by Marie Savage
Promise of Springtime
Holiday Love Series
Marie Savage
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
Bonus Scene
A Note From Marie Savage
Acknowledgments
Other Books by Author Marie Savage
About the Author
Promise of Springtime
Copyright©2018 by Marie Savage
All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are either products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, or actual events is purely coincidental.
First edition May 2018
Editing by Prima Editing and Proofreading
Cover Design by T.E. Black Designs; www.teblackdesigns.com
Interior Formatting by T.E. Black Designs; www.teblackdesigns.com
Chapter 1
Julie
I carefully run my fingers over the beautiful flag display that Ben made for me, before setting it on the fireplace mantel. Staring at my brother’s flag, I reflect on my life these past few months. I’m proud of my newfound courage to walk away from all the sad memories in my life and start anew—new city, new house, new beginnings, and new life. I softly touch my stomach as if to give the baby a hug. Even if things don’t go as planned, I still have this little one growing inside me and that is most important.
Everything is unpacked and I’m completely exhausted, but I finally made this house look somewhat like a home. Bo, my fur baby and protector, nudges my leg as if to remind me that I should sit down and rest. He follows me everywhere now, but I’m not sure if it’s because of our new place, the fact that somehow, he knows I’m pregnant, or the fact he misses Ben. Or could it be all three?
“Well, boy, that’s it. All done. We’re home now.” Looking down at him and scratching him on the head, I realize that I really have done it. I’ve moved to the small town of Kerrville, Texas—Ben’s hometown. When I found this foreclosed home for sale online, I had only seen it in pictures before I went into escrow. Carl, my friend and ex-partner, thought I was nuts for buying a home without looking at it first. I can’t explain it, but when I saw the picture of the little white country house with azalea bushes in front and large pecan trees all around, I fell in love. It has a welcoming front porch and a screened back porch and plenty of yard space for a child to run in. It’s the country home I’ve always dreamed of, at least on the outside.
The inside is a completely different story with its outdated accents and flooring, horrific choices in paint colors, and even tacky wallpaper. The living room is the only room that I can somewhat tolerate. I look around, not knowing where to begin, but I have a vision that this could be a great place once I’m done with it.
I could just hire someone to come in and make the changes, but I have to be careful with my spending now that I have moved and have no source of income. I have money, of course, but I must be more frugal with it now that I have a baby on the way. His or her needs must come first. It’s a solid home, though, and I can take my time to make it be more my style, and if I ever get the courage to face the love of my life, maybe we both can make this our dream home.
I’ve been here for three weeks now, and I still haven’t contacted Ben, the father of my baby. He doesn’t even know that he has a baby on the way. I haven’t really spoken to anyone since the move. Both Holly, my best friend, and Carl have called, and I quickly spoke to them, letting them know that I was all right, before telling them that I had something going on and couldn’t talk at the moment. I’m scared that they will find out I’m pregnant. So far, Holly’s mom has kept her word and hasn’t told a soul about my pregnancy, including Holly. The only other person who knows is Tyler, and he has also remained quiet.
I guess you could call Tyler my ex-boyfriend, but we never really defined our relationship. We had barely started seeing each other before Ben finally showed up again. Tyler had found out accidently about my pregnancy the day before I left. Even though I’m carrying another man’s child, he still wanted to be with me.
I was touched that Tyler was willing to marry me and raise this child as his own, but it just didn’t feel right, and it would be unfair to Tyler. I’m not the Julie from high school who was madly crushing on him. I’m a different Julie now—Ben’s Julie. I just wish I hadn’t messed up and hurt Ben the way I did. Will he ever be able to forgive me for kissing Tyler?
Holly thinks I’m crazy to move all the way to Ben’s hometown in hopes that he will forgive me and we can be together. But I won’t give up, not yet. Not while this precious little life grows inside me. This baby is my hope that Ben and I will find that spark again and never let anything or anyone put it out.
He is trying to get his life in order and be a father to his son, Dustin. I’m sure his ex-wife Renee is not making that easy for him. When I last saw him at Holly’s wedding, he looked tired and beat down, and I just made matters worse. I broke his heart, according to him, and now I have moved here hoping that I can somehow mend it. That is, if I can get the courage to actually let him know that I’m here. He said he needed time, so that’s what I am giving him, but the clock is ticking.
I have my first doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, and I want Ben to be there. I’m scared. I’m scared to tell him. I’m scared about the appointment. I’m scared that he won’t believe me. I’m scared he doesn’t love me anymore.
But I promised myself that I would do this. He has the right to know. Even if he doesn’t want anything to do with me, I know he will want this child. After all, it was a child that took him away from me in the first place.
Ben
I’m fucking exhausted. I just got home from a twelve-hour shift at the food warehouse distributer that I work for. Home? What a joke. I laugh to myself as I look around the small two-bedroom apartment, the only thing I can afford right now. It has everything I need, I guess, for myself and when my son Dustin comes to visit, but I wouldn’t call it a home. It’s missing something; actually, it is missing someone, and that someone is Julie.
I haven’t spoken to her since that night I left Alabama, a few weeks back. I’m sure by now, she’s read my letter, and by her silence, I will assume that she’s decided to be with Tyler. Maybe if I would have met with her that morning, like she had asked me to, she would be here with me now.
Who am I kidding? Why would she want to be here in this cramped apartment, helping me raise a kid that isn’t her own? I love her, but I couldn’t ask her to give up everything and everyone she has at home to move here with me.
Every time I look at my phone, I am tempted to call her, just to hear her voice. I dream of her constantly, and my body craves her immensely. It’s been months since I made love to her, and what I wouldn’t give to have her here now, in my home, in my bed, and in my life. She’s already in my heart.
I suppose I should just face the facts that we’re over, but my heart just won’t accept it, at least, not yet. She is my first true love, and you just don’t get over that overnight. I had my chance before I left, and I walked away from it. She wanted to talk and to work things out, but I bailed. The way she looked at me that night I went over, she wanted my forgiveness, but instead, I pushed her away. If she decided to choose Tyler over me, I didn’t leave her much choice.
I’m also worried about her. She looked so pale and fragile when I saw her at Mike and Holly’s wedding. Is she sick and not telling me? I need answers, but the only way I am going to get them is to talk to her. Even if she has decided to stay with Tyler, I need to hear her say the words. Until I hear her say it, I can’t let her go and move on.
I have to go back. I have this weekend off and it’s Renee’s weekend with Dustin. Maybe I will drive up to see Julie. If she isn’t with Tyler, maybe we can talk and try to work things out. I’m about to say fuck it and message her, when someone knocks at my door.
It would’ve been great timing if it was Julie standing there. I would grab her up in my arms and greet her, promising to never let her go. It would be just like a scene out of those romance movies she made me watch when we were together. What awaits me behind the closed door, however, is not a romantic scene. Instead, it is my pain in the ass ex-wife.
I scowl at her, but then I see the bright face of my son Dustin. He is the only reason I don’t slam the door on her right now.
“Daddy.” He smiles, reaching out for me.
“Hey, buddy, come here.” I reach for him, and he eagerly lets me take him. I’m thankful he is no longer frightened of me as he was the day I finally got to meet him. He is two now, and I have missed everything from his first tooth, his first word, and even the first time he took a step. All thanks to the evil bitch that he calls Mommy.
I turn and bring him inside, leaving Renee in the doorway. I never invite her in, because simply, she isn’t welcome. Unlike with Julie, I haven’t forgiven nor forgotten the fact that Renee left me homeless, penniless, sold my guitar, and most importantly, kept my son a secret for almost two years.
Usually by now, she is closing the door, but this time she’s standing there, waiting. As much as I hate talking to her, she obviously has something to say, otherwise, she would drop his stuff and take off, like she normally does. I put Dustin in his room and give him some toys to keep him occupied. I don’t like to fight or argue with his mother in front of him.
“What’s going on? I thought this was your weekend,” I tell her as I partially close Dustin’s bedroom door.
Immediately, she starts crying. “Ben, I was kicked out of my house today!”
“What are you talking about?” Her tears don’t faze me anymore. She has played this game with me too many times.
“Darren stopped paying the rent. He hasn’t given me any money to help me and Dustin. He says he shouldn’t have to if Dustin’s not his son. I don’t know what to do. Dustin and I have nowhere to go.” She starts sobbing again.
“What about your parents?” I ask her, not moving one inch to console her. The chick could win an Academy Award for best dramatic actress with the way she is carrying on.
“They said that they can’t afford to take care of both of us, but they would take Dustin in. They don’t trust me to move back in,” she admits.
“Well, can you really blame them, Renee? After all, you screwed them over almost as much as you screwed me over.” I remind her.
“I don’t want to talk about that. Damn it! How many times do I have to apologize?” she starts yelling.
“Hey! Lower your voice. You’ll scare Dustin.” I grit my teeth, wanting more than anything to yell back.
“I’m doing this for him. You don’t want us living on the streets, do you?”
I want to tell her so badly that I don’t care about her living on the streets. She had no problem leaving me homeless. But I can’t allow my son to be without a home. “What do you want, Renee?” I bluntly ask her, wondering if I can afford to help her out or not.
“Can we move in with you? Just until I can find a job and can afford a place on my own?” she pleads.
Somehow, I knew this was eventually going to happen, but I was hoping I was wrong. According to my lawyer, if I want to be a part of Dustin’s life, I have to play nice with his mom. Right now, I only have temporary visitation, and if she decides to take off, there isn’t a damn thing I can do to stop her, until my name is on the birth certificate.
“I guess I have no choice. When are they throwing you out?” I ask in defeat.
“This weekend.” She looks at me with hopeful eyes.
“Of course,” is all I say, realizing that my plans to see Julie are now shot to hell.
Chapter 2
Julie
I try to build up the courage to see Ben all weekend, but I always found an excuse not to go. It’s Monday now and my doctor’s appointment is tomorrow. I have to tell him. He will most likely get upset with me for not telling him sooner. What will he say? Will he pull me into his arms and be happy, and promise never to leave me again, like I want him to? Will he slam the door in my face and not want to speak to me, like I fear he will do?
Carl gave me his address before I left Alabama. It’s an apartment complex, and the thought of Ben living there is strange to me. One of the things he loved about my home in Alabama was all the space and how quiet it was. He has to be miserable living in these tight quarters.
I’m wearing my prettiest sweater and jeans, but my outfit is covered by my bulky coat, since even in March, it is freezing outside. We were teased a few weeks ago with hints of spring, but Mother Nature is a moody bitch, and now there may be snow coming in the next few days.
I’m thankful that my sweater is long enough to cover up the fact that I am having trouble buttoning my pants all the way. I’m already starting to show, but I pray he doesn’t notice. I stand at the door of his apartment, and taking a deep breath, I knock.
It is a few moments before the door opens, and I’m shocked to see the person opening the door.
“Look, whatever you’re selling, we aren’t interested,” Renee says as she looks at me funny.
“I … Is Ben here?” I mumble as I stand here, in shock to finally see her face-to-face.
Her eyes widen when it finally clicks who I am. We only saw each other once in the mall a few months prior. “What do you want?” she snaps.
“Can I speak to Ben, please?” I find the tiny bit of courage I still have left to come and speak my peace.
“He’s not here. He’s at work and he doesn’t want to speak to you, anyway.” She grins in her snidely, bitchy way.
The speech I practiced has been completely wiped from my memory as I wonder why he would let her live with him. I stare at her. She looks different than she did a few months ago. She is unkempt and sloppy looking. She is definitely not dressed like she was that day in the mall. I look down to see the spitting image of Ben.
Dustin is holding on to her leg as he peeks over at me. “Who dat, Mommy?” he asks, holding out a toy for me to see.
“That’s just the Avon lady, honey, and she’s leaving. Go back into the other room.”
“Bye bye, Adon lady,” he says as he smiles and waves at me before leaving the doorway. I smile and wave back before facing the evil witch again.
“Look, I have lots to do, so you just need to get in your car and drive back to that redneck town of yours, and leave Ben and me alone. We are working things out, and we don’t need a home-wrecker like you messing it up. Dustin deserves to grow up with both of his parents,” she declares.
I stare blankly at her, having no response for her little speech. A wave of nausea hits me hard, and for a split second, I think how lovely it would be to throw up on her right about now. But her words burn into me, and I quickly turn and walk, actually run away, not saying another word. I don’t even try to make a grand exit and hide the fact t
hat her words have gutted me. I barely make it to my car, and my hands are shaking so badly that I fumble trying to open the door.
Somehow, I make it home as the tears keep coming. What a fool I have been! I move myself here so the baby and I can be near him, and he moves his vile ex-wife in with him? I rush inside the house, stripping off my coat and clothes to put on my nightgown, and curl up on the couch with my blanket. I don’t even try to build a fire to cozy up to as I welcome the bitter cold, once again.
I’m home alone, with no one to call. I can’t even think right now. I pushed away everyone to be with him. Bo senses my distress and jumps up on the couch to lie next to me. I reach out and touch him and pet him as I cry myself to sleep.
Ben
I pull up, park, and just sit here with the truck idling, looking at the apartment complex. It’s nice and toasty in here, and thoughts of just sleeping out here come to mind. It’s cold outside and even colder inside my apartment now that Renee has moved in. I used to love my visits with Dustin, where we would play with toy trucks or watch cartoons and chow down with some mac and cheese. That is all ruined now because Renee wants to be involved.
She wants to pretend we are one big happy family. No matter how many times I tell her that we will never be a couple again, she just doesn’t get it through her stubborn head. But this is what I have to put up with for now. I can’t let my son go without a roof over his head.
