Second chances in willow.., p.1
Second Chances in Willow Heights, page 1
SECOND CHANCES IN WILLOW HEIGHTS
WILLOW HEIGHTS SERIES BOOK NINE
ABIGAIL BECK
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
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
CHAPTER 1
Lorraine stood in the middle of her empty home, her eyes sparkling with pride and joy. She looked around at the freshly painted walls, the brand-new stainless-steel appliances, and the hardwood floors. She couldn’t believe this place was finally hers and that she could provide it for herself and Wyatt. Lorraine took a deep breath and looked at the small stack of boxes holding her belongings in the room's corner. This home might be small compared to other homes, but this was the largest home she’d ever lived in.
The home had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. She had been saving up for some time and was happy to see things coming together. Thomas and Mary Elle helped her come up with a small down payment for the home. Mrs. Klein, her realtor, helped her find programs that helped low-income homebuyers. Lorraine was still in disbelief that she had people in her life who believed in her and wanted to see her succeed. After many years of living in uncertainty, never knowing how she would get by, she finally felt like she was in a good place in her life.
Later today, a delivery would arrive with a bed, a dresser, and a desk for Wyatt’s room. Even though he would go to college soon, she wanted him to know he had a place to stay with her. Lorraine wished more than anything that she could’ve provided more for Wyatt growing up. She wished she could’ve been a better example to him, but there was no going back now; all she could focus on was their future.
Unable to stay still, Lorraine cleaned the already clean house. As she walked from room to room, she envisioned her life here. Lorraine thought of all the beautiful memories she would create here with Wyatt. She wondered where they could put the Christmas tree in the living room. She imagined baking with him in the kitchen like they had when he was younger.
Lorraine stepped out onto her front porch and looked out into the street. Tall trees lined the street, and the air was crisp and cool. The scent of pine trees and wildflowers filled the air. In the distance, she could hear the creek rushing over the rocks and the birds chirping away. A sense of peace rushed over as she took it all in. She still couldn’t believe that she had really done it. She wasn’t dreaming. This was real life. When she set out to buy a house, it felt like such an unattainable task, but her wish had come true, and she knew now that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to.
Just then, a moving truck pulled into her driveway. She didn’t think the delivery would be until later in the afternoon. She wasn’t expecting anyone right now. Lorraine walked over to the truck and smiled when she saw Mary Elle and Thomas jumping out of the truck.
“Welcome to my humble adobe!” she said.
“I hope we’re not interrupting you. I tried to tell Mary Elle that we shouldn’t bother you so early, but she’s relentless!” Thomas said, laughing, a glint in his eye as he lovingly gazed at his wife.
“You’re never a bother. Come in,” Lorraine said, guiding them to the house. She was curious to see what might be inside the moving truck but didn’t want to assume it was for her.
“See? I told you she’d be happy to see us,” Mary Elle said, elbowing Thomas on his side.
“I’m sorry, there’s nowhere for you to sit yet. Would you like some water?” Lorraine asked as she started pulling out a couple of Styrofoam cups.
“No, don’t worry about us. We have a few things for you,” Mary Elle said, unable to hide her excited smile.
Mary Elle’s excitement was contagious, and Lorraine couldn’t help but join in on her giddiness. “What is it?” she asked, eyes wide with excitement.
Before Mary Elle, and Thomas could answer, David and Cade brought various pieces of furniture into the home.
“What’s all this?” Lorraine asked.
“I know your primary concern was getting Wyatt’s room ready for him, and you had little money left over for anything else. So, your friend Lily came to us wanting to help. The town loves you, and we’re all so proud of you. We got a few pieces together for you,” Mary Elle said.
Lorraine was speechless. In the past, she would’ve hated to have anyone help her. She didn’t like feeling like a charity case, but things were different now. No one was judging her or thinking she couldn’t provide for Wyatt. They believed in her and wanted to make things easier for them.
“This means so much to me. Thank you,” she said, hugging Mary Elle.
Lorraine wiped happy tears from her eyes as she pulled apart from Mary Elle.
“You’re doing great things; if we can do anything to help, we will,” Thomas said.
Lorraine nodded, unable to say anything, and gave Thomas a hug.
“Do you like this here?” David asked, motioning to a small round dining table with four chairs he had placed near the kitchen window right before the small pantry.
“It looks great there. Thank you,” Lorraine said.
Her heart filled with joy as she saw her home coming together. For so many years, she had wished and prayed for a family. She had seen how others had a support system and had envied them. Lorraine wanted Wyatt to know what it was like to have aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, but it had always been just the two of them for so long. Now they had more people supporting them than they could’ve ever imagined. Things might not have worked out how she had wanted them to, but they were better than she could’ve ever dreamed. Perhaps someday she could have a relationship with her parents and siblings, but if that never happened, they would be fine, too. They weren’t alone anymore; they had a family and were part of an amazing community.
“What do you think?” Mary Elle asked, standing next to her now.
“I love it. I can’t wait for Wyatt to see our home,” Lorraine said, squeezing Mary Elle’s hand.
It wasn’t until this moment that Lorraine realized how much Mary Elle looked like her mother. She was beautiful. Mary Elle had lovely straight black hair that she kept neatly cut in a bob. She never let it get past her shoulders. Her eyes were bright blue and crinkled in the corners because she was always laughing and smiling.
“What’s wrong?” Mary Elle asked.
“Nothing. I’m just so grateful to you and everyone. I don’t know what I would do without y’all.”
“Lorraine, you would do just fine without us because you are a strong, smart, hard-working woman. You don’t need to do it alone anymore. You have all of us now,” Mary Elle said, hugging her.
Once everyone was gone and she was alone again, Lorraine grabbed a blanket and book to sit outside. Her favorite thing about the house was probably the view of the mountains she had from the back deck. She imagined all the beautiful sunsets she would get to enjoy here. The breeze carried the sound of the birds singing and leaves rustling in the wind. She couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but here.
She spent a few hours finishing her book. It was a regency romance, and she was having a hard time putting it down. Lorraine loved daydreaming about what life might’ve been like back then. What would she have looked like wearing all those beautiful gowns? She glanced at her watch and went back inside. Christian was coming over for dinner tonight, and she couldn’t wait to see his reaction to the house being furnished.
Christian wasn’t like any of the other men she had dated in the past. He was smart, charming, and very hardworking. He had recently finished his doctorate degree and gotten a position as a professor at the College. Christian encouraged her when she was feeling down and reminded her of her goals. Her friend Lily jokingly called them the power couple.
Lorraine had frozen lasagna and garlic bread thawing, and the oven was preheating. She hadn’t had time to cook a homemade meal from scratch for Christian but figured he wouldn’t mind the dinner she was preparing. The doorbell rang, and it was him.
“Hi,” he said with a huge smile. He had bought her some roses and had a small box with him.
“Come in,” Lorraine said as she kissed his cheek.
“Wow, the place looks great. You got furniture and everything,” Christian said as he looked around. He was extremely proud of Lorraine’s progress. He had tutored her in math and science during her first semester at college. Although studying wasn’t Lorraine’s strong suit, he knew she worked hard for Wyatt. She wanted to make him proud and show him she could improve herself and reach her goals as well.
“Yes, Mary Elle and Thomas surprised me today. The town got together and helped with the furniture and other things. I’m overjoyed. I wasn’t expecting anything,” Lorraine said as she stood beside him.
“Oh, here this is for you,” he said as he handed the flowers and held out the small box for her to take.
“Thank you. These are beautiful,” Lorraine said as she sniffed the flowers.
“This is for you too,” he said as he took the flowers in his hands so Lorraine could grab the box from him.
“Oh, what is it?” she asked excitedly.
“Open it,” he replied with a smile.
Lorraine opened the box to find a beautiful jade bonsai tree.
“It’s so gorgeous. Thank you so much, Chris. I love it,” Lorraine said, tears in her eyes.
“I got it for you. I know it will bring you good luck and positivity,” Christian explained.
“I appreciate it. I was reading about them in a magazine lately,” Lorraine added with a smile as she looked for the perfect spot to place her jade bonsai tree.
Soon dinner was ready, and they both sat down to eat dinner together.
“How is Wyatt?” Christian asked.
“He’s doing well. He’s at basketball practice with his friends. Their team has a game this Saturday. They are playing against Winding Creek High School,” Lorraine said as she took a bite of the garlic bread.
“We should support him. Cheer him on and maybe go for lunch afterward,” Christian said.
“He would love that,” Lorraine replied.
Dinner was wonderful. Christian helped Lorraine clean up, and soon they cuddled on the sofa as they watched an episode of their favorite show about Vikings. Christian was just a couple of years older than Lorraine. He was a senior in high school when she was just a freshman. They had seen each other in town but had never interacted with each other until she started preparing herself to take the GED test. Mary Elle had hired Christian as Lorraine’s private tutor to help her with the test. Then their friendship developed and now they were dating.
Mary Elle and DeeAnn were enjoying a warm cup of tea when an incoming video call from Tiffany disrupted them.
“Hi, mom. We’re in Atlanta now and will drive to Willow Heights soon,” Tiffany said as she and David waited for their bags at the baggage claim area.
David chuckled, looking at her lovingly. “Tiffany has been counting down the minutes to see you guys.”
“Good to hear from you guys. I can’t wait to see you! Let me know when ya’ll are on your way here. I’m at DeeAnn’s,” Mary Elle said, moving the phone so DeeAnn could come into view.
“Hi, Auntie Dee! We had the most amazing honeymoon in the Maldives. The beaches were beautiful, and the weather was perfect,” Tiffany said.
David said, “We stayed in a villa with a private pool and beach area. It was like having our own paradise.”
DeeAnn smiled, happy to see the newlyweds looking so in love. “That sounds wonderful! We can’t wait to hear all about it.”
They chatted for a few more minutes before ending the call.
“I was thinking about Sadie’s first birthday,” Mary Elle said. “I want to make her a book filled with pictures from her first year.”
DeeAnn beamed with pride. “That’s such a sweet idea. I can’t wait to see it.”
DeeAnn was sitting on a rocking chair holding her baby, Sadie. Mary Elle took a quick picture of the sweet moment.
“I can’t believe that none of this would’ve ever happened if you hadn’t reached out to me,” DeeAnn said, glancing up at Mary Elle.
“Everything works out how it’s meant to,” Mary Elle said.
“I almost didn’t respond to you. I was still angry and proud. If I hadn’t set those feelings aside... I would’ve never moved here, met Paul, and given birth to this perfect baby girl.”
“But you did, and now look at you. Living the life, you always wanted but didn’t think you would ever have.”
DeeAnn had lived in Willow Heights for a few years but was still in awe of its beauty. The mountains had a way of weaving themselves into your heart. Willow Heights was the perfect place for those looking to start over. Once here, you were filled with a sense of peace that is hard to find anywhere else. DeeAnn couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. As she glanced at Mary Elle, she was overcome with emotion.
She felt like she’d been here all her life, though it hadn’t been very long. All those years when she’d struggled with depression and loneliness seemed like such a distant memory. Everything she wanted and everything she needed, she had here. To think all of this was possible because she’d finally let go of the fear of rejection she’d felt inside. She’d finally let go of the negative thoughts that had plagued her. When she was at her lowest, she took a leap, visited Mary Elle here, and fell in love with the small town. DeeAnn couldn’t imagine a life without her family and friends in Willow Heights.
She looked out the window and saw a few deer grazing in the backyard. Paul lined their backyard with corn for the deer every morning before heading to work. The mountain views never got old, and DeeAnn loved the sound of the birds outside her window. She would always be grateful that she hadn’t let her fears hold her back. That was a lesson she would be sure to instill in Sadie as well. The best things in life are always waiting for you on the other side of your fears.
CHAPTER 2
As soon as Patricia stepped out of her car, she could hear the faint sound of a baby crying. As she approached the front door, she could make out the sound of three kids crying. She took a deep breath and knocked on the front door.
Melanie flung the door open, and her face lit up at the sight of Patricia. "Patty! What a surprise, come in," she said, adjusting Harper in her arms.
“I bumped into Cade earlier, and he said you might like some company,” Patricia said as she walked into the house, taking in the chaos of toys scattered on the floor. She smiled at Ryder, who was sitting on the floor, tears streaming down his face.
Sitting across from him on the floor, she said, “Hey Buddy, Auntie Patty is here to play with you.”
Ryder's face brightened, and he quickly wiped away his tears. Patricia grabbed the firefighter truck he’d been playing with, and they played, with Patricia making silly faces and telling jokes to keep him entertained.
“Do you want me to hold Harper so you can get Hunter?” Patricia asked, extending her arms out.
“Yes, please. I am so sorry. Ryder woke up with a fever, and the twins are teething,” Melanie said.
Patricia could see Melanie was trying her hardest to keep it together, but she could see the exhaustion in her eyes.
“You don’t need to apologize. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to juggle so much. How do you do it?”
Melanie laughed, “I don’t know. Most days, I wake up and hope for the best.”
Patricia watched as Melanie sat on the sofa with Hunter and soothed him. She felt an overwhelming sense of loss at the thought that she might never get to experience something like this. For as long as she could remember, she wanted to be a mother, but things hadn’t worked out that way for her.
“What’s wrong?” Melanie asked, noticing the somber look on her face.
Patricia tried to muster up a smile before answering, “It’s silly,” she said, shaking her head.
“Is it Dean?” Melanie asked.
“No, I haven’t seen him since New Year.”
“Really? I see him around town all the time,” Melanie said.
“I’ve been avoiding him.”
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out between you two. I was really rooting for you,” Melanie said as she rocked Hunter back and forth.
Patricia longed for that feeling, that kind of unconditional love between a mother and child, but it might never be in the cards for her.
“Are you dating?” Melanie asked.
“No, I haven’t met anyone I like, but I have a date coming up with Anderson, Jasper’s cousin.”
“Oh, that’s right! Britney told me about that. I can’t wait to hear all about it,” Melanie said, smiling, but Patricia could see the fatigue in her friend's eyes.
“We’ll see. Have you eaten today?” Patricia asked, feeling her own stomach grumble.
“No, and I haven’t even showered since Friday.”
“Oh, that’s the smell,” Patricia said jokingly.
“Hilarious,” Melanie said.
“Now that the twins are asleep. Why don’t you set them down, go shower, and I'll watch Ryder and prepare something for us to eat?” Patricia said.
