Second Chance Romance

“Hello, I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Rebecca.” The child looked up, extended her tiny hand and grinned. The smile lit up her entire face. Wide-eyed, she turned toward the door. “And that’s my daddy.” She giggled. “Oh yeah, you already know him. Remember, he’s the one who rescued you yesterday. He’s right. You’re pretty.” She released her hand and raced toward Aunt Phoebe as she exited the kitchen.

Melanie’s stomach churned. Did he really think she was pretty? She might have misunderstood. He was probably talking about the nurse. What was her name again? Yes, Sara. She appeared to have a crush on Jackson. They were probably dating. Not that Melanie cared either way. She didn’t want anyone to think she was pretty. She didn’t want people to think anything of her—she wished she were invisible. It would have been much easier.

“Hello, Rebecca. You look lovely today.” Aunt Phoebe took the child into her arms and gave her a kiss on her cheek.

Rebecca pulled back, her arms still around Aunt Phoebe’s neck. Their noses nearly touched. “Guess what? I’m getting a puppy.”

In a daze, Melanie watched Rebecca. It seemed like an eternity since she’d felt a child’s arms around her neck. Would she ever feel the softness of children’s smooth and flawless skin? Would she ever smell the sweetness when they were fresh out of the bathtub? She jumped when a hand touched her shoulder, erasing her negative thoughts, at least for now.

She turned and found herself face-to-face with Jackson.

A slow smile moved across his mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He held two bunches of pink roses. “These are for you.” He handed her one bunch. How did he know they were her favorite? Her father had given her pink roses when she’d graduated from law school. It was the last gift she’d received from him. A single rose, now brown and crinkled, remained in her memory book, along with photographs from her life before it’d ended.

“You didn’t scare me.” She accepted the roses and swiped the bouquet under her nose. It seemed forever since she’d smelled the sweet scent of fresh-cut roses. “They’re beautiful.” She took another sniff. “It was thoughtful of you to bring them. Thank you.”

His focus remained on her. “Your color is better today. How are you feeling?”

His scrutiny made her face burn, but somehow, in the last couple of minutes, she’d forgotten about the pain in her neck and the rest of her body aches. “I’m feeling okay. Thanks for asking.” She played with a strand of her hair.

“Hello, Jackson. What do you have there?” Aunt Phoebe wiped her hands down her Kiss the Chef apron.

He smiled and handed the other bouquet to Aunt Phoebe. “These are for you, a thank-you for having me and Rebecca over.”

“Dear, put these in some water. We’ll use them as the centerpiece.” She handed Melanie the roses. Melanie headed toward the kitchen, inhaling the fragrance once more. The clicking of tiny feet came from behind and she turned.

“I know where the vases are, Miss Melanie. Can I help?”

Startled by Rebecca’s enthusiasm, Melanie nodded. Without warning, Rebecca grabbed hold of her free hand and led her into the kitchen. Melanie’s heart melted. She wanted to cry, but instead, she forced a smile, allowing the hand to remain as they entered the kitchen.

Melanie watched Rebecca take command. She certainly knew her way around Aunt Phoebe’s kitchen, finding the exact cupboard where vases of all sizes and colors were stored.

“Do you like this one, Miss Melanie?” She turned holding a white vase with tiny yellow daisies covering the sides, and large enough for both bouquets. “I love daisies, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.” Melanie straightened her shoulders. She could do this. All she had to do was make it through a couple of hours. Surely they wouldn’t stay longer than two hours. “I think it’s a perfect choice.”

Melanie filled the vase with water and carefully arranged the roses. “How do they look?”

Rebecca nodded and smiled. “They look beautiful. You’re really nice, Miss Melanie. Do you have any kids my age?”

The yellow walls began to close in around her, and the kitchen whirled. Melanie tried to make it to the table, but her legs were weak. She had to sit. Without warning, the vase slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor.

The sounds of muffled voices filled the room.

“Melanie! Are you okay?” Aunt Phoebe raced to her side. “Did you cut yourself?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Aunt Phoebe placed her hand across Melanie’s arm. “Do you feel dizzy? Maybe you should go lie down? I’ll keep the chicken warm in the oven.”

“No, please, I’m okay. Let me clean up this mess so we can eat,” Melanie announced and pushed her hair from her eyes.

Jackson stepped forward. “Rebecca and I will clean this up. Phoebe, take Melanie into the family room.”

“Daddy, is Miss Melanie okay? I just asked her if she had any kids my age, and she dropped the vase.”

Melanie glanced toward Jackson. Their eyes connected before she looked away. “I’m fine, Rebecca. The vase was wet. It just slipped. No big deal.” She turned and headed into the family room with her aunt.

“You should sit down for a while?” Phoebe guided her toward the leather sofa. “We’ll take care of things in the kitchen.”

Melanie wondered what Jackson and Rebecca must think of her. How could she enjoy a meal with them when she couldn’t even fill a vase with water? “I’m okay. I want to help.”

Her aunt just smiled. “Rest for a bit. I’ll call you when dinner’s on the table.” She turned and walked back to the kitchen.

Melanie flopped down on the sofa. She knew she wasn’t truly fine. Her reaction to Rebecca’s mention of children was proof she was still hurting inside. This past year, she’d lived in a murky world, simply going through the motions of each day. She didn’t care about anything or anyone. Her dramatic weight loss was proof that she didn’t care about herself, either. Heaviness staked out a permanent residence inside her chest. A lump formed in her throat, and the tears escaped down her cheeks. If she could have gone back in time, she would have been the one driving the car instead of her exhausted husband...but she couldn’t go back. Her family was gone, and she’d carry the guilt with her for the rest of her life.

* * *

An hour later, Jackson leaned back in his chair. He placed his hand on his stomach and rubbed in a circular motion. “Every time you make fried chicken, Phoebe, it’s crispier than the last batch.” He picked up his napkin and placed it to his lips. A quick look at Melanie’s plate proved what she’d said yesterday. She wasn’t a big eater. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay, Melanie? You’ve hardly touched your meal.”

She fingered her necklace. “I don’t have much of an appetite. Maybe it’s from the pain medication I’ve been taking.”

Phoebe picked up the bowl of mashed potatoes and scooped a heaping spoonful. “These always taste good to me when I have an upset stomach.”

Melanie nodded and held out her plate. Jackson watched while she picked at her food like a child. Finally she tried the mashed potatoes. “These are delicious.”

“So, Phoebe tells me you’re a divorce attorney. Sounds like interesting work.” Jackson snatched a pinch of corn bread and popped it into his mouth. “I’m sure it’s never dull.”

“My mommy and daddy got divorced,” Rebecca announced. “I don’t remember her. She left when I was really little.” She quickly looked down. “I’m sorry.”

Jackson observed Melanie place her hand on top of Rebecca’s hand. “It’s okay. You can talk about your mommy if you want to.”

He nodded when Rebecca looked at him for confirmation. “She had really dark hair, kind of like yours, but shorter. I have a picture of her on my nightstand. You can come see it sometime if you want to.” She smiled. “Daddy said she liked to dance, and she was a good singer, too.” She tucked a stray curl that had escaped from her ponytail behind her ear. “I think she left us to become famous.” Staring out the window, she placed her fist underneath her chin and tilted her head. “I think she’ll come back for me...for both of us, someday.”

Jackson’s heart ached for his daughter. The anger toward his ex-wife boiled to the surface every so often. Would the scars ever heal? Rebecca missed her, but it was a blessing she was too young to have witnessed her mother’s behavior. He’d rather she have good thoughts of her than remember the way things really were.

“Okay, who’s ready for a big hunk of Phoebe’s chocolate sour cream layer cake?” He looked at Melanie, and then Phoebe, and saw that both were wiping away tears.

Thankfully Rebecca hadn’t noticed how emotional the ladies had become. She sprang from her chair at the mention of the dessert. “I’ll get the plates and forks,” she yelled and ran toward the kitchen.

Phoebe cleared her throat. “I think I’ll go help.” She turned and shot a wink at Melanie. “I only allow one disaster a day in my kitchen.”

When her aunt left the room, Melanie turned to Jackson. “I wouldn’t call a broken vase a disaster.”

“She was only joking,” he said. “What happened in the kitchen earlier could have happened to anyone.” He sipped his iced tea. “I’m sorry if Rebecca upset you.”

The silence was deafening. Melanie played with the condensation on her glass. He studied her face and wished he could take away the sadness.

She raised her head and looked him in the eye. “Your daughter is so sweet. Nothing she says could upset me. I guess I’m still rattled from the accident.”

Obviously she wasn’t going to share what really bothered her. He understood. They’d just met, and opening up to someone required trust, something he’d definitely lacked the past several years. “Jackson, I’m sorry about your wife. I’m sure it’s been difficult on you and Rebecca.”

He shrugged his shoulders, not ready to share, either. Yes, she was Phoebe’s niece, but he knew nothing about her. Less than twenty-four hours ago, their lives were separate from each other. Now, after an accident, their worlds had merged. But could he ever trust a woman who obviously didn’t put family first? She never visited her aunt though she lived only a couple of hours away. He wasn’t ready to confide in her, or any woman, for that matter.

“Rebecca and I get along fine.” He drained the last of his iced tea and reached for the pitcher. “Would you like some more?”

She shook her head.

Jackson filled his glass. “So, what prompted you finally to make a trip to see Phoebe? From what I understand, she’s been trying to get you to the valley for years. Too busy with your hotshot career, I suppose?”

She lifted her chin, and a moment passed before she spoke. “Like I mentioned yesterday at the hospital, I’ve come to convince Aunt Phoebe to move back to DC with me.” She held her shoulders straight, like a soldier in formation. “She’s getting older. It’s time she had family nearby.”

Jackson’s spine stiffened. “I didn’t think you were serious. Phoebe’s life is here.” His heart raced at the thought of Phoebe moving.

Melanie tapped her finger against her empty glass. “I’m her only family, Jackson. She belongs with me.” Her eyes kept a strong hold on his. “You asked what brought me here, and I told you. Can we please drop this conversation? I don’t want her to hear us. She needs time to adjust to the idea.”

“She won’t adjust,” he snapped. “Besides, she has family here—Rebecca and me.”

“You’re not blood, Jackson.”

“You don’t need the same blood in order to be family. If you cared about her, you wouldn’t take her away from the only life she knows and loves.” He bolted from the chair. It screeched along the hardwood floor.

“What in the world is going on out here?” Phoebe stood in the doorway with both hands on her hips.

“Melanie was just telling me a little more about your move.” He eyed Melanie, waiting for her to pounce.

Phoebe laughed. “We’ve discussed it already. I’m not moving and that’s final.”

“You haven’t had enough time to make a final decision.” Melanie walked toward her aunt and reached out for her hand.

Ignoring the extended hand, Phoebe paced the dining-room floor. “I don’t need more time.” She picked up her glass of water and took two long swigs. “What on earth has put such a crazy idea into your head? It needs to stop—now.”

Jackson took notice of Phoebe’s complexion. She looked pale, and tiny beads of perspiration dotted her forehead. “Are you okay, Phoebe?”

She yanked a tissue from her apron pocket and blotted her forehead. “It’s just a little warm in here from the oven. I’m fine.” She slipped the tissue back into her pocket. “So, what do you think about Melanie’s plan, Jackson?”

He shook his head. “I think it’s a bad one. Your life is here with the people who love you.”

“I agree. And I won’t discuss this any further,” Phoebe announced.

“Wait, please,” Melanie said. “I’m not trying to ruin your life. I love you, and I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I’m staying put...end of discussion.” Phoebe turned and headed back to the kitchen.

Jackson ran his hand down the front of his face, relieved the conversation was over, at least for now.

Melanie, on the other hand, did not look pleased.

“Daddy, come quick!” Rebecca’s scream had him sprinting toward the kitchen like a jackrabbit.

He burst through the door and saw Phoebe lying on the floor.

Melanie entered the kitchen and gasped. “Jackson, help her.” She raced to her aunt’s side. “What’s happening?”

Jackson heard Phoebe’s garbled speech and noticed the side of her mouth was drooping. “She’s having a stroke. I’ve got to get her to the hospital. Now!”

Melanie gripped his wrist. “Shouldn’t we call for the ambulance?”

He shook his head. “No, we can’t wait.” He scooped Phoebe’s tiny frame into his arms and headed toward the door. “You take Rebecca in your car. Don’t try to keep up. I’ll meet you at the hospital.”

“Daddy... I’m scared.”

Jackson stopped at the front door and turned. “Everything will be okay. You go with Miss Melanie.”

Chapter Three

Melanie grabbed Rebecca’s hand and raced through the ER entrance. She’d never imagined she’d be at this hospital—or holding a child’s hand—again. Doesn’t Jackson know how difficult this is—being around a child? Of course not. She hadn’t allowed Aunt Phoebe to share her past with anyone.

“Rebecca, over here.” Jackson jumped from a brown sofa and scooped his daughter into his arms.

“How’s Aunt Phoebe?” Melanie’s pulse raced. “Has the doctor come out yet?”

“No, not yet.” He placed Rebecca on the ground. “You’ll need to check in with Sara at the desk. She needs some information from you. I’m going to take Rebecca down to the playroom.”

Before Melanie knew what was happening, Rebecca had her arms tight around her waist. Her breath froze in her chest. She needed to break free.

“Daddy, I want to stay here with Miss Melanie.”

There was something about this little girl, but she had to play it safe—keep her distance. “You go with your daddy. I have to fill out some paperwork so the doctor can take care of Aunt Phoebe.”

The smell of coffee wafted from behind the front desk as she walked over.

“Hi, Melanie. Do you remember me?”

“Of course. How are you, Sara?”

The nurse organized some forms and attached them to a clipboard. “I’m doing well. I’m sorry about Phoebe.” She handed Melanie the documents. “Dr. Roberts is here. He got called in on another emergency, but he’ll be caring for her.”

Melanie took the papers and forced a smile.

“Just complete what you can. We already have her insurance information in our system.”

When Jackson returned and approached the desk, Melanie watched Sara’s face light up like a beacon.

“Hello there, Jackson,” Sara said. She fluffed the back of her hair and batted her false eyelashes.

Melanie stared at Jackson. A pang of jealousy took hold. Why would she be jealous over a man she hardly knew? Sure, he was gorgeous, and he seemed like a good father, but jealous—no way. Besides, he was nothing but a roadblock to her plan. Still, when he appeared oblivious to Sara’s flirtation, she felt relieved.

“Hey, Sara. Can you let Dr. Roberts know we’re here? We’ll be in the waiting area until he’s ready to speak with Melanie.”

Sara’s smile faded, and she jutted her chin out. “Sure, Jackson.” She turned on her heel and strutted down the hall.

Jackson pointed at four chairs lined close together in front of a floor-to-ceiling window. “Let’s have a seat over here. Do you want something to drink?”

“No, thank you.” Melanie sat in one of the brown vinyl chairs and gazed out the window. A brisk wind whipped through the courtyard. Leaves fell from the trees and swirled along the ground. She noticed a man walking with two little girls, probably his children. Where was the mother? She was probably at work. Melanie’s heart sank.

Jackson blew a heavy breath and leaned back into his chair. “Look, Melanie, you were right. I should have stopped discussing the move when you asked. If I had, maybe Phoebe wouldn’t be here.”

She rubbed her hands across her arms. Why were hospitals so cold? There were those annoying fluorescent lights buzzing. “No, the move was my idea.” Melanie leaned forward and put her hands over her face.

After a few moments of sobbing, she peeled her hands away and shot Jackson a look. She closed her eyes, shaken by the truth. “I’m the reason she had the stroke, Jackson.” Tears gushed for the present and for the past. “I should have never come here.”

A shiver ran down her spine when he placed a hand on the small of her back.

“You’re talking crazy, Mel.”

Another shiver.

It was the first time he’d called her Mel. She liked it. Why did it sound good coming from his lips? Melanie pushed aside the thought.

Jackson moved his hand in tiny circular motions along her back. “Phoebe’s stroke didn’t happen because you want to move her to DC.” He paused, reached for a tissue from the table next to his chair and turned her face toward his. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment when she saw the tenderness in his eyes. With a gentle touch, he wiped the tears from her face.

Though she knew he meant only to offer comfort, his kind gesture made her edgy. Melanie took the tissue from Jackson and looked away.

Over the next hour, Melanie paced the floor, waiting for Dr. Roberts to give her an update on Aunt Phoebe. Periodically she glanced at Jackson, who spent much of his time in prayer. At least, that was what she thought he was doing. His head was down and his eyes were closed. His lips moved ever so slightly. Did he really think that God listened? If that were the case, she’d still have a family.

As though Jackson heard her thoughts, he looked up. “Do you want to pray for Phoebe together?”

She shook her head and turned away. With her arms crossed, she gazed out the window once more. The man and children she’d seen earlier were gone. A pain filled her gut. Gone...like her family.

Jackson stood and came toward where she was standing. “Do you not believe?”

“Believe what?” Her eyebrow arched.

“That the power of prayer is unstoppable. Nothing is ever wasted when you share it with Him, Mel.” He reached for her hand. “Whatever it is you’re dealing with, He’s there for you.”

His hand was warm. She found comfort in his touch. Afraid of what might happen if it remained, she jerked from his grip. “I’m sorry, Jackson, but I don’t believe that.”

Silence permeated the air. Several minutes later, Sara entered the room. “Excuse me. Dr. Roberts will be out to speak with you within the half hour. We’re busy today.”

“Thank you, Sara.” Melanie took a seat and released a heavy sigh. She prepared herself for the worst. After the past year, what else could she expect?

Jackson sat down and turned toward Melanie. “Phoebe is a strong woman of faith.” He bit down on his lip. “And she’s pretty stubborn, too.”

She smiled and nodded in agreement. Would she continue to be stubborn about the move? Melanie turned her attention back to the window, hoping to see the family once more.

* * *

Forty-five minutes later, Jackson spotted Dr. Roberts. He saw the man stop at the nurses’ station and hand some papers to the nurse working with Sara. He continued down the hall.

“Hello. I’m sorry you had to wait so long. The ER’s bustling this afternoon.” He paused and glanced at Melanie. “Have you been feeling alright since the accident? You look a little pale.”

“Yes, I’m fine. How’s Aunt Phoebe?”

Dr. Roberts referred to his clipboard and looked up. “The tests confirmed it was a stroke. Thankfully you got her here when you did. Any later and it could have been much worse.”

Jackson watched Melanie. She shook her head. Her shoulders stiffened. “This is my fault, Dr. Roberts,” she said.

The doctor scratched his temple and looked at Jackson before turning back to Melanie. “What in the world would make you say such a thing? You certainly didn’t cause her stroke.”

She threw a look toward Jackson. “She’s upset because I want to move her to DC.”

Dr. Roberts’s eyebrow arched. “Move to DC? Phoebe?”

“Dr. Roberts.” Jackson shook his head. He hoped the doctor would understand now wasn’t the time to discuss an impending move. “You were saying about Phoebe’s condition?”

The doctor pulled a seat in front of the couple and removed his glasses. He rubbed his eyes for a moment. “She’s having some trouble with her speech, and there’s definitely partial paralysis on her left side.”

“Paralysis!” Melanie sprang from her chair and walked toward the window. With her arms wrapped around her waist, she turned and looked at Dr. Roberts with wide eyes. “Will it be permanent?”

Placing his glasses on, he flipped through his papers. Dr. Roberts motioned for Jackson to bring Melanie back to her chair.

His boots pecked on the tile like a redheaded woodpecker as he walked over to her. Melanie flinched when he rested his hand on her arm. “Please, have a seat.”

She shadowed Jackson and sat down. Her breaths were short and rapid while she fidgeted in her chair. “I’m sorry, but she’s all the family I have, Dr. Roberts.”

Jackson’s heart ached for Melanie. Even though she never visited, it was obvious she loved her aunt. He reached over and held her hand. “She’ll be okay, Melanie.”

“Will Aunt Phoebe need rehabilitation?”

“Yes, she’ll need speech and physical therapy to strengthen her muscles.” The sound of the doctor scribbling notes filled the room while they both absorbed the news.

Dr. Roberts looked up and laid his pen on the clipboard. “Madison Village is an excellent facility in Harrisonburg. I’ve already called to check room availability.”

“How long will she have to stay?” Melanie twisted a tissue between her fingers.

“The paralysis won’t be permanent, but I can’t say how much time it will take to go away. Phoebe is incredibly strong, so ideally she’ll be back to normal soon. You’ll have to take care of The Bean, Jackson.”

A knot squeezed in Jackson’s stomach. With everything happening, he hadn’t thought about that. “Of course. I’ll make sure it’s running smoothly.”

Melanie’s eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute, Jackson. It’s Phoebe’s business, too, and she’s my aunt. I’ll take care of the restaurant. Unless you don’t think I can handle it. I do have a law degree, you know.”

Dr. Roberts’s laughter filled the room. “Okay, you two, there’s enough to do at The Bean for everyone.” He smiled. “Why don’t you work together? Phoebe would appreciate it.”

“What about your job, Jackson?” Her lips pursed.

Yesterday had been his first day off in a very long time, and he was on the schedule to return to duty tomorrow. He rarely took a vacation, so he had a lot of leave accumulated. Four years ago, he and Taylor had taken Rebecca on her first trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Rebecca was just learning to walk. He smiled as he recalled the framed photograph on his bedroom dresser. It was a photo of her first footprints in the sand. That was the last time they were together as a family. His world had never been the same.