Love Redone

by Peyton Reeser

  “Half an hour is all you get, woman!” he growled. “I want your cute butt at the breakfast table tout de suite.”

  * * *

  Ninety minutes later, after a staggering breakfast that left Shannon stuffed, they were ensconced in the limo, bags stowed in the trunk, making their way to Nick’s childhood home.

  She’d decided on a pair of black jeans with knee-high leather boots and a soft cashmere top because, even though it wasn’t exactly cold, her California reality meant that the cooler mornings and evenings of an early east-coast autumn meant she had to keep covered if she didn’t want to get a chill. She liked the elegant draping of the soft grey sweater and how it perfectly molded her breasts in the satiny cups of the demi-bra she’d chosen to wear. She knew he’d be hard-pressed not to ogle her chest and welcomed her wicked inner tease pushing to the forefront.

  The Allens had been all kinds of happy and delighted that morning as the husband-and-wife duo had set about getting Nick and Shannon off on the next leg of their adventure. The missus had kept feeding them until neither one could move while the mister scurried around stowing bags and packing a hamper full of fresh-baked zucchini bread and almond cookies that Nick’s mother loved.

  As they set off in the bright sunshine, Shannon could not have been more content, and judging by the self-satisfied grin and manly swagger on full display, Nick was likewise as filled with joy. Her cowboy pirate was a happy camper this morning.

  The trip was full of cheerful conversation as Shannon encouraged Nick to tell her all about his childhood home and share his heartfelt memories of days gone by before he had lost his father.

  Shannon remembered thinking how alone he was when she’d first spied the private bedroom on the Barrett jet. It had clutched at her heart then, the notion that he’d been as isolated and lonely as she had been for so many years. As he talked, she sensed that his feelings of loneliness had taken hold not long after he found himself head of the household and responsible for his mother’s and sister’s well-being. She still had both her parents and struggled to control her emotions when she thought of Nick coming to terms with such a huge loss at so young an age.

  Something tugged at her heart as she considered another loss that he had yet to learn of. It wasn’t right, she knew, to keep such a secret from him after their promises of total honesty, but truly, she didn’t know how to even bring it up.

  Her miscarriage had been a loss, yes, but since neither of them had known about it beforehand, Shannon had difficulty even acknowledging that it had happened at all. Maybe if she’d had some advance knowing, perhaps if she’d been healthier and less damaged, things would be different today, but the truth was she had zero frame of reference on this matter except to recount how she’d been hit by unexpectedly staggering pain, blacked out while driving, and awakened sometime later in the hospital to be told a ruptured cyst had triggered a series of health crises that ended with her losing a baby she hadn’t known about and leaving her with a nasty bump on her head. Even now it didn’t seem real to her.

  Nick sensed when her thoughts drifted away and wondered what had caused the sudden shift into thoughtfulness as Shannon stared silently at the passing scenery. This wasn’t the first time he’d been aware of something crowding Shannon’s thoughts, which she clearly wasn’t quite ready to share.

  He searched and searched for what could be driving this quiet introspection on her part, but when no alarm bells went off in his head, Nick relaxed and decided to let things lay where they may at the present time. When she was ready to tell him what was going on, he’d welcome her openness but wouldn’t pry or prod until then.

  As had become a favorite pastime, Nick reached for her hand and lifted it to his mouth where he pressed a series of delicate kisses along her knuckles. He kept her hand in his and fondled the jewelry he had placed on her ring finger with open satisfaction. When Shannon lifted adoring, smiling eyes his way, Nick didn’t care what secrets she kept as long as she continued to look at him like that.

  The car trip passed quickly, and before too long, Nick was letting Shannon know that they would be arriving at his mother’s home soon. A sudden burst of nerves exploded in her tummy at the prospect of meeting the mom he and Jules clearly adored. She hoped Alanna Barrett would approve of her for her son and tried to control her breathing in the hopes that the butterflies performing a Cirque du Soleil routine in the pit of her stomach would settle down.

  They made their way through a picture-perfect slice of Americana when they reached his hometown. Quaint shops and cafes with outdoor seating dotted the main street. It was easy for Shannon to imagine Nick’s family as it once had been, enjoying what looked to be a suburban paradise.

  Colonial-style houses along tree-lined streets appeared in her view, delighting Shannon with the calm and quiet ambiance of the family-oriented hamlet tucked away in a staggeringly beautiful corner of Connecticut. It was…unspoiled and completely delightful.

  Nick sat forward in excited anticipation once the car turned onto his street as he chattered on, pointing out the baseball field where he’d played as a youth, the house that Ned had grown up in, and even the huge oak tree where Becky Taylor had let him kiss her one summer evening under heavy branches covered with dark green leaves. She pouted upon hearing that he’d kissed another girl, while he roared with laughter and dimpled her to within an inch of her life as he declared that he’d been a rugged thirteen-year-old with raging hormones the summer that he’d lusted after the older and wiser Becky, who at fourteen had been endowed with some serious boobage. Like any normally, randy teenage boy, Nick had practiced the clumsy art of high school make-out sessions with the precocious girl. She had to laugh along with him when he revealed that Ned, too, had engaged in some intense spit-swapping sessions with the very same teenage Lolita.

  Shannon was still giggling at the comical description of his teenage lothario ways when the car turned into a long driveway in front of a big, white house set far back from the road that looked like a movie set.

  A two-story colonial with columns on either side of an arched doorway, Shannon marveled at the wide trellises surrounding the first-floor windows that were still draped with late-summer roses and climbing vines. They gave the house a romantic flourish that she found appealing.

  The upstairs windows were framed with wide, dark shutters that contributed an elegant touch to the overall look. Huge trees graced the deep front yard. As the car pulled further into the driveway, she saw that an addition had been built off the far side of the house, showing French doors leading to a wrought-iron balcony on the second floor, which she guessed was the master bedroom.

  An actual white picket fence completed the suburban look and feel of Nick’s childhood home, and as the car moved toward the rear of the house, she spied a basketball hoop hanging off the detached garage that had the look of a miniature version of the gorgeous white house.

  The whole effect was enchanting, warm, and inviting, making Shannon sigh with pleasure as the car slowly came to a halt. The presence of a very expensive-looking sedan, which she easily identified as a top-of-the-line Mercedes, indicating that someone else was at home, sat in front of the garage.

  Nick bounded out of the car with boyish enthusiasm, beating Mr. Allen to his door-opening duties. He was around the rear of the car and pulling open Shannon’s door before she had a chance to catch her breath. Clearly excited, Shannon giggled at Nick’s obvious pleasure, placing her smaller hand in his much larger one when he reached out to help her from the limo.

  Mr. Allen was unloading their bags as Nick pulled her along toward the back-door entrance to the fabulous house. She enjoyed the sensation of his hand gripping hers as he threw open the door and hollered in greeting.

  “Mom! We’re here,” he yelled just like any boy would upon returning home. The controlled and serious business tycoon had vanished and been replaced by a relaxed, smiling, giant of a man with those seriously sexy dimples and a wide smile lighting up his face. Shanno
n didn’t know which was more appealing, the happy charming man pulling her further into the house or the house itself.

  The back door opened into a modest mud room that led to a charming kitchen decorated with glass-doored cabinetry and long marble-covered counters that overflowed with cooking tools and accessories. A wide, deep window was set above a double farm sink where a windowsill crowded with stoneware pots spilling over with all manner of herbs and succulents added a homey touch. There was a brass kettle on the big professional-looking stove underneath a low shelf crowded with spices and several bottles of cooking oils.

  Whatever trepidation Shannon may have been experiencing at the prospect of being presented to Nick’s only parent was swept away by the down-to-earth charm of the woman’s welcoming and well-used kitchen.

  She didn’t know quite what to expect next when a small-framed woman dressed in a simple silk blouse and straight skirt with a very chic bobbed hairstyle appeared in the doorway. Wearing a pair of stylish pumps that looked suspiciously similar to the ones Shannon drooled over in her own wardrobe, the woman was definitely well put together but not fussy or uptight in any way as far as Shannon could tell at first glance.

  “Nicky!” the woman cried in obvious delight as she reached with open arms to embrace her clearly beloved son. Still clutching Shannon’s hand, he moved into his mother’s arms, bussing her noisily on the cheek with a son’s affectionate kiss of hello.

  “Mom,” he murmured gently. “I’ve missed you.” The heartfelt bear hug his mom bestowed on him brought tears to Shannon’s eyes.

  The moment the hug relaxed, Nick tugged Shannon forward and beamed at his mom while he performed the best introduction he could in the circumstances.

  “Mom, I’d like you to meet Shannon Reynolds,” he informed her with a wide smile in Shannon’s direction.

  With that, Alanna Barrett turned her full attention on Shannon where she stood nervously by Nick’s side, silently praying for the woman’s acceptance and approval.

  Mrs. Barrett’s sweeping assessment of her and of the shining smile on her son’s obviously happy face was quick and astute. Practically pushing Nick aside, his mother declared in a charming Southern drawl, “Oh, my dear. I’m so happy to finally meet you!” Taking Shannon’s hand, she drew her into a tremendous hug.

  When she stepped back and smiled into Shannon’s anxious face, all the tension she’d been feeling evaporated under the force of the woman’s warm welcome.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Barrett,” Shannon shyly replied, to which Nick’s mother hooted with laughter at her formal tone.

  “Now, now, my dear, there will be none of that ‘Mrs. Barrett’ nonsense! I insist you call me Alanna, and I will call you Shannon. As soon as I can distract my obviously satisfied son and shoo him from the room with some imaginary chore, you will tell me all about yourself and explain why it took you so long to find your way here.”

  “Mom…what?” Nick asked, at his mother’s odd comment.

  Pinning him in place with one of those looks that only a mother can pull off, Alanna Barrett turned to her son and said, “I’m not a fool, Nicky. I’ve been waiting for this young lady to show up for a very long time.”

  Nick looked back and forth from his mother’s smug grin to Shannon’s confused face and wondered what on earth his mom was referring to.

  “Come now, Nick, surely you didn’t imagine that you could fall in love and I wouldn’t know. Or that I didn’t realize all these years the sacrifice you made for your family. When Annabelle called with news of the unexpected arrival in your life of a woman you had all but dropped everything for, I knew the long wait had come to an end.”

  Turning back to Shannon, she smiled gently and said, “I don’t care about the particulars, you two. Really. I’m only glad beyond anything you could dream of that somehow you’ve found the way back to each other, and no one could be happier or more overjoyed than I am at this moment.”

  “Did you talk to Jules?” Nick asked, convinced that his sister had spilled the entire can of beans about his and Shannon’s history and her demented but well-meaning attempts at matchmaking.

  Guiding Shannon and Nick toward a huge kitchen table, she answered quickly, “No, actually I haven’t spoken to her since we got back from our cruise. She texted me the other day, but you know how I am with all that nonsense. If you want to speak to me, then speak. I do not respond to all that new-fangled texting!”

  Caught up in Alanna’s sweet, Southern style of speaking, Shannon was trying, as was Nick, to piece together whatever was flying about in the woman’s mind. If she read the situation correctly, Nick’s mother had suspected for a very long time that her son had loved and lost many years ago. With Shannon’s sudden appearance in his life, she had rightly assumed that their relationship had begun long before recent weeks.

  She was moved by the woman’s shrewd assessment and felt a sense of rightness descend upon her. Even his mother had seen how alone he had been all these years. Her open, welcoming acceptance warmed Shannon’s heart.

  They sat together at the big table while Alanna heated the teapot for her and Shannon while Nick indulged in his favorite single-cup brew. With the introductions behind them, Nick and his mom chatted comfortably about her recent trip as Alanna made every effort to include Shannon in their lively discussion.

  She made them both laugh with endless stories, all delivered in her quaint Georgia drawl, about the fabulous food and delightful spa treatments she and Nick’s aunt had enjoyed while they scouted ideas and locations for the chain of high-end boutique spa hotels she was developing.

  When Shannon inquired about needing to visit the bathroom, Alanna rose from the table and escorted her to the powder room behind the butler’s pantry at the rear of the kitchen. Like everything else she’d seen of the charming home from Nick’s happy childhood, even the powder room was done to perfection with a surprisingly modern artisan bowl sink above rustic cabinetry that gave the tiny space classy elegance. Alanna Barrett clearly had a good eye as well as an open gracious spirit.

  Returning to the table minutes later, she found Nick’s mother standing by his side where he sat in relaxed repose as her loving mother’s touch caressed his cheek in clear affection. Approaching soundlessly, she heard Alanna murmur to her son, “You’ve made me extremely happy, Nicholas. She’s lovely.”

  Then to her shock and surprise, the woman brushed aside a tear when she choked up and added, “Your father would be so proud of you, son.”

  That comment brought Nick forward in his seat as he wrapped arms around his mother and pressed his face into her middle. “I love you so much, Mom,” he whispered as Shannon silently crept up and sat down close by his side.

  Seeing how loving he was with his family had been an eye-opener for Shannon, from his treatment of Jules, his open affection for Dom, even of the closeness he showed with Ned. She was moved by the deep integrity and caring he wasn’t afraid to display.

  Turning brightly shining eyes her way, Alanna smiled at Shannon and surprised her by saying, “My son tells me he has asked you to be his wife,” making Shannon’s eyes widen and shoot sideways to meet Nick’s. “And he also says that you’ve said yes.”

  At Nick’s half-smile and small nod, Shannon relaxed when he brought her hand from under the table, kissed it quickly, and then with boyish joy proudly showed his mom the stunning ring Shannon adored.

  “Oh my word, honey!” Alanna barked with joy. “Look at that! You should have come prancing through my door waving that thing like a flag, Shannon!”

  Taking Shannon’s hand in hers while placing the other on her son’s shoulder, Alanna Barrett fought back tears and said, “My dearest son, Nicky, and lovely, lovely Shannon, you have made this old woman unbelievably happy. Seeing your joy, both of you, has been a wonderful surprise.”

  She pulled Shannon to her feet, wrapped her in a strong embrace, and whispered, “Thank you,” in her ear.

  Shannon struggled to maintain
her composure, swearing she heard a telltale sniff or two coming from the man sitting behind her. Shannon shyly smiled, first at her beloved and then at his mother, before clearing her throat, which had become thick with emotion.

  “It would mean everything to us, Alanna, if we knew we had your blessing,” Shannon choked out, bringing Nick swiftly to his feet to join in the women’s embrace.

  “Shannon,” Nick’s mother sighed, “that you would even think to ask.”

  Hugging them both, Alanna laughed and teased her son. “I knew I liked this young woman, Nicky! You get her to the altar before she realizes what a handful you’re going to be or you’ll have me to answer to!”

  They all laughed and hugged a bit more, enjoying the special moment when, after a short while, they heard Mr. Allen thumping his way into the kitchen.

  “Did I interrupt?” he asked when first coming upon what essentially was a group hug that didn’t want to end.

  “Gregory Allen!” Alanna shouted. “You old coot! I’ll bet dollars to donuts that you and that nosey wife of yours knew before I did that these two were engaged!”

  He laughed at that, as did Nick, while Shannon enjoyed the easy repartee along with the sensation of having her hand firmly clasped in Nick’s. She was tickled by his happiness and wanted to etch each and every one of these special moments in her memory.

  When Mr. Allen held up the hamper his wife had packed with baked goods, Alanna clapped her hands in delight, declaring, “Why this is the best day ever! I didn’t think anything could top the day that rascal Ned Stewart married my Julianna, but this!” She cried and waved her hands. “This makes perfect! An engagement and Anna’s zucchini bread!”

  Shannon snuggled closer to Nick’s side and beamed her happiness into his face when he looked at her with smiling, joy-filled eyes. Everything was going to be alright.

  They all ate lunch together gathered around the big family table, telling stories and swapping one-liners about everything from the upcoming World Series to the latest celebrity gossip. Shannon had deftly added a few choice nuggets to that topic, regaling her lunch partners with behind-the-scenes, firsthand observations about a socially clueless award-winning actor and a teen sensation with an annoying penchant for peanut butter and jelly. It was a pleasant hour that ended with Alanna suggesting to Nick and Mr. Allen that they make themselves useful by checking out the lumber that had been delivered during her absence for repairs to the backyard tree house.