Second Chance Romance

by Jill Weatherholt

  A glimmer of hope filled Melanie. Of course, she wanted Aunt Phoebe to recover and do all of the things that made her happy. Still, Melanie wasn’t ready to lose her position at The Bean.

  “Yippee! So we can all keep working together.” Rebecca bounced up and down in the seat. Her curls sprang in all directions. Then, with a jerk, she stopped. “I’m sorry, Phoebe. It’s not that I don’t want you better... It’s just, if you come back to The Bean, Miss Melanie will leave.”

  Melanie’s cheeks infused with heat. Leave. Was DC where she belonged? After her time spent in Sweet Gum, she didn’t know anymore.

  Aunt Phoebe turned toward Rebecca. “It’s okay. I know what you mean. I don’t want Melanie to go, either.”

  Listening to them talk about her leaving made Melanie feel as though she had millipedes crawling on her skin. Could she build a new life here? What about her job? It was all she had, but what kind of life was it?

  Jackson pulled into the parking lot of the rehabilitation center. “Well, it’s settled. We’ll continue to run things as we’ve been doing.” He turned to Phoebe. “You take all the time you need. We’ve got it covered.”

  His words made her heart soar. She was giddy at the thought of continuing to work with Jackson. At this moment, her job in DC seemed a million miles away.

  She unfastened her seat belt and gripped the door handle. “I’ll take Phoebe inside.” She opened the door and extended her hand to help her aunt out of the truck.

  Inside, the smell of lavender filled the older woman’s room. “You know, until I came here, I hadn’t smelled lavender in years.”

  “You should come back in the spring, Melanie. The entire valley smells of it.” She tilted the blinds to block the sun that beamed into her eyes.

  Melanie remained silent.

  “Dear, I know what you’re thinking. You don’t want to leave.” She walked toward Melanie and reached for her hand. “That’s where your mind was, wasn’t it?”

  She nodded.

  “In the time you’ve been in the valley, I think you’ve come to love this place as much as I do. You’ve seen the people in this town, and how important they are to me. I think you’re feeling the same way.” She cupped Melanie’s chin, and their eyes locked.

  Standing in Aunt Phoebe’s room with the bed neatly made and a flowered quilt perfectly folded, Melanie knew it was time to admit to herself that her heart now belonged to the valley.

  Her lip quivered. “The thought of going back to DC alone terrifies me, but my firm needs me. They made national news after the kidnapping incident. If it weren’t for me and the long hours I spent on the phone in negotiations, my client would have never gotten her son back.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us? This is wonderful news—you should be proud.”

  Melanie pinned her arms against her stomach. At first she was excited to share the outcome, but then she felt guilty and self-absorbed. “I didn’t feel right talking about my job with you, or Jackson.”

  Her aunt frowned. “But why?”

  “It’s the reason I no longer have a family. I don’t know what to do. If I leave DC, I’ll be abandoning the memories of my family.” A sour taste crept into her throat.

  “You’ll never abandon those memories, dear.” She placed her fingers on her niece’s heart. “They’ll always remain here, no matter where you go. Give it time, dear. God will give you the answer you’re looking for. He knows exactly what’s right for you and where you should be.” She snatched a tissue from the box sitting on her dresser and dabbed Melanie’s eyes.

  “How will I know if it’s right?” Melanie took another tissue and blew her nose.

  “If God puts it in your heart, Melanie, trust me, you’ll know.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Wednesday morning, Jackson was flying solo at The Bean. Melanie and Rebecca had gone to pick up Phoebe from the rehabilitation center.

  The restaurant was slow, so he spent most of the morning mopping the kitchen floor and doing some paperwork.

  The past two days, Jackson had been happier than he’d been in years. The attraction between him and Melanie was obviously growing. At first he’d thought it was one-sided, but he’d caught her staring a few times. A couple of times she’d acted a little flirty. He loved it. A weight was removed when she told him she didn’t plan to take Phoebe back to DC. Now he was on a mission to keep Mel right here, where she belonged.

  “Hey, Jackson.” The shrill of Sara’s voice stole his joyous thoughts.

  He placed the mop inside the bucket and grabbed the dish towel to dry his hands. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  The kitchen door flew open, and in walked Sara, dressed in a short pink skirt, too short for this time of the year, and heels way too high for walking. “Are you here all by your little old self?” Her eyes skimmed the room then fixed back on him.

  Jackson leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “Yes, I am. What’s up, Sara?”

  She took a couple of steps toward him. “So, does this mean Melanie went back to DC? I didn’t think someone like her would last too long in such a small town. She’s probably used to rich men and fancy cars.”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets. If Sara was trying to raise doubt about a possible relationship with Melanie, she was doing a good job. Maybe Melanie couldn’t be happy here. Her life was her job, and there was no need for a high-powered divorce attorney in Sweet Gum. After all, folks around here stayed married. “What do you want, Sara? I’ve got a lot of work to do.”

  She placed her hands on her hips and pursed her lips. “I picked up some steaks at the market this morning. I wondered if you’d like to come over for dinner.” Her eyes burned through him. “I’m sure you know your way around a grill better than me.”

  Jackson almost felt sorry for her, but he knew Sara too well, and he didn’t want to lead her on. Besides, she’d just bounce along to another guy if she got a no from him. “Thanks for the invitation, but Melanie, Rebecca and I are cooking for Phoebe tonight. It’s her first night back home from rehab.”

  Sara’s eyebrow arched. “I thought Melanie went back to DC.”

  He chuckled. “I never said it. You did.” Jackson took in a heavy breath. Now was the time to let Sara know they had no future. His future was with Melanie. At least, he prayed it would turn out that way. “Look, Sara, I don’t want to come off as a jerk, but Melanie and I are kind of dating.”

  Sara’s shoulders slumped while she slowly walked toward the door. When she turned, Jackson thought he saw a tear slide down her cheek. “I’m glad you’re happy, Jackson. Really, I am. I only hope she doesn’t break your heart. No one deserves that twice in a lifetime.”

  Alone in the kitchen, Jackson thought about what Sara had said. He had prayed Melanie would decide to stay, and now it was up to her, but he’d do his best to convince her. He was willing to risk a broken heart if it meant there was a chance they could both get their happily-ever-after.

  Later in the evening, while Phoebe and Rebecca worked a jigsaw puzzle at Phoebe’s dining-room table, Jackson found himself wrestling with a pot of spaghetti noodles.

  “Jackson, what in the world are you doing?” Melanie turned, her hair swept up in a loose bun, highlighting her delicate features.

  “Jackson!”

  With a jerk, he turned from the stove. “Did you say something, Mel?”

  She laughed. “What’s wrong with you tonight?” She dropped the cucumber slices into the salad. “You seem so distracted.”

  This beautiful woman, who he wanted to spend every moment with, was his distraction. “I’m sorry. I’m just concentrating on the noodles.”

  “Yeah, noodles require a lot of attention.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re so funny.”

  His cell phone chirped. He dried his hands on the dishrag a
nd yanked the phone from his pocket. The screen said the caller was unknown, but he answered anyway.

  “This is Jackson.”

  This time there was definitely someone on the line. “Who is this?” The breathing carried through the phone line. “What do you want?”

  Click.

  He crammed the phone into his pocket and turned his attention back to Melanie. As annoying as the calls had been, there was no way he’d let them interfere with their alone time. With Phoebe’s health improving, it was only a matter of time before Melanie would be gone, but the footprints she’d leave on his heart would remain.

  * * *

  Melanie knew these constant phone calls and hang-ups were upsetting Jackson. He didn’t mention anything after the recent call, but his red face told her his patience was wearing thin. If he wanted to talk about it, she’d let him bring it up.

  “Ouch!” With her thoughts on Jackson and not the sharp knife, she’d cut her hand and was now bleeding all over the onions.

  Jackson raced to her side and grabbed her hand. “Mel, this is a serious cut.” He took the knife from her hand and grabbed a clean dish towel from the drawer next to the sink.

  “I don’t think Aunt Phoebe will appreciate me getting blood all over her nice towels.” She closed her eyes, hating the sight of blood, especially when it was her own.

  “We’ve got to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. It doesn’t look like you’ll need stitches, but you cut yourself good.”

  She chewed her lip. “I wasn’t paying attention, I guess.” She was certainly paying attention to Jackson’s warm breath tickling her neck like a summer ocean breeze.

  “Let’s give it a good rinse and see if the bleeding has stopped.” He removed the towel and turned on the water. Their eyes met, and he held her gaze. “Let it run for a second to warm up.”

  Melanie needed water, but not on her hand. A jump into a cold swimming pool, in the middle of a snowstorm, was what she needed. Her temperature skyrocketed.

  “It looks like the bleeding stopped,” Jackson said. He turned off the warm water. “I’ll just bandage it up and you’ll be good to go.”

  As he continued to hold on to her hand, Melanie stared up into his eyes. “Look at you, coming to my rescue again, Jackson.” She inched her head closer, feeling his breath, this time against her cheek.

  He lowered his head, his cheeks red. “I guess I am.”

  When his lips brushed against hers, chills traveled through her body. His lips were tender, just as she’d imagined they’d be. Was she really kissing Jackson Daughtry? The floor dropped from under her, and the thrill was better than any Ferris wheel. Her lips moved with certainty, and her heart told her he was the one.

  “Daddy, come look at our puzzle,” Rebecca shouted from the dining room.

  The Ferris wheel came to an abrupt halt at the sound of Rebecca’s voice. Jackson jumped like a grasshopper dodging the lawn mower, and she steadied herself against the counter. They exchanged a grin.

  In her sock feet, Rebecca skidded into the kitchen and grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the dining room.

  “Hold on a minute. Miss Melanie cut her hand, and I need to bandage it for her.”

  Rebecca skipped toward Melanie and reached for her hand. She lightly brushed her lips against it. “Daddy always kisses my boo-boos to make them better.” She turned on her heel and scampered out of the room.

  Jackson turned to Melanie. “Well, I guess my aim was a little off with the kiss.” He winked and pulled the first-aid kit from the pantry.

  She lifted her gaze to his. “I don’t know. I thought it was right on target.” She grinned and extended her hand so he could wrap it.

  “Before we get interrupted again, I wanted to ask you if you’d like to go out to dinner tomorrow night.”

  Melanie’s heart raced. “Like a date?”

  Jackson cut the piece of gauze and carefully applied a dollop of antibacterial ointment. Her skin tingled in response to his gentle touch. Wearing a gentle smile, he began to wrap her hand.

  “Yes, just the two of us. I already checked with Phoebe. Of course, she’s thrilled about the idea. She said she’d watch Rebecca.”

  Melanie blinked. Heat rose in her cheeks at the thought of one-on-one time with him. “That would be nice.”

  “I know just the place. You’ll love it.” He stuck on the last piece of tape to secure the bandage. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  * * *

  The following morning, Melanie woke with a smile. She stared at the cedar ceiling, one of her favorite things about the room, and recalled the gentle kiss she and Jackson had shared.

  The smell of freshly brewed coffee pulled Melanie from her memories. She slipped her feet into her favorite pink fuzzy slippers, grabbed her robe and headed toward the kitchen.

  Sun streamed through the plantation shutters. She quickly spotted a fully dressed Aunt Phoebe at the stove, cooking something that smelled like onions and very delicious. Her stomach rumbled on cue.

  “You’re already dressed and ready for the day.” Melanie glanced down at her flowered robe and slippers. “I think this mountain air is making me lazy.”

  Aunt Phoebe turned at the sound of her voice. “I think the valley is growing on you, along with a fella by the name of Jackson Daughtry.” She turned her attention back to the stove and carefully poured the beaten eggs into the skillet.

  “I haven’t slept this late in years.” She grabbed the coffeepot and a huge mug with a smiley face on the front and took a sip. “Ah...your coffee is always the best.”

  Aunt Phoebe laughed. “The mood you’re in now, I could have used dirt and water to make the coffee and you wouldn’t notice the difference. Let me guess. Jackson is the reason for that smile you’ve got plastered from ear to ear.”

  Melanie climbed onto the bar stool at the island and placed her cup on the granite countertop. “Yes—tonight is the big night. My stomach has butterflies, possibly bats. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date?”

  “Relax and enjoy yourself. You and Jackson will have a wonderful time.”

  She ran her finger along the top of her coffee mug. Steam drifted from the top. “Can I ask you something?”

  Phoebe turned the burner off and slipped onto the stool next to her. “You can ask me anything.”

  “Do you think it’s too soon for me to get romantically involved? I mean, it’s been only a year since the accident.”

  “Oh dear, is that what you’re worried about?” She reached for Melanie’s hand. “A year is a long time. Jeff would want you to be happy.”

  She wiped a tear with the sleeve of her robe. “Yes, he would. I’d want the same for him. It’s just...it feels like I’m cheating on him.”

  Aunt Phoebe leaned in closer to Melanie. “Listen to me. You’ll never find a better and more honest man than Jackson Daughtry. You’re so young, you’d be cheating yourself if you didn’t take a chance on love again. Besides, God has brought the two of you together for a reason.”

  Melanie wasn’t sure if God had orchestrated this, but she did know Jackson was a good man. He and Rebecca brought joy back into her heart. Something she thought she’d never experience again. She reached over and took Aunt Phoebe into her arms. “If it weren’t for you, I’d still be hiding from the world in DC. Thank you.”

  “Okay now, there’s a cheese-and-onion omelet in the skillet, and it’s got your name on it.”

  “It smells scrumptious.” Melanie rubbed her empty stomach. “After I eat and shower, I’ve got to run some errands. Do you need anything while I’m out?”

  “You’re not going to The Bean today?”

  “Nope.” Melanie grinned. “My generous boss gave me the day off to go shopping for an outfit fo
r tonight. I have an appointment at the quaint boutique in town. The one with the pink lace curtains in the window.”

  “Yes, Estelle’s place. She’s a wonderful and dear friend. Don’t be late for your appointment. She’s a busy lady.” Aunt Phoebe tore a piece of paper from the notepad sitting on the corner of the island. “Here are a couple of things I need from the market.” She passed her the list. “Oh, and can you take the box of menus and drop it off at The Bean?” She grabbed the spatula and put the omelet on the plate. “Before my stroke, I thought the current menus needed a little updating. The printing company had some technical difficulties, but they were finally delivered yesterday, and they look great.”

  Melanie glanced toward the box on the floor. “Sure, I’d be happy to.” Thrilled she didn’t have to wait until tonight, her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Jackson this morning. She smiled, thinking of Rebecca’s words: “It will be the best day ever.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jackson’s morning wasn’t going well. He’d burned a skillet of hash browns and dropped an entire bowl of pancake batter onto the kitchen floor. Despite the mishaps, as he mopped up the mess, he had a smile pasted on his face. He and Mel were going on their first date tonight. He hoped it would be the first of many, if he could convince her to stay.

  The jingle of the bell alerted him to an incoming customer. He tossed the dish towel on the countertop and headed to the dining area.

  “Hello, Jackson.”

  He froze, and a cold chill settled into his bones. When he rubbed his eyes, she was still there. Taylor, his ex-wife, stood in the middle of The Bean. Her once short, dark hair was now long and curly.

  She rubbed her finger across her lip. “Aren’t you going to say hello?”

  “Taylor, what are you doing here?” He glanced around the dining area, thankful it was empty. More important, he was relieved Mary and her mother had picked Rebecca up earlier.

  Taylor’s high heels clicked a slow rhythm against the tile. She approached him with her arms open. Her leather pants swished. “Is that any way to welcome the mother of your child, Jackson?”