Chapter Six: Six Months Later
Ava
“I gotta pee, will you hurry?” I stand there at the bathroom door, crossing my legs to keep from peeing myself.
“We really need two bathrooms in this house.” I hear the toilet flush and it makes me have to pee even more.
I’m grateful when Skylar opens the bathroom door before washing her hands. I run in and sit on the toilet before saying, “I’d be happy with one bathroom and two toilets.”
She runs the water and says, “That’s gross. I don’t mind you peeing while I wash my hands, but I draw the line at peeing beside you.”
I moan. “Awww, this feels good. I really thought I was going to pee myself today.”
She laughs, “You say that every day.”
“And I mean it every day.”
“Do you need Depends?”
“God, I hope not. I just need another restroom or need you to stay out of this one. You can use the one in the living quarters, and I can use the one nearest to the foyer of the inn.”
She dries off her hands. “That works great unless we’re in the living quarters, then I guess you’ll expect me to use the one in the foyer.”
“Hello, pregnant with twins here.” I say pointing to my baby mountain. “When I gotta pee, I gotta pee. I can’t help it.”
She laughs as she walks out closing the door behind her. “I’m getting you Depends,” she yells as she walks away.
After the noon tea, I go to the carriage house and rest. A lot has happened over the last six months. Losing the baby sent me into a depression. I called Doctor Adams and set up an appointment to see him. He said everything that could happen did, and there’s nothing else Connor or his Dad could do to hurt me. Finally it was over. He also told me to find closure.
When I left his office, I knew what I needed to do to get closure. I went to the morgue and paid them for Brett’s cremation and picked up his ashes. Nichole had refused to claim Brett’s body, so the state had him cremated and his ashes just sat on the shelf collecting dust at the morgue. Finally, I was going to get the closure I needed. I drove to a nearby gas station and flushed his remains down the filthiest toilet in Georgia. Smiling the entire time, I knew he got what he deserved. I may have tinkled in the toilet before flushing, but that’s my secret. I may have even done more than tinkled.
Oddly, I felt an instant relief knowing that Brett’s “grave” is among the human waste —both liquid and solid — of the city. It’s an appropriate grave because he was a waste of human life. I didn’t tell anyone what I did. I didn’t want them thinking I was a bad person. Of course, they don’t know the whole story of my abuse either.
When Brett attacked me outside the carriage house, he told me he had planned to break into my house in Lake City and make me pay for Connor’s death. It was the same night my alarm went off and I went to stay the night with Skylar. The police saw a footprint in the bushes near the large window, but I thought it was from the gardener. Skylar knew there was something more to it, but I didn’t want to believe it.
As soon as Chase and I got clearance from the OB/GYN, we started on a family. The baby I lost can never be replaced. I miss him or her everyday, but Chase completes me. He’s everything a man should be. He loves me no matter what I say or do. He thinks I’m perfect, but I think I’m damaged goods. Since my marriage to Connor, I’m different. I would like to know what I would have been like without Connor. I think I would have liked her. I think she would have been happier. I see a therapist that Doctor Adams has suggested and it helps. Chase used to ask about my marriage and things that happened to me. I can’t tell him or anyone. It’s like a bad dream that you can’t wake up from. He’s finally decided to let it rest. Nothing good will come from sharing my nightmare with him. Things have been done to me that I won’t tell anyone, and I’ve done things that I won’t tell anyone.
I lie here and vow to protect my children from such evil. I feel sorry for any man who ever raises his voice at them much less a hand. I’ll raise them to be strong and to not be afraid to ask for help. Skylar knows I’m damaged goods. I made her give me a code word just in case she needed help and couldn’t ask for it. I love Drew, but it’s hard for me to trust anyone. I liked Connor, too, and look what happened. I know without a doubt that my children, boys or girls, will also have a code word to use in case they need it. I won’t share this with Chase because he doesn’t need to know my fears.
Drew and Skylar got married a month ago in back of the inn. I have never seen her happier. Right now they are enjoying life and there’s no talk of children in their future, well, not their own children anyway.
The phone rings and it’s Chase calling to check in. He does this daily, and sometimes several times a day.
“Hey, baby daddy,” I tease.
“Hey, momma. How are my girls today?”
I pat my big belly. “We’re great. How’s work?”
“Good, I’ll be home early. Do you need anything?”
“Yeah, stop by the bakery and get me some of those lemon pastries, please.”
“Anything else?”
“Nope, that should take care of the cravings for today.”
“Skylar texted and asked me to get some Depends. Is she having a problem we need to be concerned about?”
I laugh loudly. “Yeah, she is, but Depends won’t fix it.”
“Should I get them?”
“No, don’t. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay, I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I sleep longer than I intended. When I barely make it to the restroom, I wish I had told Chase to buy the Depends. I have no idea how I’m going to make it another three months. My bladder seems to be shrinking by the minute.
Chase and I live in the carriage house, and Drew and Skylar remodeled the living quarters where they live. Although we live separately, we still get together nightly for dinner. I love having her close. I also love that Drew is the man I knew he would be. He reminds me of Xander, and it makes me miss Xander and his kindness. I may not have loved him, but he will always hold a special place in my heart. Xander was a wonderful man, and he gave me faith that there are still good people in the world.
Skylar and I cook dinner while Drew and Chase work. It’s a comfortable routine, and there isn’t anything I would do to change it. Skylar and I laugh, which makes it hard for me to hold in my pee. I try to run to the restroom, but it’s more of a waddle.
Skylar yells, “So help me, if you pee on the floor, I’m going to look for a new friend.”
Drew and his dad are both running the bar; from what I understand, it’s a thriving business. Rachael and Mom have been helping Nichole at the bakery and with little Connor. Dad wanders from the bakery to the bar, helping out when and if he’s needed. He spends a lot of the time at the inn with Skylar and me. I think he feels responsible for what happened with Connor and Brett. I wish I could take away his guilt.
When the police notified us of the accidental drowning that claimed Brett’s life, we listened carefully, not saying a word. No one questioned if it was an accident and the police didn’t suspect foul play. We didn’t call it a celebration, but we did plan a huge BBQ and invited everyone over. Since the day of Brett’s death, we are all able to relax. I secretly feared Brett would return and cause harm to me or to someone I loved. I especially feared for little Connor.
I went to see Nichole to make sure that she and little Connor were going to be all right. I had to see her to believe her. I know she would have lied to me to protect me, so I had to see her face to face. I had to know that the past was buried and would not affect her future. Of course, the past can never be forgotten. It’s what helps mold us into the people we are today. She assured me without a doubt that she and little Connor were better than ever, and I believe her.
During dinner, Chase says, “I thought we could go over to the bakery for dessert tonight.”
I look up at Chase. “They’re closed.”
“I
called Nichole and she said she’s baking tonight, and she invited us over for the lemon pastries you like so much.”
“Sounds good to me,” Skylar says.
“Me, too.”
After dinner, we clean up the kitchen and drive the short distance to the bakery. When we pull up, the lights are on and although the closed sign is in the window, the bakery looks like it’s open for business. We walk in the door and see a man in the corner of the room reading the newspaper with a coffee and pastry in front of him. Little Connor is sitting at the other end of the room playing with his toys. I acknowledge Nichole before walking over to little Connor.
“Hey, buddy.”
“Aunt Ava,” he yells excitedly.
“Whatcha doing?”
“Playing. Momma said you were coming over.”
I hug him and say, “I’ve missed you.” It’s been almost a year since Nichole adopted little Connor, and she loves him and is raising him as her own. I’m not sure when he started calling her Momma, and when we became his aunt and uncle. It doesn’t matter. I feel like we’re family.
We play briefly before we gather around a table for coffee and lemon pastries. I look over at the man in the corner and smile. He looks familiar. I whisper to Nichole, “I thought you were closed?”
“We are. He assumed we were open, so I decided to serve him. He seems harmless.”
“Let me refill his coffee,” I say, standing to get the coffee pot from the kitchen. I can feel Chase watching me as I walk through the bakery with the coffee pot.
“Do you care for a refill?”
He folds his newspaper and sets it in front of him. “I would, thank you, Ava.”
I look at him more closely. Where do I know him from? I don’t feel threatened. I smile and refill his empty cup. Suddenly it hits me. He’s the man who rescued Olivia and her twin daughters from Olivia’s abusive husband. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well, and it looks like you’re also doing very well.”
I pat my large belly. “Twins. Let me put the coffee pot down, I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
On my way to the kitchen, I signal for Skylar to come with me. “Do you know who that man is?”
She looks over her shoulder at him. “No, but he’s pretty good looking. A little older than I prefer.” She laughs.
“He was at the inn last year and returned a gift card I sent him for saving a woman who was being abused by her loser husband.”
“Oh, Luke Tanner. I remember him. I knew we’d be seeing him again.”
“You remember his name?”
“Yeah, I also remember I tried to fix him up on a blind date with Nichole, and he shot down my efforts very quickly.”
“I remember that. You also told him she owned this bakery.”
She stands proudly. “I also told you that we’ll be seeing Luke Tanner in the near future.”
I laugh. “I remember that.”
“Don’t laugh, I don’t want you peeing yourself.”
“Great, now I gotta pee. I’ll be back.”
Luke Tanner
The day I visited the inn and Skylar gave me a rundown on the woman she wanted to fix me up on a blind date, I have to admit I was intrigued. Skylar knew what she was doing when she gave me the location of the bakery the woman owned. I’ve driven past here several times, and it’s always been too busy for me to stop.
Tonight when I drove by, they looked like they were opened for business. The door was unlocked so I walked in. I had no idea the owner was doing her baking and they were closed. She greeted me warmly and offered me a coffee and a pastry. I couldn’t refuse it and I knew then I wanted to know more about her.
Very few women interest me, but she did. I wasn’t disappointed but more surprised by the child playing in the corner of the room. I assumed he was her grandson until he called her “Momma.” I waited for the boy’s father to enter from another room, but he never did.
I watch as Ava and Skylar talk behind the serving counter before Ava disappears. Skylar smiles at the man she’s with before walking over to my table.
“Luke Tanner, long time, no see.”
She knows that I remember our brief conversation the day at the inn. “Skylar, how are you?”
She sits across from me without waiting for an invitation. She doesn’t need one. “I’m great. And how are you?”
“I’m good.”
“So, I can’t help but wonder what brings you here today?”
“Would you believe I was in the neighborhood?”
She laughs. “No, can’t say that’s believable.”
I love her honesty. “Well, to be honest, the description you gave me of the owner of this bakery piqued my interest.”
“So you came to check her out?”
I laugh. “I wouldn’t put it that way. I came to see if it was possible for one woman to possess all of those fine qualities you mentioned.”
“Was I wrong?”
“No, I can’t say you were. You did forget to mention she has a small child.”
Skylar looks over at the small boy with fondness. “Does it matter? Because if it does, you won’t be the right person for her.”
She’s very protective of Nichole and her child. I like that about her. “No, but it does make me wonder about the child’s father. I’m a little old for daddy drama.”
She searches my eyes, “His father’s dead, and she’s raising her grandson, little Connor.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that. “I’m sorry.”
“That’s amazing, right? You have to be a saint to do that. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” She stands and pulls me with her. I adjust my shirt and she slowly walks with me to the table where they are all gathered around.
“This is Luke Tanner. Ava and I met him at the inn last year.” She introduces me to her husband, Drew; Ava’s husband, Chase; little Connor; and Nichole. Drew looks at me with confusion. I look away and focus my attention on Nichole.
“Please, take my seat, I need to check on my wife.” Chase stands and offers me his chair while he goes in the direction that Ava walked.
“Are you from the area?” Nichole asks.
“I am. Born and raised. I love Savannah. Should I assume you’re new to the area?”
“We are. We followed Ava and Skylar when they moved here after buying the inn.”
“You’re from the south, I can tell from your accent.”
“North Florida.”
“I’m thirsty, Momma.”
She looks away from me and looks down at her grandson. “Please excuse me. We’re still working on manners.”
“No apologies needed.”
I watch as she stands to get her grandson a drink. Ava and Chase come into the room and join everyone at the table. They laugh and talk and include me in as much of the conversation as possible. I try to follow along. They talk about Ava being pregnant with twins and about business at the inn and the tearoom.
The conversation mostly stays between Skylar and Ava. I learn very little about Nichole, although I’d like to know more. “How long have you owned the bakery?” I ask.
“It’s been open for business for only a few months. Five months, to be exact.”
Skylar leans in and asks, “And you’re just now getting around to trying it?”
I feel like she’s trying to put me on the spot. I decide my best defense is honesty. “I’ve been by a few times but it’s been pretty busy, so I didn’t bother to stop.”
“Business has really taken off,” Nichole says. “I’m still trying to adjust to working, baking, and caring for little Connor. It’s been a big change and is taking some getting used to.”
“How old is your son?”
Skylar looks at me. I know she said it’s her grandson, but I need to make polite conversation.
“Connor’s my only grandchild, and he’s two.” Everyone laughs when he holds up two fingers. “What about you, Luke? Do you have children?”
�
��No, no kids for me. I’ve never been lucky enough to find a woman I wanted to have children with.”
Skylar looks at Drew and asks, “Do you want kids, Drew?”
If they’re married, wouldn’t she know whether he wants children? I feel like this is an inside joke.
He leans back and places his arm over the back of her wooden chair. “Yes, Skylar, I do.”
“What about twins? Would that spook you if we had twins?” I can see the mischief in her eyes. Poor guy, even I can feel this is a trap. I just hope he says the right thing, whatever that is.
Chase laughs and bails his friend out. “Twins scare the hell out of me.”
“Me, too,” Ava admits.
I look at my watch and realize I need to get going. “It’s getting late,” I say as I stand.
“We need to get going, too. Thank you for the lemon pastries,” Ava says. Chase stands and helps his very pregnant wife up from the chair.
I follow everyone outside. “I almost forgot to settle up my bill.”
“That’s okay. It’s on the house.”
I can’t let Nichole do that. “I’ll catch you next time?”
“Sure, that’s fine. Thank you for stopping in.”
“The next time I’ll make sure it’s during normal business hours.”
“We’re open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday, but I’m normally always here baking. I’m hoping to get into some sort of routine in the next five or ten years.”
“I got it. Hopefully the routine won’t take that long. I’ll see you soon, and thank you again.”
I’m the first to drive away and for the first time in my life, I have met a woman with all the qualities I’m looking for. Now, I need to figure out a way to ask her out.
Chase
I’ll never forget the way Ava told me about this pregnancy. I was helping cook dinner and in the oven there were two hamburger buns. Drew was there and at first I thought it might be Skylar’s way of telling Drew she was with child. The previous time Ava was pregnant, it took me two days to get the pregnancy hints, and I thought it was Skylar who was pregnant. She quickly clarified that for me this time. It still took me awhile to get the meaning of the two buns in the oven.
“There’s two of them and they’re girls. What do I know about raising daughters?” I pace the room.
Seeking the Future Page 15
