“You do? What is it?” Rebecca asked, wearing a Christmas-morning smile.
She pulled her cell phone from her purse and pushed the speed-dial button that read Hero. Of course, she’d have been mortified if Jackson or anyone knew this, but in her eyes, he was a hero. He not only had rescued her the day of the accident but also was going beyond the call of duty to help keep The Bean open for Aunt Phoebe.
“Who are you calling, Miss Melanie?” She peered over the seat. “Hey, you have one of those old phones just like my daddy.”
“You’re right, and that’s exactly who I’m calling. You and I are going to bake those cookies together...just the two of us.”
Rebecca bounced up and down in the backseat. “Yippee!” the little girl yelled as Jackson answered his phone.
“Well, I certainly don’t get that kind of reaction from Rebecca when I drive her home from school.” Jackson chuckled. “What’s up, Mel?”
“Would you mind if we stopped by The Bean instead of coming over to the house?” She took a swig from her bottle of water.
“Of course not. I’m still waiting for the guy to pick up the furniture, so take your time. But why are you heading there?”
A picture of her and Rebecca in the kitchen baking cookies together flashed in her mind. A sense of peace took hold. She recalled many rainy Saturday mornings when she and her daughters had done the same. The kitchen had always been full of laughter. “Rebecca and I plan to do a little baking. Her class is having a party on Monday, and it’s her turn to bring in the cookies.”
Jackson laughed. “Let me guess. She showed you a note from Mrs. Murray that she should have given me a while back?”
Melanie chuckled, even more impressed with Jackson and his relationship with Rebecca. “You know your daughter too well, Jackson.”
“Yes, I guess I do. Obviously this isn’t the first time she’s done this. We’re trying to work on her organizational skills.”
“She’ll grow into it. She’s still a little girl.” Melanie remembered her own daughters. Alissa had been so structured and organized, while Alina had been all over the place.
“I know, but sometimes I wish she would stay this young forever, Mel.”
In the background, Melanie heard a loud knock at the door. “I guess you have to go?”
She didn’t want to end the call. She was enjoying their conversation, but he had work to do, and she was sitting in a parking lot. “I’ll bring Rebecca home when we’re done, if it’s okay.”
“I was thinking, before we go and eat, we could take Rebecca to visit Sam. Why don’t I come by The Bean when I’m finished here? We can head over to see the puppies and then grab a bite.”
“It sounds like fun. I appreciate you letting me tag along.” Her heart soared. “So, we’ll see you in a few hours.” She ended the call, but her feelings for this warm and handsome man lingered.
Rebecca leaned over the front seat and rested her chin on the back of Melanie’s leather seat. “Is he mad at me?”
She found it endearing that Rebecca didn’t want to upset her father. Melanie had been the same when she was a little girl. Even as she went off to college, she lived for her father’s approval. “No, he’s not upset at all. In fact, he said it was okay for us to bake the cookies together at The Bean. After he’s done at Aunt Phoebe’s, he’ll come over, and we’ll go see Sam and then grab some dinner.” She ran her hand through Rebecca’s blond ringlets. The feel ignited memories. “How does that sound?”
“It sounds like the best day ever!”
Melanie pulled the key from the ignition and removed her seat belt. Rebecca’s enthusiasm was invigorating. “It sure does. What do you say we go and start the fun?”
After ten minutes of deciding between chocolate-chip and snickerdoodle cookies, Rebecca finally made up her mind. They’d bake chocolate-chip cookies for the class and snickerdoodles for Jackson, since they were her daddy’s favorite cookies. With all the ingredients in the shopping cart, they were ready to check out at the register.
“Look, there’s Mrs. Stevenson.” Rebecca pointed toward the register.
“Oh yes, it is.” She tried to stall, but Rebecca took off running. Her pink tennis shoes with tiny rhinestones on the side sparkled.
Melanie bit hard on her lip. Running into Mrs. Stevenson while with Rebecca would raise questions about her relationship with Jackson that she wasn’t sure she was ready to answer.
“Rebecca, it’s nice to see you. Where’s your daddy?”
“He’s at Phoebe’s house, moving furniture.” Rebecca answered while she clutched a bag of marshmallows to her chest.
Melanie peeked through the loaves of bread and saw the arch of Mrs. Stevenson’s eyebrow. “You’re not here alone, are you?”
She was tempted to linger in the bread aisle, but it was too late. And besides, why was she hiding? There was nothing wrong with her being here with Rebecca.
Melanie stepped from the aisle and was face-to-face with Mrs. Stevenson. “Of course she’s not here alone.” She swallowed hard. “She’s here with me. We’re baking cookies, and we needed a few ingredients.” There, she’d said it. Now she wanted to run from the store, run from the valley and all the people she was beginning to care about far too much.
An enormous smile formed on Mrs. Stevenson’s face. “It’s so nice of you to help Jackson.”
“After me and Miss Melanie finish baking, Daddy’s picking us up at The Bean. We’re going to see my new puppy, and then we’re going out to dinner. It will be the best day ever.”
“Oh...how nice.” She smiled at Rebecca and turned her attention to Melanie. “It’s good to see Jackson dating again. He doesn’t make enough time for himself.”
Melanie’s stomach lurched. This was exactly what she’d been afraid of. She could hear the wheels spinning in Mrs. Stevenson’s head. It was clear she liked to talk around town. She needed to nip this in the bud and fast. Thankfully Rebecca beat her to it.
“It’s not a date. I’ll be there, too. If it was a real date, Daddy would pick up Miss Melanie in his truck and bring flowers,” Rebecca stated with innocence.
Thoughts of Melanie’s first date with Jeff filled her head. He’d picked her up in his 1979 Datsun and brought her pink calla lilies.
Mrs. Stevenson smiled at the little girl and turned to Melanie. “Well, perhaps a real date will be in the future. I think you and Jackson have more in common than you realize.”
Rebecca had wandered over to the candy aisle before she heard Mrs. Stevenson. Melanie wanted to pay for the groceries and leave before her little ears picked up on Mrs. Stevenson’s crazy matchmaking ideas. “We really need to get going. It was nice seeing you again.” She turned and called for Rebecca. She placed the items from her cart on the counter and whipped out her credit card.
Safe inside the car, Melanie closed her eyes. A picture of Jackson at Aunt Phoebe’s front door, holding calla lilies, flashed in her mind. Her eyes flew open, and she reached for her water. She guzzled the last drop and wished she had more. She peeked over to the rearview mirror. “Are you all buckled in?”
Rebecca nodded, still snuggling the bag of marshmallows. “Miss Melanie, do you think you and my daddy will ever go on a real date?”
Breathless, she was struggling for the right answer when her cell phone chirped. She glanced at the screen and turned around. “I’m sorry, sweetie. It’s my office calling. I’m working on an important case.” She leaned back into the seat. Although she had already spent numerous hours on the phone and via email working on this kidnapping case, Melanie was relieved she could avoid the question she wished deep down she could have answered with a yes.
* * *
With the last of the furniture loaded onto the truck, Jackson headed to The Bean. Wearing a wide grin, he was anxious to see Rebecca and hear all about
her afternoon. The idea of Rebecca and Melanie baking together, something so common for mothers and daughters, warmed his heart. He yearned for Rebecca to have these experiences, but he was hesitant to want them with someone who wouldn’t be around for the long term.
Jackson hopped into his truck and headed down the gravel driveway. He decelerated when a family of deer passed and disappeared into the woods. A red-tailed hawk circled above the driveway in search of its prey. Jackson loved Phoebe’s property. It was always so full of life.
Ten minutes later, Jackson arrived at The Bean. He decided to sneak a peek through the window. He loved to watch Rebecca play when she didn’t realize he was around. He smiled at the memory of her standing in front of her mirror with her pillowcase draped over her head, pretending it was a wedding veil. With no idea he was watching, she said her vows to Louis, her favorite teddy bear.
Jackson tiptoed around to the side window, which allowed for a better view of the entire kitchen. He cupped his hands to his brow and leaned forward. With no sun on this side of the restaurant, the glass was cold. His heart melted when he spied Rebecca wearing a red apron with white hearts. She stood on the step stool and snatched a pinch of cookie dough from the mixing bowl as Melanie stirred.
Melanie stole his breath. Her dark, wavy hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and a few pieces escaped the band. She wore the same apron as Rebecca.
As he continued to watch, thoughts invaded his head. He imagined the three of them as a family, taking trips to the beach and having Saturday-morning pancakes together.
What was he thinking? Melanie was here for one reason only.
When he heard laughter, he took one last look. They were taking turns dotting flour on each other’s face. A stranger would assume they were mother and daughter.
He headed toward the front door, his pace slower. The wide grin he’d worn earlier was no longer present as he turned the doorknob and the bell jingled. “Hello—anyone home?”
Rebecca ran from the kitchen like a greyhound making its first lap around the track. “Daddy, you’re here!” She flew into his arms and hugged him as though she’d never let go. He wished she wouldn’t.
“It looks like someone’s having fun.” He put her down, but he could tell she was still flying on cloud nine after her afternoon of baking.
Melanie came through the kitchen door smiling, and Rebecca ran toward her. She grabbed Melanie’s hand and led her toward Jackson. “Look at our aprons, Daddy. We’re twins.”
Despite their difference in hair color, they did look like twins. Right down to the dots of flour still on their faces. “So I see. I don’t remember that apron, Rebecca.” He glanced at Melanie, who was busy brushing the flour off her cheeks.
“Miss Melanie bought them at the market today. Don’t you just love the little hearts?” A smile crept across her face and she performed a couple of rapid twirls. She giggled and raced back into the kitchen. “I’m going to wash the dishes. I love to play with the bubbles.”
Jackson turned to Melanie, and they both shared a laugh. “I haven’t seen Rebecca this happy in a long time.”
Melanie shook her head. “That’s silly, Jackson. Rebecca is one of the happiest little girls I’ve ever met.”
It was true—she was a happy child—but he’d witnessed times when she was with her friends and their mothers and she looked so sad. Since Melanie’s arrival, he hadn’t seen the look. Now she had a light ignited from within, one he’d never seen before. “She’s different, Mel, and I think you know why.” He looked down at the floor, his face warm.
Melanie played with the chain around her neck and bit her lip. “We’re just having fun baking. It’s nothing, really.”
He looked up at her response. “It is something, Mel. You’re introducing her to a world she’s never known.” Jackson placed his hand under Melanie’s chin and turned her face to the side. His legs grew weak when he leaned in and gently kissed her cheek. He pulled away when her body jerked. Their eyes locked, and he dropped his hand when she stepped back.
She examined his face. “I’m not sure what you mean, Jackson.”
“Don’t you see? You’re showing her what it’s like to have a mother.”
She threw her hand across her mouth. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention. I only wanted to help you. We’re just having fun.”
He’d gone too far. He should have kept his thoughts to himself. Kissing her—what was he thinking? He reached his hand to hers, but she didn’t accept it. “No, I’m sorry. You don’t have to apologize. But obviously mothering comes natural to you. You’re glowing.”
The glow disappeared when she shook her head. “It used to come natural, Jackson, but not anymore.”
“That’s not true. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ve heard it in the sound of Rebecca’s laughter. You have to believe it, Mel.”
She walked toward the counter and slid into a stool. Emotion gleamed deep in her eyes. “I’m not sure what to believe anymore. What I do know is you’re concerned about Rebecca becoming too attached. When I go back to DC, you’re afraid she’ll feel abandoned.”
He agreed.
“Believe me, I get it. I know your job is to protect your daughter from pain. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you for feeling that way.” She looked down at her fingers and twisted the only ring she wore. It looked like a wedding ring, but she wore it on her middle finger. “The last thing in the world I’d ever want to do is hurt your precious little girl.” She paused when her voice began to shake. “You have no idea how much she’s changed me, Jackson. In just the few days I’ve been here, I’ve become a different person. The old Melanie is returning.”
Jackson had seen a change. He wanted to ask her to stay, but what if she said no? His heart broke for her and whatever pain she carried from her past. “I think you and Rebecca are helping each other.”
She cleared her throat, picked up the pitcher and poured herself a glass of water. She took two long drinks and placed the glass back into the puddle of condensation on top of the counter. “I haven’t shared much about myself with you, Jackson. I apologize. Aunt Phoebe has honored my wishes not to share my past with you or anyone in the town. Perhaps in time I’ll be able to open up to you.”
Frustrated by the situation, Jackson sighed. “That’s the thing, Mel. We don’t have time.” For the first time in so long, he wanted to spend time with a woman. Mel. He wanted to get to know her a little each day, but it was impossible.
“Because you think I’m going to pack up Aunt Phoebe and run back to DC.” She rubbed the back of her neck and drew in a breath. “That’s what you mean, right?”
“Of course it’s what I mean. You came to the valley with a plan, and you strike me as the type of woman who always follows a plan to its finish.”
“But sometimes plans change.”
He blinked several times. “What do you mean?”
Melanie’s chin rose. “I mean, I’ve told Richard that I’m not planning to sell Aunt Phoebe’s house. I told her I was wrong to try to uproot her life here in Sweet Gum.” A tear sneaked from her lashes. “I’m sorry for any pain I caused you. I’ll be returning to DC alone, and I’m okay with that.”
Was she? He had his doubts. “You’ve made the right decision about Phoebe, but are you sure you’re alright?”
He hoped she’d say no. That the only way she’d be alright was if she also stayed, but his hope didn’t last long.
She expelled a wavering sigh. “I’ll be fine.”
His breathing slowed. He turned and headed toward the kitchen. “I better check with Rebecca and make sure she hasn’t flooded the place.” He gave a half smile and left Melanie alone with her thoughts.
After investigating the kitchen thoroughly and snatching a snickerdoodle, Jackson realized Rebecca was quite content to continue to play in the bub
bles. “Don’t overdo it with the soap, munchkin.”
She giggled and turned with bubbles up to her elbows. “I won’t, Daddy. You go and talk to Miss Melanie. I’m fine.”
He wasn’t sure, but he thought his five-year-old was making an attempt at playing matchmaker. He smiled at the thought.
Jackson slipped into the dining area, but Melanie wasn’t sitting at the counter. He spied her standing by the window, looking down at something in her hands. He continued to watch. She wiped her eyes several times. Whatever she held in her hands was obviously causing her pain.
He didn’t want to startle her, so he approached with caution. “Melanie, are you okay?”
She jumped as though he’d placed a hot poker against her arm. Melanie crammed what looked like a photograph into her pocket.
“Jackson! You scared me. Why are you sneaking up on me?” she yelled loud enough that Rebecca ran from the kitchen, but stopped outside the door.
It took him a moment to gather his thoughts. “I wasn’t sneaking up on you. I saw you from across the room, and you looked upset.” He tilted his head and placed his hand on her arm. “I was trying not to scare you.”
She turned with a jerk. “Well, you did.”
Jackson watched while Melanie took notice of Rebecca in the room. She stood across the room, her eyes wide.
With her head down, Melanie strolled toward Rebecca. She cupped her chin and tipped her head up. “I’m sorry I raised my voice.”
“You’re not mad at Daddy, are you?” Her lower lip quivered.
“Of course not. He accidentally scared me, that’s all.”
Rebecca turned quickly toward Jackson.
He nodded. “Everything’s fine, Rebecca.”
“Okay, I’ll go and finish the dishes. Are we going to see Sam soon?” Rebecca asked, wearing a smile like nothing had happened.
Jackson eyed Melanie. He wondered if she still wanted to go with them. Relief washed over him when she nodded a yes. “Go ahead and finish up the dishes, and then we’ll leave,” he said. His cell phone chirped. “Don’t forget to put the cookies in the freezer for Monday.”
Second Chance Romance Page 12
