Finally Home in Willow Heights, page 1
FINALLY HOME IN WILLOW HEIGHTS
WILLOW HEIGHTS SERIES BOOK TWO
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
Epilogue
CHAPTER 1
“Breakfast in bed!” Mary Elle announced as she walked into Melanie’s room. Melanie didn’t say a word. She simply turned to her side as tears slowly streamed down her face. Mary Elle placed the food tray on the bedside table and sat next to her on the bed.
“Oh honey,” she said as she ran her fingers through Melanie’s straight black hair.
“Is something wrong with me?” Melanie asked as she cried.
It truly broke Mary Elle’s heart to see her daughter this way. She wished there was a way to take the pain away. It had been a month since Melanie had shown up on her doorstep following her separation from her husband, Everett. Mary Elle worried she didn’t see Melanie getting any better. Having gone through a divorce herself not long ago, she knew there wasn’t exactly a time frame for the healing process.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with you, honey.”
“You’re supposed to say that. You’re my mother.”
“I say it because it’s the truth. Please sit up and eat this delicious breakfast I prepared for you.”
“I’m not hungry,” Melanie said but sat up anyway.
Mary Elle studied her daughter. She had always been fair-skinned, but she looked very pale and thin.
“Eat for the baby.”
Melanie patted her growing bump and said, “All I've ever wanted was to be a mom.”
“I know, honey. You will still be a mom. You will be an amazing mom. We may not know why things happen how they do, but I can assure you that God would never throw anything at you that you can’t handle.”
“I feel like such a fool.”
“Why? You did nothing wrong.”
“I knew Everett wasn't the one, mom. I knew it a long time ago. Shortly after we married, I realized I had made a mistake, but I was too proud to admit it. I should've corrected my mistake.”
Mary Elle had often wondered why Melanie stuck it through with Everett. She had noticed that they didn’t seem happy with each other, but she didn’t know why Melanie hadn’t ended it before it got to this. Now she understood a little more.
She patted Melanie’s knee and said, “It’s ok to make mistakes. We learn from them, Mel. Maybe you wanted it to become true and thought time would make it work. It doesn’t matter. You are carrying a baby inside of you now. A baby that you have wanted and loved all this time.”
“Everett said he doesn’t want the responsibility and pressure of a baby right now. He blames me for everything.”
“Give him time. When he sees the baby, he’ll love it too.”
“No, mom. He’s made up his mind. He said he only agreed to try and have a baby because he thought we wouldn’t be able to conceive. I don’t know that I want to have him in the baby’s life if he will resent the baby.”
“I know it may not seem like it right now, but things will work out. Everything will be okay.”
“I’m scared. I never thought I would be a single mom. How will I raise a child without a dad? What will I tell it when it asks where its dad is?”
Mary Elle did what she did best. She hugged Melanie. She didn’t have the right words to say and did not know what the future held, but she knew that the baby would have a wonderful life and would lack nothing, especially not love.
Melanie finally ate breakfast and got out of bed. She had moved in with Mary Elle, leaving everything behind in NYC. She had her essentials, and she said that’s all she needed.
Everett called Mary Elle a few days after Melanie showed up to let her know he was shipping Melanie’s furniture and items she had left behind when she came down to be with her. Mary Elle and her boyfriend, Thomas, had taken the things to a storage unit in the next town over once they arrived.
She hadn’t mentioned anything to Melanie to not upset her. Even though they both paid the mortgage, the apartment she and Everett had lived in was under Everett’s name. He would sell it and keep all the money. Since they never had a prenup or any agreement, Melanie decided not to fight him on it. Mary Elle understood her. She wanted to move on and not have anything tying her to him for much longer.
Thomas visited often and brought Melanie flowers and goods from the bakery. He always asked Mary Elle if Melanie had any cravings that he might be able to get her. Thomas’ attentiveness and kindness touched Mary Elle. He had become so much more than she could’ve ever imagined. She hoped and prayed that Melanie would find someone to show her how great love could be.
Tiffany, her youngest, had planned to visit them soon but hadn’t been able to because she had just started a new job. She had graduated from the University and had landed a great job at an up-and-coming new hotel in North Carolina.
Michael, Mary Elle’s eldest and only son, couldn’t visit Melanie but had called her several times to congratulate her on the pregnancy and encourage her to keep her head up and tell her jokes to make her laugh again. He mentioned he would visit for Thanksgiving, and Mary Elle couldn’t wait to have all her kids together again.
Mary Elle’s sister, DeeAnn, and best friend, Rita, had also shown Melanie immense support. Rita tried getting Melanie to do color therapy and keep her mind occupied.
Even Bill, Mary Elle’s ex-husband and Melanie’s father, had called Melanie several times and planned to visit them soon but had a hectic schedule at work for the next couple of weeks.
It seemed as if this terrible situation brought everyone closer to each other. Mary Elle was glad that she had so many friends and family support. Melanie also felt the same way and thanked everyone who was helping her.
A few friends from NYC started sending Melanie gifts for the baby. They all knew Melanie wanted this baby and how much she had to endure to get here. Mary Elle gave Melanie one last glance and was happy to see that she was eating her breakfast. She hated leaving her alone, but she had to get to work. Today they would host a business retreat at Willow Acres; she had been looking forward to this for months.
Melanie slept like a baby that night. This was the first night where she hadn’t stayed up all night thinking about Everett and how things had ended the way they had. She could finally sleep and dream again, which she hadn’t done since she left New York.
The weeks following their separation had been a blur. She spent a lot of time wallowing in self-pity and beating herself up. Melanie was tired of thinking back on old memories and all the excuses she had made for him then. She had been such a fool.
No matter how bad things got, she always held on to hope. Every time things got terrible, she reminded herself of times when they had been good, which kept her going. She hadn’t been sure how Everett would respond to the baby news. She had been hesitant to tell him, but she never thought he would react the way he did.
She blamed herself more than anything, and it plagued her with this feeling of shame that she couldn’t shake. Her family had been nothing but understanding, which made things a little easier. However, she couldn’t help feeling like a failure. Her marriage was over, but now she would also be a single mother. How had life ended up this way?
Melanie hated feeling this way. This wasn’t who she was. She had never been a quitter and couldn’t let this situation ruin her life. Let alone over a guy. Melanie would have a baby and show everyone, including Everett, that she was capable of this.
She sat in bed and decided that it was time she got her life back together; she started by taking a long relaxing bath before heading down to the kitchen to make breakfast for everyone.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Mary Elle said as she reached the kitchen and noticed Melanie.
“Good morning, mom. I wanted to surprise you,” Melanie said as she grabbed a cup from the cupboard and prepared a coffee for her mother.
“It smells wonderful. What are you making?”
“I’m making our favorites, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and coffee.”
“It smells delicious. I’m so happy to see you up so early. Do you have any plans?”
“No, but I had a great dream. I saw myself with the baby, and we were happy and healthy. Which made me realize that’s all that truly matters.”
A light knock on the front door interrupted them, and Thomas appeared in the kitchen shortly after. Melanie still couldn’t get over that no one in Willow Heights ever locked their front door.
“It smells delicious in here!” Thomas said as he went over to Mary Elle and placed a kiss on her cheek.
Melanie noticed her mom blush and quickly glanced her way nervously. She wasn’t used to seeing her mom with a man who wasn’t her father, but it made her happy to see how Thomas treated her. He respected her mother and valued her opinions. He was always available for her and offered her the support she needed. She’d never seen her mother have such a fulfilling relationship with her father, and it made her so proud to see her mom so happy and in love.
“Thank you for coming, Thomas,” Melanie said as she gave him a side hug. Melanie texted Thomas that
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Thomas said as he sat next to Mary Elle.
“I hope I’m not late,” DeeAnn said as she hurried into the kitchen, still in her pajamas and her curly hair sticking up all over the place. She took a seat next to Melanie and quickly dug into the food. “Oh, this is so good!”
Melanie smiled and said, “I’m glad you could make it. We’ve missed you the last few days.”
“I was tying up some loose ends in Savannah, but I am happy to be settling in now,” DeeAnn said as she poured herself some orange juice.
Melanie was pleased to hear that; DeeAnn and Mary Elle had a falling out at a young age, and because of that, they had lost touch. DeeAnn staying in Willow Heights allowed them to make up for lost time and make fresh memories.
“Are you nervous about starting at a new school?” Thomas asked her.
“Sure am. I am both excited and nervous about it. I met many parents and kids over the summer but haven't met the principal yet.”
School had already started, and DeeAnn began her new teaching job at Willow Heights Middle School. She told them she was nervous about her first day at work; she had made friends, but the school was a couple of miles out into town.
Mrs. Adelman had gotten the job for DeeAnn without an interview, just based on recommendations, which added pressure. So far, everyone had been friendly over the phone when they contacted DeeAnn about the job. Things here were done a little differently here than in Savannah. DeeAnn met many parents and students who had taken part in the summer camp, and she knew most of them attended Willow Heights Middle School.
“Don’t be nervous, Aunt D; I’m positive all the kids and parents will love you.”
“Thanks, Melanie. Also, you look so beautiful with your baby bump.”
“Thank you. Before we know it, this baby will be one of your students!” Melanie said with a laugh while rubbing her belly.
Thomas cleared his throat and nervously said, “Melanie, this might not be the best time to bring this up, but I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“What is it?” Melanie said, growing concerned. Thomas wasn’t usually the nervous type.
“As you know, we are trying to bring more business to Willow Acres. We have been doing great with all the amazing events your mother has been wonderfully planning,” he said as he glanced at Mary Elle, and Melanie couldn’t help but notice the pink tint that had crept into her mother's cheeks.
“David and I have been discussing revamping the website and getting an in-house photographer to offer our clients for the events. We would love for you to join our team.”
“I would love to!”
“Are you sure? It’s not a fancy New York job, but we would love to have you. Please don’t feel pressured to take it if you’re not ready,” Thomas said.
“Thomas, I would love nothing more than to join your team. I have no plans to return to New York. Willow Heights feels like just the place for my new beginning. You guys don’t know this, but I quit my job in NYC, and I’ve been worried about money since the baby is due in a few months. I have some savings, but I am quickly learning that babies are expensive.”
“Great. On Monday, you can come in with me if you’re up for it,” Mary Elle said, beaming.
“Yes, that is a wonderful way to move forward.” DeeAnn chipped in.
Breakfast was a delight. Melanie was feeling better. She had felt the baby move inside her, which made everything feel much more real. Since moving to Willow Heights, Melanie had found a good OBGYN in the next town over that would be her new doctor. She was already taking her prenatal vitamins and was now embracing her baby. Before, she felt horrible because she had kept the baby a secret from Everett. Then when she finally told him, he went off on her and blamed her for trying to sabotage his career. That was when she had enough and left Everett to keep her baby safe and away from a toxic environment.
Her key priority was the baby and keeping the baby happy and healthy. She had books on pregnancy and learned how the baby could feel what the mother was feeling and did not want the baby to feel any sadness like she was. She decided to be strong and carry on.
Mary Elle sat on her back porch swing next to Thomas after that excellent breakfast Melanie had prepared for them. Mary Elle had mentioned recently that she always wanted a wooden swing back here. A week later, Thomas surprised her with a swing he made himself. Her heart warmed at the memory.
She glanced over at Thomas and was surprised to see that his eyes were on her.
“Penny, for your thoughts?” She said to him.
“Just wondering how I got so lucky,” Thomas said with his smile that made Mary Elle’s heart skip a few beats.
“Thomas, you little sweet talker,” Mary Elle said as she snuggled closer to him.
“It’s not sweet-talking if it’s the truth.”
Mary Elle let out a sigh.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Thomas asked, pulling away to get a closer look at her.
“I’m just worried about Melanie. She’s never had the best luck in relationships, and I’m afraid she’ll close herself off from anyone new now.”
“She’s not divorced yet, and you’re worried she won't find someone new?” Thomas asked gently. Mary Elle realized how silly it sounded once she heard it coming out of his mouth.
“I’m her mom. I’m supposed to worry about these things,” she said with a shrug. No matter how old her kids got, she could never stop worrying about them. She saw that a mother’s job was never done, no matter how grown they were.
“Melanie will be alright,” Thomas said confidently and sat back, putting his arm around Mary Elle.
Mary Elle wished she could be as sure as he sounded, but she wasn’t so sure. She felt sick to her stomach with worry over Melanie’s future. She’d heard of many women suffering from postpartum depression after pregnancy and feared that would be the case here.
“I hope you’re right,” she said softly.
“What if this is what’s best for her?”
“What do you mean?”
“Divorce isn’t the worst outcome sometimes. Look at us,” he said, motioning between them.
“You have a point,” Mary Elle said as she remembered how lonely and sad Melanie had always seemed during her marriage. “I just want her to be happy.”
“What if, instead of thinking about what can go wrong, you imagine what could go right?”
“See? This is why I keep you around,” Mary Elle said with a smile. Thomas was right. Melanie would be alright, and she would make sure of it.
“There is something else on my mind that I hadn’t mentioned because of everything you have going on,” Thomas said.
“Oh? What is it?”
“Patty mentioned she saw Wyatt pocketing some money from the restaurant last week.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I heard his mother lost her job recently, but I’ve been so busy that I hadn’t asked if they needed help. I feel terrible. Wyatt is a great kid, and I know he would never do something like this if he weren’t desperate.”
“You’re right. I would never expect that from him. He is such a good kid. Honestly, I would never expect that from anyone at Willow Acres; we have a great team.”
Thomas nodded, but Mary Elle could tell his thoughts were somewhere else. She made a mental note to try and find a way to help Wyatt. Thomas filled Mary Elle in on the young boy's history. His mother had raised him alone after his father left them a little after Wyatt was born. His father had a history of abusing alcohol, and it had been rumored that he also physically abused Wyatt’s mother.
Mary Elle couldn’t fathom how difficult this must have been for Wyatt. She felt for the boy and made it a mission to find a way to help him. She may not have known him for very long, but she knew how hard-working he was and that this was entirely out of his character.
