A Dream of Family

by Jill Weatherholt

  “Did someone harm Grace?” His fists tightened.

  Molly nodded, and her face turned solemn. “Her file... When I read it... It was like revisiting my childhood. A place where I never wanted to return.”

  So this was why Grace appeared so withdrawn from others, why she seemed to come to life only when Duke was around. “That poor child. I’m so sorry.”

  “If I lose my store, there’s no way the agency will allow me to continue with the adoption process. And if I don’t come clean with Annie, it’s only a matter of time before they learn I’m almost broke and a complete fraud.”

  Derek turned to the sound of deep voices entering his shop. It was the suits. Were they coming inside to case his storefront? He squared his shoulders and eyed the threesome as they moved across the store, tapping the screens of their iPads.

  “There they are.” Molly pointed to the group. “Those are the people who are going to steal my dream. And maybe yours, too. You heard Rusty. They’ve got deep pockets.”

  Derek glanced at the men who had settled at a corner table. They were hunched over the screen held by the gray-haired senior of the group. Derek turned back to Molly. “I promise you, Molly, I won’t let that happen. You won’t lose your store or Grace.”

  Could he prevent it from happening? Was he filling her head with false hope? No. After learning about Molly’s childhood and what Grace had experienced, he had no choice. He’d given Molly his word, and no matter what, he wouldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps and leave a trail of broken promises and shattered dreams.

  Chapter Eleven

  Molly stood in front of the full-length mirror in the corner of her bedroom. The floral print dress she’d worn to church earlier was now flung on her bed, along with a heap of other clothing. She was on her third outfit, yet still unable to decide what to wear. It’s only a picnic. Why was she putting so much focus on how she looked? She knew why. Derek would be there with Duke. On Friday at his coffee shop, after she’d confessed her past to him, she couldn’t get him out of her mind. This wasn’t good. She needed to keep her focus on trying to build a relationship with Grace, not with Derek.

  Three outfits later, dressed in black skinny jeans and a pink mock turtleneck sweater, Molly navigated the curved mountain road. The autumn leaves revealed golden yellows and fiery reds that reminded her of the upcoming Apple Harvest Festival. If things went well today, she could talk to Annie about taking Grace to the festival. Just the two of them...like mother and daughter.

  As she cruised down Main Street, her eyes zoomed in on the three men in suits exiting Buser’s General Store. The same gentlemen she and Derek had seen on Friday. Real estate wheeling and dealing must not take a day of rest.

  Molly pulled into the empty loading zone outside the store. No deliveries were made on Sunday, so she could dash inside and grab some fried chicken. She placed the car in Park and exited the vehicle.

  Like a giant bear hug, a warm sensation ignited her senses as she stepped inside the store. Molly had been coming to this place at least several times a week since she first moved to Whispering Slopes as a teenager.

  “Hello, sweetie. Your chicken is almost ready.” Elsie scurried from behind the counter and glided toward Molly with her arms wide open.

  This was home. Aunt Elsie, the town, her store—she wasn’t about to allow three men with fat wallets take it away. “Why were those guys in here, Auntie?”

  “They’re doing what they do. Snooping around and trying to get some information from me.” The elder woman reached to adjust her bun perched on the back of her head.

  “What type of questions were they asking?” Molly didn’t trust them. She’d done some sleuthing online and uncovered a few of their past development projects. They had a reputation of swooping into cozy and quaint towns and leaving behind overcrowded business districts with little affordable housing. Was this their plan for Whispering Slopes? Not on her watch.

  “You know, the typical sniffing around kind.”

  Her auntie’s nonchalant tone was a surprise. “Aren’t you scared of what they might do to our town?” Since the chamber meeting, Molly had spent many hours imagining what could happen to the only home she’d ever known.

  “Oh, fiddle-dee-dee. I’ve seen companies like this come and go over the years. Put your trust in the Lord, dear. He knows what’s best for you and our town.”

  “But Rusty is considering selling, and the mayor seemed excited about the potential for growth in the town. At the meeting, I saw dollar signs in the eyes of some of the locals.”

  Elsie waved her hand. “There’s not a person living in this town who doesn’t come from a long line of Whispering Slope residents. They got excited by the prospect of big things coming to town, but in the end, people want to keep this area as it’s always been. A welcoming and safe place to settle down and raise a family. A community where people do things for each other. You’ll see. Trust me.”

  That’s what Derek had said the other day. But trusting took courage and faith. After she was adopted by Shelley, Molly had started to believe in promises. Why had she stopped? “I hope you’re right,” Molly replied.

  Elsie moved in closer. “Let’s forget about all of this real estate mumbo jumbo. Today is a big day for you. You should be filled with joy, not worry.”

  It was important, but it also had her nerves rattled. What if Grace displayed the same lack of interest in getting to know her? Like the night Annie had brought her over for dessert and at Book Buddies. “I’m having a difficult time getting excited about the picnic. I’m afraid Grace won’t like me.”

  “Why on earth would you think something like that? I don’t know one person who’s ever met you who didn’t love you.”

  Molly couldn’t shake the feeling, though. Grace could assume Molly would be like all of the others who’d opened their homes and given her hope only to be discarded like she was a worthless piece of garbage. Molly had grown up feeling like that until Shelley rescued her. She’d have to make Grace realize she wasn’t the same as all of the other families. Molly wanted to make a home for Grace where she’d feel safe and loved.

  “I appreciate you saying that, but I don’t think it’s going to be easy.”

  “Nothing worth having in life ever is easy, dear. Relax and be yourself today.”

  A beeper sounded from the kitchen in the back of the store. “There’s your chicken. I’ll be right back.”

  Molly watched as Elsie scurried off to package her meal. For a second, she was at ease. Her auntie had never steered her wrong in the past. Was it as simple as being herself? She glanced at her watch. She would soon find out.

  Fifteen minutes later, Molly pulled her car into an empty parking spot at the park. She sucked in a deep breath and released it. You can do this. Her eyes scanned the area. A wooded path led to a grassy area filled with picnic tables and families enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. She exited her car and popped open the trunk to grab the food.

  “It looks like we are both running behind.”

  Molly jumped at the familiar deep voice. She turned with a firm grip on the basket Elsie had loaded with chicken, potato salad, freshly baked rolls and half a German chocolate cake. Elsie knew it was Molly’s favorite. “Derek. You startled me.”

  He flashed a smile, and her heart fluttered. “I’m sorry. I thought you saw me. Here, let me take it.” Derek reached for the basket and held Duke’s leash with his other hand. The dog let out a whimper. “I think Duke smells fried chicken. Is he right?” The dog wove between their legs with his nose in the air.

  “It’s not just any chicken. It’s the best you’ll taste in the valley. Aunt Elsie has quite the reputation for frying the crispiest bird you’ll ever have.” Molly dipped and scratched the top of Duke’s head. He responded with a wet, sloppy kiss on the hand.

  “I think he likes you,” Derek remarked.

 
; “I hope Grace feels the same today.” Molly closed the trunk.

  Derek playfully bumped his shoulder against Molly. “Relax. It’s a gorgeous day. You’re going to have a great time with Grace.”

  The couple moved down the path with Duke’s nose to the ground and his tail whipping from side to side.

  Derek laughed. “Duke loves to be out with people.”

  At the end of the path, Molly’s eyes moved from table to table in search of Grace. Seconds passed, and her heart squeezed at the sight of the golden hair glistening in the afternoon sunlight peeking through the towering trees.

  Duke released a bark, and Grace turned. Molly watched as the little girl’s eyes ignited with joy. She sprang from the table where she sat next to Annie and ran across the open field.

  “Duke!”

  The dog’s excitement increased, and Derek’s arm was almost pulled from its socket.

  “Whoa, boy. Hang on a second,” Derek commanded, struggling to hold on to the leash.

  Molly’s heart sank as the child dropped to her knees and threw her arms around Duke. She longed for such a greeting from Grace, but she knew it would take time. Or would it never happen?

  “Duke sure is happy to see you, Grace. I think he remembers you.” Derek eyed Molly.

  “I’m so happy you brought him with you, Mr. Derek.” The child beamed at Derek as Duke flopped on the ground and rolled over for a good belly rub.

  Molly felt like the last kid picked for the softball team. Grace hadn’t once looked in her direction.

  Derek peered at Molly. He understood her disappointment. “I hope you like chicken. Miss Molly has a basket full.”

  “Hi, Grace. It’s nice to see you again.” Molly stepped closer to the child.

  Grace glanced at the basket but didn’t look toward Molly. Instead, she turned the conversation back to Derek. “Does Duke like chicken, Mr. Derek?”

  Molly turned, head down, and walked toward Annie’s table.

  “Hey, Molly. It’s a perfect day for a picnic, isn’t it?” Annie stood and hugged Molly’s stiff frame before stepping back. “What’s wrong?”

  “It wasn’t my imagination the other night.” Molly looked toward the child as she and Derek wrestled with Duke.

  “What about the other evening?”

  “With Grace. It’s official. She doesn’t like me.”

  Annie chuckled. “You’re being silly. She hasn’t had a chance to get to know you.”

  Grace squealed, confirming Molly’s beliefs. The child didn’t want to get to know her. “She doesn’t know Derek, but look at them.” She pointed to the two giggling as Grace fed Duke a dog treat.

  “Give it time, Molly.”

  That was the thing. She was running out of time. If sales didn’t increase soon at her bookstore, Rusty was going to sell. The clock was ticking. It was only a matter of time before Annie learned how dire her financial situation was. Wouldn’t it be best if she heard it straight from Molly and not on a bank statement?

  “Are you okay?” Annie questioned.

  “Not really. There’s something you need to know before we move forward with the adoption process.”

  Annie tilted her head. “You’ve changed your mind?”

  “Oh no, of course not. There’s nothing I want more in the world than to open my home and heart to that little girl.” Molly paused and directed her attention back to Grace and Derek. “But I need to be honest with you. My store is in trouble. I’m doing everything possible to save it, but there’s a chance I might have to close the doors.”

  Annie reached over and rested her hand on Molly’s arm. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I love your shop. It’s such a tremendous asset to our community. What can I do to help?”

  Molly’s breath hitched. “That’s kind. I’m not sure what else can be done. Derek has designed a website for me and also did the makeover on the store.”

  “And it looks great. It sure was nice of him.” Annie winked.

  “It’s not what you think. There’s nothing happening between us. This is all business.” It had to be. She couldn’t allow it to be anything more. No way.

  “I’m not so sure it’s all business for Derek. I’ve noticed the way he looks at you,” Annie said.

  A mother and a teenage daughter strolled past the table. Holding hands, they laughed and whispered like best friends. Molly’s heart squeezed. She pulled her focus away to ease the pain. “Trust me. I’m nothing more than a stepping stone for him to expand his franchise.”

  “If you say so.”

  Molly squared her shoulders. “I know so. Anyway, my bank balance doesn’t look like I can support a child, but I’m asking for time.”

  “I appreciate your honesty. We’ve dealt with this before, so try not to worry. I’ll explain your situation to my supervisor. I’m sure we can continue to move forward and just allow you the time you need to work through your financial difficulties.”

  But what if she couldn’t? If she was forced to sell, how would she make a living? How would she ever be in a position to adopt Grace? Wasn’t it unfair to Grace to get her hopes up?

  Derek kept telling her not to quit. Not to give up. Was he right? She watched Derek and Grace stroll across the grassy field with Duke traipsing beside them. Grace’s giggles filled the air. The child looked at Derek, smiled and reached for his hand. Molly’s stomach rolled as doubt and uncertainty rocked her to the core. Reality hit like a migraine headache. Derek was once again stealing her dream.

  * * *

  Warning sirens erupted in Derek’s head. What just happened? Why was this tiny hand inside his creating a firestorm of emotions he couldn’t identify? The glaring look Molly shot his way extinguished the warmth, and he pulled his hand away. “Why don’t you go sit next to Miss Molly, Grace?”

  The child pouted with her lower lip out. This picnic wasn’t getting off to a good start. Three females in his proximity, and he’d already upset two of them.

  Grace hopped on the bench. Her eyes remained focused on Duke, who had settled into a shady spot in the grass. The scent of pine drifted on a breeze.

  Annie directed her attention to Grace. “Did you enjoy yourself at Miss Molly’s Book Buddies the other day?”

  Derek was pleased Annie was trying to engage Molly and Grace in a conversation. How could they ever get to know each other if they didn’t talk?

  Grace nodded her head. “Uh-huh.”

  Annie fired off another question. “What did you like the best?”

  “I liked seeing Mr. Derek and Duke the best.”

  Ouch. Not exactly the answer any of the adults had hoped for—especially not Molly. He noticed the disappointment on her face. An awkward silence hung in the air.

  Molly sat taller. “Grace, do you like fried chicken?” She opened the wicker basket and pulled out a stack of foam plates with three divided compartments.

  “Yes,” the child whispered.

  “It smells delicious.” Annie took the plates and put one in front of each of the adults and Grace.

  Grace leaned across the table toward Derek. “What about Duke? Doesn’t he get a piece of chicken?”

  Derek smiled. “Oh no, he’s a vegetarian.”

  Grace covered her mouth and giggled. “Dogs don’t eat vegetables.”

  “But rabbits do,” Molly added. “I once had a pet rabbit. I used to feed him carrots.”

  Grace frowned at Molly. “Rabbit shouldn’t be kept in cages. They need to run free. I don’t like animals to be locked in cages.”

  Derek eyed Molly, who had abruptly turned her focus back to the basket of food, her face red.

  “I’m sure Miss Molly let her rabbit play outside of its cage. Didn’t you?”

  Grace looked at Molly and back to Derek. “Can me and you take Duke on a hike after we eat?” she asked.

/>   Molly sat stiffly, wearing an empty stare. Poor Molly. This was getting more uncomfortable by the minute. He knew how important it was for her to form a bond with Grace. Her struggles with her store were hard enough. She couldn’t be rejected by Grace on top of everything else. “I think it might be a better idea if you and Miss Molly go together. Duke might be ready for a break from me. I’m sure he gets tired of hanging out with me all the time.” He winked at Molly, who remained silent.

  “That’s a great idea,” Annie chimed in, and passed out the paper cups. “I wanted to talk to you about your coffee franchise, Derek. My sister and brother-in-law are considering opening one in Dallas.”

  Derek had a sneaky feeling Annie was trying to think of an excuse for Molly and Grace to have some alone time together. Molly would be brokenhearted if the day passed without her making a connection with Grace. “I’d be happy to answer any questions. But first, let’s eat. I’m so hungry I could eat a hippopotamus.”

  Grace giggled and bit into the chicken leg Molly had placed on her plate. “You’re funny, Mr. Derek.”

  Derek considered Molly and Grace as they sat side by side, yet worlds apart. Still, with what Molly had shared about her own upbringing, along with Grace’s experience in foster care, they might soon discover they had a lot in common. As tragic as it was, could the commonality create a bond? He continued to watch Molly and Grace listen to Annie talk about her new kitten. Then reality hit. The sooner he stopped picturing Molly, Grace and himself as a family, the less likely he’d risk getting hurt down the road. But these thoughts continued to cling like a load of clothes fresh out of the dryer.