Summer's Belle

by Paige Winship Dooly

  “R–really?” Brady had unfastened his seat belt and leaned his elbows on the console so he could better see Matt. “You own a real live boat?”

  “I do.”

  “It would be c–cool to go on a real boat.”

  Matt glanced at Britney. “They’ve never been on a boat?”

  “They’ve never seen a lake, let alone been on a boat.”

  Matt frowned.

  “You don’t see a lot of lakes in downtown Atlanta. Especially not the part we’re from.”

  “Oh.”

  “Have you had the b–boat l–long?”

  “It was my father’s boat first, but he’s passed it down to me. We don’t get to go out on it as much as we’d like.” He turned to survey the marina. “Do you see the first row of boats closest to us?”

  “Y–yes.”

  “Mine is the fourth boat from the far end. It has blue writing on the side.”

  “I s–see it. It looks big.”

  “It’s big enough.” He glanced at Britney. “Ethel sometimes lets me drag her out for a spin and a picnic lunch on the water. Maybe we’ll talk her into going out one day while you’re visiting.”

  Britney felt like he was offering her a challenge, but she wasn’t sure what it was. She hadn’t forgotten his sarcasm when she’d first said they were going to visit their grandmother. Whatever he knew about Ethel, he wasn’t sure they’d be welcomed as Britney had hoped and expected. A lump of anxiety worked its way into her chest. They might as well get the meeting over with. Sitting here dreaming of leisurely boat rides on a sunny summer day wasn’t getting them anywhere.

  She wished she’d taken the time to pull Matt aside and ask about the older woman. What if she lived in an assisted-living facility? What if she was too feeble to take on the kids? What if she wasn’t their grandmother at all, or worse, what if she was, but she was just like their mother and didn’t give a rip about the kids or their well-being?

  But if that were the truth, why would Matt eat dinner with her on a regular basis? He seemed to enjoy Ethel’s company. Britney hoped she wasn’t putting the family into a worse situation. She should have kept her mouth shut, checked into a hotel, and gone to find out about the woman on her own before bringing the kids—or a sheriff—into it.

  “Right. I guess we’d best be on our way then so we can meet her.”

  “You’ve never met your grandmother?”

  “No. Not that I remember. It’s complicated.”

  He stood a moment and seemed to be considering her words as he surveyed her carload of kids. She hoped she wasn’t building herself up for disappointment when it came to her grandmother’s reception. The younger kids had been through a lot. Brit looked at them through Matt’s eyes. They were thin with dark circles rimming their eyes. They looked world weary. Allie was also too thin. She’d spent most of the trip slumped down in a defensive position, hugging her stomach and glaring like the whole world was against her.

  He finished his perusal. “I agree. Let’s get this show on the road so you can meet her.”

  Apprehension wound its way through Britney’s heart and limbs. She felt numb as she accelerated and followed Matt along the shore of the lake. Her siblings didn’t deserve any more punches. She hoped she hadn’t raised their hopes just to have them dashed. If they were rejected again this soon, she didn’t know how they’d recover. She decided it might be time for another heartfelt prayer.

  Lord, You know my fears, and I know You care about my siblings and their well-being. Please help me find the best situation for them and keep them safe in my care.

  Six

  As soon as they left town, the road curved away from the lake, passed the school they’d seen from afar, and gave way to an older residential area where a variety of houses lined both sides of the narrow lane. The architecture of the buildings seemed to be a mix of old and new. Smaller houses nestled next to large modern ramblers. Even so, glimpses of the lake still sparkled in between the structures. All of the homes seemed to have spacious yards, perfect for children to play in. The yards were big enough to allow privacy, but close enough to be a good neighbor if an emergency situation arose. The thought of having that much space drew Britney in. She and her siblings hadn’t ever experienced anything like this since they’d grown up in apartments and projects. She’d give anything to see the younger kids running around barefoot with carefree spirits on lawns like these.

  Matt motioned with his hand and pointed to a driveway just ahead. He turned his bike toward one of the lakefront homes. Britney drank it all in. The long meandering gravel drive led to a cheery two-story home. Large trees, perfect for climbing, lined the driveway and dotted the large front yard. Behind the house, even more trees filled the expanse between lake and home. One of the largest trees held an old wooden swing that swayed invitingly in the gentle breeze.

  Britney waited for Matt to park before pulling up beside him. She couldn’t wait to exit the car and stretch her stiff limbs. She walked a few steps before noticing the younger kids still sat quietly in the backseat. Brit returned and opened their door. “Why are y’all still sitting in there? Hop out and stretch your legs already!”

  She bent in to release the twins from their booster seats. They’d cost Brit an arm and a leg at the store, but at least she hadn’t received a ticket for having them out of child safety seats. They didn’t wait for a second command. The other two doors spilled open, and children poured out in different directions.

  “Don’t go running off. I want you to stay close by while we meet—Ethel.” The word Grandma started to roll off her tongue, but she figured she’d best wait and see what came of the visit first.

  The children stopped their forward motion and drifted in circles, inspecting the rocks and squealing over leaves. Allie remained where she was after exiting the car, leaning against the front bumper while staring at her surroundings.

  Britney looked over at Matt, who was watching the active kids. “Before you ask, they’ve never really played with rocks or leaves either.”

  “Wow, must have been cement city where y’all grew up.”

  “Pretty much. Yes. We had rocks, but they were more broken concrete than pieces of nature.”

  Matt reached into the open window of Britney’s car and gave a few taps on the middle of the steering wheel. The horn blared through the shady yard, the sound incongruent and annoying in the peaceful late-afternoon air. The sound died away, and after a few moments the birds above their heads resumed their serenade.

  Britney felt as if she’d stepped out of a dream and into a fairy tale. Why would her mother walk away from a life like this? If she indeed had. Maybe Britney had it all wrong and they were about to be embarrassed like never before. She mentally shrugged. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been in tough situations before and survived. That was probably the best thing her mother had taught her—survival.

  If the woman they hoped would turn out to be their grandmother walked out and laughed in Britney’s face, life would go on. It always did. She’d load the kids back up and find a place to stay while she figured out her next move.

  Britney found herself studying Matt while they waited for Ethel to exit the house. He wasn’t overly tall but wasn’t exactly short either. Brit’s head came to his chin. His dark hair was mussed from the helmet he’d slung over one of the bike handles and curled at the collar of his shirt. He seemed friendly in a relaxed sort of way. He didn’t have any of the pompousness the cops back home had flaunted.

  Maybe they had to since the neighborhood was so rough. Here she figured it would be easy to get complacent. The peaceful town would soothe anyone’s nerves. Brit reminded herself that Matt hadn’t looked nearly as relaxed when he’d first approached their car.

  The red door that perfectly complimented the yellow house opened wide, and the children hurried to close in and press tight against Britney’s side. Noelle reached up to clasp her hand. The tiny child quaked with fear.

  Britney leaned down to w
hisper reassuring words to her. “It’s okay, darlin’. No one’s gonna hurt you here.”

  “But what if she doesn’t want us either?”

  Britney’s heart broke for the little girl. “It won’t matter because I’ll always want you.”

  And she knew her statement was true. She wasn’t leaving the kids behind if she left. They were a package deal no matter how things turned out.

  Matt looked at Brit with an expression she couldn’t read, and Britney wondered if he’d heard the exchange. She didn’t want his sympathy, but perhaps the look had been more of a compassionate nature.

  An older woman stepped from the house and moved onto the porch. She shaded her eyes against the sun that shone directly into her face. “Matthew? Is that you messing up the peace by honking a horn?”

  “It sure is, Aunt Ethel.” A grin split Matt’s face. “You told me to bring something special for dinner, and I did. Come on over here and take a look.”

  Britney frowned. Ethel was Matt’s aunt? If that was the case, had Brit already met her cousin? Why hadn’t he said so back at the gas station? She hadn’t even thought about extended family or the ramifications of what her surprise might do to others involved. She’d only thought of her siblings and herself when she started out on the journey.

  Brit had attended church with a friend during her teen years, and she’d given her heart to the Lord. The seeds grew slowly, but she felt her faith was strong, even with all that life seemed to throw at her. She took a moment and whispered up another prayer, hoping God would hear her and that the things they were putting into motion wouldn’t cause hurt to anyone else involved. A sense of peace passed through her. A soft smile formed on her lips. As always, she’d prayed, and her heart had lifted. Maybe the town would bring healing to her, too.

  “You brought guests?” Ethel looked and sounded pleasant enough. “I’ll have to throw on some more food.”

  So far so good. Ethel didn’t go into a screaming rant like their mother would have if they’d shown up without warning with extra people in tow. Especially if they’d brought home strangers.

  The older woman hurried down the stairs to greet them. She bustled their way. She certainly didn’t seem very old or decrepit. She bubbled with energy. Her hair was peppered with gray, and unfamiliar blue eyes twinkled with anticipation. Britney’s heart dropped. She saw no resemblance between Ethel, Britney’s mother, herself, or her siblings. She started to panic. What if the letters hadn’t even belonged to her mother? What if Britney had read them all wrong? What if—?

  “Aunt Ethel, I’d like you to meet—”

  Britney wanted to escape, to sink into the ground. Her tentative shroud of peace evaporated. Her brothers and sisters would be so disappointed if this woman rejected them. They’d be at the mercy of total strangers. Kind strangers, but people Brit didn’t know all the same.

  “Oh sweet mercy!” Ethel suddenly stopped in her tracks and paled. After a long moment she stepped forward and reached toward Brit with a raised hand. She tenderly touched her shoulder. Tears filled her eyes as she quietly whispered, “Matthew, you rascal! You’ve brought me my grandchildren and without any warning. You’ve brought them home to me.” Her breath caught on a sob. She didn’t take her eyes away from Brit’s. “Matty. How did you ever know? How did you ever find them? I didn’t think you even knew—”

  “I didn’t.” Matt’s two syllables, uttered under his breath, sounded stunned.

  Brit glanced over at Matt. He looked as shocked as Brit felt.

  She returned her attention to her grandmother. The term, now used with confidence, brought tears to Brit’s own eyes. “You recognize us?”

  “Oh honey, you’re the spitting image of your mother when she was your age. Well, maybe she was a bit younger than you when I last saw her. But yes, you’re as familiar to me as the back of my hand.” She smiled through her tears.

  She stepped forward and enveloped Brit in a hug. Britney hugged her back. She couldn’t think of a time when she’d been so warmly welcomed by someone just for being her. She’d been hugged briefly by teachers after an award or achievement, but that was the gist of her experience with physical connections. Matching tears poured down Brit’s cheeks. Their grandmother hadn’t rejected them.

  Brit felt a chink fall out of the protective walls she’d built around her heart. An unfamiliar feeling of relief swept over her as she realized for the first time ever, she didn’t feel alone in her responsibility. Could God finally, finally be moving their family into a better place, a place filled with blessing?

  “What’s your name, dear?”

  “Britney.” Brit stepped back and wiped at her tears, embarrassed that Matt was watching the whole exchange. She motioned to the kids around her and touched each one in turn. “And this is Noelle, Skye, and Brady. Allie’s over there leaning against the car. Sam stayed behind in the city.”

  Allie stood off to the side, watching the interactions with suspicion.

  Ethel motioned for the kids to come closer. “You can all call me Gram. I’ve waited so long to hear someone call me that. I’d about given up on it ever happening.”

  Gram looked over at Allie, who still hovered reluctantly in front of the car, and motioned for her to come closer. Allie moved forward and accepted Gram’s warm hug. Brit watched as each of her siblings relaxed under the woman’s welcoming smile and warm embrace.

  Britney couldn’t stop herself from asking, “You’re okay that we’re here? You’re happy about our arrival?”

  “Of course I am, child! I’ve hoped and prayed for this day since the moment your mother walked out that door.” She glanced into the car. “Where is your mother? She didn’t come with you?”

  “No.”

  Gram’s face fell, but she didn’t ask for any more information. Britney decided to wait on further details. There’d be time enough for that later. Gram didn’t hide her disappointment, but she quickly rallied and welcomed them into her home.

  Matt trailed along, looking like a lost puppy. Britney wondered if he resented their arrival and welcome. She hoped not. She liked him and hoped they’d get to know him better in the future.

  “Let’s go out to the back deck.” Gram led them through a comfortable living area that was filled with floral fabric-covered chairs and into a bright yellow kitchen. She pointed at the back door. “I’ll get some refreshments, and you can tell me all about yourselves. Matty, get them settled out there while I rustle something up, okay? Do you have to go back to the station before dinner?”

  “Not tonight.”

  Gram turned to Britney. “Have you all eaten dinner yet?”

  “No. And we’re sure hungry.” Skye peered past her into the refrigerator.

  “Skye!” Britney reprimanded.

  “Gram asked,” Skye pointed out.

  “I sure did! In that case, let me bring out some snacks to hold you over while I put dinner together. I was going to make soup, but instead we’ll grill hot dogs. How’s that sound?”

  The younger kids cheered.

  She grabbed bags of potato chips, dip, and a bowl of fruit and led the way to the deck. A table surrounded by cushioned seats waited on the deck that overlooked the lake.

  Brady gasped. “You have a lake in your yard?”

  “It’s more appropriate to say my yard attaches to a lake.” Gram laughed. “I share the lake with a lot of other people.”

  “The twins will be in the water in seconds.”

  Matt laughed. “I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

  Britney leveled him with a look. “You don’t know my siblings. The most mild-mannered room, the most peaceful environment you can imagine is a virtual minefield when it comes to my youngest brother and sister. Brady often wanders into their adventures. When it looks like there’s nothing they can use to get in trouble, they’ll create the trouble. You don’t want to see it. It isn’t pretty.”

  “I’m sure we can figure out a way to keep them safe.”

  Gram interven
ed. “I have life jackets out in the shed. Why don’t you fetch them for us, Matt?” She headed for the door. “The rest of you make yourselves at home. If you need to use the facilities, there’s a bathroom right off the back door, just around the corner from the kitchen.”

  Brady and Skye jostled through the door in her wake. Matt headed off to get the life jackets. Brit and Allie exchanged disbelieving looks as they followed Noelle, who immediately headed for the water.

  “We did it. We’ve really found our grandmother.” Allie’s face lost its pinched look and filled with awe all in the same moment.

  Britney grinned back. “I think we have. And she’s welcomed us into her home.”

  ❧

  Matt retrieved three small life jackets and walked back toward the deck. He wanted to have a few words with Ethel while she was alone. He wanted to warn her about taking in random strangers, even if they did look like someone she knew from her past. He also wanted to know why he’d never heard about a daughter. He’d grown up thinking she and her husband had never had children, but now that he thought about it, he’d assumed that based on the fact that she never talked about family.

  One thing was for sure, no matter what Ethel decided, as soon as they finished dinner, Matt planned to return to the office and run Brit’s name through the system. He placed the life jackets on the table and walked around front to notify dispatch of his location and the situation.

  He intended to stay, eat, and see things through on this end before leaving Ethel alone with the newcomers. They seemed harmless enough, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He’d also call his father right before he left and give him a heads-up. His father tended to be overprotective when it came to Ethel. Since the elderly Maxwell lived right next door, Ethel would have someone else watching out for her until Matt finished his research on the family.

  Matt rounded the corner and bit back a laugh when he saw the three youngest kids fighting for a turn on the swing while wearing the bulky life jackets. Allie and Britney sat at the table, munching on chips and watching over them.