Love & Hope: Mother's Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 5)

by Elsie Davis

  Boyfriend. She was accepting his offer. His world was suddenly sunny and bright now that he knew Grace was going to give him a second chance.

  “It’s about Holly,” Karen said, her voice filled with determination. But it was the way she looked at the baby that caught his full attention. Pain. Love. And something else. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on the missing piece.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The lump in Grace’s throat made it hard to swallow. Seeing Karen’s excitement when she came into the room was a mixture of both joy and sorrow. It was fantastic that she was excited to see Holly. Grace wanted nothing more for the baby, than to have a mother who loved her.

  When Holly clung to Grace, there’d been a single second of satisfaction. One she knew was wrong, but not one she’d been able to control. She’d spent so much time with Holly the last three weeks, it was only natural there would be a bond between them—and it was clearly a bond that went in both directions.

  Holly trusted her and had come to rely on her. Grace wasn’t sure what type of relationship Karen had with her daughter before she’d left, but her cousin’s own words indicated a resentment of motherhood. It was a shame, and Grace hoped that time and distance had changed Karen’s perspective and that she would now choose to embrace the love and joy Holly could bring her.

  “Can I get you both a cup of coffee?” Grace asked as Karen sat at the table.

  Lucky sat close by, glancing from one person to the next.

  It seemed Ryan preferred to stand, his tall form leaning casually against the counter. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

  “Yes, please,” Karen murmured, her eyes never leaving Holly.

  “Here, let me take the baby while you get the coffee.” Ryan reached for her, and the little girl smiled and immediately went into his arms.

  Grace winced, shooting a look of apology at Karen. She poured the coffee and handed the cups out before taking Holly from Ryan. A second attempt to get the baby to go to Karen equally failed. “I’m sorry, Karen. Let’s give her more time.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Honestly, it makes this conversation easier.” Karen nodded her head as if things were better, not worse.

  “What’s going on?” Grace couldn’t keep the curiosity out of her voice after the odd comment. She sat down across the table from Karen, handing Holly the bottle of milk she’d fixed for her.

  “Let me start by saying that what I’m about to say has been well-thought-out. It’s not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I know there’ll be a ton of advice you’re going to want to hand out, but please understand I’m nineteen years old. I’m old enough to make my own decisions and to understand the consequences of them. This hasn’t been an easy choice for me, but I’ve decided, and it’s final. What I’m hoping is that the decision can be turned into something joyous and wonderful, instead of something sad.” Karen was more serious and focused than Grace could ever remember seeing her.

  “What are you talking about? You’re making me nervous.” Grace picked up the bottle from the floor when Holly dropped it. “Here, sweet thing.” She smiled at the baby, pushing past the confusion Karen’s words caused.

  “I’m giving Holly up for adoption.”

  Adoption.

  No! Grace screamed the word inside her head, but she bit her tongue, forcing herself to listen to what Karen had to say, involuntarily clutching the baby a little tighter.

  “I’ve thought about it long and hard, and Holly deserves a mom who can be there for her. Someone who can give her lots of time and attention. I’m not that person. I’m not ready to be a mother, and I can’t give her the things she needs. I want Holly to have better than what I can offer.”

  “You can give her love and family. You would be ready if you quit the band and settled down. Karen, you can’t give the baby up for adoption.” Grace’s heart was breaking for Holly. And for herself, if she was honest. Her one consolation in Holly leaving had been that she would be able to stay in Holly’s life in some capacity. If she were adopted out, that wouldn’t be an option.

  “I’m hoping I don’t have to give her up entirely. You’re wrong about me. I’m not ready to be a parent, especially not a single parent. But I know someone who is, and I know your fertility issues. I overheard my mom talking with Aunt Judith. Its why I brought Holly to you in the first place.” Karen glanced at Ryan, wincing as she realized what she’d said. “Sorry, I hope that wasn’t out of line.”

  “It’s fine.” Grace shrugged. Ryan already knew, although he’d only had minutes to come to terms with the information. “But what did you mean when you said that’s why you brought Holly to me?”

  Karen smiled. “I want you to adopt her. That is if you’re up to it. I can see how close the two of you have grown, and it makes this decision that much easier. I hate the idea of giving her up to strangers, but a good home is better than what I can do. With you, Holly and I get the best of both worlds.”

  Her cousin couldn’t have surprised her more. A tiny ray of hope shot uncontrollably through Grace, her dream of having a child being handed to her. But then she remembered the adoption agency’s rejection. She knew they’d never approve her to adopt Holly. “I’ve been through the home study that’s required for adoption not long ago, and they rejected my application because of my single status. What makes you think a judge would approve this?”

  “Because it would be a kinship adoption. One where all the parties agree and its between family. The hearing is more of a formality than anything else, according to my attorney.”

  Joy filled her heart, but it came with a sense of guilt. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” she asked, trying to temper any joy she felt at the idea of Holly becoming her daughter.

  “I am.” Karen nodded.

  Grace glanced at Ryan, who’d stayed silent the entire conversation. She wanted him to jump in with some common sense because hers had fled the scene.

  “You realize you’re playing with hearts, don’t you? This isn’t a game. Grace’s been through a lot with Holly these past three weeks. Her love is unconditional. I can’t think of a better person to be Holly’s mom, but you, young lady, need to be sure.” Ryan’s tone had turned fatherly. Direct and straight to the point, Grace realized he was determined to protect her.

  Something else to love him for. Grace’s gaze drifted to the flowers he’d brought. Mother’s Day. Once upon a time, she’d been planning a Mother’s Day celebration as a temporary mom, and now, two days before Mother’s Day, Karen was offering her the opportunity to make it real. It was like a dream come true.

  Of course, I want Holly.

  Karen took her purse from the back of the chair and laid it on the table. “I’ve made up my mind. And just to prove to you how serious I am, maybe you should look at this.” She pulled an envelope from her purse, took out the pages folded inside, and slid them across the table. “I actually got back into town yesterday, but I stopped by the attorney’s office to sign some documents.”

  Grace glanced down at the papers but didn’t pick them up. “I love Holly. And more than anything, I want her to have a happy home and to be surrounded by love and family as she grows up. I still believe you can be that person for her, Karen. It doesn’t seem right for me to claim Holly as my own. After three weeks, she’s wrapped me around her little finger, I can’t imagine the pain of losing her if you change your mind down the road.”

  “I’ve talked with Mom, and she likes my decision. She said it’s probably the most responsible one I’ve ever made. But then, both of us are hoping you’ll adopt her. It’s the perfect situation for you. That’s the document you need to sign to move the adoption forward to make it legal. The rest of the papers have already been signed and notarized, and you have copies included for your inspection validating what I’m telling you.”

  Grace’s hand shook as she reached out and pulled the document closer for inspection. Just as Karen had said, the letterhead was from an attorney’s office.

  Petiti
on for Adoption

  The words caught and held her attention. For the first time, Grace realized this was real and happening right here in her kitchen. She was finally going to have a child of her own to love and nurture forever, with the bonus it was Holly. A child she already loved with all her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes and overflowed uncontrollably.

  “As you can see, I had him draw up the document in your name. It’s my greatest wish for you to adopt her. Permanently. As for me, I want to be Aunt Karen, if that’s okay with you. This is the best way to give Holly everything she deserves, and for me to at least have her in my life. That way, I won’t ever regret my decision. And I’ll leave it up to you if you to decide if you ever want to tell her the truth.” Karen’s eyes had misted over as she gazed at her daughter lovingly.

  Grace didn’t know what to think. She held Holly tight, kissing the top of her head. Grace inhaled the fresh baby scent, trying to clear her head. There was no question about whether she wanted to adopt Holly, only the qualms about Karen realizing it was all a big mistake one day.

  “What happens if I don’t agree?” Grace knew it wasn’t a possibility, but she needed to know what Karen was thinking for her own peace of mind.

  “I’ll still go through with giving her up for adoption, but I’m hoping you’ll say yes. My mom’s not able to become a mother all over again. Please, say yes, Grace. For all of us,” Karen pleaded.

  Grace let out a deep breath of air and glanced at Ryan. “Yes. Yes, I’ll adopt Holly.” I’m going to be a mom. A real mom. She brushed away the tears trickling down her face.

  Ryan smiled and nodded, letting her know he thought it was a wonderful decision.

  Karen jumped up to come around the table and hug her, kissing Holly on the top of her head. “Sweet baby girl, I’m doing this for you. And you’ve got yourself an amazing mommy now.” Her cousin looked over the top of Holly’s head, her eyes shimmering with tears. “Thank you, Grace. I’ll never make you regret it. I promise.”

  Ryan moved closer to the table and pulled one of the flowers from the vase, handing it to Grace. “To the newest and best mother ever.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips. “Congratulations, you’re going to be a mom.”

  “I am, aren’t I?” A fresh wave of tears rolled down her face, but this time, she let them flow. Tears of joy were the best kind ever.

  Karen moved away, letting Ryan stand behind Grace. He kept one hand on her shoulder and one on Holly.

  Her cousin picked up her purse. “There’s a lot I need to do today, and I’m going to let you enjoy the moment privately. I’ve got to rejoin the band in three days. If you sign these papers, I can take them back to the attorney’s office for him to file. Ryan can witness your signature, which makes this easier. The attorney will be in contact to let you know what he needs for the hearing and when it will be. But again, the hearing is more of a formality in kinship adoptions since the parties are all in agreement. They like it when children remain with family.”

  “Karen, are you sure?” Grace had to ask the question utmost on her mind.

  “I’m sure. I’ll stop by the house and bring you all of Holly’s things tomorrow.” Karen had become all businesslike, but Grace could tell this was an emotional moment for her as well. Her cousin was a lot more mature and motherly than she gave herself credit for.

  Grace picked up the pen her cousin slid in her direction and signed at the X on the line where Karen indicated.

  Ryan picked up the pen and signed, witnessing her signature. He folded the papers and slid them back across the table to Karen.

  Her cousin slid them back in the envelope and returned them to her purse. “I’ve got to run.” Karen came back around the table and leaned forward to kiss Holly goodbye. This time, her cousin couldn’t stop the tears. Proof her heart was in the right place. She was doing this for Holly, and not for herself. Karen left quickly, leaving Grace alone with her new daughter and Ryan.

  “Didn’t see that one coming,” Ryan said, grinning down at her.

  “Neither did I. This changes everything for me.” Grace was still in shock. Holly wasn’t leaving, and she was officially the baby’s mother. Or she would be once the documents were filed and recorded.

  “Hopefully not everything. It’s a blessing, for sure. I just don’t want it to change anything between you and me. Remember, I told you before you became a mother that I wanted to be with you. Holly’s a bonus.”

  “And a beautiful bonus at that,” she said, smiling down at her new daughter, love vibrating from every pore of her body.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Ryan swung the diaper bag over his shoulder and turned to watch as Grace pulled on Holly’s sweater. Lucky lay on the floor, not far away, her tail thumping the ground occasionally as her eyes darted toward the door. She’d be disappointed not to be included in the today’s action, but it’s not like they could take the dog to church.

  He leaned down to scratch Lucky behind her ears. “Sorry, but you can’t come with us, girl. I’ll take you out as soon as we return.” Ryan chuckled when the dog licked his hand.

  Today was a special day, and Ryan was eager for the day to unfold, having several surprises for Grace. Ryan knew what was in his heart without any lingering doubts. All he needed was the right moment to tell her, and he prayed she felt the same way.

  He couldn’t wait to share the news that he’d received an email from Bella and that his sister wanted to meet him. If it wasn’t for Grace’s insistence and urging, he might have never had this chance at a reunion with his long-lost sister.

  Bella’s email told a different story than the one he’d let himself believe. Ryan read the regret in her words and sensed her sincerity in the request to meet in person. After much deliberation, Ryan had emailed his sister back and agreed.

  Bella was coming to Hallbrook. After letting down the final guard around his heart, he was ready to move forward and see what the future would hold.

  “Ready to go?” he asked, smiling at the beautiful pair of ladies in his life.

  “Absolutely.” Grace’s lovely smile was all the reward he needed for the extra effort he’d gone to get a table at O’Malley’s for their special Mother’s Day brunch. Everyone knew and loved Grace, and her new bundle of joy was cause for celebration.

  “Just so you know, I did call Karen and invite her today, but she declined. She didn’t want to take away from your moment.” Ryan hadn’t been sure what to do but had gone with what felt right. In the end, it worked out the way he preferred, but he’d been willing to go the extra mile for Karen. After all, she was the one who’d given Grace her greatest dream.

  “She could have come. I wouldn’t have minded.”

  “I know you wouldn’t. You have a huge heart. It’s one of the things I love most about you.”

  “You do, huh? I like the sound of that.” Grace smiled over the baby’s head at him.

  Ryan stopped, empowered by the love shining in her eyes. “Grace, I know I haven’t always made things easy for you, but it doesn’t change the outcome of the time we’ve spent together. I love you with all my heart, and I want to be with you. Always.”

  Her eyes grew wide, filling with tears. Happy tears judging by her expression. “I love you, too. I have for a long time, even if I tried to talk myself out of it.” She stepped into his embrace.

  Everything dear to him was in his arms, as he dropped a kiss on the baby’s cheek before lowering his mouth to Grace’s, pouring every ounce of his love into the kiss.

  Holly pressed a finger into his cheek, and then his eye, forcing them apart.

  “Hey, you,” Ryan said, grabbing her finger. “I know it’s time to go. Thanks for the reminder.”

  Grace laughed. “Give me a second to run down my mental checklist. I’m only just getting the hang of this parenting thing.”

  “It won’t take you long. You can do anything you set your heart on.” Ryan pulled open the door and waited.

  Grace’s sm
ile faltered slightly. “I feel bad Karen’s not ready to be a mom, but I’m thrilled beyond words to have Holly as my daughter. It’s a mixed bag of emotions for sure, but in the end, I have only to focus on Holly and trust in God that this was the plan. I’m going to find a bigger place to live, and since I got my job back, I can afford it.”

  “Your boss is a softie from what I hear. You should hit him up for a raise.” He winked. They’d agreed that come Monday morning, Grace would return to work with Holly. It wouldn’t be long until the childcare facility was up and running and the licenses procured, and until then, he would help her take care of the baby. They would be a team in and out of the office.

  “A softie? Hmmm…jury’s still out on that one. I’ll wait till my annual review for a raise like everyone else, but be prepared, I’ll come loaded with stats to back up my increase.” She flashed him another of her golden smiles as he took the baby and strapped her in the car seat.

  “I have no doubt of that.” He shook his head and chuckled.

  Ryan pulled into the church parking lot. The parents-with-babies spots were filling up fast, Ryan parking in one of the last ones available.

  “This is exciting. I’ve never been able to park this close.” Grace smiled as she slung the diaper bag over her shoulder and pushed open the door.

  Ryan slid out of the car and opened the back door, intent on getting Holly. “One of the many benefits of having a baby. Get used to them.”

  They walked inside, hand in hand, and went in search of the nursery.

  “I’d like to register my daughter if I could,” Grace told the young woman monitoring the entry.

  “Sure thing. If you step inside, Anna will take care of that for you.” She pointed at a young woman who stood off to the side of the room in front of a podium with a laptop computer.

  It didn’t take long to give the woman the information, and in return, Grace now had a vibrating beeper in case they needed her for anything. Ryan liked the smooth efficiency and the care given to protecting the children. It had been a long time since he’d been to church, but it felt right for several reasons today. God had brought Grace, Holly, and Bella into his life, and Ryan had much to be thankful for.