Second Chance Romance

by Jill Weatherholt

  He playfully poked her in the rib cage. “Yeah, kind of like someone else I know.”

  “Who, me?” She arched her brow. “Seriously, Jackson, I’m a little hurt you didn’t come to me when Taylor first came to town.”

  Jackson wondered the same thing, but deep down, he knew the reason. He was the rescuer. It had never been easy for him to allow others to help him. Even after Taylor first left him and Rebecca, he tried to handle everything on his own. “I’m sorry. The last thing in the world I’d ever want to do is hurt you.”

  She nodded. “I know that now.” She squeezed his hand. “Listen, I want to help you. You’re a wonderful father. No one loves Rebecca more than you do.”

  Jackson took a deep breath. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on her face today.” He dropped his head into his hands. “I can’t lose her. She’s my life.”

  “Let me help you, then.”

  He attempted a smile. “That’s nice, but I’m not sure how you can.”

  Melanie sprang to her feet and placed her hands on her hips. “Come on. I’m a divorce attorney, or did you forget?”

  Embarrassed, he stood. “Actually, I did forget.” Taylor had turned his world upside down. He could hardly remember his own name.

  “I deal with custody issues all of the time. Let me help you and Rebecca.”

  Jackson was touched by her offer, but with Phoebe getting stronger each day, it only made sense that Melanie would head back home to her job. He knew how the legal system worked. This could drag on for a long time. He couldn’t expect her to put her life on hold to deal with his past baggage.

  “Well, what do you say, Jackson? I can talk to my firm. Maybe they’ll even let me handle the case pro bono.” She winked.

  Dread lingered, but he knew it was the right thing to do. “Thanks, but I’ll take care of it.”

  Her shoulders slumped, and her smile faded. “Alright. Good night, Jackson.” She turned, got inside her car and drove away.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Saturday morning, Melanie nibbled on an onion bagel while Aunt Phoebe drove for the first time since her stroke. Melanie slid her sunglasses on when the morning sunrise appeared over the mountainside.

  “I don’t know why the doctor made me wait so long to drive. I could have driven days ago.” Aunt Phoebe rolled her eyes and took a sip of her steaming cinnamon latte.

  The apple festival was the last place Melanie imagined she’d be headed to. Yesterday, she and Jackson had settled their misunderstanding about Taylor, and she became excited. But that soon waned after he refused her offer to help with his custody issue. Now her feelings were hurt, but her aunt had insisted she come.

  It was an annual event, attracting people from all over the valley. Although she was nervous to face Jackson, she was anxious to see Rebecca. She needed a hug.

  “Maybe I can talk some sense into Jackson. Why on earth he’d pass up an opportunity to have the best domestic-relations attorney on the East Coast represent him is beyond me.” Aunt Phoebe crinkled her nose and yanked the sun visor down.

  “Perhaps he doesn’t trust me.”

  “Pfft... He’s just being stubborn. Just give me a few minutes with him and I’ll have him signing a retainer agreement.”

  Melanie chuckled. One thing her aunt wasn’t short on was confidence in her ability of persuasion. “I hope you’re right. I really want to help him, but last night he seemed resistant to the idea.”

  The festival was already in full swing by the time Aunt Phoebe zipped her tiny red sports car into the gravel parking lot. She had to hand it to her aunt—she did have style.

  As they strolled past the booths filled with arts and crafts, Melanie turned at the sound of children giggling.

  Her aunt locked arms with Melanie and pointed. “Look, there’s Jackson and Rebecca—let’s go.”

  “Hi,” Jackson said as they approached.

  “Do you have a minute to talk alone?” Melanie asked.

  “Why don’t I take Rebecca over to the hayride and give you two some privacy?” Phoebe offered.

  A few minutes later, Melanie was alone with Jackson at her favorite spot by the river. She picked at the thread on the flannel blanket. “I wanted to apologize for last night. It wasn’t my place to suggest I represent you.”

  A cool breeze ruffled some papers sticking out of Jackson’s backpack lying on the corner of the blanket. He reached over and snatched the papers. “I was wrong, Mel. I need your help.” He handed them to her. “When I went out to get the newspaper this morning, I was greeted by a process server. I guess Taylor wasn’t joking. She had the papers drawn up several days ago.”

  After careful examination, Melanie turned to Jackson. “It’s a petition for custody.”

  “Indeed it is.”

  “There’s no way she’ll get full custody. The facts are clear. She abandoned Rebecca and she has a serious drinking problem. Both of those work in your favor as an argument against granting her full custody.”

  He rubbed his brow. “What if the judge gives her visitation? I don’t want Taylor playing any role in Rebecca’s life.”

  “I understand your feelings toward Taylor, but she is Rebecca’s biological mother. The court will take it into consideration.” She paused and looked up at the woodpecker tapping on a nearby tree trunk. “If she agrees to get help, there’s a chance the judge will grant visitation rights. You must be prepared for that.”

  With a determined look, his gaze traveled to Melanie, and her heart warmed. “Are you licensed in the state of Virginia?”

  “Yes, I can practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. I’ll call my partners today. I’ve been working on a few files already, since I wrapped up the kidnapping case, so I’m sure they won’t have a problem with me staying to represent you.”

  “Miss Melanie!”

  Rebecca ran toward the blanket, arms flailing. She squeezed in between Jackson and Melanie and handed her a purple coneflower. “I picked this special for you.”

  She accepted the flower and brought it to her nose. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

  “I thought it was pretty, like you.” Rebecca brushed her hair away from her eyes.

  Aunt Phoebe approached the blanket. With the agility of a teenager, she flopped to the ground. “This child has more energy than a power plant. Now she wants to go through the corn maze.” She reached into the cooler and popped the top of a Diet Coke. “I’ll need a couple of these to keep up with her.”

  Melanie gave Rebecca’s curl a tug. “How about I take you through the maze?”

  Within a second, the child was on her feet and twirling. She spun faster and faster, then fell to the ground giggling. “But you’re from the city. You’ll get lost. You and Daddy better go together. He can hold your hand.”

  “The child’s brilliant.” Jackson threw a wink in Melanie’s direction. “Why don’t we all go through the maze?”

  “Yay! I’ll hold Phoebe’s hand.” Rebecca grinned.

  Jackson reached for Rebecca and pulled her down onto his lap. “First, we need to talk about what happened yesterday.”

  Melanie’s stomach lurched.

  “You mean about the lady at school?”

  “Rebecca, the lady told you the truth. She is your mother.”

  She tilted her head. “That’s what she told me, but she didn’t look like my mommy in the picture. I thought she’d look like those pretty singers I see on TV.”

  Melanie guessed the years of alcohol abuse had taken their toll on Taylor’s appearance. “She might not look the same, but she’s your mommy,” Jackson said in a whisper.

  “She said I have to go live with her. Is that true?”

  “No, you’re not going to live with her.” He looked at Melanie. “She just wants to
spend some time with you, that’s all.”

  How many times had Melanie witnessed the heartache of divorce? When children were involved, it was never easy. She hoped for Jackson and Rebecca’s sake this case wouldn’t turn their world upside down.

  * * *

  The tapping of Rebecca’s Mary Janes echoed through the second-floor courthouse corridor. After three long weeks of waiting, today was the first scheduled court appearance. Long days at The Bean and late into the evening, Melanie had her nose stuck in law books. Jackson prayed it would pay off. He was ready to get this over with and move on with his life. A life that could only be lived with Melanie by his side—forever.

  “Daddy, can you tell me again why we’re here?” Rebecca tugged on his suit sleeve.

  He stopped and led her to the bench that overlooked the first-floor lobby. Voices echoed from below. “We’re here so the judge can decide if your mommy can see you.”

  “Why does he get to decide?”

  Jackson wondered the same thing. How could one man or woman who’d never met either parent decide what was best for a child? Last night, he’d agreed with Melanie that it was best not to tell Rebecca the whole story. She believed there was no way a judge would grant Taylor full custody. He thought it was best to leave out the details. Why upset her this early in the game? “That’s the law in Virginia.”

  “Can I tell the judge I don’t want to see her?”

  The last thing he wanted was for Rebecca to testify, but Melanie told him it could work in his favor. “You wouldn’t be afraid?”

  She shook her head, and her blond ponytails swung from side to side. “Nope.”

  He leaned over and took her into his arms. “You’re a brave little girl.”

  They waited fifteen minutes for Melanie and Phoebe to arrive. Rebecca skipped up and down the hall when Jackson’s phone chirped.

  “This is Jackson.”

  “Hey, Jackson, it’s Huggins.”

  Jackson wasn’t sure why Sheriff Huggins was calling, but he sounded all business. A nerve twitched in his cheek. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Where are you right now?”

  “I’m at the courthouse for the custody hearing.” This was a bad dream. “Rebecca and I are waiting for Melanie and Phoebe. It’s supposed to start at two o’clock.”

  Silence traveled through the connection, and then the sheriff cleared his throat. “There’s been an accident, Jackson.”

  Terror washed over him. The walls of the courthouse started to move closer, and the sound of Rebecca singing became garbled. Melanie. No, it couldn’t be her. He’d already purchased the ring he planned to give her when he proposed, once this was all behind them. “What happened?” His voice shook.

  “It’s Taylor—she’s dead.”

  “What? I don’t understand.”

  “Her car went off Old Mill Road and straight into a tree. Judging from the skid marks, she must have been driving at least seventy miles per hour.”

  “Seventy miles...but that road is full of curves, and the speed limit is only thirty-five.” Jackson squeezed his eyes shut. He wanted the custody issue resolved, but not this way.

  “We found a bottle of alcohol in the car. My guess is she was heavily intoxicated. She’d have to be to drive at such a high speed.”

  Jackson ended the call and prayed. Lord, please bless Taylor’s family and help them through this difficult time.

  A few minutes later, Jackson looked up, and there she was. Melanie, the love of his life. She was stunning. Dressed in a gray suit and carrying her briefcase, she was prepared to fight for him and Rebecca, but it was over before it began. He stood, exhaled a heavy breath and walked toward his future.

  Melanie placed her briefcase at her feet. “Are you okay, Jackson? You look white as a snow owl.”

  He licked his lips and turned to Phoebe. “Can you take Rebecca down to the cafeteria? I need to speak with Mel.”

  As Phoebe took Rebecca’s hand and directed her toward the cafeteria, Melanie’s eyes were wide. “What’s going on?”

  They took a seat on the same bench where he’d heard the news only moments earlier. As he explained to Melanie about the speed and the alcohol, and in the end, a deadly crash, she gave a shaky nod.

  He took her hand. It felt moist. “Taylor’s death is just another reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it passes you by.” He took a steadying breath. “Marry me, Mel, this spring, at your favorite spot by the river.”

  He reached into his coat pocket and felt the small velvet box. In one swift move, it was in his hand and he was down on one knee, in front of the love of his life, the woman he wanted to build a life with.

  When he looked up, she dropped her gaze to him. A stream of tears streaked her face.

  “Last night—”

  She paused, and Jackson’s breath caught in his throat. Jackson reached for her left hand. “What about last night?” he asked, confused.

  She dipped her chin. “I dreamed of our wedding last night—it was by the river.”

  His eyes closed for a moment to thank God for this woman. “I love you, Mel... Let me make that dream come true.”

  “I love you, too, Jackson Daughtry. Since the day of my accident, you’ve never stopped coming to my rescue.”

  Jackson opened the box and pulled out the ring. “Does that mean yes?”

  She cupped his face in her hands and pressed her lips to his. “Yes. There’s nothing I want more than to share my life with you and Rebecca.”

  His heart soared as he slid the ring onto her finger. Jackson sprang to his feet and scooped his fiancée into his arms. And there, in the middle of the hall at the Sweet Gum courthouse, the newly engaged couple twirled, just like Rebecca.

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  Rebecca squinted when she looked up into the late-May sunshine. “Are you really my mommy now, Miss Melanie?” The black-capped chickadees chirped and flitted from limb to limb in the nearby dogwoods. The sweet fragrance of lilac filled the air. It was the perfect day for a wedding.

  “Yes, she is, Squirt. We’re married now, so you can call her Mommy, not Miss Melanie.” Jackson, handsome as ever dressed in his dark tuxedo, scooped his daughter into his arms and smothered her with kisses.

  “Daddy, you’re wrinkling my dress.” Rebecca giggled.

  Tears pressed against Melanie’s eyes while she watched her family. Her aunt Phoebe was right. God did have a plan for her life. Not only did He plan for Jackson to rescue her after her accident, but also He planned to give her a family once again. She could hardly contain her joy. “Yes, Jackson, put her down. I’m dying to see her twirl in that beautiful dress.”

  The second Jackson put Rebecca on the ground, her arms extended and she started to twirl. She spun like a top. Giggles filled the air, and a gentle breeze caught the bottom of her tea-length champagne lace dress. She stopped with a halt and looked at Jackson and Melanie. “This is the best day ever.”

  When Jackson rested his strong hands on his bride’s waist, she caught a whiff of his spicy cologne. “Ah...you smell like the outdoors.”

  He laughed and gave her a playful squeeze. “So that’s why you wanted to get married out here, because the smell reminds you of me.”

  When Jackson suggested they have an outdoor wedding by the river, she couldn’t think of a better place. He knew, after the day he brought her to the orchard to go apple picking, it had become her favorite spot in Sweet Gum Valley. “Well, yes, but there’s another reason I wanted to get married here, Jackson.”

  He nuzzled his lips on the back of her neck. “Really? Do tell.”

  “This is where I first realized I loved you.” She turned to face him, and their eyes locked. “It was the day you brought me here on a picnic.”

  “I
thought it was Phoebe’s brownies you fell in love with that day.” He winked and gave her waist a tickle.

  “What about my brownies?” Aunt Phoebe asked as she walked toward them, holding hands with Dr. Roberts.

  Once Aunt Phoebe returned home after her rehabilitation, Melanie realized Jackson had done a little matchmaking. Dr. Roberts became a regular guest for Sunday dinner. He said her fried chicken was the reason he kept coming back, but Melanie knew otherwise. He and Aunt Phoebe had a standing date at the movies every Saturday night. Melanie was thrilled to see her aunt so happy. Who knew? Maybe there’d be another wedding in the near future. She smiled at the thought.

  “Congratulations, you two. I knew the day of Melanie’s accident this boy was smitten.” Dr. Roberts patted Jackson on the back.

  Jackson’s face reddened. “Was I that obvious?” His smile was tender when he glanced at Melanie.

  Dr. Roberts extended his hand to Melanie. “So, Melanie, I’m curious. What made you change your mind about moving Phoebe to DC, and staying in the valley yourself?”

  Melanie remembered the exact moment when she knew she’d never return to DC. Aunt Phoebe belonged in Sweet Gum, and so did she. She looked around at all the faces of the people who’d come to celebrate their wedding day. Even Dr. Roberts’s granddaughter, who’d just graduated from college, came for the special day. Melanie knew in her heart that she was home. She turned to Dr. Roberts. “It was the day I came into work at The Bean and the stove had broken. Half of the town had come out to help, and no one expected anything in return.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “I never knew people could be so caring and unselfish toward their neighbors. It just isn’t that way in DC. I knew then it was wrong for me to take Aunt Phoebe away from the people she loved so much, and who loved her.” She ran her hands down the front of her beaded gown and took in this picturesque spot, her special place by the river. Now it would always be her and Jackson’s special place. She wrapped her arms around Jackson’s waist, drawing him against her. “Plus, I couldn’t take her away and risk never seeing this gorgeous man again.”