by Susan Hatler
“Yes, ma’am,” Lisa teased. Opening her laptop, she checked for emails or instant messages, a routine she’d started since she left Eric a message, asking to speak with him. Clicking on Skype, she searched for him, but he wasn’t logged in.”
“He’s been out of town,” Judy mumbled on her way by.
“Oh.” Still avoiding me, huh? “Well, maybe someday he’ll give me a chance to apologize, but until then, I’m going to concentrate on the health of this baby. I won’t take any more chances. If bed rest did anything for me, it was to force me to sit still long enough to face my demons.” Her stomach fluttered and she smiled. “I’m not my mother, and it’s not all about what I want anymore. It’s what this baby needs.”
Judy sat down next to her and took a sip of her tea. “You need to be happy, too, though. As I said before, you have choices.”
“You mean Eric?” Lisa sighed. “Judy, I love you more than I thought possible, and there isn’t anything I want more in this world than to be your daughter, but it’s not going to happen. Eric won’t even return my calls.”
“Yes, but—”
“I know, but it doesn’t matter what happened before. I’m not the girl he once knew. He chose to leave because this was all too much for him. I respect that. I’ll admit I wanted to check out myself a few times. But it’s better for him to leave now, rather than later when I’ve grown closer to him. Besides, it’s best he isn’t here until the baby’s born.” She rubbed her belly. “I’m guessing he struggles with the thought of me losing the baby as much as I do. I’d never want him to face the pain of what happened to him again, especially because of me.” She fought the sadness in her heart, the deep, I’ll-never-find-love-again kind of stabbing pain she’d fought so hard to ignore, but couldn’t. Instead, she repeated her new mantra in her head. It’s not about me anymore. It’s about the baby.
“I don’t believe he just disappeared.” Judy’s gaze dropped to her hands, and for the first time Lisa realized this had hurt not only herself, but Judy, too.
Lisa reached across the table and gripped her dear friend’s hand. “I know he left town, and I hope I’m not the cause of it. But I’ll leave tomorrow if you think it will help your son return.” Lisa fought to say it, prayed Judy wouldn’t agree, but she knew she’d do anything for the woman at her side.
“No, dear. If Eric left because of this, then he wasn’t ready to return to Sweetwater to begin with. I’d thought that from the beginning, but he wouldn’t hear it. No, I think he’s fighting with his own demons, and I truly don’t think you leaving will bring him home. Besides, I couldn’t part with you.” She looked at Lisa with glistening eyes. “After all, I’m gonna be a grandma.”
“Judy…” Lisa struggled to keep the tears at bay, but she couldn’t help embracing the woman who had shown her more compassion than anyone else in her life. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
Judy sat back, still holding on to both of Lisa’s hands. “Oh, dear, you need to get out more.”
Lisa smiled. “There’s something I’d like to do, for closure, but I wanted to ask you if it’s okay.”
“What’s that, dear?” Judy asked.
“I’d like to send Eric an apology email. It’s time to let go and move on. I can’t sit here waiting for him to walk through the door for the rest of my life.”
Judy nodded. “If anyone understands how that feels, it’s me.” She scooted her chair back and collected their teacups. “I’ll warm these up.”
Taking a deep cleansing breath, Lisa clicked on compose message and started typing.
Dear Eric,
I understand why you left Sweetwater County and I’ll respect your decision not to speak to me, but I still wanted to apologize. Despite our promise to keep our secrets from each other until you returned, I should have insisted on telling you the truth. It’s not an excuse, but you were my one ray of light during weeks of darkness. Each day, all I could think about was coming home in time to see your face on Skype and talk to you for hours. It was selfish, and I’m truly sorry.
For a minute, part of me thought you could play father to my unborn child and I could leave all the ugliness of a man, who changed overnight from sweet to sadistic, behind in New York, but now I know it was just a fantasy. I’m sorry I got you caught up in all this craziness.
I had to try one last time to reach you and promise that if you’re willing to return to Sweetwater County, I’ll leave immediately. Judy’s the most amazing woman, and the thought of coming between you and your mother is breaking my heart. Please, with one word from you, I’ll go and you’ll never have to see me again.
Sincerely,
Lisa
She placed her finger over the enter button, but hesitated. If she sent this, she’d have to follow through if he wanted her gone. Yet, leaving would be the hardest thing she’d ever have to do. What would happen to the business? How would she raise the baby on her own? Was she ready to leave, to stand on her own two feet with no help?
Yes, she’d done it her entire life.
She pressed enter then sat back in the tall wicker chair. Her hands still shook, so she took several more deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Avoiding stress was too important. It was in Eric’s hands now. Judy had been too kind to her to keep the mother from her son.
The front door swung open and Cathy Mitchell filed into the store, with a few other people and Sheriff Mason in tow.
Lisa scooted her chair back then stood. “What’s going on?”
Cathy shooed her back into her seat then stood behind her. “Nothing to worry about, darling. Your town family has you covered.”
“What?” Lisa asked.
Wanda, the woman who’d bought the candlesticks, came to stand beside her. “That’s right, dear.”
Judy exited the kitchen. “Jimmy, nice to see you here. Thanks for the heads up.”
Lisa swiveled back and forth, looking to each person for answers. “I don’t understand. What’s going on?”
“Honey, I know you don’t know much about having a family, but you’ve got one now,” Wanda said. Lisa gaped at her. “Oh, don’t look surprised. You should know already that Mrs. Gossip, Cathy Mitchell, told the entire town all about your past and what’s been going on. Well, we don’t take kindly to strangers in our town.”
“I’m technically a stranger,” Lisa mumbled.
“Hush with that nonsense. You’re one of us now,” Cathy scolded.
The door swung open with a bang and Mark stood in the entryway covered in muddy water. “You people are insane.”
“Oh, did my car spray you when I passed? I’m truly sorry.” Cathy sounded sincere, but her curled lip spoke volumes of mischievous joy.
“Sheriff, I’d like to report my car being stolen.” Mark eyed the five women surrounding Lisa. She didn’t even know all their names, but it didn’t matter. They stood in her defense.
“Really? We haven’t had a car theft since 2004, when Mr. Williams forgot he gave his wife the keys to the car. Of course, Mr. Williams forgets a lot of things.”
They all nodded and smiled while Lisa tried to keep up with everything that was going on. Her neck ached from trying to follow the banter.
Sheriff pulled a leather bound flip pad from a pouch on his belt. “What kind of car is it?”
“A BMW. It’s a rental, so I don’t know the plates.”
”I remember something about a fancy pants car,” the sheriff said. “Hmm…let me see.” He flipped through several pages. “Ah, here it is. You can pick that up at Chuck’s Impound Lot at the edge of town. It was illegally parked, so the owner of a store had it towed.”
“Illegally parked? There wasn’t a sign.”
“Really? Well, if you’d like to dispute it, you can take the ticket to Sarah, my wife. She’s the town judge. I’m sure she can clear this up.”
Mark’s face turned a shade of crimson Lisa had never seen before. He glared at her. “We need to talk.”
Cathy s
lid a hand over one shoulder, while Wanda did the same on the other side and Lisa’s shoulders warmed from the touch. Judy walked to the side of the table and smiled. “We’re here with you, dear.”
Lisa smiled back at her then lifted her chin. “Then talk,” she told him.
“Figures you can’t fight your battles on your own. You never belonged in my world.”
“Thank you. That’s the best compliment you’ve ever given me. As you can see, I don’t have to fight my battles alone anymore, and since when is a beautiful unborn baby a battle? I’m happy, Mark. For the first time in my life, I’ve found a place I truly belong, and I’m happy. I’ve told you a million times that you’ll never have to see me again. I’ll have this baby on my own.”
“You’re darn right you won’t see me again. Right after I see the results of a paternity test.” He slid a packet of paperwork from his inner coat pocket and dropped it on the table. “My lawyer filed to demand the paternity test. If it’s mine, then I’ll sue for sole custody.”
Lisa gasped, her hands protectively surrounding her belly. “You don’t even want the baby. Now you’re going to raise it?”
“I won’t, but that doesn’t matter. If I take the baby from you, then I’ll never have to worry about you changing your mind and suing me for all I’ve got.”
“That’s all you care about, isn’t it? Your money.” She clenched her fist on the table. “This is a life. My baby’s life. You’d seriously fight me for custody?”
“Absolutely.” Mark’s set jaw told her he wasn’t bluffing. He’d do anything to rid his life of a pregnant woman.
Her mind swirled with options. How could she save her child from this man?
“It’s not yours,” she blurted. Lisa lowered her head. She didn’t want to look Judy straight in the eyes. They’d probably all walk out the door, thinking she really was the slut Mark claimed her to be, but what else could she do? “You were right. I had an affair. I only wanted to sue you for the money, but now I can see it was a horrible idea. There’s no reason to have a paternity test. The baby isn’t yours. I’m sorry.” Lisa kept her head down, fighting the sting of tears.
“You’re just telling me that so I’ll leave,” Mark sneered. “Too bad. We’re going to finish this. You wanted to sue me, then sue me. You know I’ll win. I’ve got the best lawyers in the country. No matter what though,” Mark stepped closer and rested his knuckles on the other end of the table, “you’ll never hold that baby in your arms.”
Lisa stared at him in horror as a few gasps escaped the women standing behind her.
“Excuse me.”
Lisa turned to see Eric standing in the kitchen doorway.
Judy rushed around the table, but Eric held up one hand, stopping her.
Lisa’s pulse thrummed against her throat. What was he doing here?
Eric shuffled forward. “Sheriff, Mom, Cathy, Wanda.” He nodded to each then inserted himself between them to face Mark. He stood eye to eye with Mark, each staring down the other.
“Oh!” Lisa’s stomach tightened so quickly she couldn’t help but yelp.
Sheriff Mason stepped forward. “Now, boys. Ms. Lisa isn’t supposed to have any stress. Let’s keep things civil.”
Eric stepped back and lowered to one knee by Lisa’s side. He ran his hand through his hair then touched her arm. “Are you okay?”
Lisa couldn’t speak. All she could manage was a nod of her head. She breathed slow and steady until the cramp subsided.
“I got your message, but it wasn’t necessary, I’d already made my decision. I just had to work something out first.” He shot Mark a sideways glance then looked back at Lisa. “Listen, darling—”
Darling?
“—I know we didn’t plan this, and I can’t blame you if you hate me for abandoning you, but I’m here now. I guess having an affair turn so serious so quickly frightened me away, but I want to be a father, and I hope you’ll have me.”
“You? Her?” Mark slammed a fist down on the table then stormed around the room, knocking an antique lamp over. “No. I’m not leaving here without that amnio thing being done.”
“It’s too risky. I won’t do it,” Lisa shouted.
Eric took her hand. “I’m here. I won’t leave again.” He kissed each knuckle, sending hope shooting into her heart, but it was all a ruse, right? This crazy town had convinced him to put on a good show for Mark. That was the only explanation.
Eric stood, lifted his briefcase from the floor, opened it and tossed a folder on top of Mark’s paperwork. “This document declares me as the father. It’s already signed, notarized, and filed with the county court house. On the day of the birth, my name will be listed on the birth certificate. It doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. I’m the father legally.”
Mark’s nose twitched and he lifted the folder to examine the paperwork inside.
Lisa reached out and grabbed Eric’s arm. “You don’t have to do this.”
“It doesn’t matter in ten years, twenty? She can’t claim the child is mine?” Mark asked.
“No,” Eric said. “You walk out a free man under one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You leave this town and never return. You never speak to Lisa or anyone else in this town ever again.”
“Sold,” Mark said without hesitation, tossing the folder back down on the table. His shoulders relaxed. “Thank God that nightmare’s over. You’re crazy for taking that whore on.”
Eric stepped forward, fisting his hands, his back tense and arms straining the seams of his jacket.
“It’s time you got your car out of the impound lot and were on your way,” Sheriff Mason said, guiding him quickly out of the building.
Lisa didn’t know what to make of it all, but she knew she needed to tell the truth to the people surrounding her. She couldn’t let them think Eric had an affair with some woman in New York City. “Judy, it’s not true.”
“All I care about is I’m gonna be a grandmama. Nothing else really matters.”
“Congratulations, you two,” Cathy said. “These kids now days, always doing things backwards. Kids then marriage.” She harrumphed as she meandered through the merchandise toward the door, Wanda trailing her.
“You know we’ve got your back, sister,” Wanda called over her shoulder.
“You mean I got her back,” Cathy retorted before the door swung shut behind them.
“I need to go run an errand. Can you keep an eye on Lisa for a bit? She’s not to move out of that chair.” Judy swung her coat around her shoulders. What was it with her always needing to run errands the moment the three of them were alone?
Eric just nodded.
Judy kissed Lisa’s cheek. “Have faith, darling,” she whispered. The kitchen door swooshed behind her.
Alone with Eric, she held tight to the arm of the chair, trying to figure out what all this meant between them. Was he just doing a good deed, rescuing her from legal troubles because that was his job? “Thank you,” she said softly. “You didn’t have to do that, but now I can leave without having to worry about him following me.”
“Leave? You can’t go anywhere.” Eric pulled out the chair next to her. “I’m sorry that I left, but I had so much to think about.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ve made so many mistakes in the past and I didn’t want to get in the way of someone else’s happiness. If there was a chance for Mark and—”
“No chance,” Lisa blurted. “There never was.”
“Yeah, I see that now.” His thumb twirled around her knuckles, soothing her apprehension. “I let Mary Lynn down once, blamed myself for many years for her accident and the death of them both.” His voice cracked and she wanted to hug him, to tell him it wasn’t his fault.
“You see, it all came flooding back when I saw all the blood…” His voice cracked again. “And then when I heard you’d lost a baby.”
Lisa took a stuttered breath. He looked at her, his tear-filled eyes matching her own. “It wasn
’t your fault.”
“I know, but I thought I’d failed again. That I should have stayed here instead of going off to Europe to work. That if I had—”
“It still would have happened. It was my stress, not yours. You had nothing to do with it.”
Eric cupped her face. “It wasn’t your fault, either. The doctor said it happens, remember? Carrying twins is trickier and sometimes things go wrong.”
Tears streamed down her face and her throat closed tight. He brushed the moisture from her cheeks with his thumb. “We’ve both made plenty of mistakes, and I don’t know if we can work everything out, but I can tell you that you captured, not only my attention with your beauty, but my heart. I’ve never met a woman like you. I know you’re special. I sensed how big your heart was the moment I first met you.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I’ll be here for you and the baby always. If things work out between us, and I hope they do, then we’ll have an amazing life together. But even if they don’t, I can promise you one thing, Mom and I will still be here for you and that baby no matter what happens.”
Lisa fought to control her emotions. “I don’t have to leave?”
Eric smiled. “No. You’re here to stay. With me, I hope.” He slipped his hand onto her belly. “Both of you.”
Lisa’s lip quivered. “I’d like that.”
Eric wrapped his arms around her, lifting her until she stood. He captured her lips and this time she gave into the heartwarming pleasure of his minty taste, musky aroma, and strong arms with all she had. Her entire world spun faster than when she’d been drugged in the hospital, but this time she remained secure in Eric’s arms. When he drew back and rested his forehead to hers, she clutched his waist tight.
”It’s true then,” she whispered.
“What is?” Eric asked.
Lisa smiled, and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. “The sign. Sweetwater County really is where hearts and families belong.”
He kissed the top of her head and she knew she never wanted to be anywhere else. Ever.