Accept Me

by Marion Ueckermann

  Eyes widening, he held the bag as if unsure what to do with it.

  Haddie wanted to scream at him to just open it and look inside. But she didn’t.

  Riley kept his astonished gaze fixed on her. “Wha— H–how did you know? Did Pete tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  “That it’s my birthday today. This is a birthday gift, isn’t it?” Slowly his fingers began to pry the bag open.

  “N–no. I had no idea it was your birthday today.” Haddie pointed to the bag. “That could be your birthday gift, although I’d rather get something more personal. Something for you.”

  “Haddie, you just being here with me today is the best gift I could’ve asked for. Still, I’m intrigued to find out what’s inside here.” Riley slid his hand inside the bag and pulled out Ivy’s blouse. He spread it open on the throw. His fingers traced a line where he obviously remembered cutting the front open. “H–how did you do this? Where did you manage to find a replacement blouse? Please, let me know what it cost you so I can pay you back.”

  “Riley, I don’t want payment. I did this because I wanted to help you, and in a way, I guess, to say thank you for saving my life.” Haddie ran a finger over the fabric. “And no, this isn’t a replacement blouse. This is the original one.”

  A frown drew Riley’s brows together. “B–but how—”

  “I purchased a piece of the fabric from the manufacturers in London and had it delivered by courier. It arrived yesterday morning. I spent the day inserting a new left bodice, and this piece that holds the buttons.” She tapped the placket. “I finished stitching on the buttons this morning.”

  Riley’s eyes shone with gratitude and wonder. “Thank you. Then it is a present for me too since it will make Ivy so very happy.”

  He leaned forward and slid his hand behind Haddie’s neck, gently easing her toward him. When he kissed her, Haddie thought her entire body would explode from delight.

  He pulled back slightly and rested his forehead against hers, his breathing rapid.

  Oh no. Had she been a terrible kisser?

  “I’ve been wanting to do that all day.” His voice held a huskiness to it that Haddie hadn’t heard before. “No, all week.”

  Dare she be bold enough to ask the question burning on her lips?

  How could she not? She had to know.

  “H–how was I? I’ve never been kissed before.”

  Riley cupped her cheek, his thumb caressing her cheek. “You were perfect. But, I could teach you this.” His lips found hers again, and this time he kissed her more boldly than the first time.

  Oh my. This was…wonderful.

  Haddie’s heart soared. Kissing was such an incredible feeling.

  She’d missed out on so much in life, but she had no regrets. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted Riley to be the first, the last, and the only man to ever kiss her.

  “Happy birthday,” she mumbled between kisses.

  Chapter Sixteen

  RILEY DIDN’T attend Bible study the following evening. Too sore. He hurt in muscles he didn’t know he had after the long horse ride with Haddie the day before. He’d almost called in sick that morning, but as he technically wasn’t ill, just achy, he struggled through the day, thankfully a slow one.

  Somehow, Haddie heard that he’d planned to head straight for bed after work—probably through grapevine Violet.

  “I can come over, if you’d like, give your legs a soothing massage.” Like music to his ears, her sweet voice drifted through the phone.

  Riley switched his phone to his left hand then twisted the bath faucets. Hot and cold water gushed into the tub. A long, hot soak was what his legs needed right now, although the thought of Haddie massaging away the pain in his sore muscles was a way more pleasing thought. He still needed to get in and out of the bath with these painful legs.

  “I’m fine. But thanks.” As much as he wanted to see Haddie tonight, especially after their kiss…okay, kisses…he didn’t want her to see him walking the way he was, something that had brought endless laughter to Pete and the rest of the guys today. “I’ll see you tomorrow night for dinner, all right?”

  “Only if you’re up to it.”

  Up to it? He’d make sure he was up to it. Already he missed her terribly. He just needed tonight to recover.

  “Riley, if it’s any consolation, my thighs are a little achy too. Comes from not riding every few days. Rest up and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Dinner and karaoke at Tía Irma’s with Haddie was as pleasurable as it had been the first time, if not more because Pete hadn’t intruded on their time together as he’d unexpectedly done the previous week.

  Riley managed to hide his discomfort and pain all evening, despite his still tender backside. When there had been more requests for “Haddie” to sing karaoke, Riley had gritted his teeth and made his way up to the microphone, smiling as he satisfied the restaurant patrons with a song.

  Strange that “Haddie’s” name had been on so many slips of paper. Riley had to wonder if Pete wasn’t lurking somewhere in the restaurant, having a chuckle at his expense.

  With every love song that Riley sang under his nom de plume—not that he was a writer, but he didn’t know the equivalent term for singers…maybe just stage name?—he prayed that Haddie would know he sang the words for her alone.

  Back at Ivy’s, Riley walked Haddie around to the side entrance. He winced as he took the step up to the door. If he was going to take her exploring Chapel Cove on Saturday, he would need to stretch out his gluteus maximus and adductors way more in the next three days. Or in laymen’s terms, his butt and inner thigh muscles.

  “I really had a great time tonight,” Haddie said as she slid her key into the keyhole. “You have such a great voice, I could listen to you sing all night long.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, something he’d wanted to do all evening. “I’ll see you on Friday after work—a stroll around the boardwalk?”

  Haddie smiled up at him in the dim porch light. “I’d like that very much. And sinful chocolate pancakes?”

  Riley chuckled. “And sinful chocolate pancakes.”

  By Friday, Riley was able to stroll more easily along the boardwalk with Haddie. He loved how she snuggled into his arms against the cold breeze blowing off the ocean.

  “Come, I’d like to show you something.” He led her toward Reese Brock’s little jewelry shop, Sea Artsy. Haddie would love Reese’s creations, he was sure. He wanted to get something special for Haddie, especially as he knew he wouldn’t be able to be with her on Valentine’s night. The thought of spending the evening with Anna instead of Haddie made him feel ill. But soon his debt to Anna would be settled. Six more days and counting, then it would be bye-bye, Anna Alverson.

  Maybe he should tell Haddie; he really didn’t like keeping secrets from her. He opened his mouth then shut it as memories of Katie rolled in like the tide. Telling his then girlfriend about the charity calendar he’d posed for hadn’t gone well, and he couldn’t quell the nagging feeling that if he told Haddie about his costly date with Anna, it wouldn’t go well either.

  Right now, he’d rather err on the side of caution.

  The bell over the door leading into Sea Artsy tinkled as they entered.

  From behind the counter, Reese turned. “Riley, it’s good to lay eyes on you. I’m happy to see you’re mobile. We missed you on Monday night and prayed for you.”

  Her gaze shifted to Haddie and her mouth curved into a smile as she stepped out from behind the counter. “Who’s your friend?”

  “This is Haddie. She’s new in town. Haddie, this is Reese, our youth pastor’s wife.”

  “And Nai’s best friend?” Haddie asked.

  “Yes. Of course, Kristina is also Nai’s best friend.” Reese pulled Haddie into a hug. “Welcome. I look forward to getting to know you.”

  Haddie offered a shy smile, tucking her hair behind one ear.

  “Riley, you and Had
die must come for dinner. I know Heath would love to meet Haddie. We’ll set a date. Soon.”

  “We’d love that.” Riley placed his hand in the small of Haddie’s back and lowered his voice. “I hope it’s okay for me to speak for both of us.”

  “Of course.” A slight pink flushed Haddie’s cheeks and she lowered her lashes.

  Riley shifted his attention back to Reese. “I didn’t know you worked in your shop as well. I thought you only made your jewelry and left the running of this place to sales staff. How can you manage all that?”

  “Oh, I don’t manage this place. I do only make the products I sell. But today my sales clerk went home early since she wasn’t feeling well. My other lady’s away on vacation for the week, so it was up to me to mind the store.” Reese moved back behind the counter. “Are you just browsing, or looking for something special?”

  Riley gazed down at Haddie. “Something special.” And as soon as Haddie had chosen that something special, he’d treat her to those pancakes she’d been waiting for since Tuesday.

  Instead of Tía Irma’s again on Tuesday evening, Riley had invited Haddie over for dinner and a movie. Standing in front of his apartment, she raised her hand and tapped her knuckles against the wooden door. Eager to see Riley again, excitement made her insides quiver.

  Because Riley hadn’t attended Bible study the previous Monday, he’d made sure not to miss it last night. He’d asked Haddie to join him, but she’d declined. No surprises. Part of her had so wanted to go, especially now that she’d met Reese. She was eager to build on that relationship and hopefully soon ask the pastor’s beautiful and talented wife if she’d by chance known, or still knew, her biological mother. But she just didn’t feel quite ready to attend a Bible study.

  So she’d called her dad, feeling guilty that she hadn’t done so more often. In the previous four calls she’d made to him since arriving in Chapel Cove, Dad had asked her when she was coming home. Once again, Haddie disappointed him with the fact that she didn’t know yet. How could she when she hadn’t made any headway in her quest?

  The door opened and Riley stood on the other side of the threshold, a denim apron covering his jeans and short-sleeved T-shirt. Warm, fuzzy feelings wove through Haddie at seeing him looking so domesticated. But domestication aside, Haddie knew the feelings flooding her had a lot to do with the shapely biceps stretching the black cotton across his arms. It had been impossible to stop her gaze from approvingly lingering there for just a moment.

  Riley drew her into his apartment and his embrace. She savored his kisses for as long as possible before he had to return to the open-plan kitchen.

  Haddie sniffed the delicious aroma filling the air as she followed him. “Hmm, that smells good.” She shrugged out of her coat then removed her woolen hat and scarf. She laid the clothing items on one of the bar stools at the kitchen counter, then slid onto another.

  Riley lifted the pot’s lid and gave the contents a stir. “I hope you like chili con carne. It was the easiest to make in the limited time I had between my shift ending and now. Thanks for driving over and saving me time.”

  “My pleasure. And I love chili.” In fact, when it came to food, there was very little Haddie didn’t love.

  “Do you need help?” She twisted to glance over her shoulder. His place was a little bigger than hers, the bedroom separate from the living area. It was surprisingly neat and tidy, with tasteful furnishings…in a manly sort of way.

  He shot her a grin. “All under control. Just sit there looking gorgeous while I dish up the food. Then we can eat.”

  After their tasty meal, they cozied up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and watched the popular rom com, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Even though the movie was years old, and she’d seen it several times—something she didn’t tell Riley—it never failed to make her laugh.

  As the credits rolled across the TV screen, Riley dipped his hand into the bowl and grabbed the last few popped kernels. He took the empty container from Haddie and leaned forward to slide it onto the coffee table. Settling back into the soft cushions, he curved his arm around Haddie once again.

  She nestled against his chest.

  “Oh, I meant to tell you earlier…,” Riley said. “I’d planned to ask Pastor Brock last night whether he or his parents had perhaps known your mother. After all, the Brock boys have spent a significant amount of time in Chapel Cove since their teen years.”

  Haddie looked up at him, expectant. “And…”

  His mouth drooped. “I’m sorry, Heath’s sister-in-law asked for prayer during the prayer requests, and after the study ended, she was locked in deep conversation with Heath and Hudson. She isn’t actually their sister-in-law, but she does have a child by their oldest brother, Hunter, who’s currently serving the last year of a ten-year sentence in a California prison. She’s having some problems with Hunter, so I guess she needed to speak to Heath and Hudson about that.”

  Riley pressed his lips against her head in a kiss. “I promise, next week, or even Sunday if possible, I’ll try my utmost to get some time alone with Heath or Hudson to ask them.”

  Hmm, a jailbird brother, an illegitimate nephew… Seemed even men of God and good doctors had family issues they’d probably love to hide from.

  She was in good company in Chapel Cove.

  All morning long, Haddie alternated between the tablet, a book, and the shelf, capturing the piles of second-hand paperbacks onto the system then packing them in their correct places, all the while trying to forget that it was Valentine’s Day. Despite the awesome dates over the past ten days, the hugs, laughter, fun, and kisses—oh, the kisses, they were the best—Riley had still not made plans with her for tonight. In fact, in all that time, he hadn’t even mentioned this special occasion. Did he just not believe in making a fuss of the day? Or was he not as committed to her as she’d thought?

  She hoped and prayed that she wasn’t about to lose her guy in ten days.

  Her fingers reached up and once again trailed the curved line of shells and sea glass gracing her neck. The necklace from Reese’s store was exquisite. After Riley had paid for the piece, he fastened it around her neck. She never wanted to take it off.

  They’d ended their time on the boardwalk on Friday with pancakes and coffee at The Pancake Shoppe, making it an early night because the following morning, she and Riley had explored Chapel Cove.

  Although her dates with Riley had been wonderful, Saturday’s was the second best so far. Nothing could top the horse riding and picnic in the old house where everything had changed between them. That first kiss had moved their relationship forward.

  They’d covered a lot of ground on Saturday seeing the sights in Chapel Cove, and she’d been so excited to finally find Aileen’s Pastries. As they’d enjoyed a slice of Aileen’s triple chocolate mousse cake and a cup of coffee together, Riley told Haddie that he still had so much more he wanted to show her, but, he said, he’d need to save that for another day since it seemed as if Haddie didn’t want to leave Aileen’s. As she’d practically inhaled those chocolatey mouthfuls, seeing the rest of Chapel Cove was the last thing Haddie cared to do. She could’ve stayed inside that little pastry shop with Riley forever.

  Haddie ran her tongue over her lips. She really could do with a slice of Aileen’s famous cake or one of her mouth-watering pastries right now.

  She shifted her thoughts away from the sweet temptation to the service on Sunday. She had enjoyed being in God’s house again, but then, with Riley next to her, any place felt good. Romance aside, Pastor Don had preached a powerful sermon on the lost sheep, something she could well relate to at this point in her life. In fact, there were times in the service she’d felt like offering a feeble bleat to heaven. But she didn’t, although she couldn’t say she wouldn’t break down in tears of repentance in the pews next week, overwhelmed with the joy of being found again.

  The thought made her eyes burn. She blinked then dabbed the corners of her eyes with her ring fing
ers.

  After the service, she’d invited Riley and Ivy for lunch at her place again. The three of them had yet another great time together, talking and laughing the afternoon away.

  Out of nowhere, a siren wailed outside. The book in Haddie’s hand fell. It bounced off the stack she’d been wading through and plopped to the floor. Without wasting time to retrieve it, Haddie dashed into the main room housing all the new books only to find that she wasn’t the only one whose first thought was to see what all the commotion was about. The front door stood open wide and a streak of purple disappeared through the opening. For an old lady, Violet certainly could move like the wind.

  Outside, an ambulance had parked on Spruce Street. Had there been a car accident? Surely they would’ve heard tires squeal or metal crunch against metal. Maybe someone was hurt or ill? Ivy, had she suffered another heart attack?

  Her panic quickly subsided as Ivy came out of the bookshop and descended the stairs.

  The passenger door of the large vehicle with flashing red lights opened. An EMT slid out, his back facing Haddie. Large black boots hit the road, and as he swung around, Haddie’s heart squeezed. It was Riley, and he held a large bouquet of flowers.

  “Now who on earth are those for?” Violet’s head snapped from one girl to the next. First front line Fern. Then coffee shop Cas. Then her.

  So far, the only person at the bookshop who knew about her budding relationship with Riley was Ivy.

  Haddie’s pulse raced as he strode toward her. Oh my, a man in uniform was certainly a beautiful sight. One bearing peonies, exactly the color she loved—light pink with waves of cream swirling through the petals—even better. And double form blooms! Was this guy for real?

  In front of all the staff of Ivy’s on Spruce, Riley drew Haddie into his embrace and kissed her.

  The girls clapped and squealed.