by Fiona Rivers
“Knock, knock,” Annie’s voice echoed through the locked door.
Walking over and opening it, Adalyn was pleasantly surprised that Annie had shown up at her house at nine a.m.
“Good morning. I baked some homemade cinnamon rolls.” She handed Adalyn a small woven basket.
“Good morning. They smell delicious. I am holding you personally responsible for all my weight gain.” Adalyn sarcastically spoke.
“Nonsense. You’re a toothpick.” Annie smiled as she touched her arm. “I wanted to apologize to you.”
“For what?” Adalyn furrowed her brows. “Come on, let’s go in the kitchen and I’ll get you a cup of coffee and we can sit down and talk over these delicious smelling cinnamon rolls.”
After taking down two small plates and making two cups of coffee, Adalyn took them over to the table.
“I’m a little confused, Annie. What are you apologizing for?”
“For the way I ran out of here the other day when your friend was here. I’m so embarrassed. He must think I’m an idiot.”
“No. Of course he doesn’t.”
“My time of the month came on suddenly.” Annie confessed as her eyes filled with tears.
“Are you okay?” Adalyn asked with concern.
“Not really. Jerry and I have been trying to have a baby for the last year and I had IVF this month. I really thought in my heart it worked, and when I was standing here talking to you and Luis, it became apparent that it didn’t.”
Adalyn was floored by what Annie told her, and she saw the same look and sadness on her face that she had felt every month for the past year and a half.
“I’m sorry, Annie. I had no idea.”
“Thank you, Adalyn. I appreciate it. Nobody knows what I’m going through. Everyone says their sorry, it’ll happen and goes about their life. But it’s hard for me sometimes.”
Adalyn wasn’t sure if she should tell her about her experience, because then the whole town would know. But she knew how it felt to feel alone and not have anyone understand.
“I know how you feel, Annie.” She reached over and placed her hand on hers.
“No, you don’t. Unless you’ve experienced the pain of not being able to get pregnant, you have no idea.”
“Annie, I have experienced it and I know exactly what you’re going through. I know every emotion you’re feeling, and I know the challenges and the frustrations that plague you daily.”
“What? I don’t understand.”
“I was married for four years. I did conceive once and miscarried. After that, we tried for a year and a half and every month I thought it was the month we were going to celebrate. But instead, those months consisted of me lying in bed for a couple of days crying.”
Annie couldn’t believe what Adalyn told her. She was shocked, but relieved that finally someone understood.
“Is that why you got divorced?”
“Yes. That was one of the main reasons.”
Adalyn wouldn’t tell her what Darren had done.
“Did you try IVF?” Annie asked as she sipped her coffee.
“No. My ex didn’t want to. When it came down to it, he decided he didn’t want children after all.”
“That’s terrible. You moved here to get away from him, didn’t you?”
“I just wanted to start over somewhere new, and yes, away from him.”
“Well, I’m happy you chose Harbor Falls, and I’m thrilled you moved next door.” Annie smiled.
“Me too. Listen, I was thinking about something lately and I’m hoping you’ll say yes. I would like to hire you to bake some goodies for the grand opening of the art gallery.”
“Really?” Annie’s face lit up.
“Yes. You are an amazing baker and I believe everyone in town knows it. What do you say?”
“I’d love too. Thank you for thinking of me. What do you want me to bake?”
“How about you make a list and then show it to me, and we can decide.”
“Wonderful idea. In fact, I’m going to go home right now and work on it.”
As Adalyn walked Annie to the door, she turned around and gave Adalyn a hug.
“Thank you. This means a lot.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll talk to you later. Now go make that list!” Adalyn grinned.
Adalyn knew that keeping busy was the best remedy and baking for the art gallery would keep Annie busy and hopefully her mind off not getting pregnant. It was the least she could do for her new friend who always brought her over baked goods.
12
Adalyn spent the next couple of days overseeing the remodel of the gallery. She talked to her mom and sister daily as promised, and everything was going well for them. She was excited because they were coming to the opening along with Luis and Alfred. Hannah shared something with Adalyn that set her mood for the day. Even though it shouldn’t have, it did.
“I wasn’t going to tell you this, but I think you have a right to know,” Hannah said during their phone call.
“What is it?”
“I saw Darren last night at Tavern on the Green and he was with a woman. They were holding hands at the table. It was nauseating. It took everything I had not to walk over and smack him.”
“Oh. Who was she?”
“I don’t know. She had long straight black hair and an anorexic looking body. She wasn’t attractive at all.”
Adalyn swallowed the lump that formed in her throat.
“Did he see you?”
“No. I shouldn’t have told you, Addy.”
“Yes, you should have. I’m not surprised he’s already moved on.”
She felt a sharp pain in her heart. Even though she hated him for the lies and everything he’d put her through, it still hurt, and she wasn’t sure if that hurt would ever go away. Adalyn left the gallery in the hands of the workers and ventured down Harbor Street where she ran into Rosie from Rosie’s Bed and Breakfast.
“Adalyn Richards?” A smile crossed her lips as she held out her arms. “You’re back?”
“I am.” Adalyn smiled as she gave her a hug. “I’ve been meaning to come see you, but I’ve been so busy.”
“Busy?” She broke their embrace.
“I moved here to Harbor Falls. I bought a house on the beach and if you have a moment, I’d love to show you something.” She brightly smiled.
“Of course, dear.” She held out her arm. “Lead the way.”
Adalyn hooked her arm around hers and walked Rosie to the gallery that was just a few feet ahead.
“This is my new art gallery,” she said as they stood on the sidewalk in front of the double glass doors.
“I can’t believe this. Congratulations, dear. I had heard talk about someone opening up a gallery here, but I had no idea it was you.”
“Thank you. After our talk, I took to heart what you said about life not happening to me, but for me. And how my life won’t get better by chance, only by the changes I make for myself. So, I changed things up and here I am, following my dream.”
Rosie placed her hand on Adalyn’s cheek.
“I’m so proud of you, and I’m incredibly happy you chose Harbor Falls to call home. Once dinner is done for the guests, I’m cooking a special dinner for my family tonight. It’ll just be me, Carl and my niece and nephew. I would love for you to join us. I know Carl will be thrilled to see you again.”
“I’d love too.”
“Wonderful. Dinner will be ready at seven o’clock.” She gave Adalyn another hug.
“I’ll see you then, Rosie.”
One night when Adalyn was staying at the bed and breakfast, she sat on the porch swing and took in the peaceful sounds of the night. The air was comfortably cool while the crickets sang a little tune. The uncertainty of her life as a soon to be divorced woman weighed heavily on her. That was when Rosie stepped out the front door, sat down next to her and they talked. Adalyn told Rosie that night about Darren. She didn’t tell him about his secret vasectomy, but she told he
r how he didn’t want children and never did after they had been trying for a year and a half to get pregnant again. Rosie offered her wisdom and advice and it was exactly what Adalyn needed to hear.
Adalyn went home, did a few things around the house and changed her clothes. A crème colored floral maxi dress with spaghetti straps was perfect for tonight’s dinner at Rosie’s bed and breakfast. When Adalyn pulled up, she noticed Colin’s truck in one of the parking spaces. She found it odd that he would be here but figured he must be fixing something for her. When she opened the door and stepped inside, she saw Carl in the living room talking to Colin and another man she recognized from the fruit market.
“Adalyn, Rosie told me you were back. It’s good to see you, sweetheart.” Carl smiled as he gave her a hug.
“It’s good to see you too, Carl. Hi, Colin.”
“You two know each other?” Colin’s eye narrowed as a look of confusion swept over his face.
“We sure do. Miss Adalyn stayed in one of our guest rooms a while back. Rosie told me you moved here and are opening up an art gallery in town.”
“Yes. Fingers crossed it will be opening in a couple of weeks.”
“That’s great. Judging by the shocked look on his face, I take it you know my nephew, Colin. And this is Scott, Katherine’s husband.”
Scott extended his hand to Adalyn. “Good to meet you, Adalyn.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Scott. Colin told me you run the fruit market.”
“I do, and I’ve seen you in there before.” He smiled.
“It’s a great market. You have excellent produce.”
“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if Katherine and Rosie need any help in the kitchen.”
“And nature is calling for me,” Carl said as he walked out of the room.
Adalyn turned to Colin and gave him a smile. “So Carl and Rosie are your aunt and uncle?”
“Yes, they are.” He gave a slight nod of his head.
“They’re wonderful people. In fact, your Aunt Rosie was kind of responsible for my move here.”
“Then I must be sure to thank her.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Adalyn.” Rosie grinned as she gave her a warm hug. “Welcome back to our home.”
“Thank you, Rosie. It feels good to be back here.”
“Adalyn, you haven’t met my twin sister, Katherine. Katherine, this is Adalyn.”
Katherine extended her slender hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve seen you in the bar a few times but never had the pleasure.”
“It’s nice to meet you as well, Katherine.”
“I don’t know if you know this, but I was the one who did the interior decorating at your beach house when Mr. and Mrs. Waters renovated it. I helped her pick all the lighting, fixtures, flooring, cabinets. You should have seen what she wanted to put in there.” She laughed.
“I did not know that. I’m happy you were there to help her or I may not have bought the house. It’s absolutely beautiful. You did an amazing job.”
“Thanks.” Katherine placed her hand on Adalyn’s arm.
“Dinner is served.” Rosie smiled as she asked everyone to gather in the dining room.
The table setting was lovely with white plates and a light blue rim and blue and white checkered cloth napkins. The set was different than the ones she used for her guests that stayed at the bed and breakfast. A roast sat in the middle of the table on a large white platter surrounded by cooked carrots. There was a bowl of mashed potatoes and homemade rolls that sat in a woven basket lined with a blue and white checkered liner. Before they started to eat, Rosie poured them each a glass of wine and held up her glass.
“To Adalyn. May Harbor Falls bring you much success as well as peace, love and happiness.”
“Cheers.” Colin smiled as he glanced over at Adalyn holding his glass to her.
She lightly tapped hers against his.
Adalyn tried to help Rosie and Katherine clean up dinner, but Rosie wouldn’t hear of it. So she took her glass of wine and sat down on the porch swing outside. A light wind swept across her face as she stared out at the lighted path that led up to the house and thought about what Hannah had told her about Darren.
“Hey. Do you mind if I sit?” Colin asked as he pointed to the swing.
“No. Not at all. Have a seat.”
“You looked like you were in deep thought. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Everything’s fine.” She gave him a light smile.
“Can I ask you something?” he asked.
“Sure.”
“Annie was in the bar today having lunch with one of her friends and I overheard her say you moved here because you got divorced.”
Adalyn sighed as she brought the wine glass up to her lips. She knew after she told Annie it would be a matter of time before the whole town knew.
“That is true. I am divorced. What else did she say?”
“That’s all I heard. I was wiping down the table next to them. I had no idea you were married before.”
“It’s something I don’t like to talk about. We were married for four years and it didn’t work out.” Adalyn lowered her head.
“That’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Colin said. “A lot of marriages don’t work out. Some don’t even make it to the church before it all falls apart.”
She glanced over at him as he fiddled his thumbs and took note of the hint of sorrow in his voice.
“Two years ago, I was engaged to a woman named Olivia. Wedding plans were all set and one day, a week before the wedding, she decided she wanted more out of life than just spending it here with me in Harbor Falls. So, she packed up and moved to Seattle.”
“I’m so sorry, Colin.”
“Thanks. But don’t be. It hit me really hard but then I realized I was better off without her. That’s what I meant when I said some don’t even make it to the church.”
“There you two are,” Rosie said as she opened the storm door. “I’m getting ready to cut the cherry pie I made this afternoon. Are you two coming in to have a piece?”
“Of course, Aunt Rosie. You know it’s my favorite.” Colin grinned as he stood up.
“My favorite too.” Adalyn gave Rosie a smile as she stepped back inside the bed and breakfast.
13
The next morning, Adalyn was in the kitchen cleaning up from the breakfast she made and when she went to turn on the garbage disposal, it made a horrific grinding sound and shut off.
“Great,” she said out loud as she flipped the switch up and down.
Making sure the disposal was off, she reached underneath and pushed the reset button, flipped the switch and nothing. She picked up her phone from the counter and noted the time was eight-thirty. The first and only person that came to her mind at that moment was Colin. Opening her contact list, she pulled up his name and sent him a text message.
“Good morning. I’m sorry to text you so early but I have a problem. My garbage disposal isn’t working. Is there a chance you can come over and take a look at it?”
“Good morning. I can come now if that’s okay.”
“Now would be perfect. Thank you, Colin.”
She made herself another cup of coffee while she waited for him. She thought about him last night after she left Rosie’s and the fact that his fiancée broke things off a week before their wedding was to take place. At least she had the courage to tell him before they walked down the aisle, unlike her spinless coward of an ex-husband who led her to believe he wanted children.
Suddenly, there was knock at the door and when Adalyn opened it, she smiled when saw Colin standing there holding his toolbox.
“Thanks for coming over. I don’t know what happened.” She led him to the kitchen. “I turned it on, it made a horrible grinding noise and then shut off.”
“Sounds like the motor went.”
Colin flipped the switch the couple of times and then got underneath and took the disposal apart. Ada
lyn stood there and couldn’t help but admire him. The fluttering in her belly heightened, like it did every time she saw him.
“I’m afraid this disposal is no more.” He looked up at her. “You’re going to need a new one.”
“Of course. The joys of owning a home.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“As soon as the store opens, I can go grab one and install it. It won’t take too long.” He stood up and wiped his hands on a rag he had in his toolbox.
“I have a meeting with the contractor at the gallery in thirty minutes.” Adalyn glanced at her watch.
“I can swing by later and install it, but only if you agree to have dinner with me.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Ah. So you won’t install it if I don’t have dinner with you?”
“As much as I’d love to, I’m afraid dinner is a must.”
“Well, I need a garbage disposal, so yes, I’ll have dinner with you tonight.”
“Great. I’ll bring by food from the bar, we can eat it here and then I’ll install the new disposal. What time works for you?”
“Anytime is good.”
“Six o’clock?” he asked. “I have a shipment coming in around four and Katherine is off today.”
“Six o’clock is perfect.”
Colin Young walked out of Adalyn’s home with a smile on his face. Telling her about his broken engagement last night felt right, especially since Adalyn confirmed she had been married once. The more he saw and talked to her, the more he felt like she was the one woman he wanted to spend more time with. The first and only woman since Olivia.
Colin and Olivia had dated for three years before Colin proposed to her. He was thirty-years old at the time and was ready to settle down and start a family. They were engaged a year before they started planning the wedding, which took approximately another year to plan because Olivia wanted everything to be perfect and he understood that. About six months into planning the wedding, Olivia started behaving strangely. She seemed distant and looked for every opportunity she could to start an argument. Colin knew in his heart things were spiraling out of control, but he chalked it up to her being stressed about the wedding. He helped her all he could, but the more he did, the more agitated she became. She told him one day she needed to get away from Harbor Falls for a few days and away from all the wedding stuff. He took it as she needed to get away from him. So, she went to Seattle to visit her friend and he figured once she came back, her head would be clearer and everything would go back to normal, which they never really did. He loved her and he wasn’t giving up even though everyone around him told him things didn’t seem right. As much as he thought he made her happy and did everything he could for her, it wasn’t enough. The night she left, she told him she loved him, and her decision had nothing to do with him. It was all her and she couldn’t see herself married just yet and having children. Colin offered to postpone the wedding until she was ready, but she wanted to leave Harbor Falls and explore other things. So she did, and it left a mark on his heart for a long time. He wasn’t interested in dating or even getting to know another woman until Adalyn Richards walked into his bar.
