“Auntie, you don’t have to worry about that,” Leon said gently. “You sold the shop to Misty, remember?”
She wore a confused look on her face. “I did?”
“Yes, ma’am. You wanted to spend more time with Rusty. I hear you’re going to Hawaii in a couple of weeks. Let’s order some lunch. They have some new items on the menu.”
“That’s right,” she murmured. “We’re going on a cruise to Hawaii.”
“Have you started packing yet?”
Eleanor chuckled. “No. I have to make a list of everything we’re gonna need. It’s been a while since I was on a cruise ship.”
“If you’d like, we can get started on that list right now,” Leon suggested. “I can tell you right now that you need to make sure you pack your medications.”
“You sound like Rusty.” Eleanor pulled out a small notebook and a pen.
* * *
MISTY TOOK TALEI to Atlanta for the Labor Day weekend to see her grandmother. She needed some time away from the island.
“Honey, there’s something I need to tell you,” Waverly said when they arrived.
Concerned, Misty asked, “What is it? Are you okay?”
“My mother’s fine,” a voice said from behind her.
Shocked, she turned around to face her father.
“Hello, Misty.”
Waverly took Talei by the hand and led her into the house, saying, “Nana’s got some lunch for you.”
“You gonna say something to your daddy?”
“No, I’m not. I don’t have anything to say to you.” The disdain in her voice was ill-concealed.
She heard his quick intake of breath before he said, “You owe me a measure of respect.”
Misty burst into a short laugh. “Respect? Mike, I don’t owe you anything. I lived in fear because of you. You talked to my mother like she was nothing and you disrespected her with other women until she finally had the good sense to leave you. You were nothing more than an alcoholic and cheater. What is there to respect?”
He flinched at her words but recovered quickly. “I’m not that person anymore.”
“You kept your family away from me,” Misty uttered, her breath burning in her throat. “You cut me out of your life.”
“No, your mother did that,” Mike stated. “She didn’t want any part of us.”
Misty eyed him. “That’s not true and you know it. What we’re not going to do is lie about what happened. If you have truly changed, tell the truth.”
He looked taken aback by her response.
“You wanted to hurt my mom—that’s why you shut us out.” Shrugging, Misty said, “It doesn’t matter anymore because we survived, Mike. We made it in spite of you.”
“Why are you coming around now?” he asked. “What do you want from my mother?”
“I don’t want anything other than a relationship with my grandmother.”
“Misty, I admit I had some problems in the past, but I’m not that man anymore.”
“I’m sure your family’s very happy about that,” she countered icily.
“I came here to make amends. I’ve missed you, Misty.”
She waved off his declaration. “I don’t believe that.”
“Please hear me out.”
“Mike, what else is there really to say? I’m a grown woman with a child of my own. I don’t need a daddy now.”
“Let me start with the admission that I was a terrible husband and father. I drank too much. I hurt your mom—”
Misty interrupted him by interjecting, “You humiliated my mother.”
“Yes, I was wrong. I need you to understand that I’ve changed. I’ve been sober for over twenty years.”
“Congratulations,” she said tersely.
“I’m sorry for what I did to you and your mom. It is my hope that one day you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Misty didn’t respond.
“My family is here with me. I want you to meet Jennifer and your siblings. Maybe talking to them will convince you that I’m no longer the monster you believe I am.”
Arms folded across her chest, Misty responded, “I can’t make any promises, Mike.” She wasn’t going to allow him to manipulate her into just believing his words. It was about action—she’d learned that from her marriage to John.
“Fair enough.”
“I know it’s hard to believe, but your daddy is telling the truth,” Waverly said in a low whisper. “He is a changed man.”
Misty glanced over her shoulder to find Waverly standing in the doorway.
“Grandmother, it remains to be seen. I don’t just want to hear about it.”
“I can’t prove it to you if you won’t give me a chance,” Mike stated.
A girl who appeared to be in her late teens walked out of the house.
“Misty, I’m Sierra...your sister. I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while.”
Mike and his mother left them alone on the porch to talk.
They sat down on the swing. “He told you about me?”
“Yeah, he did, but last night was the first time he told us about all the horrible things he did to you and your mother.”
“I have to be honest with you, Sierra. I don’t trust Mike and I’m not sure I ever will.”
“I can understand why. It may take some time.”
Misty eyed her sibling. “How was he as a father?”
“He’s good to me and Michael. For me, it’s really hard to reconcile the father I have to the man he used to be.”
“As you know it’s the reverse for me. I will just have to see what happens from this point forward.”
“I’m hoping you and I will be able to have a relationship regardless. I’ve always wanted a sister.”
“Of course. I want to get to know you better, Sierra.”
“Talei is adorable,” she said. “I can’t believe I have a little niece.”
“How old are you?” Misty inquired.
“I’m twenty,” she responded. “Michael is eighteen.”
“Are you in college?”
Sierra nodded. “I’m in school at UNC Greensboro.”
“What are you studying?”
“Psychology. I want to be a psychiatrist.”
Misty chuckled. “Sign me up for the friends and family rate.”
Sierra laughed. “From the way you handled our dad, you’re good.”
Mike returned with a woman and a teenage boy.
“This is my mom, Jennifer,” Sierra said, making the introduction. “And our brother, Michael.”
Smiling, Misty responded, “It’s nice to meet you both.”
Michael gave her a hug. “Osiyo. I read that was the way to say hello in Cherokee. Did I pronounce it correctly?”
“It was perfect,” she murmured.
“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you, as well,” Jennifer said. “You’re very beautiful, Misty. I saw pictures of you when you were little. You were a beauty even then.”
“How long have you known about me?”
“About a year after I met your father.”
“So, you were okay with the way he just disappeared from my life?”
“Misty...” Mike began.
“No,” Jennifer interjected. “It’s a fair question. Misty, I’ve been on Mike for years to reconnect with you. It was the one thing we’ve always disagreed on.”
“I was afraid you’d reject me,” Mike confessed. “I was ashamed to face you, Misty. That’s the truth.”
In that instance, she believed him. His eyes were glittering ovals of shame and regret.
“I’d like to speak to my dad in private, please.”
When they were alone, she said, “Mike, you have a beautiful family.”
“
They’re your family, too.”
“True and because of you, I’ve missed out on so much with them. However, I’m really grateful to finally have the chance to get to know all of them. Thank you for coming here today.”
“I hope you mean that, Misty. I can’t change the past, but I really would like a second chance with you. I’d like to be a part of my granddaughter’s life. She’s so beautiful.”
“Talei lost her father a few months ago.”
“My mom told me. I’m so sorry.”
“I want to have a life of peace,” Misty stated. “I’ll give you that second chance, but I’m telling you now—any sign of the old you...I’m gone. I’m not that little scared girl anymore.”
“I know it doesn’t matter but I’m very proud of the woman that you’ve become.”
Talei ran out of the house. “Mommy...”
“Hey, sweetie, I’m right here.” Misty picked her up. “I want you to meet my daddy. This is...”
“Grandpa if that’s alright with you.”
“This is Grandpa.”
“Gandpaw,” she repeated.
“So, what do you say to him?” Misty asked.
Grinning, Talei said, “Oseeyo, Gandpaw.”
He smiled. “Osiyo, my beautiful granddaughter.” A lone tear slid down his face. “I am truly sorry for everything I’ve done, Misty.”
“We’re not going to live in the past. We have this chance to start over and I’d like to do that. But I have to be honest. I’m gonna have to work hard on forgiving you. I’m just not there yet.”
“I understand completely.” He kissed Talei on the cheek. “I’m warning you now. I’m gonna spoil this little girl.”
She gave a short laugh. “She’s already spoiled.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“I SAW MY DAD, Miss Eleanor,” Misty announced when she returned to work on Tuesday. “We spent the weekend getting to know one another.”
“I guess it was bound to happen with that being his mama’s house and all. How do you feel about him now?”
“He’s not the same man I grew up fearing,” Misty said. “He seemed truly repentant. I told him I’d give him a second chance.”
“Good for you,” Eleanor responded. “It was the right thing to do.”
“I’m cautiously optimistic.”
“I would be too, sugar. We have to forgive, but we don’t have to be blind to reality.”
“I also met my siblings,” Misty announced. “I have a brother and a sister.”
Eleanor grinned. “You seem happy about it.”
“I am. I never wanted to be an only child. And I’m glad Talei has an aunt and uncle on my side of the family. John’s sister has nothing to do with his family.”
“I’m glad to see things working out for you, Misty.”
“Everything is great except with Leon. Miss Eleanor, I messed up big-time with him and I don’t know if I can fix it. I thought we could at least try to be friends.”
“Give him some space, sugar. Leon will come around.”
“I hope so,” Misty responded. “I really miss him.”
Eleanor slipped out of the booth. “Time sure flies. It’s almost time for the lunch crowd to come rushing in.”
“Everything’s ready, Miss Eleanor. Just sit and relax.”
“The shop won’t run itself.”
“Miss Eleanor... Remember you sold the shop to me,” Misty said. “You don’t have to worry about anything. The staff here is great.”
Eleanor looked confused. “What are you talking about? I sold my shop?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Rusty walked in, humming softly.
Misty gestured for him to join them.
He greeted his wife with a kiss. “Hey, Ladybug.”
“Rusty, did I sell the shop?”
He sat down at the table. “Yes, you did. With your health, you thought it best to turn it over to Misty. She’s done a great job, too.”
Eleanor smiled. “I remember now... I’m sorry, Misty.”
“No need to apologize.”
“You’re really doing a fine job. I was right to sell this place to you.”
When Rusty excused himself to go to the restroom, Eleanor said, “I’m scared this disease is progressing.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I’ve been having some difficulty writing a simple check. I have to have Rusty review it to make sure it’s the right amount and date. Some days I can’t even plan a meal. I didn’t even remember that it was Labor Day weekend, Misty.”
“Have you shared any of this with Rusty?”
Eleanor nodded. “He’s such a sweet and patient man. He makes time to go grocery shopping with me or he’ll do it alone. He always offers to help with the cooking. It just makes me sad that I’m not the wife I want to be for him. I feel so useless.” Her eyes teared up.
Misty reached over and took her hand. “Miss Eleanor, you’re anything but useless. You’re still that amazing woman I met when I came here looking to relocate and find a job. You’re not going to let this disease take over your life—fight back.”
“What if I get to the point where I can’t fight anymore?”
“Then we will all fight for you.”
* * *
“THANKS FOR COMING to my birthday celebration,” Lizzie said. “My family enjoyed meeting you. I talk about you all the time—they were beginning to think I’d made you up.”
“I appreciate you inviting me,” Leon said. “Otherwise, I would’ve spent the day on my couch binge-watching Netflix.”
“I heard that you and Misty broke up. I don’t get it. You’re a good man. Any woman would be lucky to have you.”
Leon smiled through his confusion. He and Lizzie had worked together for two years and he considered her a friend, but from the way she was looking at him right now, he wondered if she was interested in something more.
“I’ve always liked you, Leon. I never said anything because I didn’t think you were ready to start dating...”
“Lizzie, you’re my friend and we work together.”
“You don’t date your coworkers.”
“I don’t,” Leon confirmed. “Besides, I still have feelings for Misty.”
Smiling, Lizzie responded, “I hope things won’t be weird between us now.”
“They won’t. I take it as a compliment.”
“If Misty is as smart as I think she is, she’ll be back, Leon.”
* * *
MISTY DROVE TO Charleston to see her mother the following weekend.
They sat down on the patio. “You were right, Mama. You said Mike was going to show up one day. He was in Georgia last weekend.”
“What did he say?” Oma asked.
“First he tried to put the blame on you, but I nixed that immediately,” Misty said. “Then he admitted fault, apologized and asked for forgiveness.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “I couldn’t believe it myself, and I thought it was all a lie, but now I really think he was telling the truth.”
Oma looked skeptical.
“Mama, you didn’t see his face. I talked to his wife and his children—Mike’s been a great husband and father to them. They adore him. Oh, he’s been sober for twenty years.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“I’m tired of holding on to all the anger, the fear and the hurt,” Misty said. “If I really want to move on with my life, I have to find a way to forgive Mike.”
“You’re right,” Oma responded. “I forgave him a long time ago, but I know it’s been hard for you.”
“I’m not going to let my past interfere with my future anymore. Leon was wonderful to me and Talei. Breaking up with him was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made, Mama. I love him. I can’t s
ee my life without him in it.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?” Oma asked.
“I’ve got to find a way to fix this.”
“Just tell him what you’ve just told me.”
“First I have to find a way to get him to talk to me,” Misty responded. “The last time I saw Leon, he made it clear he wanted nothing to do with me.”
“I’m sure he’s hurt and confused by the abrupt way you ended things with him.”
What in the world was I thinking? Things were perfect between us and I ruined it.
“At the time I thought it was best. I was wrong.”
* * *
MISTY STRODE INTO the kitchen dressed in a pair of jeans and carrying a bag of groceries. Josh greeted her before turning his attention back to stacking plates on the counter. “We needed more tomatoes, onions and mushrooms,” she said. “I also bought some other stuff that was on sale.”
“We have a delivery scheduled on Wednesday,” Josh stated.
“I know, but it’s not like we can’t use this stuff. We’ve had a really busy past few days.”
The to-go order sitting on the counter caught her attention. “Who is this for?”
Josh responded, “It’s for Leon. He should be here any minute.”
Misty yearned to see him. She missed the sound of his voice, his laughter and the feel of his arms around her.
She pasted on a smile when he burst through the door of the shop a few minutes later. “Hey.”
“I came to pick up an order,” Leon said.
“It’s ready,” Misty said.
Josh strolled out of the kitchen. “Here you go, Leon.”
Misty stepped out of the way so that one of the servers could ring up his ticket.
She moved from behind the counter to try to talk to Leon, but he brushed past her. Misty wasn’t about to let him walk away a second time.
Warm air fanned over her as she followed him outside the restaurant. “Leon, I know things are tense between us right now, and that’s on me, but I’d like the chance to explain myself.”
“You made yourself pretty clear, Misty.”
“Please hear me out.”
A look of tired sadness passed over Leon’s features as he unlocked his truck. “You want to do this now?”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 69