Starting Over in Maple Bay by Brittney Joy
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Jesse walked into his parents’ kitchen and set his keys on the counter, feeling like his future had just been derailed. The briny scent of his mother’s homemade gravy filled the air, but Jesse wasn’t the least bit hungry. Hazel had burrowed into his heart, one day at a time, until she took up more space than he could stand to lose. And if he let her continue to do so, she’d surely run off with his heart at the end of the summer, leaving him hollow.
Joyce turned from the pot she was stirring on the stove and did a doubletake. “My goodness, what happened?”
Jesse pulled a chair out from the table and sat. “Where’s Charlie?”
Joyce set the whisk on the counter and walked toward him. “She’s upstairs, with your father. Convinced him to have tea with her, as you were taking too long. What’s wrong?”
Jesse put his elbows on the table and scrubbed his face with his hands, knowing there was no easing this by his mom. She’d seen his face and would smoother him with concern until he told her what had run him over like a freight train.
“I think,” he said, pausing to really consider what he was about to say, “I think I’m in love with Hazel.” It was the first time the thought had manifested through his mouth, and he immediately counteracted it. “But she’s planning to sell the property. After the summer is over, she’ll be gone. She doesn’t want to keep it. She doesn’t want to stay here, with me.”
Joyce pulled out the chair next to him and sat without saying a word. Jesse expected her to tell him that everything would be fine, that there were plenty of fish in the sea, and if he was ready for a woman to be a part of his life, that he’d find the right one eventually. His mother had seen him through multiple relationships over the years.
Instead, she put her hand on his arm and said, “I know.”
Jesse looked at her. “You know? That’s she’s leaving?”
“That you’re in love with her.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “A mother knows.”
Jesse thought of all the conscious efforts he’d made to hide his feelings for Hazel, for her sake and his, but were his feelings written all over his face? Was he was too far gone to walk away from Hazel now? Jesse was sitting at his parents’ kitchen table, but he felt like he’d just jumped into the middle of the lake, left the safety of solid ground, and was about to sink or swim.
Joyce squeezed his arm. “Love isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Your dad and I have been together for forty-five years. There are ups and downs, and sometimes stuff goes completely sideways, but we made a choice all those years ago to be there for each other, no matter what. Love doesn’t just happen. It’s a choice. You have to choose it.”
Jesse let his mother’s advice sink in, and it strengthened what he knew deep inside. He had some choices to make. Tough choices. Decisions that would change his life.
The next morning Hazel sat in the barn office, her gaze rotating between the desk and the clock. It was barely past ten and she couldn’t wait until her workday was over. Hazel loved her job. She thoroughly enjoyed all the activities with the horse-camp kids, making lunches, and she even enjoyed the paperwork. Today, however, Hazel couldn’t wait to get done with work so she could talk to Jesse. She had a lot on her mind, and a lot to say. All night she’d been grinding over what she should do, and by the morning she finally let herself see what she really wanted. Hazel wanted to keep the carriage house. And she wanted to truly give her and Jesse a chance.
Last night, after Bill’s surprise arrival and proceeding mess, Hazel realized how happy she’d been in Maple Bay. She also realized how miserable she’d be if she moved back to the city and let the carriage house and all the wonderful people that had become part of her life slip away. Maple Bay had breathed new life into her. She’d found a creative outlet in the carriage house—in restoring it, decorating it, planning its future. Her love of cooking and baking had been revived and she had the chance to create a business—a bed-and-breakfast—that would fuel her passions and could financially support her and Grace. If she kept the property, finances would be tight, but Hazel had the remainder of the money from selling her car. She’d use that to finish the remodel, best she could. Then she’d open the bed-and-breakfast as quickly as possible. Hopefully, yet this summer. Then, to further cement her plan, Hazel had called Myra first thing this morning and pitched an idea. She offered to provide Perkup Coffee with as many pastries as Myra would take, for as long as she would take them. Myra was delighted with the idea and ordered four dozen of whatever Hazel wanted to bake for tomorrow.
Hazel was starting to make sense of everything in her head, but knew she’d need to scrimp and hustle and save all summer. Then, come fall, she’d buy a cheap car and could travel back and forth between Haven Hills and Maple Bay. She’d stay in Haven Hills during the week, while Grace attended school. She and Grace would continue to live in her parents’ basement, and Hazel would keep her job at the elementary school. On the weekends, she and Grace would travel to Maple Bay. When Grace was with Bill, Hazel would put on her big girl panties and leave her be. Because Hazel was starting to understand that if she wasn’t happy, her daughter wouldn’t be either. This change would be good for them both.
Furthermore, Hazel might be able to rent out rooms in the carriage house even while she was in Haven Hills. If she could hire someone to help her cook and clean, Hazel could manage the reservations and administrative work from afar.
Excitement built inside her, and Hazel couldn’t wait to share her news with Jesse. She knew she’d said all the wrong things yesterday, and she wanted to make it right with him. Her fear of failure had blinded her, no matter how worthy or safe Jesse had made her feel. But she didn’t want to let her fears keep her from the possibility of love and happiness. Not any longer.
Boot heels clicked down the barn aisle, and Frankie stuck her head in the office. “The kids are tacking up their horses now and I’m going to get them all in the saddle. Do you want to prep lunch while they ride?”
“Already done.” Hazel had been wide awake since four o’clock. She’d whipped together sandwiches, apple slices, and cookies by five.
“You’re such an overachiever.” Frankie winked. “Well, do whatever you like for the next hour. Maybe make a fresh pot of coffee?”
“Sure. I’ll bring you a cup when it’s brewed. And I’ll prep for the craft activity I have planned for this afternoon.”
“Great,” Frankie replied. “Oh, and I might need your help in a bit. The police finally identified the owner of the last two horses from our rescue.”
“Oh, that’s great news.”
“It is. The owner is driving over from South Dakota. Should be here sometime in the next hour or so. I might need you to supervise the kids while I help her load the horses in her trailer.”
Hazel nodded. “No problem.”
Frankie smiled and disappeared from the door.
Hazel stood from the desk and walked over to the corner table that served as a coffee station. She opened the coffee maker and removed the full filter. After prepping a fresh pot and pushing the start button, Hazel surveyed the office. What could she do to keep herself busy for the next hour? Prepping for her afternoon activity would only take fifteen minutes. Identifying a light layer of dust on the shelf that held pictures and trophies, Hazel grabbed the duster and started cleaning, but she stopped when she spotted her box sitting next to one of Frankie’s trophies. The box of letters from Rose.
Hazel forgot she’d set it there Saturday night, after Hazel and Frankie had read a few of Rose’s letters before the barn dance. They’d been outside, watching the kids play while they waited for Jesse and Charlie to arrive. Hazel had intended to take the box back over to the carriage house, but got distracted when Jesse showed up early. She’d set it in the barn office for safe keeping.
Hazel picked up the box. She’d been reading the letters with Frankie, but they’d only made it through about half of them. Curiosity niggled at Hazel. Maybe she could peek at one? Frankie and she could still read the letters together. Hazel would just have a preview.
Deciding Frankie would be fine with that, Hazel sat down at the desk. She opened the box and thumbed through the envelopes. Each was marked with a year and Hazel was surprised by the connection she now felt to the letters—the understanding she had gained of her biological mother. As she flipped through the envelopes, Hazel found herself drawn to the very last one. What were Rose’s last words to her? She plucked the soft pink envelope from the box and stared at it. It was written just last fall.
Not able to help herself, Hazel opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.
My Sweet Hazel,
Thirty-seven years ago you came into this world, and I can still remember how you felt in my arms. Since the day I had you, I never set you down. I didn’t want to miss one moment with my baby girl. Ever since I left the hospital alone, I’ve struggled with the pain and guilt of not keeping you as my own, but I’ve also come to understand that God has a plan for everyone. When you were born, I wasn’t ready for you. I couldn’t give you a stable home. Instead, I was meant to give you life in order to bless your mother and father with a beautiful daughter of their own. You were meant for their love, though you’ve never been without mine.
Many times over the years I’ve wanted to reach out to you, to try to have some kind of relationship, but I never wanted to disrupt the family you already had. Instead, I tried to do you proud by raising Frankie the way I wish I could’ve raised you.
This may be the last letter I write to you. I’ve been fighting cancer for over a year and it’s taking a toll on my body. By the time you read this letter, I will likely be gone from this earth, but in my absence, I wanted to give you a piece of me. I always intended to leave you these letters so that you could know how much I’ve loved you and thought about you. I know possessions are not the most important things in life, but I’ve always wanted to split my belongings between you and Frankie. I’ve left you each adjoining properties and special mementos from my life. In my will, I have set forth a clause, asking that both you and Frankie live on your properties for whatever length of time Frankie requires. You may not see this as a gift at first, but this is my gift to my daughters, in hopes that you will become sisters.
I will love you always,
Rose
Hazel’s throat closed. She felt paralyzed, but managed to blink. Tears dripped off her lashes onto the letter, and Hazel read it one more time. Frozen to the chair, she focused on the last few lines.
I have set forth a clause, asking that both you and Frankie live on your properties for whatever length of time Frankie requires . . . Frankie was who determined that Hazel live here for the summer? She had set the timeline?
Betrayal crept in like smoke, clouding the time Hazel had shared with Frankie, making it feel murky. Hazel remembered the pity she’d felt for Frankie at the reading of the will, how she couldn’t understand why Rose would put Frankie in a spot where she’d be vulnerable and could possibly lose her house, barn, and business. Then Frankie had basically begged Hazel to stay. Frankie had cried. All of that was a lie? Frankie had the power all along to end the clause? To change the terms of the will?
Hazel slowly rose from the chair and walked out of the office, still holding the letter. She left the barn and moved toward the arena like a car through fog—not really seeing anything outside what was right in front of her. Her sights were set on Frankie.
Frankie stood near the arena fence. She was saying something to the kids who were in the arena, saddling up their horses which were all tied to the fence. She must’ve heard Hazel approaching, because she turned. Her face was bright and cheery and the second she saw Hazel, confusion grabbed Frankie’s features. Her eyes flicked to what Hazel held in her hand and Frankie’s eyes widened.
Hazel stopped in front of Frankie. “You lied to me.”
“I—” Frankie started. “I didn’t—”
“You lied, Frankie. I actually trusted you and you lied.” Did everyone in her life like to hide things? Her parents hid her adoption until she was a teenager. Bill hid all his stupid financial decisions and then his affair. Her biological mother hid from Hazel all her life. Now her sister—someone she thought she could trust—lied to her face? Hid the truth? Even after they grew close? “I rooted up my entire life and moved here at a moment’s notice with my daughter because that’s what I thought I had to do. But you had the ability all along to put an end to the clause?”
Frankie’s chin moved for a bit before she sputtered out words. “It’s not like that.”
“What’s it like then?”
“I was going to tell you. I planned to tell you before we got through all the letters. Why were you reading them without me?”
A painful bubble of anger shot up Hazel’s throat. That’s what Frankie had to say for herself? “The letters were written to me. Not to us. I can read them as I see fit.”
Frankie looked like Hazel had slapped her. “I thought—”
“You thought wrong.” Hazel stared at Frankie. “You watched me struggle and still chose to hold Rose’s will over my head?” Tears sprung to Hazel’s eyes. She thought she’d gained a sister this summer. Now she didn’t know what to think. “Why wouldn’t you just tell me the truth? Why did I have to read it here?” Hazel raised the letter in her hand and shook it like a rattle, angry at the strong twinge of pain wringing through her.
“Stop!” Frankie called sharply. She snatched Hazel’s wrist, pulled it down, and removed the letter from Hazel’s hand before stuffing the paper in her back jeans pocket.
For a second, Hazel was stunned by Frankie’s knee-jerk reaction, but quickly realized a horse behind her was scrambling on gravel. Hazel turned to see hooves in the air.
There was a strange truck and trailer parked next to the barn, and the last two rescue horses were walking toward it. Jesse led one. Tommy had ahold of the other, kind of. The waving letter must’ve spooked them.
“Easy,” Jesse repeated a few times as both horses continued scattering backward. He had a firm hold on his horse, even as it jumped, and tried to grab Tommy’s horse’s lead rope as well, but the horse was too quick. It reared and jerked backward, pulling Tommy to the ground.
“Let go, Tommy!” Frankie shouted. Her son held tight to the rope, and the horse yanked him across the grass like a sled on snow until he couldn’t hold on any longer. The rope shot out of Tommy’s hands like a rubber band and whipped the already frightened horse across the chest.
Frankie swore and moved toward the running horse. Hazel heard Frankie tell the kids in the arena to move away from their horses and stay calm, but everything happened so fast. The frightened, loose horse galloped away from Tommy and through an open gate on the other end of the arena. He tore across the arena sand, bucking and running as the lead rope slapped against his side. The kids backed away from the horses that were tied to the fence, which was good because the horses danced around and whinnied. But Hazel quickly realized there was one rider that was already in the saddle—her daughter.
Grace must’ve mounted up on her own while Frankie and Hazel were talking. She sat on the horse she’d be assigned for the day—Patches—in the middle of the arena, looking terrified as the loose, bucking horse ran straight for her.
Hazel had no idea what to do. She only knew that she had to get to Grace.
Scrambling through the arena fence, Hazel made it between the boards just as the loose horse neared Grace and Patches. To Hazel’s horror, Patches lurched forward, trying to get away from the loose horse. The sudden movement knocked Grace off balance and out of the saddle. She fell to the ground with a thud and the loose horse raced by, just feet from where Grace lay in the sand.
Dear God. Hazel ran toward Grace, quieting every ounce of her that wanted to shout out. She didn’t want to scare Grace or the horses any more than she already had. When Hazel reached her daughter, she kneeled beside her.
“Tell me what hurts.”
Grace looked stunned, but when she saw her mom, the tears came. She was obviously in pain.
Hazel unclipped the chin strap of Grace’s helmet, unbelievably grateful that Frankie required helmets of all her riders. “It’s okay, baby. Everything will be okay. Now, tell me where you’re hurt.” Hazel’s heart raced and she tried to calm all her own fears so she could be fully present for Grace.
“My arm,” Grace sobbed and grabbed one arm with the other. It looked like she’d fallen on her side, maybe taken the brunt of the tumble on her shoulder.
“Don’t move her,” Jesse shouted, and Hazel looked up. He was running across the arena toward them. “The ambulance is on its way.”