate getting rid of a facility my family will be using. I will be happy to take any questions you may have, and I’m sure Mrs. Stewart will answer questions also.”

  A few questions were asked, mainly about financing the daycare, the number of children currently enrolled, and expected future enrollment. Julia easily answered them all. With Ralph’s capitulation, all the fight had gone out of the room, and debate was essentially over. When there were no more questions from the floor, the moderator called an end to the meeting. Julia sighed in relief.

  She made her way off the stage and headed for the exit, wanting nothing more than to pick up Ava and go home. She was stopped by several people who wanted to shake her hand and congratulate her on a job well done. Their praise came as a total surprise.

  She met Edie and Aaron near the coat racks. Edie gave her a fierce hug.

  “You were wonderful. So poised and confident, and totally in control.”

  She had to smile at that. “It’s a good thing you couldn’t see my knees shaking behind the podium. I was terrified.”

  “Then you hid it well,” Aaron said.

  “You know what they say,” Julia said. “Never let them see you sweat.”

  “You’re definitely a master at hiding your true feelings.” Edie took Aaron’s arm. “We’d better get going. We told my mom we’d be home early.”

  “Thank you for coming. I really appreciate your support.”

  Edie kissed her. “It was the least we could do for you, Jules.”

  They retrieved their coats and left. Julia was about to do the same when Lily stopped her. Wyatt stood a couple of steps behind her.

  “Wonderful job, Julia,” Lily said. “I’m so proud of you for standing up to Ralph, and fighting for what you believe in.”

  Julia embraced her. “Thank you. That means a lot to me, coming from you.”

  Wyatt stepped forward, a slight smile on his face. He offered his hand in a shake. “You did a good job. Congratulations.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Wasn’t he on Ralph’s side? Wyatt was the last person she’d expected congratulations from, especially after the fiasco at Alex’s front door. But his expression told her he meant what he said.

  “I…thank you.”

  Lily touched her arm. “We should be going, but we’ll see you and Ava very soon.”

  “Good night, Lily. Wyatt.”

  “Good night,” he said with a nod.

  She watched them leave the school, still reeling from Wyatt’s unexpected praise and trying to decipher what it meant. She grabbed her coat and started to put it on.

  “Here, let me help you.”

  The sound of Alex’s voice just behind her sent a shiver rippling down her back. He held her coat, and she pushed her arms inside, then turned to look at him. His dark eyes were warm as he looked down at her with a fond smile. After the way they’d parted, after the things she’d said, she was surprised by his demeanor.

  “I didn’t know you were here.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it,” he said, still smiling. “I got here a little late, but I caught the end of your speech. Your passion really shone through. Everyone could feel it.”

  “I…I believe in the project.” When he looked at her like that, with such intensity and emotion shining in his eyes, she could barely breathe.

  “You should let yourself express that passion more often. You’re the strongest woman I know, with the possible exceptions of my grandmother and my mother.”

  She was genuinely touched. “Thank you. I know that’s high praise, considering what you’ve told me about them.”

  “It is. It seems I’ve been blessed with a lot of strong women in my life.”

  Someone diverted her attention for a moment to say hello and congratulate her on a speech well said, and when she turned back to Alex his face was more serious.

  “I wish you’d believe me when I say I want to stay here in Lobster Cove and make a life with you,” he said softly in a voice meant only for her. “I wish you’d believe that I love you.”

  She stared at him, not able to speak or look away. She wanted to believe him, wanted it with every fiber of her being. But she was afraid. How could she accept the love he offered? What if he changed his mind and left her? She couldn’t go through that again. Russ’s betrayal had broken her inside, and she wasn’t sure the wound was completely healed. Worse, Russ had broken her trust. Would she ever believe in love again?

  “I know this isn’t the time or the place,” he said, glancing away to watch people visiting in the hallway. “I have to go. Any time you want to talk, let me know.”

  She desperately wanted to kiss him, to feel his arms securely around her, but as he said, this wasn’t the time or place. All she could do was nod. He smiled and walked away.

  Julia watched Alex until he left the building and was swallowed by the night. She made herself button her coat and put one foot in front of the other to leave the school.

  His words rang in her ears. I wish you’d believe that I love you. Despite every obstacle she’d thrown between them, Alex still maintained he loved her. He hadn’t abandoned her when things got tough. That had to mean something.

  But Julia was afraid to hope.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Alex looked in baby Abigail’s ears while Edie tried to hold the squirming, fussy toddler. He soon discovered the source of the child’s distress.

  “Looks like she’s got an ear infection,” he said. “I don’t think she needs antibiotics, at least not yet. These things often clear up on their own in a couple of days. Give her some baby-strength painkillers, and some ear drops to help with the pain. Sometimes heat helps. You can put a warm washcloth on her ear.” He wrote some instructions on a pad. “Watch her for a day or two, and if her temperature goes up, or if she seems to be in pain, bring her back right away. Otherwise, I want to see her in a couple of weeks for a followup visit. In someone as young as Abigail, we want to make sure fluid isn’t building up behind the eardrum and interfering with her hearing. She’s learning to talk right now, and good hearing is imperative.”

  “Thanks, Alex. I really appreciate knowing you’re close by if I have a medical question about the kids or myself.”

  “My pleasure. How have you been feeling?”

  “Pretty good, all things considered. My radiation treatments end next week, and they make me really tired, but I’ve had so much help at home, I’ve been able to rest and concentrate on getting better.”

  “I’m still amazed at the way the community came together to help you.”

  “Julia did an amazing job.”

  “Yeah. She’s an amazing woman.”

  Edie smiled as she got to her feet, rocking her baby on her hip. Abigail rested her head against her mother’s shoulder and watched him solemnly. “Yes, she is. You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”

  There was no point denying it. “Yes.”

  “So what are you going to do about it?”

  “I’ve done everything I can. I’ve told her how I feel, and I’ve told her I want to stay in Lobster Cove, if she’ll have me. I don’t know what else I can do.”

  “Are you serious? Are you really considering staying permanently here?”

  “Yeah, I am. I like it here, and I like the kind of medicine I practice here. I can really make a difference in people’s lives.”

  “I can attest to that,” Edie said with a smile. “Have you actually signed papers, done whatever it is you have to do to stay?”

  “No, I haven’t.” If Julia didn’t want him, it would be torture
for him to stay in the same small community, to see her but not be with her.

  “Maybe you have to take a leap of faith and show her how you feel. Sometimes words aren’t enough.” She adjusted Abigail on her hip. “Maybe you have to be the first one to make a commitment. I have purely selfish reasons for wanting you to stay, of course. But I honestly think Julia needs to know she can count on you. She didn’t have that in her marriage.”

  Abigail began to fuss again. Edie set her on the examining table and dressed her in her tiny coat and hat. Then she set the baby on her feet and put on her own coat.

  “Don’t forget to make another appointment in two weeks,” Alex said.

  “I’ll do it on the way out.” She picked up Abigail and then turned to Alex with a smile. “I hope everything works out. Julia is like a sister to me. She needs someone strong and confident, someone who’s not intimidated by a determined, passionate, capable woman with deeply held opinions. Perhaps someone like you.”

  His mouth quirked in a grin. “Perhaps.”

  “I’ve gotta run. See you, Alex.”

  “Bye.”

  Alex stared at the closed door for a minute. Had he been using Julia as an excuse not to speak to the hospital board about staying? He knew with absolute certainty that family medicine was what he wanted to practice, and that Lobster Cove was the caring community he wanted to practice medicine in. He prayed that Julia would be part of his life, but even if she wasn’t, this was where he belonged. What was he waiting for?

  He took his cell phone from his pocket and checked through his contacts until he found the chairman of the hospital board. He punched in the man’s office number, and when a receptionist answered, he said, “I’d like to make an appointment, please.”

  ****

  Two weeks after the public meeting, Julia slipped her arm through her mother’s, and they walked the two blocks from Dora’s house to her own, with Ava skipping along beside them. Dora seemed to enjoy their walks, and the exercise in the crisp November air was good for all of them. Sometimes a glimpse of the wonderful warm woman she’d been shone through, and other times she appeared lost and a little afraid. That was her reality now.

  After having tea and cookies at Julia and Ava’s house, they walked Dora home. Paul greeted them at the door. She kissed her parents goodbye and took Ava’s hand for the walk home. But they didn’t stay there long. Lily had asked if Ava could come for dinner and stay overnight, and then go with them to Bangor on Sunday. They’d take her to the children’s museum, eat lunch at a restaurant, do some shopping, and be home in time for dinner. So Julia picked up Ava’s overnight bag, and they walked the half mile or so to the Stewarts’ house. Even though it was cool, it was a beautiful, bright late afternoon, and Julia wanted to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. Soon the weather would turn cold, and outdoor walks wouldn’t be nearly as pleasant.

  Ava knocked on her grandparents’ back door, and Lily opened it a moment later, her smile wide.

  “Hello! How are my two favorite girls?”

  “Hi, Grandma! I can hardly wait to go to the museum!” She hugged Lily around the waist. Ever since the Stewarts had proposed the trip, Ava had talked about it nonstop. Her excitement made Julia realize how insular they’d become. They rarely left Mount Desert Island. It would be good for Ava to see a little bit of the world.

  “Why don’t you go inside and help Grandpa set the dining room table, Ava? He’s been waiting for you.”

  “Okay. Bye, Mommy!” She gave Julia a little wave, then slipped off her shoes at the back door and hurried inside. Julia chuckled.

  “She’s so excited about your trip. It’s good of you and Wyatt to take her.”

  Lily grinned. “I think we’re just as excited as she is. Why don’t you have dinner with us? I’ve got plenty.”

  Julia hesitated. “Thank you, that’s a lovely offer, but maybe Wyatt wouldn’t be so keen to have me stay.”

  “Julia.” Lily reached for her hand and squeezed. “I’m very sure. In fact, it was Wyatt’s idea.”

  That surprised her. “Really?”

  “Yes, really. He’s not the enemy, you know. I think you two have more in common than you realize, if you’d just get to know each other a little better. So will you stay?”

  How could she turn Lily down? “Of course. Thank you.”

  She hung her coat in the closet and followed Lily into the dining room.

  “Guess who’s staying for dinner?”

  “Hi, Mommy!”

  Wyatt smiled at her. “I’m glad you could join us.”

  “Thank you for the invitation. It was kind of you to offer.”

  “It’s our pleasure.”

  Julia turned to Lily, not sure what to make of Wyatt’s new attitude. “Is there anything I can help you with in the kitchen?”

  “Sure. You can toss the salad.”

  She and Lily got the food ready while Ava and Wyatt put the finishing touches to the table, including a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers. A few minutes later they were seated.

  To Julia’s surprise, they had a stress-free meal together. Julia had known Wyatt for years, but she realized now she’d never really known him. She’d always thought him rather serious, even dour, but she discovered now that he had a funny side. He and Ava had a running routine of corny knock-knock jokes and silly limericks.

  “They do this all the time,” Lily said with a roll of her eyes.

  “You’re funny, Grandpa,” Ava said.

  “You’re pretty silly yourself, Sweet Pea,” Wyatt retorted.

  “Everybody calls me Sweet Pea. Grandma, Grandpa and Dr. Alex.” She sighed and toyed with the peas on her plate. “I wish Dr. Alex would live with us forever and be my daddy.”

  The table went silent. Lily stared down at her lap. Julia glanced at Wyatt and saw that he was watching Ava, an expression of utter sadness on his face.

  “Ava, honey, you know that Alex is our friend, but he’s not planning to stay in Lobster Cove, right? He’s not going to be your daddy. We’ve talked about this.”

  She lowered her head. “I know, Mommy. I was wishing.”

  Julia’s heart broke for her little girl. She hadn’t realized how deep her attachment to Alex had become or how much Ava missed having a father in her life.

  Lily mustered a smile and got to her feet. “Do you think you can help me clear the table, Ava? Then we can have cake and ice cream.”

  Ava beamed, her previous sadness forgotten. “Okay, Grandma.”

  They cleared away the plates, and Lily brought dessert and coffee to the table. Julia made small talk with Lily, desperate to lighten the somber mood that had descended over them. Wyatt said little, though he smiled for Ava.

  After dinner they all pitched in to clean up, and the work was finished in a short time.

  “I think it’s time for a bath, Ava,” Lily said. “And then off to bed. We have to get up early tomorrow, you know. Why don’t you say good night to your mom, and then we’ll go upstairs?”

  “Okay, Grandma.” Ava ran to Julia, who scooped her into her arms and hugged her. Her baby was getting so big.

  “Good night, honey. You be a good girl for Grandma and Grandpa tomorrow, okay?”

  “I will. I love you, Mommy.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart.”

  She let her go, and with a wave Ava followed Lily up the stairs. Julia turned to Wyatt, ready to say good night.

  “Julia, I just bought a new CD. It’s a reissuing of an Ella Fitzgerald classic,” he said. “I know you like jazz.”

  “Yes, I do, and Ella is always fabulous.”

  It surprised her that he remembered. Years ago, when she and Russ were first married, Wyatt had asked Russ what he could get her for Christmas, and he had told him about some of her favorite artists. Wyatt had bought her a Miles Davis CD. It was still one of her favorites.

  “Good, good. Have a seat in the living room.”

  Julia sat on the edge of the sofa, wondering why he wanted her to
stay. He put on the CD and brought them each a glass of sherry. Ella’s honeyed voice filled the room.

  “She’s wonderful, isn’t she?” Julia said.

  “Yes. The best.” Wyatt took a sip of sherry.

  They listened silently as Ella sang of longing and heartbreak. When the track ended, Wyatt put his glass on the coffee table. “I don’t want Ava to forget her father.”

  “I don’t want that either.”

  He turned to look at her, pain in his eyes. “Then why won’t you let Russ talk to her? Why are all his letters to her returned unopened?”

  Julia stared at him, not comprehending. “What?”

  “She was only three when you divorced him. When I ask her about him, she has very little memory of him. Please, Julia, I’m begging you. Let Ava talk to Russ. She deserves to know him.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t understand. What makes you think I won’t let her talk to him?”

  “He told me.” Wyatt sighed. “A few months ago I hired someone to track him down in Thailand. We got a phone number, and I called him. I gave him hell for not phoning his mother, and especially for not keeping in touch with Ava. He said he’s tried on numerous occasions to call her, and you’ve simply hung up on him, right after you tell him to stay out of her life. Any presents or cards he’s sent have been returned unopened.”

  Julia took a ragged breath and closed her eyes. She’d known Russ had often skated around the truth when it suited him, but she’d never believed he’d tell a bald-faced lie like this, especially to his own father. No wonder Wyatt hated her.

  “There’s never been a phone call from Russ. Or a present, or a card, or a letter, or anything else in the three years he’s been gone.” She gave an involuntary laugh that came out sounding bitter and angry. “I would have killed for a present for Ava from him. Do you know what it’s like on Christmas morning when your child looks under the tree and there’s nothing from her father? She wants to know why other kids’ dads send them gifts or call them on the phone, even if they don’t live with them. I’ve seriously thought about buying things and pretending they’re from him, but how long do I deceive her? Until she’s ten? Fifteen? How much am I supposed to lie to my daughter? At what age are you supposed to stop pretending your child’s father cares about her?”