Reflecting Love's Charms (Bellingwood Book 14)

by Diane Greenwood Muir

  "Don't you?"

  Rebecca shook her head. "No. He scared me, but if I hate him, Mom always said that was on me. It eats me up instead of him. He's dead and doesn't care. Mom always told me that I shouldn't let hate and anger take over my life, especially when the other person doesn't even know I'm mad."

  "I still hate him."

  "Okay," Rebecca said. "You can tonight. But tomorrow you gotta be over it, okay?"

  Polly took Kayla's other hand. "We'll give you until Monday if you need it," she said with a smile.

  Rebecca maneuvered herself around Polly and slowly let Andrew and Henry's arms drift away as she stood to hug Kayla. "You're back in time for my birthday party. You can stay with me tonight, okay? I kept Silver with me all week because I missed you so much. He’s waiting for you."

  "Jeff said I could stay with him," Kayla said softly. "He thought you guys might want to be just a family tonight."

  Rebecca spread her hands out. "Look at all of these people. This is our family. But you can stay with him. It's okay."

  "You wouldn't care? He said we'd wait here until Stephanie was out of surgery and then we'd sleep in late tomorrow before coming back here and then up to your party."

  "You can do whatever you like," Polly said, standing up. She backed up to sit down beside Heath and took his hand again.

  The door to the waiting room opened and a young man in scrubs beckoned to Jeff, who stepped out. The room went silent. A few minutes later he returned.

  "She's going to be fine. It wasn't as bad as they feared. No organs were touched by the knife. In fact, he said that it was fairly superficial, given the size of the knife. They did a CT scan to make sure they hadn't missed anything, then stitched her up. She'll have a nice scar on her belly and she's got some scrapes and bruises on her arms and a bump on her head where she hit the pavement. They're keeping her tonight at least and as long as she takes it easy, she might be able to go home tomorrow."

  He gestured for Kayla to join him. "They've assigned her a room and we're going up to be there when she arrives. You can all go home, I guess."

  Polly grabbed Henry's hand as she stood and walked over to Jeff. "Tell her that she can have anything she needs to make this easier for her. We're so grateful for what she did tonight."

  "I don't think she would have done it any other way," Jeff said. "She had to confront this man."

  Kayla reached up to hug Polly. "I can't believe it's over. We get to go home again." She turned to Jeff. "Do you think I can go to school on Monday?"

  "I'm sure of it," he said. "Let's go wait for your sister."

  As she watched them walk down the empty hallway, Polly took a deep breath and forced her muscles to go slack, trying to relax. "I don't know what to feel right now," she said.

  "Me either." Henry replied.

  "You take your family home," Bill Sturtz said, standing up. "You don't need to be worrying about any of the rest of us tonight. We're just glad this little girl is safe and out of harm's way. Tomorrow we'll have a birthday party and celebrate all thirteen years of her life. Right, folks?"

  A murmur of assent went through the room as people gathered their things.

  Andrew stepped in front of Rebecca and gave her an awkward hug, looking around to make sure no one would chastise him. "I'm glad you're okay. I can't wait for things to get back to normal."

  "Me either," she said, then leaned forward and kissed his lips.

  Both of the kids hurriedly looked at Polly and Henry to see if there would be any repercussions. Polly just grinned up at her husband.

  He sighed deeply and shook his head. "I have no control, do I?"

  Andrew's face flushed bright red and he nearly leapt out of his skin when his mother put her hand on his shoulder.

  "Come on, Andrew. You have a lot to think about tonight. Maybe some warm milk so you can go to sleep."

  "I can't believe you got a kiss before me," Jason said.

  Andrew looked at him with a sly grin and then quickly looked away. He shyly waved goodbye to Rebecca as they left.

  "Boys, do you want to ride with me?" Eliseo asked Hayden and Heath. "Or go back with Henry and Polly."

  "They go with us," Henry said. He stepped forward to take Eliseo's hand. "Thanks for bringing them down. And thanks for being there tonight."

  Lydia took Polly into a hug. "I love you," she whispered. "I'm so glad your family is okay. They are as important to me as my own. Aaron and I will be at Rebecca's party tomorrow. I'm thankful this all turned out so well."

  "Thanks, Lydia." As she did every time Lydia hugged her, tears filled Polly's eyes. For as much as they were friends, this woman was the mother she'd been missing in the last few years since Mary's death. When she needed to be taken care of, Lydia was always there.

  "We'll see you all tomorrow," Marie said. "If you need anything, just call."

  "I'm sorry dinner didn't work out tonight," Polly said.

  Marie scowled. "Who was thinking about dinner? You have your girl back and that's all that matters." She hugged Polly, then bent down to hug Rebecca and then stopped in front of her son. "I'm proud of you, you know."

  "Because I turned into a feckless fool?"

  "That's exactly right," she said, patting his hand. "That, and the fact that you found ways to get through the worst life could hand you and you hung in there. Fear causes people to react in a million different ways and sometimes we don't know what we'll do. Being angry and frustrated doesn't make you any less. Managing through it and being here; that's what makes a mother proud." She reached up and hugged his neck.

  "Ditto," Bill said, clapping his son on the back. "We're proud of you."

  When all that was left in the waiting room was their family, Henry took Polly's hand. "I'm both wrung out and wired up. I don't know whether to run a marathon or drop in a heap."

  "I'm starving," Rebecca said, picking up an unopened bag. "Can I eat one of these?"

  "You can eat whatever you want," he replied. "Let's pick up our leftovers so we don't leave a mess."

  Heath and Hayden swooped around the room; tossed trash into receptacles and gathered the last few burgers into a bag.

  "People weren't all that hungry, I guess," Polly said. "What do you want to do with this?"

  Hayden chuckled and draped his arm around his brother's shoulders. "We'll manage it. I promise."

  ~~~

  Henry took hold of Polly's hand when they got in the truck. He looked up into the rear view mirror and then gestured with his head for her to turn and see.

  Rebecca was tucked under Heath's arm, her eyes closed while leaning against him, and Hayden had her hand in his lap. She looked peaceful enough, safe between the two boys.

  "Polly?" Rebecca asked.

  "Yes, honey."

  "Am I supposed to be upset because I saw someone die tonight?"

  "Maybe a little bit. Why do you ask?"

  "Because every time a policeman kills someone, they have to see a psychologist before going back to work."

  "Do you want to talk to someone about what happened tonight?"

  "Should I?"

  Polly glanced at Henry and was surprised to see a small smile on his face. He lifted his eyebrows.

  "What do you think?" Polly asked.

  Hayden chuckled. "You sound like a therapist. Maybe she doesn't need anybody else."

  "I think you should," Heath said quietly.

  Rebecca opened her eyes and looked up at him. "But I don't want to be a drama queen about this." She heard what she had just said and sat up, then put her arms around him. "That came out wrong. You aren't at all. It's just that it feels like I'm always getting into something. Andrew already thinks I'm high maintenance."

  "Those are two separate things, honey," Polly said.

  "But worse things happen to you and you don't talk to anybody."

  "She talks to me," Henry said. "All the time. She never shuts up. It's always talk, talk, talk, talk, talk with this one."

  Polly swatt
ed at him. "No I don't. Part of it, Rebecca, is that you've had a pretty extreme year. Your mother died, you were adopted by us and now this. You've had a lot to process and it's all been very personal."

  "You've had an extreme year, too," Rebecca said.

  "I'm thirty-something," Polly said with a cough. "Not twelve."

  "Almost thirteen. Can you believe that Kayla is back for my party? I hope she can come. I hope Stephanie comes home tomorrow. Is it bad that I want them to come to my party when this awful thing just happened to them?" Rebecca pursed her lips in concentration. "Maybe I shouldn't have the party tomorrow. It might be too much for them after their dad died and Stephanie got hurt." She sat forward. "Do you think we should wait until next week?"

  "Can you wait?" Polly asked with a smile.

  Hayden let loose a laugh.

  "Stop laughing," Rebecca said. "If I'm being selfish by having a party, then somebody should tell me that. Maybe we can just have our own family birthday party and then have the big one next weekend." She looked up at him coyly. "I wouldn't want to miss the great present you're giving me. Right?"

  "Right," he said. Hayden tapped his brother's shoulder. "We left it at my apartment. I told you that you were supposed to remind me. Darn."

  "Maybe she can wait until next weekend's big party," Heath replied. "It's not that big of a deal anyway. Just a case of grape juice boxes." He clapped his hand over his mouth. "Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell. Sorry."

  "You're kidding, right?" Rebecca asked.

  Heath and Hayden both shrugged their shoulders.

  Rebecca put her hands on both of their knees and gripped, making them groan. "You're kidding. Right? Polly, make them tell me they're kidding."

  "I have no idea what they're doing for your birthday," Polly said. "As far as I know, it's grape juice boxes."

  "Henry?" Rebecca asked.

  "Grape juice sounds about right to me," he said. He pulled into the convenience mart on the highway. "I feel the need for ice cream treats before we get home. Grape popsicle for you, Rebecca?"

  She crossed her arms and huffed. "You all are mean." Rebecca looked up at Polly while keeping her head down and winked. "I want a fudgy, nutty bar with colorful sprinkles on it. And if you don't get that for me, I'm going to cry."

  "A what?" Hayden asked.

  "You heard me. I want a peanut butter, chocolate shake with banana topping."

  Henry shook his head and got out of the truck. "Anybody else have a special request or shall I just get what I always get?"

  Polly waved him off and sat back in her seat. This had already been a long evening and by the time they were home, it would just be the beginning of an even longer night. Rebecca was wound up and the boys didn't look as if they'd be going to sleep soon.

  "Maybe a little Star Wars when we get home," she said.

  "It's kind of your go-to stress reliever, isn't it?" Rebecca asked.

  "Either that or a good book." She turned back around. "Was the house a mess when you left?" she asked Hayden.

  "Not too bad. Lydia and Marie did their best."

  "I'll take care of the dogs," Heath said.

  "Thanks, honey. That would be great." Polly tried to relax again. "I'm looking forward to sweat pants and bare feet."

  "Me too," Rebecca said. "I ripped this dress when I fell. Do you think Beryl would be mad if I never wore it again?"

  Polly chuckled. "I think Beryl would be glad to burn it for you."

  Henry opened the truck door and handed a bag to Polly. "It's a good thing they have gotten used to my buying habits. I never have to worry if they're out of stock. We can eat ice cream all night long."

  "This is what he does when he tries to fix our emotions," Polly said, holding up a heavy bag. "Thanks, sweetie." She didn’t want to remind him that the freezer was already stocked after last night’s party. He had to do what he had to do.

  "I'm glad tomorrow is Sunday," he said. "There's no way I could go to work after today."

  "Tomorrow will be a good day," Polly said. "We're all together now."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Silence greeted Polly when she woke up. There were no dogs, and the cats were on the cat tree, lolling in the morning sunshine. She had no idea what time it was.

  They'd stayed up late last night talking about everything, from Rebecca's adventure to Hayden's worries over finals week; from the dreams she had for the Bell House to teasing Heath about all of the girls who were interested in him. Henry had finally sent everyone to bed a little before one o'clock and when Polly's head hit the pillow, she'd gone out like a light.

  "Where is everyone?" she asked the cats, who studiously ignored her. Polly got out of bed and threw on a robe, then tiptoed out into the living room to see if anyone else was up yet. All of the bedroom doors were open and there were still no dogs to be found. "All right," she said. "What's the joke?" She looked around for a note, but found nothing. "Fine then. I'm going back to bed." She walked back to her room, sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up her phone.

  It was only eight o'clock. Where had they gone? But ah ha. There was a message waiting from Henry.

  "Happy Mother's Day, Polly. Take a shower and get dressed for the day. We have a surprise for you, but you have to find us. Let me know when you're ready to go!"

  She chuckled and shook her head. There would be no breakfast in bed for her. Leave it to her family to make an adventure out of Mother's Day. The truth was, though, she'd barely thought about it. She'd been so focused on Sal's shower yesterday and Rebecca's birthday party today, there hadn't been any time to wonder whether or not her family would do something beyond breakfast.

  As Polly stood in the shower, she realized how strange it felt to be thinking about this being a day she’d celebrate. That reminded her she needed to be prepared for Father's Day. After Henry's last year, he deserved a huge celebration. The poor man had been thrust into fatherhood with a vengeance.

  Once she was dressed, she sent a text saying, "Ready!"

  "Your morning starts at the barn. Eliseo is ready for you. Go ahead and drive down, though. You'll need wheels."

  Polly smiled. No better place to start today than with her animals. It made her tear up a little when she thought about it. The very first things she'd mothered back to health were those big horses. She'd be glad to give them a hug this morning. She ran down the back steps to her truck and then drove around to the barn. She parked, got out and went through the gates, then opened the barn door. She laughed out loud when she saw Eliseo standing in the alley of the barn with all four horses decked out with garlands of flowers on their heads.

  "What is this?" she asked.

  "They wanted to tell you Happy Mother's Day," he said. "We're glad you found them and gave them a home." Eliseo stepped forward and handed her a card. "I'm glad you found me and gave me a home, too, Polly." He took the garland from Demi's head and placed it over hers, allowing it to fall around her neck.

  "Oh Eliseo," Polly said, tears springing from her eyes. "Thank you." She hugged him and then snuggled each of the horses.

  He gave a small whistle which brought in Tom and Huck. Eliseo handed her a little bag of carrots which she shared with the donkeys, after which she received a head butt from Tom and a nuzzle from Huck.

  "This is amazing," she whispered.

  "You can't stay," Eliseo said. "Open the card and your next set of directions is in there." He stepped forward and gave her another hug. "Thanks for believing in us."

  Polly opened the card and smiled back at him as she read it.

  A three by five index card was tucked inside and written on it were the words, "Your next stop is just down the road. At Sycamore Inn, your talents, they glowed. Grey has the next piece of your journey."

  This was going to be a rough morning if this continued. Polly waved to Eliseo and went back to her truck. It was only a short trip to Sycamore Inn and she pulled in under the canopy.

  When she went inside, Grey looked up from the c
omputer and smiled. "Good morning, Polly. Your family is on a mission to tell you that you are loved."

  "I guess so. What do they have for me here?"

  He came out from behind the counter to greet her and handed her another card, then pulled her in for a hug. "This is from me," he said, presenting her with a small wrapped box. "Thank you for believing in me, even when you had no idea who I was. I'd lost myself and yet you saw something in me. I don't have a mother to celebrate with today, but I'm grateful for your caring."

  "Oh Grey," she said. "This wasn't necessary. You've done so much here."

  "Hush," he replied. "We don't often get an opportunity to tell you thank you. Accept it, please."

  "May I open it now?"

  He gave a slight bow. "Of course."

  Polly tore the wrapping and opened the small jewelry box to find a small silver paw print charm on a chain. "This is adorable," she said. "Thank you so much." She handed him the chain. "Would you?"

  "I'd be honored."

  She bent at the knees so he could fasten the necklace and then lift the garland over it.

  "While the card is from me, the directions for your next stop are in there as well," he said. "Have a wonderful morning and Happy Mother's Day."

  Dazed, Polly walked out of the hotel lobby to her truck. She quickly turned to wave goodbye, but Grey had already opened the door to his apartment and slipped inside. She read his sweet note and then took out the next three by five card.

  "You are almost home. Just one more quick stop where Camille will have your coffee ready for you. Don't delay. You don't want it to get cold."

  "Thank goodness for coffee," Polly said and drove toward the downtown area and Sweet Beans Coffee Shop. She parked in front and reached up to take the flowers off, but then thought that she didn't need to do that. It was Mother's Day, the first time she'd ever had an opportunity to celebrate, and she was going to enjoy it. She jumped out and went inside.

  The coffee shop was busier than she expected on Mother's Day morning, but Camille waved at her and waggled a coffee cup from behind the counter.