“Let’s hope so. Good night, bud.” Derek traced his finger down the side of his water bottle.
An hour after Mark had gone to bed, Derek still sat in his dark kitchen. The house was quiet except for the hum of the refrigerator. Outside the window, a barred owl screeched, making his presence known. With the glow of the blue light from his laptop, Derek poured his thoughts, anger, fears and hopes into an email to his father. He apologized for expecting perfection from his father. He spoke of his feelings for Molly, and how he still struggled with the belief that relationships weren’t worth the risk of heartache.
After an hour of nonstop typing, he stared at his words while his finger hovered over the send button. Every feeling he’d experienced since learning the truth was documented. His hand shook when it moved toward the delete button. No. Mark was right. He had to make peace. Not to make his father feel better, but for himself. Forgiveness was the only way he could move on with his life. How could he ask for Molly’s forgiveness when he wasn’t capable of giving the gift himself? With one stroke of a key, Derek’s shoulders relaxed as the email was in transit to his father.
* * *
The following afternoon, Derek sucked in a deep breath before opening the door to Bound to Please Reads. He and Molly hadn’t cleared the air following their discussion at the lake on Tuesday evening. When he’d popped into the store before Book Buddies on Wednesday to drop off some marketing information for the presentation Caitlin planned to do for her class next week, Molly had hurried off to assist a customer, but the look she’d thrown his way had told him she wasn’t open for conversation. It was just as well. The shop was busy, so it wouldn’t have been a good time to talk. He’d said a quick hi to Grace and left.
Today, they couldn’t avoid each other. Mark would be at the store any minute to set up for his book signing. This day was all about saving Molly’s store. It wasn’t the time to discuss their past.
Whoa. Derek stopped and had to remind himself to breathe when he spotted Molly assisting a middle-aged man scanning books in the health section. Her hair was swept away from her face in a loose ponytail that highlighted her high cheekbones. She looked stunning. Dressed in a fitted black pantsuit, a white blouse and high-heeled shoes, she meant business.
Molly glanced in his direction, and he lifted his hand to give a quick wave. Her lips barely parted into a smile. If he had blinked, he would have missed it. Yep. She might understand the pain he endured the morning of the wedding after learning the truth about his father, but she definitely didn’t understand why he had to drag her and Ryan into his messy life. He couldn’t understand it then, but he did now, and he’d been wrong.
“Hey, bud.”
Derek turned as Mark crossed through the front entrance carrying a silver tumbler. “You’re early.”
“Yeah, my agent called. A courier is scheduled to deliver the books, along with some freebies. I didn’t want Molly to be bothered with it. Plus, I wanted to have time to meet her and thank her for hosting me.”
A truck rumbled outside. “That’s my delivery.” Mark placed his beverage on a nearby table.
“After I give you a hand, I’ll introduce you to Molly.” Derek peered over his shoulder, but she was no longer helping the customer or at the register. He’d check her office after he helped Mark.
Fifteen minutes later, the boxes of books were stacked against the wall adjoining the children’s section. Molly had mentioned the area would be the best place for Mark’s signing table. She’d already set out a pitcher of water along with a glass and several pens. He scanned the store. “I saw Molly earlier—Oh, here she comes.”
Molly crossed the store from her office, straightening her jacket. “I am so sorry. I got caught on the phone with an out-of-town customer who plans to visit this weekend.”
Derek smiled. The website was working. This was good news. “Molly, this is Mark Potter. Mark, Molly.” He gestured his hand between the two.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Molly. I wanted to say thanks for hosting me at your lovely shop.”
Molly’s cheeks reddened. “Oh, trust me, the pleasure is all mine. I’m a huge fan of your books.”
“I appreciate it. Derek tells me you’re a writer, too.” Mark bent over, reached for a box of his books and placed it on the table.
Molly glanced in Derek’s direction before turning back to Mark. “I’ve sold a few short stories, but nothing like what you’ve accomplished.”
“That’s wonderful. Can I give you one piece of advice to carry along in your writer’s toolbox?”
Molly clasped her hands together. “Oh yes, please.”
“Don’t ever compare yourself to others. This is your journey, and yours alone. Comparing it with others’ will steal your joy quicker than anything.”
Molly nodded. “I’ll remember that. Thank you.”
“Derek mentioned you’re working on a novel. If you ever need a reader, I’d be happy to take a look at it,” Mark offered.
Derek laughed when Molly’s eyes practically popped out of her head.
“Oh my,” she squealed. “I wouldn’t want to take up your time. I know how busy successful writers can be.”
“Trust me, I get tired of reading my stuff all of the time. My email is on my website. Feel free to contact me anytime.” Mark turned to the front door.
Derek laughed as the man delivering the books carried in a life-size cardboard photograph of Mark holding a copy of his latest release. “What in the world?”
“Come on, man. Don’t laugh. My publisher likes to have this on display when I do a signing. It wasn’t my idea.” Mark shook his head.
Molly jumped like an excited child and clapped her hands. “Oh, how wonderful. We’ll put it at the front entrance so people can see it as they pass by.” She hurried off to set up the display.
“We don’t want to scare off the customers,” Derek joked and fist-bumped Mark’s arm.
“Thanks, buddy.”
Derek bent down and retrieved the last of the books. “You know I’m kidding. I appreciate what you’re doing here. Saving this store is important to Molly.”
“Just Molly?” Mark’s eyes widened. “Is there something going on with you and her?”
Across the room, Molly fiddled with the display. She looked over and smiled, igniting Derek’s senses. He turned to answer Mark’s question, but a part of him feared to admit his feelings. He was afraid to trust his heart to another person like he’d trusted his father. “No. I’m looking out for my business.”
Chapter Fifteen
Molly tried to keep her eyes off Derek and on the task at hand. Rescuing her store. That’s what this night was about. The place was mobbed with excited readers anxious to snag a copy of Mark Potter’s latest release, and for a chance to meet the author. Derek’s idea was nothing short of genius. Molly and Caitlin struggled to keep pace with the customers making purchases to get a free autographed copy of Mark’s book.
“I’ve never seen the store this crowded,” Caitlin exclaimed. “I think people are coming from all over the state of Virginia.”
Molly agreed. There had been some local townspeople who’d rallied to show support for Molly’s store, but the majority of the faces were unfamiliar.
Molly sent up a silent prayer that the sales from this evening’s event would be enough to pay Rusty what she owed him in rent. Then what? How would she get back on track and start saving money? Annie had told her not to worry about her financial situation impacting her ability to adopt Grace, but how could it not? No one was going to give a child to someone who couldn’t support her.
“Hey, are you okay, Molly?” Caitlin rested her hand on Molly’s back.
She bit her lower lip and shook her head. “I’m fine.” But she knew she wasn’t. “Can you cover the register?” Molly rounded the counter.
“Sure, no problem.”
Moments passed before a soft knock sounded at the door. Molly snatched a tissue from the box on her desk and blotted her eyes.
“Molly. Can I come in?”
Derek.
She couldn’t face him. Not now. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
The door squeaked as Derek slowly pushed it open.
Molly turned to see his head peeking inside. “Caitlin said you were upset. Do you want to talk about it?”
He approached with caution. “Hey, what’s with the tears? Tonight is supposed to be a good night for you and your store. Things are going great out there.”
Derek pulled another tissue from the box and stepped closer. He wiped away the tears racing down her cheek.
“I know. I’m so sorry.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “You’ve done so much. And Mark coming here—You’ve both been so generous, but—”
“What? Why are you so upset? Please, talk to me, Mols.”
She wasn’t sure if it was the sincerity in his smoldering eyes or the masculine scent of his aftershave, but she couldn’t clear her mind enough to explain her actions.
“You can trust me. I know you think you can’t because of what I did to you in the past, but you can.”
“I feel like I’ve been treading water the past few weeks. I don’t think I can keep going. What if tonight isn’t enough to bring me out of debt?”
“Haven’t you noticed the crowd out there? Molly, there’s a line outside the door that goes clear down the sidewalk.”
The last thing she wanted to do was sound ungrateful, but she had to be realistic. “I know there’s a lot of people. And maybe I’ll make enough to pay Rusty. But what happens next? The end of this month is coming up, so another rent payment is almost due. Even if you’re able to buy the place from Rusty, you can’t allow me to stay if I’m unable to pay you rent.” She stepped back and wrapped her arms tightly across her stomach. “Don’t you get it? I’m a failure. I’ll never be able to get ahead. My dream of family is over.”
Derek moved in closer and placed his hand underneath her chin, tipping her head to him. Their eyes locked. “You will have everything you’ve ever dreamed of having. I promise.”
Molly felt a force pulling her closer to Derek, but he wasn’t moving. It was her. She was leaning toward him, unable to put on the brakes. She felt his breath as she fell into his arms. He buried his nose in her hair.
“You’ll have that family, Molly.” He shifted his head so they were face-to-face. “I promise.”
Molly leaned closer, and with a slight movement, Derek closed the space between them. Their lips brushed, and she melted deeper into his muscular build, longing to stay there forever.
“Molly.” Caitlin stepped through the open office door and froze. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
Molly jumped, and Derek moved away quickly, but for a moment, she yearned to be back in his arms and wished the kiss had lasted longer.
“What’s wrong, Caitlin?” Molly ran her hands through her hair.
“Annie’s out front. She said she needs to speak with you.” Caitlin scurried out of the room, obviously embarrassed by the interruption.
Molly’s mind swirled. Had Annie come to meet Mark, or was she here to deliver news Molly wasn’t ready to hear?
Derek moved closer. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t have a good feeling. It’s probably bad news. I know it is. I’m going to lose Grace.”
“Relax. Maybe she’s here to support you. Go and talk to her. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
Molly had missed a call from Annie earlier in the day, but with the excitement swirling about this evening’s event, she’d forgotten about it.
“Molly? Do you need me to go with you?”
A desire to be back in his arms consumed her. When Derek had taken her into his comforting embrace, she’d felt safe for the first time in years. She realized in the last several weeks that she’d grown to need him more than she wanted to admit to herself. “Do you mind?”
Derek placed his hand on the small of her back and a shiver traveled down her spine. “Of course not. Let’s go.”
Outside the office, Molly’s eyes canvassed the store. The crowd had expanded.
“Wow,” Derek exclaimed. “I hope the fire marshal doesn’t shut the place down.”
Molly’s jaw tightened. “They wouldn’t do that, would they?”
“Relax. I’m joking. Look, there’s Annie over there talking to Mrs. Buser.” Derek pointed toward the group of chairs closest to the front door.
Molly forced down the lump that had lodged in her throat when Caitlin announced Annie’s visit. She sent up a silent prayer. More than ever, she needed to trust God and His timing. If it wasn’t the time for her to bring a child into her life, she’d have to accept it. But how? She’d fallen in love with Grace. Molly’s stomach turned over at the thought of Grace in someone else’s home, especially if the home was anything like those she’d experienced so far.
Auntie Elsie spoke first. “Well, hello, dear. You should be thrilled with the turnout tonight.”
It was a dream come true. Under different circumstances, Molly would be over the moon, but she knew one successful night might not be enough. Of course, that wasn’t fair to Derek, or to Mark. “Oh yes, I am. I couldn’t ask for more. It’s been a terrific evening so far.”
“I’ve purchased a book on Ireland, so I’m going to go get in line.” Elsie reached out and squeezed Molly’s hand. “We’ll chat later.” The elderly woman went out the door to claim her spot in the line snaking down the sidewalk.
Molly turned to Annie. “Are you here for a copy of Mark’s book, too?” Please let that be the reason.
Annie tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Yes, I love his books.”
Molly’s shoulders relaxed. She wouldn’t lose Grace. At least not today.
“But I also hoped we could talk. I know you’re busy, but it’s important.”
Why hadn’t she answered Annie’s call? She’d delayed the inevitable. “I’m sorry I didn’t respond to you earlier. It’s been a chaotic day.”
“Do you want to go somewhere and talk in private?” Annie glanced at Derek before looking back to Molly.
What was the point? Derek already knew how her financial struggles could impact the adoption procedure. “That won’t be necessary. Derek is familiar with my situation. Let’s just step over there.” Molly pointed to a quiet corner of the store and braced herself for whatever Annie had to say.
“I was wrong to tell you not to be concerned about your financial situation, Molly. I wish I’d never said it.”
“What is it, Annie? Am I going to lose Grace?”
Molly flinched when Derek took her hand, but it gave her the strength she needed. “Please, tell me.”
“All hope isn’t lost. I just wanted to let you know your file has been flagged for further review of your finances.”
The chatter of excited readers went silent. A muffled tone filled Molly’s ears, reminding her of when she’d been knocked over by a large wave during her first trip to the ocean with Shelley. Tossed about in the swift current, unsure of which direction would bring her to the surface, Molly hadn’t been able to get her bearings. After it happened, she’d never gotten back into the surf again. Playing in the sand was where she’d spent the remainder of the trip. She drew in a breath and exhaled. This was understandable. The agency had to look after Grace’s best interests. She couldn’t fault them. “Okay. So what happens next?”
Annie fingered the gold locket around her neck. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and see what they det
ermine. Try not to get discouraged. Keep doing what you’re doing. I’ll drop Grace off at your house around ten o’clock tomorrow morning, if that works for you?”
“That’s perfect,” Molly answered. At least she had something to look forward to. She couldn’t think of anything she’d rather do than spend the day with Grace. Just the two of them. She couldn’t allow Annie’s news tonight to spoil the excitement. She had to continue to cling to her faith and believe in the impossible—in promises.
“She’s looking forward to the festival.”
A lightness filled Molly’s chest. “She is? Did she say something about it?”
“Yes. She’s excited about the animals at the petting zoo.”
Molly had hoped the excitement was stirred by the idea of spending time with her, but she couldn’t blame Grace. “Those baby goats are adorable.”
“I better get going. Wishing you the best tonight, guys. I’ll see you in the morning, Molly.” She whirled around and headed out the door.
“You okay?” Derek asked, moving in closer. “Relax, you and Grace will have a great time tomorrow.”
Molly nodded. “I’m okay.” But it wasn’t true. She wasn’t sure she’d ever recover if she lost her bookstore and Grace in one swoop.
Two hours later, the crowd had thinned and Mark had signed the last book. He stood from the table and shook out his hand. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever signed so many books in one night.”
Molly stepped closer. “Thank you so much for coming tonight, Mark. It meant the world to me.”
“I’ll come back anytime, Molly. I hope things work out for you. You have a wonderful store. It would be a shame for you to close.”
The thought made Molly queasy. “Thank you, Mark. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I would do if I have to close my store. I’m not sure I could stay in Whispering Slopes. There would be nothing left for me here except too many sad memories.”
“Move? But this is your home.” Derek’s brow crinkled.
A Dream of Family Page 16