“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.
“Yes, I do go back tomorrow, but I’ll talk to Tom tonight. I’ve got the time, so it won’t be a problem.”
Melanie rubbed her brow. “I really don’t think it’s necessary.”
“The Bean is just as important to me as it is to Phoebe. I’m half owner. If anyone is going to run the place while she’s recovering, it’s me.” Jackson’s jaw clenched. Why did this woman have to make everything so difficult? “Plus, won’t your big city law firm need you?”
Dr. Roberts shot Jackson a questioning look. He stood when the intercom announced he was needed in the ER. “Well, it’s agreed, then. You’ll both help Phoebe.”
Melanie nodded and glanced at Jackson. He returned a nod and shook the doctor’s hand. “When do you plan to move Phoebe to the rehab facility?” Melanie asked.
“I’ll call on Monday morning and schedule her for admission on Tuesday. Of course, that’s subject to change if there are any complications.”
Melanie’s eyes popped. “Complications, like what? I thought you said she’d be okay.”
“Don’t worry. Let’s take this one day at a time.”
Melanie wrapped her index finger around her purse strap. “Thank you for everything, Dr. Roberts. Aunt Phoebe spoke very highly of you after my accident.” She stood, placed her purse on her chair and gave the doctor a hug.
She didn’t let go until the intercom paged him again.
“I have to go. You two should head home and get some rest. It’s been an emotional afternoon.” He started to walk away, but stopped and turned around. “And, Melanie, you should give up the idea of moving Phoebe.”
“I agree,” Jackson said as he glanced at his watch. He needed to get Rebecca home and settled in for the night.
Melanie didn’t acknowledge either of their comments. She appeared lost in thought.
Jackson cleared his throat. “Dr. Roberts, before we leave, could Melanie visit with Phoebe for a moment?”
Melanie’s eyes brightened. “Oh yes, can I see her?”
“I don’t see why not. I’ll send Sara. She’ll take you.”
“Thanks again, Doc.” Jackson shook his hand and thought about what a blessing this man was to their community. Once Phoebe returned to her old self again, he planned to do a little matchmaking.
“What are you grinning about?” Melanie asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Oh, nothing.” He tried to erase the grin.
She rolled her eyes and sat down. “Look, Jackson, about The Bean. Why don’t we cover it in shifts? Since it’s only open from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, I can take the first three-and-a-half hours and you the second, or vice versa.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Or we could alternate days. There’s no need for us both to be there at the same time.”
Jackson laughed and shook his head. “You don’t think there’s a need for both of us to cover it?” He rubbed his chin. “There’s no way you could handle the crowd alone, especially on a Saturday...with or without a law degree.”
Her knee bounced in agitation. “I think I’m perfectly capable of handling a little country restaurant.”
She didn’t have a clue. “Phoebe has a $4.99 breakfast special on Saturday. It comes with two eggs, two pancakes and two slices of bacon or sausage links, and to drink, orange juice and coffee. It draws a crowd.” Jackson’s stomach growled.
She arched her brow. “I hope there’s a gym in the area. It doesn’t sound healthy. How do people do anything else after such a big meal?”
He slid her a sideways stare. “Most folks around here have a working farm, and believe me, they get their workout.”
“I doubt they get their heart rate up riding around on a tractor.”
Jackson clenched his teeth. “We might not have a fancy gym like you’re used to, but trust me, we get our heart rates up every day.” He hesitated. “In fact, right now mine is through the roof.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I just think The Bean should offer a healthier menu.”
Sara approached the couple. “Melanie, if you want to see Phoebe, you can follow me to her room.”
Melanie looked at Jackson. “Do you want to go?”
“No, you go, but give her a kiss for me.”
While Melanie visited with Phoebe, Jackson spent the time alone in prayer.
Ten minutes later, she returned with a huge smile splashed on her face. “Aunt Phoebe looked good, better than I thought she would. She couldn’t speak clearly, but I’m sure it will improve in time.”
Relieved to see Melanie more at ease, he glanced at his watch. “Let’s go get Rebecca, and I’ll walk you to your car.” He slipped on his leather jacket. “Before we go, let’s get back to the schedule at The Bean.”
Melanie spoke without hesitation. “I think you’re right. We both need to work together, for Aunt Phoebe.”
Jackson scratched the top of his head. Melanie had surprised him. She’d been so adamant about working alone. Why the sudden change? Was this all part of her scheme to move Phoebe?
“I don’t get it.”
“Get what?”
“Just a while ago, you didn’t want me near The Bean while you’re there. And now—”
Her eyes softened, twisting his stomach inside out. “Aunt Phoebe told me you’re like a son to her, and that you know The Bean better than anyone. I know how important it is to her, so I promised when I went back to see her that we’d work side by side.”
Jackson gestured in the direction of the front doors. “Okay, then. Let’s go.”
* * *
That evening, Jackson settled into his favorite leather chair in the corner of his bedroom. Thoughts of Melanie swirled in his head. Through the open plantation shutters, the hunter’s moon gleamed across the backyard. A coyote he’d seen hanging around for the past week stopped in his tracks and took a peek toward the window before scurrying into the woods.
He turned his attention from that view and ran his hand along the soft, worn leather arms. For thirty years, this chair had sat in his father’s insurance office. He missed his dad.
With heavy thoughts about Melanie and her plan to move Phoebe, he reached for the worn Bible given to him by his paternal grandmother. It had once belonged to his grandfather.
Jackson opened the Bible to his favorite verse. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. After his ex-wife, Taylor, left him and Rebecca for his best friend, Wilson, he meditated on these words daily. He did trust the Lord. It was other people, especially women, where he struggled.
“Daddy, I’m ready for my story.”
He closed the Bible. His heart melted at the sight of his daughter standing in the doorway. Dressed in her favorite Winnie the Pooh footed pajamas, she brushed a wild blond curl away from her eyes and sprinted across the room. Gigi, her favorite blanket, trailed behind her along the hardwood floor.
With one soaring leap, she was in his lap. He nuzzled his nose into her hair and smiled. She smelled of sweet honeysuckle from her bubble bath earlier in the evening. Their cuddle time always comforted him. He cherished this time with his daughter. The teenage years would be here in a flash, so he planned to savor every moment.
He kissed the
top of her head. “Are you excited for the fair tomorrow?”
She rubbed her sleepy eyes. “Uh-huh. Mr. Whiteside said he’ll take me and Mary on the Ferris wheel. I hope I don’t get scared.”
When she’d been three, for some unknown reason, Rebecca had developed a slight fear of heights. “I think you’ll be just fine. Did you pick out the book you want to read to me tonight?”
She brushed Gigi along her pink cheek. “No, I’ll let you pick tonight.” Rebecca stared up at him through wide, innocent eyes. “Daddy, why is Miss Melanie so sad?”
It amazed Jackson how intuitive she was. When he was her age, his world had revolved around toys, not paying attention to people’s emotions. He ran his hand through her silky curls. “What makes you think she’s sad, sweetheart?”
She picked at a loose thread hanging from Gigi. “She has sad eyes.”
Jackson wasn’t sure what to say. He thought the same thing. After Melanie dropped the vase in the kitchen, she’d been distant during dinner. He could only guess it had to do with Rebecca’s question about children. “She’s probably just tired. Remember, she had a rough day yesterday traveling, and then the accident. She just needs a good dose of crisp mountain air.”
He was happy when she looked up and seemed content with his answer. In truth, he believed there was a lot more to Melanie’s sad eyes.
Chapter Four
“I couldn’t sleep last night, so I came in early,” Melanie said to Jackson as he walked into The Bean. She ran her fingers across her brow.
By the look on Jackson’s face, he was surprised to see her behind the counter. “I hope you don’t mind.” She continued wrapping the silverware with cloth napkins.
Jackson sauntered toward her, wearing a mischievous smile and perfect-fitting blue jeans. He was tall and solid muscle—and looked better than she remembered.
“I didn’t think you city people woke up so early.” He took a seat, planted his right elbow on the counter and rested his palm under his chin.
Why did her aunt’s business partner have to look like he just stepped off a magazine cover? Heat filled her face. “Well, I thought you country folk woke up with the chickens.”
“Boy, you must be doing a lot of cooking in the kitchen. You look flushed.” He rubbed his unshaven chin.
His handsome good looks were rapidly being overshadowed by his annoying behavior. She took a deep breath and released it. “Are you just going to sit there and watch me, or are you going to help me get the silverware ready?”
He stood. Melanie eyed him while he strutted behind the counter and grabbed two coffeepots. “Restaurant 101—have this ready and make sure it’s piping hot.” He scooped the grounds into the filter and poured the water into the top of the machine. “People around here expect their caffeine fix as soon as they arrive. They don’t have time to wait around.”
With his arrogant attitude, he was getting on her last nerve. She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I guess they have to get busy shoveling horse manure and feeding the chickens.”
His laughter filled the restaurant. “I suppose you think we’re a bunch of country bumpkins.” Then he raised his chin, and his smile faded. “You don’t know a thing about the people who live here. Unlike in your big city, we know our neighbors, and we help each other.”
When the bell on the door chimed, it prevented her from telling him he didn’t know a thing about her city, either. Melanie came from behind the counter and approached the elderly man dressed in bib overalls and a cap. He reminded her of a train engineer. “Good morning. Please, take a seat anywhere.”
Both men laughed.
What was so funny?
“Hey, Harry. How are you this morning?” Jackson poured a cup of coffee and placed it at the end of the counter. Wearing a smirk, he threw a glance in Melanie’s direction. “Harry’s been coming to The Bean every morning for the past twenty years. He owns this end of the counter.”
Harry approached and took his seat. He sipped his hot beverage and placed the cup back on the counter. “This is good, Jackson. You make it nice and strong, just the way I like it.” He took another sip and looked toward Melanie and back at Jackson. “Who’s she?”
Feeling like a complete outsider, Melanie walked toward Harry and extended her hand. “I’m Melanie Harper. Phoebe is my aunt.”
The old man nodded his head. “Oh yes, the niece from the big city. How’s our Phoebe doing? It’s not the same around here without her.”
“The doctor said she’ll be fine. Thank you for asking.”
His eyebrow arched. “After all of these years, what brings you to Sweet Gum, young lady?”
She glanced at Jackson. The last thing she wanted was for him to tell Harry the real reason for her visit. The fewer people who knew her plan, the better. “The timing was right with my work.”
Jackson moved in closer.
Her body shivered when he placed his hand on top of her shoulder.
“Our gal Melanie is a hotshot divorce lawyer. We’ve got ourselves a real city slicker here, Harry.”
“Very funny.” Melanie shrugged her shoulder to shake off his hand. “So, what would you like for breakfast, Harry?” She pulled a notepad and pen from the pocket of her apron. As she finished taking his order, the front door flew open, and a flood of people herded into the dining area.
Melanie froze until Jackson’s voice got her attention.
“How’s everyone doing this morning?” He approached the hungry mob.
Melanie frowned and trailed behind him. “Where are all of these people coming from?” Pen in hand, she was ready for the rapid fire of orders.
“It’s the church choir. They always come in for breakfast on Saturday morning before practice. We have backup coffeemakers in the kitchen. You should get them going, too.” He grabbed a handful of menus and passed them out to the crowd before heading into the kitchen. Melanie followed.
As she frantically started another pot of coffee, he leaned in so close she felt his warm breath on her neck. “And here you thought you could handle this on your own.”
She blew her bangs out of her eyes. “Look, Jackson, I’ve represented hundreds of clients in highly contested divorce and custody cases. I think I can handle a few breakfast orders.” She walked toward the dining area and turned. Her eyes narrowed. “The question is, can you keep up?”
Three hours later, feeling like she’d just run a full marathon, Melanie collapsed into a dining-room chair. She pulled her hair back and twisted it into a bun.
“Tired?” Jackson placed a glass of ice water in front of her.
He looked fresh, and she could still smell his spicy cologne. So not fair. Why did he look like the poster boy of perfection, while she probably looked like she just went three rounds in a hog wrestling competition?
She grabbed the glass and guzzled the water without stopping.
Jackson got up and brought the entire pitcher back to the table. “Maybe you’d rather drink this?” He winked and gave her a crooked smile. His piercing blue eyes held hers while she chugged another cup full.
He crossed his arms, and her eyes went straight to the biceps that were straining against his white T-shirt. “So, what did you think about the rest of the country bumpkins?”
All morning the snide comment she’d made about the horse manure and the chickens had played in her head. She’d wanted to apologize, but things had gotten so crazy. No time like the present. “Look, Jackson, we may come from different places, but I don’t think you or your neighbors are bumpkins.” She wiped her hands down the tops of her legs. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
He shrugged. “No offense taken.” Jackson looked down and examined his fingernail. “I shouldn’t have assumed you don’t know your neighbors.”
The truth was, she didn’t know them. Her job was h
er world now. Actually, it had always been. She’d thought getting married and having a family would change that, but it never had. In fact, after the twins were born and she’d made partner, she’d worked longer hours.
She cleared her throat and leaned back into the chair. “You assumed correctly. I don’t know my neighbors. I’ve been in my house for seven years, and I don’t know the names of any of them.” How pathetic. “They’re all busy with their own lives. They don’t have time to get to know each other.”
Jackson wiggled in his seat. “Can I ask you something?”
Her heart raced. She wasn’t ready to answer questions. “Ah...sure.” As soon as she said it, she wanted to run out the door.
“Why on earth would you want to take Phoebe to a place like that? She loves people, and she’d do anything for her friends and neighbors.” His face was starting to turn red. “She belongs here.”
She stood and walked to the last table that held a few dirty dishes. The plates clanked when she stacked them. She turned to Jackson. “She’ll make new friends. In fact, there’s a senior center down the road from my house.”
Jackson huffed, “A senior center? You really don’t know your aunt.”
Melanie snatched the forks and flung them onto the plates. “I know she’s too old to be running this place.” She headed toward the kitchen, and Jackson followed. She yanked the blue dish gloves onto each hand. With the water turned on full blast, she scrubbed each plate with enough force to send the yellow flower design on their surface straight down the drain. Why had she ever promised Aunt Phoebe she’d work with this man?
* * *
Jackson glanced at his watch. Fifteen minutes had passed since they’d exchanged words, and she remained in the kitchen, silent as a mouse. This couldn’t continue, and he knew exactly what would clear the air. He stepped behind the counter, grabbed a carton of milk from the mini refrigerator and went to work.
“Melanie, can you come out here, please?”
The door squeaked as she exited the kitchen and walked toward him. His breath hitched as if it’d been hours since he’d last seen her. “Look, I didn’t mean to upset you. Truce?” Jackson placed a glass of chocolate milk on the counter in front of her.
Second Chance Romance Page 5
