A Summer Homecoming

by Leah Atwood

  When it was time to leave, he popped two more aspirin to ward off the last of a headache and walked outside. Evening sunlight cast soft shadows over the parking lot and buildings. At a home nearby, someone grilled steaks. Zach inhaled deeply, allowing the fresh air to wash through him.

  The church wasn’t far away, and he had energy to burn after a midday nap, so he set about his way, arriving just as Lily and Melanie did.

  Lily gave him a knowing look, making him wonder exactly what and how much Melanie had told her. Of course, Lily tended toward dramatics and possessed a bit of a know-it-all personality when it came to other people, so he tried not to think of it.

  “Thanks for coming, Zach.” Lily gave him a smile. Or smirk. With her, it was hard to tell. “I have the perfect idea of what booth to put you in.”

  He groaned, remembering the crazy booths Lily had come up with in the past. What have I gotten myself into?

  To her credit, Lily discreetly excused herself, leaving him alone in the parking lot with Melanie.

  “How is it feeling? It looks better than I expected.” Melanie reached out and gently touched his swollen eye.

  “It feels better than it did a few hours ago. At least it isn’t bruised.”

  “That’s good.” She lowered her hand, leaving behind the warmth of her touch. “Are you ready to go inside? I don’t want Lily to go unchecked for too long, or you never know what she will come up with.”

  Zach couldn’t help but laugh. A truer statement he’d never heard. Without thinking, he reached for her hand. Realized it once heat surged through him. They hurried inside and paused when they saw the stares. It only took a second to understand why.

  They weren’t staring at him and Melanie, but rather their joined hands.

  What else did I expect? Small towns thrived on potential gossip like that, and Hope Springs was no different. Everybody knew everyone else’s business, and Melanie had been a faithful member of this church for over ten years now. He suppressed a sigh. They also knew the history between them and must think him a complete jerk—and to be fair, he couldn’t blame them.

  He had never felt so self-conscience, and he expected Melanie to jerk away under the scrutiny.

  To his surprise, she tightened her grip and began to speak. “Everyone, welcome Zach Kellar home to Hope Springs. He’s just returned from living in the south for a few years, and I hope you’ll all give him a warm welcome.”

  Zach’s heart dropped to his knees with love for her. God’s grace radiated through her, and he was humbled to be given a chance at redemption. Before he could further reflect, he had people greeting him and welcoming him back.

  Uncomfortable with the attention, he slid through the crowd, toward a table holding refreshments. He grabbed a bottle of water and found his way to Dan. They chatted for a few minutes before the meeting was called to order.

  He never realized how much went into this festival. Though the church sponsored it, the entire community participated and was the primary fundraiser for the religious and civic organizations of Hope Springs. There were food vendors, craft vendors, game booths and even a few carnival rides, which were a new addition since he’d last attended.

  He listened carefully as Florence Snadley ran down the list of specific vendor needs, the most common of which were electrical outlets. There were also requests for tents, extra tables, and shelving units. When the list was complete, a PowerPoint slide was projected on the wall with a proposed placement plan. As a group, they worked out all the kinks and finalized an arrangement that met everyone’s needs. After that, they moved on to who would work each non-vendor booth.

  Zach enjoyed the participation. He’d worked alone for too long and found the teamwork refreshing, enjoyed focusing on someone other than himself.

  Florence closed out the meeting, asking if anyone had final comments.

  Lily jumped up. “We’ve forgotten the most important thing. We need someone for the kissing booth.” She angled a wink his way. “Everyone has a post but Zach.”

  Zach’s jaw dropped. A kissing booth? Since when had the festival had one of those and wasn’t that a bit outdated? Then, when he realized he was being nominated, he started coughing and sputtering.

  Everyone laughed at his reaction.

  Obviously, he’d missed something, but he didn’t know what.

  Lily grinned. “Relax, Zach. It’s not a kissing booth like the one you seem to be imagining. It’s a contest.”

  “People build sculptures and art out of the candy kisses and for a small fee can enter their creation in the contest. We started this a few years back, and it’s since become the highlight of the festival.” Florence beamed with pride, leaving no doubt whose idea the booth had been. “The person assigned to run the booth is the judge, and the contestants ‘kiss up’ to the judge all weekend. It’s all in fun and a great experience.”

  The idea intrigued Zach. It was a creative concept to get people involved and keep the festival fresh. “Okay, I’ll do it. Sounds like fun.”

  “Everything is settled. Thanks for coming everyone. We’ll see you next Friday evening to set up the area. This year will be the best festival yet.” Florence dismissed the meeting with an excited clap of her hands.

  He had to hand it to Lily and the organizers. They’d injected enthusiasm for the event throughout the crowd. The entire room buzzed with talk and excitement for the weekend. Thought the meeting was over, the crowd mingled for a while before going their separate ways.

  Melanie found her way to Zach, and they left together as felt natural.

  He extended a hand. “Can I walk you home?”

  “Do you realize twenty years have passed since you first walked me home?”

  “And here’s to twenty more.” He gave her an impish grin and grabbed her hand. “Come on, I want to take a quick detour if that’s okay.”

  “That’s awfully presumptuous, Mr. Kellar, since I haven’t yet said yes.” Her eyes twinkled. “I suppose since you are insistent, we better get moving before my chariot turns back to a pumpkin.”

  Chapter Nine

  When Zach had left town, Melanie’s grief had overwhelmed her to where she could only think of the big picture and hadn’t stopped to think of all the small things she missed about him

  Their friendly banter was one of those things. “You do realize my house is in the opposite direction of your hotel? And clouds are moving in again. You’ll risk getting trapped in a storm.”

  “Wouldn’t be the first time.” Winking, he added, “A small price to pay for your attention.”

  Does he have a clue how adorably attractive he is right now?

  She followed his lead, walked two blocks, and made a right into a large alley.

  “Does this bring back any memories?” He quirked a brow and jerked his chin toward the opposite end of the alley.

  Following his direction, she saw the tree at the end of the alley and broke away from him to walk to it. She lifted her hand and traced the outline of six letters. ZK MR FF. Zach Kellar Melanie Richards Friends Forever.

  Fond memories pushed to the forefront of her thoughts. “I asked if you could ever forget me if you moved away, and you said ‘Never’ then carved our initials.

  “It wasn’t all me.” Zach pointed to the FF. “Those were all you.”

  “I thought I would die when Sheriff John caught us carving our initials. My fifth-grade mind thought for sure he would arrest us.” She could laugh now, but it wasn’t so funny then.

  “He sure scared us enough to learn our lesson. Picking up all the trash in the park wasn’t nearly as bad a punishment as our parents not allowing us to play together for two weeks. I can honestly say I’ve never defaced anything since.” Zach put on his most repentant face. “Sheriff John was a good guy. I remember when I interviewed him for a high school paper. He loved this town and the people in it.”

  “I still can’t believe he retired to Florida. He shocked everyone when he announced he’d bought a home in Fl
orida, but his wife wanted to be near their daughter and grandkids. You can’t fault a man for wanting to be with his family.” She stopped talking when she saw the serious expression that had taken root on Zach’s face. Then she realized what she had said and how that could have sounded to him. “I didn’t mean you. The past must be left where it belongs. You had reasons, and though we both acknowledge it was wrong, I can understand. I completely forgive you. If we have any hope of being friends, you need to accept the forgiveness you’ve been given.”

  “I know, and I hate that these doubts keep creeping in, but it’s hard to believe I’m home, and everything is going smoothly.” He shoved a hand in his pocket. “It’s like I’m waiting for the pendulum to fall because I don’t deserve this.”

  She pressed her palm to his cheek. “That’s called grace. It’s not amazing for nothing.”

  “Thank you for the reminder.” He covered his hand with hers, and they remained there until thunder rolled in the distance. “We should head home.”

  Lightning slashed the sky, and the thunderous booms came louder. The smell of rain filled the air.

  Even so, when they reached her house, she wasn’t ready to leave him. She stood on her porch steps, taking in the sight of him. “Where do we go from here? Do we pick up where we left off? Are we just friends? What are we? Everything is happening so quickly, and I’m confused.”

  “I’m not sure, Mel. Part of me feels I have no right to ask anything of you. The other part of me wants to rush to the Justice of the Peace right now and make you my wife.” He let out a stilted, embarrassed chuckle. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

  “Nothing but honesty between us. We can’t survive on secrets.” She swallowed hard. “History proved that.”

  He trailed a finger along her neck. “I love when you blush.”

  A woman could get lost in his gaze and never want to be found. She used every ounce of willpower not to kiss him.

  In a husky voice, he whispered, “One thing is for sure, I doubt we could ever be just friends.”

  Melanie took a step closer, and he brought her into his arms. “I don’t want anyone else. I never have, and I never will.”

  Her head leaned against his chest, feeling every strike of his rapidly beating heart. The world stopped and hearts collided. She had to do something before she gave in to her inane desire to agree with him that they should go find a Justice of the Peace. Moments passed while the stars gazed down on their broken hearts reclaiming missing pieces.

  Melanie pulled back, wiping away a stray tear, knowing perfectly well the slightest touch from him turned her brain to fog. “If we do this, it has to be with clear minds. We know we want to be together, but we can’t start the relationship right where it left off can we?”

  His gaze sought hers, reassured her that he understood. “We can take it slow. We can’t expect to pick up where we left off on a relationship that had been so badly broken. Repairs can’t be made in an instant, and this time, I want it to last.”

  “Me too.”

  “We need time to discover the new us.” He caressed her lips with his thumb. “For now, know there is no one else for me. I know what I want from the future, and when you are ready, I will very gladly put a ring on your finger and make you my bride.”

  Melanie’s heart soared at the thought. She loved that he said when and not if she is ready. God had a way of seeing things through. Leaning against his chest again, she sighed contentedly. A drizzle had started, but she barely noticed.

  Zach’s phone rang, breaking the magic of the moment. He groaned and hesitated to answer. Breaking away from her, he slid his phone from his pocket, took a glance. “I’m really sorry, but I should take this.”

  After fumbling to find the keys in her pocketbook, Melanie unlocked her door and waved Zach in. She went about her routine turning on lights and opening the blinds, and then went to the kitchen and poured two glasses of lemonade.

  The house was small, and Melanie couldn’t help but hear some of Zach’s words that drifted from the foyer. Concern filled his voice, and she was tempted to eavesdrop to hear more, but propriety and respect kept her ears from intentionally overhearing. A few minutes later Zach walked into the kitchen, his demeanor calm.

  Spotting the glasses of lemonade, Zach broke out in a lazy grin. “Am I invited to stay for a few minutes?”

  “I’d hoped you would.” Her gaze drifted to the phone in his hand. “Everything okay?”

  He nodded. “My realtor had news for me.”

  She’d been unaware he had a realtor, but the mention of one caused her to break into unexpected tears.

  Zach guarded her with a wary expression. “What’s wrong?”

  Gasping for air, she tried to stop her cries. “I didn’t want to sell my house, but I had no choice.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Dad left behind mounds of debt, including a second mortgage on the house I didn’t know about.”

  “Are you legally responsible for his debts?”

  “Depends on who you talk to. I’ve worked with a lawyer and had many of them forgiven, but the house is a different issue.” She accepted the tissue Zach grabbed from the box on the counter. “My teacher’s salary isn’t enough to pay the mortgage with the other bills I’m paying too. Combined with recent budget cuts, my checks barely pay my own bills.”

  Her pride took a hit admitting the truth, but relief flew through her at the same time to tell someone. She hadn’t even told Lily the full scope of her financial situation.

  “I’m so sorry.” Zach frowned. “What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing.” She shook her head. “It’s not your responsibility.”

  He shifted on his feet. “That was my realtor on the phone. I put in an offer on a house, and it was accepted, with contingencies. I can retract it, and buy your house, so you won’t have to leave.”

  His news surprised her, and his very generous offer brought a new wave of tears. “That means a lot to me, but I can’t accept it. And the truth is, leaving this house will be good for me. I stayed out of convenience, but the memories are too much.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “Change is always hard, but often a necessity. I’ll rent a small apartment for a while until I can recoup.”

  “What about a log cabin in the woods?” He smiled and wiggled his brows.

  Her eyes widened, and she forgot about her own problems. “Don’t tell me you bought the old Perkins place.”

  “I did. Rather, I will be.”

  “I’m so jealous. I’ve always loved that house.”

  “When I started looking online at houses a few weeks ago, I saw it had just been listed. It was the first and only house I viewed.” His voiced dropped. “I put the offer in, with you in mind, hope against hope.”

  She gasped with stunned pleasure before she could stop it. Tears of joy threatened to overwhelm her. Everything would be okay. She felt—knew—it in her heart.

  A silence full of promise and yearning filled the air between them. Closing the physical gap, Zach took two long strides and placed his arms around Melanie’s shoulders. She nestled her head on his chest, drawing peace from finally being back in his arms.

  This is what home feels like. Content to stay wrapped in his arms for eternity, the past hurts melted away. A subtle movement brought her attention to Zach’s eyes that were now staring at her with affection.

  Running a finger down her cheek, he leaned forward and covered her soft and willing lips with his. She held him tighter, clinging to the promise he offered. An undisclosed amount of time had passed when a knock on the door startled them. They quickly tore apart, sad to let go, but thankful for the timely interruption that kept them from overstepping boundaries.

  Melanie smoothed her hair, glanced out the window, and saw Lily’s car in the driveway. After pausing a moment to collect her thoughts and calm her racing heart, she answered the door.

  “Hi, Mel. I realized I left my
wallet here earlier and…” Lily stopped mid-sentence, switching her gaze from Melanie’s flushed face and Zach leaning against the doorframe of the entryway to the kitchen. “Oh, my. I didn’t know you had company. I’ll just get my wallet and be on my way.”

  “Take your time Lily.” Zach stepped forward. “I was just about to leave.”

  Melanie turned her head quickly at Zach’s words. While she saw the wisdom of him leaving, she was reluctant to be away from him.

  He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight, I’ll call you when I’m back to my room.”

  “Okay,” was all Melanie could whisper, and Zach walked out, heading back to the hotel.

  Lily’s eyes overflowed with questions, many of which could be filled in from their conversation earlier that day. She walked to the kitchen and retrieved her wallet, which hadn’t moved from the counter. She turned around, and Melanie hadn’t moved.

  “I love him, Lily.” Too caught up in thoughts of Zach, she wasn’t up to the conversation. “We will talk tomorrow.”

  Chapter Ten

  The day of the Independence Fest arrived with rays of July sunshine beating down on the green hills. The humidity from the last two weeks gave way to a dry front with ideal temperatures in the high seventies.

  Scores of people already milled the streets in anticipation of the festival. Melanie had been at the festival grounds since five that morning setting up her booth. She’d planned to do it last night but attended a last minute going-away party for a co-worker whose husband had been transferred.

  As she arranged the various baked goods the church ladies had donated, she meditated on the verse she had read that morning before leaving. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” She’d heard that verse many times since she had found her faith in God, but it never resonated to her very core as it had lately.