Summer's Belle

by Paige Winship Dooly

  “I saw the nitty-gritty out there on the streets during my training, and I want to offer these girls a safe place. I want them to have options and hope. I’ve answered more than enough domestic violence calls when families get stressed over situations like this. I know I said we have a safe town, and we do. But the calls we do get are related to poverty, lack of income, and bad choices, and young pregnant women are right in the middle of it.”

  “My mom would have benefited from a program like this. Maybe with the right support and training she’d have made better choices.”

  Matt’s warm brown eyes softened with sympathy. “Maybe so. And that’s exactly why we’re here. We want to help fill the needs of the mothers, and we want to train them so the cycle doesn’t repeat itself.”

  “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

  “You’ve given me a lot to think about! For all your comments about how you don’t understand why we need you, you sure did belt out the commands about how to fix the place up.”

  Brit laughed. “You make me sound like a drill sergeant.”

  “You are one. You come by it naturally. You might not have grown up with Aunt Ethel at your side, but I can promise you you’re a chip off the old block when it comes to Ethel’s militant attitude on how things should be done.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you.” The most wonderful thing Brit could think of when it came to living a full life was to be anything close to her grandmother in stature, personality, and vivaciousness.

  “Good because I meant it as one.”

  Matt’s kind smile and uplifting words filled Brit’s heart with warmth. “I want to do the right thing for the town, the girls, you, your father, and Gram. I just hope I don’t let everyone down after you’ve all shown such faith in me.”

  “You aren’t going to let us down. As a matter of fact, you’re exactly what we needed when you came roaring into town. I have a feeling if you put that passion into the center, nothing can stop it from succeeding.”

  Thirteen

  Later that evening Gram stopped in the middle of the kitchen and stared at Britney as she bustled around the room. “Do you want to share with me whatever it is that you have on your mind, Brit? You’re full of restless energy tonight. Maybe I can help. I’m a good listener.”

  The easy way her grandmother used Brit’s name and the way she questioned her with such maternal love made Britney stop in her tracks. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be distant or scattered.” She walked over to clear the table.

  Gram stayed her with a gentle hand. “You don’t have to apologize, dear. Is it your probation? I know you were upset with the judge’s order, but is it really so awful?”

  “Oh my goodness, his order isn’t awful at all! This has already been one of the best experiences of my life.”

  “Then why the frenzy of activity?” Confusion marred Gram’s lightly wrinkled features. “You’re comfortable with the thought of staying here, aren’t you?”

  “I am comfortable—your home is warm and welcoming, better than anything I could imagine. That’s not it at all.” Britney hadn’t sorted everything out in her head and didn’t know how to answer her grandmother’s question about her restlessness. “I feel like we’re an imposition. A short time ago you didn’t even know about us, and now here we are living with you, taking over your house. There are five of us. It’s a lot to expect someone to take on.”

  “Being there for each other—that’s what family is all about. It’s what family does for one another. I know you haven’t had a lot of experience when it comes to leaning on anyone other than yourself, but it’s high time you learned how to lean.” Gram laughed. “Talk to me. I don’t stand on formality around here. Besides, I love to hear your gentle Southern accent, and I’d love to hear you talk about anything important to you.”

  Britney blushed. Her grandmother wanted her to talk? How much should she share? “Funny, compared to my friends I never felt I had much of an accent. Atlanta is such a melting pot. Momma never had an accent, and I guess that makes sense now that I know she was from up here. Though some of the people here in town have stronger accents than some of the people I know in Georgia.”

  “It’s a soft accent. I can just hear it in the way you state certain words. It’s nice.”

  “I guess you can tell that I’m new at this. Talking, sharing, that type of thing. Mom wasn’t around much, and we didn’t really have heart-to-hearts or anything. I never had time for close friends. As a matter of fact, I think I’ve talked more to you and Matt since I got here than most anyone else in my life.”

  “Well I’m here, and I think it’s high time you had someone to talk to.”

  Britney fought the urge to throw herself into her grandmother’s arms. She’d been on her own for a long time, for the better part of her life. The sensation of being able to trust was a new one, and Britney loved it. It made her feel a bit like a protected child—something she hadn’t experienced at all. It clarified God’s desire for Brit to have a deeper relationship with Him. God would be there even when others weren’t. If they were forced to leave Gram’s house at some point, God would always be with them.

  Gram’s compassion made Brit feel safe. Ryan had made her feel safe, but in comparison his concern now felt like a sham. Where Gram’s motives were pure, Ryan had expectations about her that weren’t going to be met. The whole experience left her feeling empty. Gram’s caring nature made her feel complete.

  Unbidden thoughts of Matt entered her mind. He made her feel safe, too, both physically and emotionally. She hadn’t ever met a man that truly listened and cared like he did.

  “Your mother always did have a hard time communicating, even as a young child. I’m not surprised she couldn’t communicate with you.”

  “Really?” Britney had the impression that Gram understood what she’d left unspoken about her mother. It made sense when she thought about it. Her mother surely didn’t become the way she was overnight—just because she’d had Brit. Gram was probably as used to being shut out by her daughter as Britney was by her mother. “I’m grateful that you’re willing to let us stay here. I hope you know that. It can’t be easy going from living alone in complete serenity—something I can’t even imagine—to taking in five new family members that you’ve only just met.”

  “Dear girl, this is a dream come true for me. I’ve been so lonely, and I love having a full house again. I did foster care for years and loved every minute of it. Don’t give it another thought. I look forward to this time with y’all and can’t wait to get to know my grandkids better.”

  “Thanks for saying that.”

  “I mean it.” Gram put her hand on her chest. “From the bottom of my heart.”

  She patted the area for good measure. Her scrutiny deepened. “Something else is bothering you.”

  “This whole community service thing. I’ve never been in trouble a day in my life. I’ve had a few traffic tickets, but I’ve never had to go before a judge. I just paid the tickets and went on my way.”

  “Let me let you in on a little secret. Judge Jim is really a big old teddy bear. You’ll find that out soon enough since he lives next door, and we visit with each other often. I think he had ulterior motives when he sentenced you to stay in town.”

  “He can do that?”

  “He’s the judge. He can do anything he wants.” Gram laughed. “But I’ll have you know, he’s fair. You can’t judge him by his cantankerous attitude. He loves the Lord and prays about every decision he makes before he makes it. He’s very careful with his decisions and doesn’t make them lightly. Whatever his purpose was in sentencing you as he did, he has good reason.”

  “I see.” Britney nodded. “Matt thinks he did it so we’d get to know each other better. You, the kids, and I. But a pregnancy center? I know nothing about that. I don’t see how I can be of help. Matt showed me around today and listed the merits of having me help, but as much as I want to think he meant his words, I can�
�t help but think he’s just trying to make me feel useful. The ideas I had weren’t really important things. And the important things I need to do concern me. I don’t want to mess anything up.”

  Gram’s face lit up. “And that’s the beauty of the plan. I’ll be right beside you every step of the way. We’ll work together to create the best possible program we can for the mothers—whether they’re unwed or married—who are facing hard times in our community.”

  “But Lullaby is such a small, serene place. I can’t imagine much need here. The people seem so nice and friendly. They seem like the type to take care of their own.”

  “Honey, from what I’ve gathered in my experience, let alone my research, mommas-in-need are everywhere, and they come from all walks of life. The girls will come from other surrounding towns, too. Lullaby is full of good people, but we have families that are down on their luck, too. Those are the ones we’re here for. And the townspeople do take care of their own—that’s the reason we’re stepping in to help those who can’t help themselves. Whether for the short term or the long haul, we’re going to be here for them.”

  Britney could tell her grandmother’s passion in this area came from a deep conviction. She longed to have a similar compassion and purpose. “I grew up in a rough area. I know a lot of my friends fell into that trap. But I wanted better, and I want better for my siblings. I’m afraid being around pregnant teens will influence Allie in a way I don’t want her to be influenced.”

  “Oh Brit.” Gram’s face crinkled with concern. She frowned in concentration as if weighing her next words. She hesitated—not for long, but long enough to put Brit on edge.

  “What is it?”

  “I figured you already knew.” Her top lip worried her bottom lip. “About Allie. . .”

  “Already knew what about Allie?” Brit’s heart skipped a beat. “Please, Gram, tell me.” What had Gram ascertained in the short time they’d been here that Brit had missed?

  “I figured you already knew that Allie is pregnant.”

  “No!” The words hit Britney like a brick. All the air whooshed from her. She gasped a moment, trying to pull in a breath. “No, she’s not. I wouldn’t miss something like that. She doesn’t even have a boyfriend. She. . .” Her voice drifted off as a kaleidoscope of different images passed through her mind. Allie throwing up in the bathroom at the hotel the night they’d fled. The way she’d asked Brit to find her something soft and stretchy to wear because she wanted to be comfy. And how would Brit know if Allie had a boyfriend or not? She hadn’t been around for her younger sister. She hadn’t been there for her. She’d let her down. Now Allie was stuck on the same path their mother had taken.

  Britney sank onto a chair as tears filled her eyes. “Are you sure? How could I have missed all the signs?”

  “You had a lot on your plate, Brit. Don’t kick yourself for what you didn’t see. Let’s figure out what to do now that we know.” She laid a gentle hand on Brit’s shoulder. “Allie’s going to need support as she goes through this. And if she hasn’t mentioned it to you, she’s either in denial or terrified, and she doesn’t know what to do.”

  “I need to talk to her.”

  “Not right now, hon. I think you should wait. Let her find her place here. She’s been through a lot, and maybe she needs to feel safe before telling you. Before telling me. Us. And you need to get your emotions under control before you talk to her. It won’t help anything if you get angry or she sees how upset you are.”

  “She’s going to end up just like Momma. I wanted better for her. I wanted better for all of them.” Brit blinked back the tears. “If I can’t even tell that my little sister is about to have a baby, how can I ever help other teen moms?”

  “She’s barely showing. I only guessed because she ran in here when y’all were out back, and I could hear her getting sick. When she came out, I noticed the baby bump. I’d guess she’s about five months along. She was able to eat some of the items at dinner last night, but when Brady mentioned the raw meat she hurried off to the bathroom again. And the few times she let down her guard and relaxed, her shirt hugged her tummy.”

  “I thought morning sickness only affected a mom-to-be in the first few months.”

  “Some women suffer from nausea all the way through. Your sister might be one of them. And I’m sure the stress lately hasn’t helped.”

  “Do you think the baby is in jeopardy?”

  “God protects babies in the womb. I’m sure the little one is fine, but we do need to keep things as stress-free as possible for both of them.”

  “I can’t believe I missed this.”

  “Sometimes God puts us in situations that will help us minister to others in the future. These situations aren’t usually easy, but you’ll grow and be better prepared for the next one. You’ll get through this situation with Allie, and you’ll be more prepared to have compassion and understanding for the other moms-to-be that come across your path in the future.”

  “I could have lived without this life experience.”

  “I know. And I’m sure Allie agrees. But we can’t go back in time. We can only go forward from where we are. This is the prime reason for the center. Certain situations repeat themselves, but with proper support and counseling, futures can be changed.”

  “Hopefully we can change it so Noelle doesn’t go through this.”

  “If she does, we’ll be here for her.”

  “You’re right. Thanks, Gram.” Brit wiped her tears and nodded. “I’ll be out on the deck.”

  “Okay, dear. I need to do a few things around the house, and then I’ll join you.”

  Brit knew Gram was giving her space to let the news about Allie sink in. She settled onto a chaise lounge and looked out over the lake. The sun lay low in the sky behind her and reflected orange hues over the water. Voices and laughter carried from yards up and down the shore, the sounds incongruent with Brit’s tumultuous feelings. Boats filled with tourists zipped across the lake.

  Brady’s laughter cut through the other sounds, and Brit glanced toward Judge Jim’s house next door. Brady hadn’t laughed since they’d arrived in Missouri. Allie stood just inside the circumference of light that shone from the judge’s back patio. Jim and Brady knelt in the soil and patted mounds of earth back into place from their weeding. As Brit watched, Allie sprayed Brady with the hose and sent him into further gales of laughter.

  She found herself smiling. The scene was so normal, serene even. Allie looked like a normal teenager. She was still Allie, and this playful side of her sister gave Brit hope. Though she’d been quiet since they’d come to Lullaby, she still had the capacity to have fun, to dream, and to reach any goals set before her. Brit knew the baby would make things harder, but the baby wouldn’t make things impossible. Not if Allie had a strong support group around her.

  Brit realized she had a vested interest to see the crisis center succeed. Unasked prayers, cries from deep inside Britney’s heart, were being answered without being voiced into words. Lullaby, Missouri, and an unseen hand were working wonderful miracles in Britney’s quiet little corner of the world.

  Fourteen

  Britney jumped up from the table when she heard Matt’s motorcycle turn into the drive.

  “Gram! Matt’s early! I’m not ready. Can you entertain him for a few minutes? I’ll be right back.”

  Gram stayed her with her hand. “You’re fine. We changed the event from a committee meeting to a family picnic when we found out Cameron and Josie were going to be here. The committee decided it would be more comfortable for everyone to meet them in a casual setting.”

  “They’re already here?” Brit relaxed on several counts. “I thought I had to narrow down the three for each position.”

  “That’s how we’d originally planned things, but when we called to set up interviews, these two were the only ones willing to drive down for the process. We figure they’re the ones we need for the center, but this gives us all a chance to meet them. They arrive
d this morning and will stay through the weekend and will return in time for the fund-raiser if they decide to take the positions.”

  Brit motioned to her shorts and tank top. “So this is okay for the picnic?”

  “It’s perfect. You look fine. You can ride over with Matt, and I’ll bring the kids in a bit.”

  Matt entered the kitchen. “I know I’m early, but I understand we’re needed for setup.”

  “No problem.” Brit headed for the door. “I’m ready.”

  Gram swatted them away with her dish towel. “Get on out of here then. We’ll follow along in another half hour or so.”

  “Are you sure?” Brit hated leaving her with all the preparations. Getting the youngest three out the door wasn’t an easy task.

  “I’m positive. Allie’s here. She’s capable. All I have to do is pull the salads from the fridge and load everyone up. Now get going or you won’t have the tables ready when the hoards descend with the food.”

  Matt escorted her out to his bike. She pulled the helmet on like a pro and smiled. “Ready.”

  “Wow, and to think you’ve only done that a couple of times.”

  “Yep. I know. Pretty impressive.” She slung her leg over the seat and settled in behind him.

  He laughed. “I think you’ll enjoy the drive over. We’re heading to the north side of the lake, and the scenery is great.”

  “In other words, I shouldn’t hide my face in your back this time?”

  “Exactly.” Matt laughed again. She loved his enthusiasm. Ryan always seemed to be pouting about one thing or another.

  Matt wasn’t kidding about the view. The scenery was beautiful. Brit lost count of all the trailheads and picnic areas she wanted to come back and explore in the near future.

  The park where they were meeting didn’t disappoint. Lush green trees shaded the picnic tables that rested underneath. A shelter contained more tables that had been covered by festive red-and-white plastic tablecloths. Caleb and Sailor were already there, along with several other volunteers Brit had met but didn’t know by name.