Change of Heart

by Judith Keim

  “What are you doing?” came a little voice.

  Em turned to see Ava staring at them. “Come here,” she said. “We’re making a family, and you’re part of it too.”

  “That’s my love,” Devin said, beaming at her and hugging Ava, forming a circle of love.

  ###

  After Ava went back to her coloring, Em sat in a daze beside Devin on the couch in the living room. He caressed her face in his hands and smiled at her, sending waves of happiness through her.

  “I think I’ve loved you from the first day I saw you at Seashell Cottage. It scared me to death how much I wanted you, but I knew how you’d been hurt, and I didn’t want to do anything that might send you running.”

  She sighed and returned his smile. “I love you, too, Devin. I fell for you when you told me I deserved a guy who could dance. Then, when you hired the security guard to protect me, I knew you were someone who cared. And you’ve always understood my desire for a family. Devin, you’re so very special.”

  He cocked an eyebrow at her playfully. “I guess you really didn’t remember me from your sister’s wedding. We did dance once, you know.”

  She felt heat rise to her cheeks. She’d been such a fool then. He was the kind of man she wanted now, needed now. But she knew life wasn’t that simple. She had commitments, and so did he.

  “What are we going to do about us? There’s so much to resolve. I can’t just leave my businesses and move to Florida.” The thought of disappointing her family was painful.

  The grin that spread across his face lit his eyes. “How would you feel about my practicing medicine with Dr. Stone in town? He’s ready to slow down and is looking for a partner. He and I have already had several conversations about my joining his practice and continuing to work with the underprivileged. He’s agreed to my terms. I told him I’d give him a final answer soon.”

  “You’d move here? You’d do that for me?” Em’s breathing hitched and her vision blurred. “You really do love me. I mean, I know you do, but this ... this proves it.”

  His smile became teasingly sly. “I have much better ways to prove it.”

  She laughed. “Oh, Devin. It was such a lucky day for me when I met you at the Seashell Cottage.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The minute Em walked into her parents’ house, Elena rushed over to her. “Let me see! Let me see!”

  Em held out her left hand and stared at the sparkling stone, still having trouble believing all the changes that had taken place in her life.

  “It’s beautiful!” Elena cried. “I knew the two of you were perfect together.” She hugged Em and turned to Devin. “I’m happy to have you for my brother-in-law. You’ve been such a good friend.”

  Laughing, Em and Elena embraced.

  Em took hold of Ava’s hand and squeezed it. “You’ve met my family?”

  Ava bobbed her head. “Gran familia. Big family.”

  “Just the beginning,” Em said, thrilled with thoughts of all that was to come. “Let’s say hi to your grandmother.”

  “Abuela. Grandmother,” said Ava.

  Em laughed when she realized Ava was teaching her Spanish. “Right. Abuela. Grandmother.”

  Ava nodded proudly and moved toward Em’s mother, who was giving her an encouraging smile.

  “Mom’s going crazy thinking of two granddaughters, not just one,” said Elena, beaming at her. “I’m so happy for you, Em. I really am.”

  “Me, too. It still feels like one of my fantasies. We have a lot of details to work out, but Devin and I are excited about taking this next step.”

  “When’s the wedding?” asked Elena.

  “I’m not sure. We haven’t discussed the date, but I’m hoping for a Valentine’s Day wedding,” Em said, unable to hold back the smile she felt stretching across her face.

  Elena laughed. “Perfect. What you’ve always wanted.”

  “What has she always wanted? Me?” said Devin joining them.

  “A Valentine’s Day wedding,” Elena answered, chuckling.

  Devin turned to her. “Is that right?”

  She nodded. “But now, I don’t care as long as it’s you and me.”

  Devin gave her a squeeze. “After we put Ava down for the night, we have a lot to talk about. Now let’s go see what our girl is up to. Looks like she has your father wrapped around her dainty little finger.”

  Em laughed. “Looks like it.” Ava was sitting in her grandfather’s lap, playing a clapping game with him.

  ###

  After a family barbeque in her parents’ backyard, Em sat with her sister and mother in chairs outside gazing up at the stars beginning to appear in the growing dark. Ava sat on her grandmother’s lap, trying not to fall asleep. Gran sat next to them, still holding onto Ava’s hand.

  It surprised Em that Ava had so quickly taken to her and her family, but then her family had always been a welcoming one, and Em suspected Ava was starved for affection. Shy at first, Ava seemed to realize how genuinely happy they were to include her. Em was smart enough to know this initial phase might not last, that there would be tears and struggles ahead as Ava made the transition, but for the moment, it all felt right.

  “I can’t tell you how happy I am that Devin is moving his practice here,” said Gran. “I couldn’t ask for better news.” She winked at Em. “You’ll be able to continue at the shop.”

  “Now if we could just get Andrew to come here,” Em’s mother said.

  Elena shook her head. “We’re not that far away, Mom. And I’ve already promised you I’ll bring Lillibet here as often as I can. Besides, you can come for a visit anytime you want.”

  “You’re right, dear. I’m going to be busy, visiting one grandchild and having Ava here for me to spoil.” She frowned. “What are you going to do about your condo, Em? Is it big enough for your new family?”

  Your family. Em fingered her engagement ring, needing the touch of it to make it seem real. “I don’t know. We haven’t even talked about it yet. We have so many things to decide.”

  “First things first.” Gran hesitated and then said, “How can you and Devin live together as a family with Ava in this small town without getting married?”

  “All in good time, Gran. I’m sure she and Devin will work things out in a satisfactory way,” said Elena kindly. “Besides, Valentine’s Day isn’t that far off.”

  “I just want you to be happy.” Em’s mother fingered Ava’s dark curls as she lay sleeping against her.

  “I can’t believe this has happened. It’s all so wonderful,” gushed Em.

  Devin approached. “I think it’s time to take our girl home. If we’re lucky, we can quietly transfer her to my car and into your condo.”

  As Em said her goodbyes to her family, she gave Gran an extra tight hug and whispered, “You and I need to talk about a certain test you had.”

  Gran’s eyes widened. She spoke quietly, “It’s all going to be fine. Don’t you say a word to anyone else. This is a time of celebration for the family.”

  “We’ll talk later,” Em said, unwilling to let it go. Even though she was forming her own family, she would never abuse the special love she and Gran had always shared.

  ###

  At the condo, Em and Devin got Ava comfortably settled in one of the guest rooms and went downstairs.

  Devin patted the space on the couch next to him and grinned at her. “Alone at last.”

  Em nestled against him. “I feel like I’m in a dream. So much has happened in the last few hours.”

  “Some of the best moments of my life,” Devin said. “I’m so happy you’ve agreed to be mine. Mine and Ava’s. After discussing adoption with you for so long, I thought it might not be a problem for you to take on both of us, but it was something I needed to ask you in person. When her mother asked me to adopt her, I wasn’t sure I was ready to take on a child. Not without you. I needed to be certain in my own mind about our relationship. And then I know how strongly you feel about the commitme
nt to your work and to your family.”

  “When did you become certain about us?” Em asked.

  “When you mentioned you were thinking about getting a puppy.”

  Em sat up. “Whaaat? A puppy is a far cry from a husband and daughter.”

  Devin chuckled. “I know. This is far better, yes?”

  “Yes,” Em said, hugging him. “So much better.”

  “Seriously, I’ve always known you’d make a good mother, but as our relationship grew through our conversations, I realized how deep my feelings for you went. And then I couldn’t bear to think of my life without you in it.”

  Em sighed with pleasure. She felt the same way about him.

  She sat up and faced him. “When are you moving to Ellenton? Where do you want to live? With me? When do you want to get married?”

  Devin chuckled. “I’ll be moving to Ellenton September 1st so I can get Ava enrolled in school. That will give me time to work out an agreement with the others in my practice in Miami. Right now, I’m on a leave of absence.”

  “Do they understand you might not be coming back?”

  “Yes,” said Devin. “Su Lynn knows I’m in love with you and that I want to make our relationship work.”

  Em’s eyes welled. Devin made her so happy, secure in his love for her. She’d never been as sure of anything before.

  “Hey, what’s this?” Devin stroked her cheek and gazed down at her with such tenderness a tear slipped from her eye and trailed down her face.

  “I’m just so happy,” Em said, laughing when he shook his head and muttered, “I guess it’s all good.”

  He tugged her to him. “Let’s talk later. I’ve waited too long to hold you in my arms.” He stretched out on the couch and drew her down next to him.

  She loved the way her body melded into his. And later, when they began to move together, she loved it even more.

  ###

  Em awoke, startled by an unfamiliar sound. When she realized it was Ava crying, she got out of bed and tiptoed through the dark into Ava’s room.

  Seeing her, Ava sat up in bed and held out her arms. “¿Mami? Is it you?”

  “It’s Em. You’re all right. I’m here.”

  “I want my Mami,” Ava cried.

  Em sat on the edge of the bed and hugged the little girl to her. “Shhh. I know, darling. She’s not able to be here, but you’re safe with us.” Em rubbed her back in comforting strokes. “We love you, Ava, and are so happy you’ll live with us.”

  Ava nestled against Em’s breast and gazed up at her sleepily. “Em?”

  “Yes...it’s me.”

  Ava emitted a long, trembling sigh. “Em,” she said, and closed her eyes.

  Em continued to cuddle Ava, loving the way the little girl felt in her arms. She vowed to try her best to be a good mother to her.

  Carefully, so as not to disturb her, she slid Ava under the covers and stared down at the little girl who would soon be hers. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to Devin.

  “She okay now?” he whispered.

  “I think so,” Em replied.

  “I love you. Now, come back to bed. I miss you.”

  She smiled in the dark, knowing she’d never tire of hearing those words from him.

  ###

  In the morning, Em awoke to find Ava standing beside the bed. “Good morning, Ava,” Em said cheerfully, wondering if she would remember crying in the night.

  “I’m hungry,” said Ava.

  Em grinned, pleased that things seemed to be okay. “Give me a minute and I’ll get up and give you breakfast.”

  Devin stirred beside her. “Did I hear the word ‘breakfast’?”

  Em poked him. “Yes. What do you want?”

  “At the moment, I’ll have to settle on food. But tonight? A different story,” he said, giving a playful tug to her hair.

  Ava studied them solemnly. “Papi and Mami.”

  Em glanced at Devin and turned to Ava. “Yes.” She got out of bed, slipped on a light robe, and took hold of Ava’s hand. “Let’s go downstairs and give Papi a chance to grab a shower.”

  In the kitchen, Ava sat with paper and colored pencils while Em cooked bacon and set to work chopping tomatoes and sweet onions as part of the filling for omelets.

  Devin joined them. “Something smells wonderful.” He kissed Em and went over to Ava.

  “Hi! What are you drawing?” He bent over to see the picture and then held it up to Em. “A family. Papi, Mami, and Ava.”

  Emotion clogged Em’s throat. She could only nod before forcing out the word, “Nice.” Everything was happening so fast. Too fast. Devin wouldn’t always have this time at home, helping both Ava and her get used to the idea of being a family. It would take a lot of planning to make things work.

  Devin helped himself to a cup of coffee and sat down with Ava. “This morning, I thought the three of us might go shopping. I didn’t know what clothes to buy for Ava, and I want to get her some toys too.”

  “Toys?” Ava said, her eyes bright with the promise of them.

  Em laughed. “One word she knows very well. It sounds like fun. I’ll look through the things you brought with you and make a list of other clothing she might need. It’s a good time to do it. The stores are having sales.”

  “Sounds good. How about I do the toy thing with you and then let you and Ava do the rest?”

  “What do you say, Ava? Shall we go shopping?” Em asked, smiling at her.

  Ava nodded. “Shopping.”

  “After I brought Ava to Miami, Su Lynn helped me get her some clothes. But we bought just enough to get by for the trip here.”

  “Okay,” Em said, “we’ll fill in the rest.”

  ###

  She helped Ava with a bath. “Such a pretty little girl,” Em murmured as she towel dried her off. Ava might be tiny, but she was perfectly shaped.

  “No, not little. I’m six,” Ava said, giving Em such a look of disapproval that she laughed.

  “Okay, big girl. Let’s get you dressed and then we’ll go shopping.”

  Ava’s eyes lit. “Shopping.”

  It didn’t take long for them to get ready. Em was as excited as Ava. She’d always dreamed of having a little girl to “dress,” and today was an unexpected gift.

  Devin wanted to be part of the experience at a toy store and stayed with them while Ava picked out a few of her favorite things. Careful not to overdo it, Em and Devin decided four toys were enough for now. Ava chose a doll, an educational electronic tablet, a unicorn stuffed toy and accompanying book, and a battery-operated dog. Em chose a number of books for her.

  When it came time for them to move on, Devin said, “Why don’t I meet up with you later? There are several things I have to take care of while you two ladies fuss over clothes.”

  “Thanks. That way we won’t have to hurry. I’ll call you when we’re done, and maybe you can meet us for lunch.”

  “Great,” said Devin, sounding as relieved as Em felt that he’d decided not to be part of a girls’ shopping adventure. He handed her his charge card. “Have fun!”

  “Thanks!” Em took Ava’s hand. “Okay, girl, like the man says, we’re going to have us some fun.”

  Ava giggled. “Fun.”

  It turned out that Ava had very definite ideas about what she liked and didn’t like. It took a lot of diplomacy on Em’s part to negotiate a change in some of the choices Ava made. But, overall, they did well. This girl liked sparkles, and that was that.

  After visiting three different stores, both Em and Ava were ready to stop. Em called Devin, and a short while later, the three of them sat in the food court eating a late lunch.

  Ava’s head bobbed from time to time. As soon as they could, they finished their meals, and then Devin lifted Ava into his arms. “Guess you two really shopped ’til you dropped.”

  Em laughed. “Ava had a ball. I’m so glad I was a part of it. She now has all she needs and,” Em winked at him, “a little bit more. But a lot of
these clothes should be suitable for school in the early fall.”

  “I’ll leave that up to you.”

  As they walked to Devin’s car, Em studied him. It seemed so natural to see him with a child in his arms. He was that kind of guy, gentle and caring. She gazed at the diamond on her finger flashing a rainbow of colors in the sunlight and thought of all that had happened in the past year. She’d learned a lot about herself and what she needed to do to grow not only her business, but herself as a person.

  They got Ava strapped into a booster seat in the back, climbed into the car, and headed home.

  “Did you have a successful morning?” Em asked. Devin had been fairly quiet during lunch making her wonder just what he’d been working on.

  “Yes and no,” Devin said. “I talked to Ted Stone about coming on board as soon as possible.”

  “And?”

  “And he agrees it would be best.”

  Her mind spinning, Em clasped her hands. “So much is happening so fast. Do you think we should slow down or hurry up?”

  He pulled to a stop in front of Em’s condo and turned to her. “How would you feel about getting married right away? With Ava as part of the household and me a professional in the community, it might be better if we did.”

  “Not wait until Valentine’s Day?” Em knew she sounded alarmed, but couldn’t stop herself. Hearing Devin say that made it seem so much more real. How could she make all the plans?

  Ava stirred in the backseat.

  “Let’s talk inside,” said Em.

  “Sure, we both need to think about it.”

  Em got out of the car and gazed at Ava, who was staring at her sleepily, clutching the doll they’d purchased earlier. She was adorable.

  Em unhooked Ava’s seat belt. “Hi. Ready to go inside?”

  Ava nodded. “I’m thirsty.”

  “Okay, we’ll get some water inside. Do you want to carry one of our shopping bags?”

  Ava’s face brightened.

  Em handed her one of the smaller shopping bags and watched as Ava proudly carried it to the front door.

  “A real shopper, huh?” said Devin, smiling at them both.

  Em chuckled. “Watch out! She loves shoes too.”