Moments in Time: The Complete Novella Collection

by Dori Lavelle

  Melisa’s head snapped up and her eyes met Heat’s. How did he find out she was here?

  He quickly shook Dr. Garver’s hand and came over to the bed. “Are you okay, baby?” Concern laced his voice. He kissed her cheek and smoothed back the curls from her forehead.

  Melisa nodded, dumbfounded. He was here. Her husband was here. Without a moment’s hesitation, she sat up and threw her arms around him, holding on for dear life. “I’m fine now that you’re here.”

  “I’m so happy you’re all right.” He kissed her.

  “Mrs. Dane,” the doctor said, interrupting their reunion.

  Melisa considered him; she’d almost forgotten he was there. She smiled at him. “Yes, doctor. You have my consent.”

  “Excellent. I’ll send someone to come and draw your blood. In the meantime, please don’t eat anything.”

  While they waited for the results, Heat kept his arms wrapped around Melisa. They didn’t speak about Ben, the threat to their marriage, or anything else that hurt to talk about. The only thing Heat told her was that he was moving back home, that he’d never intended to leave her for good.

  “Right now, I want you to concentrate on getting better. I almost lost you,” he said, his voice cracking. “I can’t bear to not have you in my life.”

  “But—”

  “We’ll talk about everything else later.”

  “Thank you for coming,” she said.

  “Your mother called me. She told me what happened.”

  Melisa frowned. “How did she know that you and I… And how did she get your number?”

  “Small town, remember?”

  Melisa nodded. “She showed up at Mel’s Delights when I was leaving. Meeting her again after all these years was too much for me.”

  “But she seems genuinely upset about what happened. And she feels responsible. Maybe you should let her come and see you. She refuses to leave until she knows you’re all right.”

  “That’s new.” When Melisa was sick as a child, she always nursed herself back to health; her mother had been too drunk or didn’t give a damn.

  “I think she’s changed, Mel.”

  Melisa’s near-death experience had changed her, too. And here was Heat, giving her a second chance. Maybe her mother deserved one too. “Babe, please tell her I forgive her, but I can’t see her right now. Invite her to come for lunch next week.”

  “Sure.” Heat got to his feet. “I’ll be right back.”

  Carlene walked in a few minutes after Heat left.

  “I came as soon as Heat called. Are you all right, sweetie?” She sank down on the bed next to Melisa and rested a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

  “I’m fine. Everything was just so scary. Where’s Daria?”

  “Nick’s watching her.”

  A broad grin split Melisa’s face. “Heat came back to me.”

  “I’m not surprised. He’s loved you for a long time. I always knew he’d come back to you. But not under these circumstances.”

  Melisa sighed. “Yeah.” She filled Carlene in on what had happened, but before Carlene could comment, Dr. Garver walked back in, followed by Heat. He politely ushered Carlene out so he could talk to Melisa and Heat alone.

  “Mrs. Dane, as I suspected, you had an episode of hypoglycemia caused, perhaps, by overexertion on an empty stomach.”

  “So there’s nothing to worry about?” Heat asked.

  “Hypoglycemia is common in people suffering from diabetes. I’d like to have an oral glucose tolerance test done. Have you eaten anything?”

  “No,” Melisa shook her head. “You said I shouldn’t.”

  “Good. The test will take around three to four hours.” He peered at his watch. “It’s late. I think it’s best you spend the night here. All the results will be ready tomorrow.”

  Melisa gazed at Heat as fear blurred her vision.

  Heat’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed and Melisa knew he was scared too.

  “Okay,” she said in a tiny voice.

  A nurse came in later and gave Melisa a sweet drink, and then, within the next hours, samples of her blood were taken at regular intervals.

  Heat stayed by her side through it all, telling her he loved her and assuring her everything would be okay.

  Melisa believed him. As long as he was with her, everything would be fine.

  ***

  Dr. Garver came to Melisa’s room shortly before noon.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Dane. Sorry to keep you waiting. Your results came in.”

  Melisa wished Heat were with her to hear whatever Dr. Garver had to say, but he had gone out to get coffee. She didn’t like the doctor’s pinched expression today. Her stomach tightened. “Do you have bad news for me?”

  “Good news first. You are pregnant.”

  Melisa clapped a hand over her mouth. “I am? How?” She laughed. “I mean… I’m really going to have a baby?”

  Dr. Garver’s face softened. “That’s right.”

  “A baby?” A choked voice came from the door.

  Melisa grinned at Heat and placed a hand on her flat stomach. She smiled at him for what felt like the first time in years. “We’re having a baby.”

  Dr. Garver turned to face Heat. “Congratulations, Mr. Dane.” He glanced at Melisa. “To both of you.” He flipped open a folder in his hands. “Unfortunately, there’s something else we need to discuss. You were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.”

  “What is that? Will my wife and the baby be all right?” Heat rushed to Melisa’s side; his words sounded like a warning.

  Melisa’s heart shriveled. Having been pregnant before, she knew what gestational diabetes was. “It’s a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women and can be dangerous for the baby.”

  “We’ve detected it early. The results show you’re about a month or two along. With a proper diet and exercise, gestational diabetes can be managed. The chances of you delivering a healthy baby are quite high. I advise you to make an appointment with an OBGYN of your choice as soon as possible.”

  “We will,” Heat said, beating Melisa to it. He held onto Melisa’s hand so tight, she was afraid it might crack at any moment. “We did it,” he said when the doctor left, and kissed Melisa so hard, he left her breathless. “I love you, Melisa. We’ll work through everything together.”

  “I love you so much, Heat.” She hesitated before asking the next question, but she had to. She needed to know. “Do you forgive me?”

  Heat’s features tightened, but only for a fleeting second. “What’s important right now is you and this baby.” He laid a warm, comforting hand on her belly. “Let’s talk about everything else later, okay?”

  “But you’ll never leave again?”

  “I’ve had a lot of time to think, and one thing I know for sure is that I want to be with you. I’m not going anywhere.”

  That was enough. They were going to raise their baby together.

  ***

  Heat and Melisa were able to see Dr. Beverlin, her gynecologist, before they got home from the hospital. She was overjoyed for them and answered all their questions. When they walked out of the practice hand in hand, Melisa felt lighter, as if they’d left all their fears behind.

  At home, Heat insisted she rest. He cooked her a late lunch and tucked her in. Melisa fell asleep almost immediately. She was exhausted after the rollercoaster ride of the past few days.

  When she opened her eyes again, it was dark outside and the room was warm and golden from the lamp on Heat’s side of the bed.

  “Did you sleep well?” Heat said, putting aside a brochure on gestational diabetes.

  Melisa snuggled into him. “I feel like I’ve been sleeping for a week.”

  “Good,” he said and cradled her in his arms. “Are you up to talking? I think we need to clear the air so we can move on from here.”

  Melisa nodded, even though a stone was sitting in the pit of her stomach.

  “Mel, what you did really hurt me. I was hurt
and angry that you had deprived me of the chance to get to know my son. If you had told me, I would have never allowed you to give him away. I understand you were not ready to be a mom then, and I respect that, but I would have raised him myself if I had to.”

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you.” Heat was holding her in such a way that she wasn’t able to see his face, which she was glad for. She could feel, and almost breathe, the hurt dripping from his voice. It would kill her to see it.

  “But,” he continued,” as I said, I respect the decisions you felt you had to make, and I acknowledge that I was partly to blame for everything that happened. I didn’t treat you well, the way you deserved. For that I am very sorry.” He kissed the top of her head.

  Melisa lifted her gaze to his face, his glistening eyes. “I forgave you a long time ago.”

  “We can’t turn back the clock. But we can sort of undo the mistakes of the past by making the most of our second chance.” He glanced at her stomach, even if he couldn’t see it under the covers.

  “Yes,” she said simply.

  “But I would like us to find a way to see our son. I know we won’t be able to get him back, and he probably has no idea who we are, but I think seeing him is the only way I can find closure.”

  Melisa bit the corner of her lip. It would crush Heat if she told him she had already tried to see Ben and failed. Maybe if they went to the agency again, they’d meet a kinder person who would have pity on them as a couple. Maybe Heat would find the right words to convince them to give them something to hold on to. “Let’s visit the agency next week.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Melisa and Heat had just finished eating breakfast when the doorbell chimed. Heat placed his knife and fork on his empty plate and looked at Melisa.

  Melisa smiled and nodded. While he was away, she concentrated on breathing and reminded herself over and over again that it was time. She had been forgiven and now she would forgive as well. Too many great things were happening for her and she was so filled with happiness, it left little space for bitterness. When her mother walked in, wearing black slacks and a blue cardigan, she was calm and ready to have a normal conversation with her. Heat made himself comfortable in the living room, giving them space to talk.

  “Mom, have a seat,” Melisa said. “Do you want something to eat or drink?”

  Her mother shook her head and lowered herself into one of the chairs. “I just want to talk.” She offered an unsure smile. “I’m so happy you’re fine. I thought that car was going to… run you over. It swerved at the last second.”

  Melisa refused to think of that moment, refused to think of almost dying. She wanted to concentrate on the new lease on life she had been given. “I was lucky.”

  “What did the doctors at the hospital say? Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Melisa decided not to tell her mother about the pregnancy yet. “You wanted to talk to me?”

  “Yes.”

  Her mother folded her hands on her lap under the table, but before they disappeared, Melisa saw them tremble. “I messed up so many times. I was a horrible mother. I can never forgive myself for what I did to you.” She wiped away a tear.

  Melisa didn’t say anything, waiting for her to continue.

  “I want you to know I’ve changed. I’m back in control of my life. I have a job now, at the post office.” She gazed down at the table. “I haven’t touched a drop in two years.”

  “That’s good,” Melisa said, hoping it was true. “I’m happy for you.”

  “I was a horrible mother. I know that now. And I would like to make it up to you. Please give me another chance.”

  “I’m a grown woman now. I no longer need taking care of.” Melisa leaned forward and squeezed her mother’s thin, cool hand. “But maybe you’ll be a better grandmother.”

  Melisa’s mother’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. “Was that it…what caused you to faint? You’re pregnant?”

  “Yes,” Melisa said and her mother placed her other hand on top of Melisa’s.

  “I will. I’ll be the best grandmother ever. I promise you that.” She paused. “I’m sorry you had to give up your other baby. I feel guilty. I should have—”

  “Don’t blame yourself. Let’s just focus on the future.”

  Her mother nodded, and their tears dripped onto their clasped hands and mingled. Melisa and her mother had both made mistakes, but her unborn child was giving them a new beginning. “Thanks, Mom.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Melisa held tightly onto Heat’s hand as a woman opened the door and walked into the office where they had been told to wait. This woman had soft, kind eyes and a warm smile. Maybe she would be more open to helping them than the lady who had turned Melisa and Carlene away the last time.

  She shook their hands and settled into a chair on the other side of the desk, placing the folder she was carrying on the table in front of her. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Dane. I’m Hilda. I hear you want to get in touch with your son.”

  “Yes,” Heat said. “If that is at all possible.”

  Hilda leaned forward and placed her folded hands on the folder that contained all the answers Heat and Melisa were desperate for. “You do understand that when you gave away your son for adoption, you gave up your parental rights?”

  Melisa nodded. “I’m well aware. I’m hoping that…”

  “Miss… Hilda,” Heat continued. “We are not here to ask for our son back. We would love to just see him, even once, to make sure he is happy and well. We in no way want to disrupt his life.”

  Hilda nodded and flipped the folder open. “It says here you had a semi-open adoption. According to the conditions, you were allowed once a year to send a letter to your son, to be forwarded to your son by this agency.”

  “I wrote every year on his birthday since the day I saw him last. I was hoping his adoptive parents would give the letters to him, if and when they decided to tell him about the adoption.”

  Hilda shuffled some pages around. “There are no letters in here, which means they must have been forwarded to the family that raised your son.”

  “I’ve never received a response.”

  “That’s because you agreed to a one-sided kind of communication. You offered to write your son, but there was no promise he would get in touch with you.”

  “That was all the adoptive parents would agree to.”

  Hilda shook her head. “Unfortunately the law is the law, and those parents, or your son, can never be forced to get in touch with you. And it was up to them to give him those letters or not.”

  “There’s absolutely nothing you can give us? A photograph, maybe?” Heat’s voice was desperate. “We want to see what he looks like, nothing more.”

  Hilda closed the folder again. “I’m so sorry. My hands are tied. Believe me, I wish I could help you, but I don’t know how to.”

  “We understand,” Heat said and walked out of the room.

  Melisa stayed and pleaded further with Hilda. “I gave our son up for adoption without telling my husband. We were not in a relationship at the time. I was barely seventeen and couldn’t raise a child. I wish my husband could get to see him. Please. You really don’t have a photo of him?”

  “Mrs. Dane. I understand your pain. I truly do, but there’s nothing I can do. I’m so sorry.”

  Melisa nodded and rose from the chair slowly. “Thank you for your time.”

  Hilda also stood and hugged the folder to her body. “I wish you both the best.”

  “Thank you.” Melisa picked up her purse. She found Heat sitting on a bench overlooking a small garden. His face was hard and his posture straight. He didn’t turn when she approached, and she didn’t want to disturb him. He was hurting as much as she was.

  “I know I promised you we’d be fine,” he said finally. “And we will be eventually. We’ll have another child, a family, but how do I live from one day to the next knowing that I have a child I h
ave never met? A child who must be thinking his parents disposed of him because he was unwanted. How is he supposed to know he was unplanned, but he is wanted?” Heat wiped his eyes.

  “If he received my letters, he’d know. He’d know he is loved.”

  “I guess that’s all we can hope for.” Heat moved closer to Melisa and held her close.

  Melisa leaned her head against Heat’s and together, they watched the swing in the garden swaying back and forth in the wind.

  “Let’s go home,” Melisa said finally, and Heat helped her to her feet.

  When they got to the car, parked about three minutes away from the orphanage, Heat climbed in first and while Melisa took one last look at the orphanage. Then she heard a voice. Her gaze swept the car park, but apart from the two of them, it was isolated. When she opened her door, the voice got louder. Hilda was running toward them, waving something in the air.

  Melisa leaned into the car, threw her purse on the seat, and hurried to meet a panting Hilda. Heat followed close behind her.

  “What is it? Did you find something?” Melisa’s hopes skyrocketed.

  Hilda placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath, then she straightened up again. “Yes. When I picked up the folder, a letter fell out… from your son. It must have been overlooked somehow.”

  Heat and Melisa reached for the thin envelope at the same time.

  The envelope had been opened; Melisa’s name was scrolled on the front, but she allowed Heat to open it while she waited impatiently, about to burst.

  Heat read the short letter out loud.

  Dear Ms. Bergfeld,

  My name is Ben Elson. My parents died in a car crash last year. They left a letter telling me you’re my birth mother.

  Thank you for the letters. If it’s possible, I would like to meet you one day. If you’re interested, you can call me.

  Ben

  The letter was written a year ago, and at the bottom of the page was a phone number.

  Melisa grew cold; goose pimples popped up on her arms as tears streamed down her face. “My son, my son,” she said. She reached for the letter and held it to her lips.

  She gazed up at Heat; his face was pale even as a huge smile stretched across his face. Before Melisa could inhale another breath, he scooped her off the ground and lifted her high. Holding tight to the letter that was now damp from her tears, she lowered her forehead onto his as they both laughed, overwhelmed with joy. From the corner of her eye, Melisa caught a glimpse of Hilda walking away. They would catch up with her later. This was their moment.