A Dream of Family Read online

  His relationship with Ryan was definitely in the past. They hadn’t spoken since the day of the wedding. Derek had heard through a mutual friend that Ryan was having doubts about getting married weeks before the wedding. Derek always wondered why he never shared his feelings with his best man. “Could that impact my offer?” Derek questioned.

  Rusty’s brow puckered. “If Molly doesn’t start to turn over a profit in the next thirty days, I’ll have to sell, whether you’re ready to make a deal or not. I’m sorry, Derek, but I have to protect my future. And Molly will have to start over.”

  Derek couldn’t fault the man. You couldn’t be successful in business if you didn’t make some tough decisions from time to time. “If you don’t mind me asking, how much higher is my competition’s offer?”

  “I’ll be honest with you. This developer has deep pockets, son. The amount you mentioned doesn’t come close. If you can help her get back to making a steady profit, I would be willing to take an offer that is eighty percent of what the developer is willing to pay. If I know Molly can stay in business, I can retire with peace of mind and know I kept my word to her mother. If her shop is going to close anyway, I might as well take the larger offer right away instead of dragging it out and giving Molly false hope.”

  Rusty named the number, and Derek nodded. “I’ll do what I can to help her.” It was the least he could do, especially if Molly’s failure could impact his plans for expansion within the Shenandoah Valley. Assisting her could buy him more time. He had a good feeling about this town and the positive effect it could have on his franchise. A hunch. And so far, those feelings had yet to fail him when it came to his business.

  “I appreciate your help, Derek. But whatever you do, you can’t let Molly know I came to you about this. I’m not one to keep secrets, but the last thing I want is for her to think I don’t have confidence in her ability to run a successful business.” Rusty extended his hand. “Her independence means a lot to her.”

  “Mum’s the word.” Derek shook hands with his landlord.

  “I’ll let you get back to work.” Rusty pushed himself away from the table. “So I guess I’ll see you at the chamber of commerce meeting on Thursday night. I heard the mayor already reached out to you.”

  “Yes. He did ask me to speak to the members. I’ll admit, I was surprised to hear from him before I arrived in town.”

  Rusty laughed. “Word travels fast in a small town.”

  “I look forward to meeting everyone.”

  Rusty nodded. “Have a good day, son.”

  Alone in the store, Derek replayed the conversation in his mind. Not only did he have to work to get his business off the ground, but he needed to help Molly. He’d given Rusty his word. No way would he be like his father and break a promise. If he turned things around for Molly and could come up with the money he and Rusty had agreed to, maybe he and Molly could both have financial success in Whispering Slopes. Who knew, she might be able to forgive him for ruining her wedding day and her future.

  Then again, suspicion had been written all over her face when he’d entered her store earlier. She suspected he’d played a role in breaking up the wedding. The last thing on Molly Morgan’s mind was forgiveness. Getting her to accept his help would be about as easy as giving a cat a bath.

  Chapter Two

  “Molly! Hey, I tried to call you last night.” High-heeled shoes pecked against the concrete outside the bookstore.

  Molly turned to see Annie Preston. She moved at a brisk pace down the sidewalk, toting a leather briefcase and carrying a thick manila file. Her long, dark ponytail swung back and forth while her suede skirt swished against her knees. Annie was a social worker with the local adoption agency and had been assigned to work with Molly as she pursued adoption. Close in age, they’d become good friends.

  Molly clutched her coffee cup. Exhausted after Derek’s surprise appearance yesterday, followed by a long day of work and number crunching, she’d crawled into bed with her latest romance novel. If she couldn’t have her own happily-ever-after, she could at least escape into someone else’s perfect relationship. “I went to bed early.”

  Annie squinted into the sun and removed her sunglasses from the top of her head. “Did you get my message?” She slid the glasses over her eyes.

  Molly reached inside the pocket of her white jeans and fished out the key to the front door. “No. Not yet.” Molly didn’t want to admit to her friend she’d been too overwhelmed by her financial situation to check her voice mail this morning.

  Annie’s face ignited in a smile. “I’ve got a file I’d like for you to take a look at.”

  “You do?” Excitement coursed through Molly’s veins, and Derek’s presence in town escaped her mind.

  “Yes. The last home assessment went well. We’re ready to proceed with the placement process.”

  “So that means you have a child in mind?” Her pulse increased. She’d been waiting for this moment.

  “Yes, and I think she might be perfect for you. She’s currently staying in our group home since things didn’t work out with the previous foster parent.” Annie passed the file.

  “It’s a girl?” Molly’s heart soared. Was this going to happen? Would she finally have a family of her own?

  “Yes. And she’s adorable. She’s six years old, and her name is Grace.”

  Grace. A shiver traveled through her body. Molly knew God had handpicked this child for her.

  “Why don’t you take a look at the file, and maybe I can bring her by the house on Thursday night. Does that work for you?”

  “I have the chamber of commerce meeting that evening. The mayor said he has some exciting news to share, so I shouldn’t miss it.” The thought of listening to Derek speak wasn’t at the top of her list of things to do, but with her business struggling, missing out on major town news wasn’t an option. “Can we do it tomorrow evening? The teacher has a conflict, so Book Buddies won’t be meeting.”

  Annie pulled her cell from her briefcase and tapped the device. “That will work. Let’s say around seven o’clock.”

  Molly loved Annie’s demeanor. She took things in stride, never sweating the small stuff. Molly, on the other hand, sweated everything, especially now since Derek had moved in. “Sounds like a plan. Should I cook something for dinner?”

  “I thought dessert might be better for the first meeting.”

  “Okay. That works for me. Do you know if Grace has any allergies?”

  Annie laughed. “I knew you had a motherly instinct. Good for you for asking, but no, she doesn’t.”

  “Great. I’ll make my mother’s delicious German chocolate cake. It has nuts in the icing. That’s why I asked.” Molly stepped forward and hugged Annie. “You’re the best. Thank you so much for dropping this off. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “You got it.” Annie spun on her heel and hurried down the sidewalk.

  Thoughts swirled through Molly’s mind as she stepped inside the bookstore. A girl. She’d known the adoption process would require a great deal of patience to go through all of the proper procedures. When she’d started, she’d been in a good place financially. The bookstore had been open over a year and had a steady stream of customers. Profits had been up, and she’d been confident the store would continue to be successful. She’d also sold a few short stories to a magazine that had compensated quite well. The novel she’d been working on had been put on the back burner since her life had been turned upside down by her most fierce competition. She refused to quit without a fight, though. She’d get her numbers back in the black, so she didn’t need to mention the decline in sales to Annie. She could do this.

  Unable to wait, she glanced at her watch. There was plenty of time to take a quick peek at the file before opening the store. With the information held tight against her chest, she scurried back to her office and took a seat at her desk. Her fingertips t
raced circles on the folder. Could her future be inside? Molly was ready to meet Grace—at least on paper.

  Her hands trembled as she opened the file and read the cover page. Grace Williams. Molly’s eyes scanned the background information. Grace had been in foster care since she was an infant. Just like me. Molly’s drug-addicted mother had left her in a back alley of the busy restaurant district in Chicago, along with a letter explaining why she couldn’t keep the baby. Molly continued to read the details of how Grace had been abandoned on the steps of a church. Grace’s birth mother, who later came forward and gave up all rights to Grace, was sixteen years old. Just like my birth mother.

  As an infant, Molly had become a ward of the state. The similarities between her and Grace were chilling. With the tip of her tongue, she moistened her finger, then flipped to the next page. Molly gasped for a breath and her heart slowed. Haunting deep blue eyes stirred memories. Molly knew that look. It was a reflection of her former self. Grace’s expression told a story of pain and suffering experienced in her brief time on earth. The painted yellow walls of her office closed in. Molly slammed the file shut. Lord, help me. Can I do this? Am I strong enough to help this child? Suffocating thoughts swirled in her mind, stealing her air.

  Seconds later, a calmness took hold. Shelley, Molly’s adoptive mother, had come to Molly’s rescue the summer before starting middle school. Shelley had saved her life and taught her the meaning of family. It was Molly’s turn to do the same for Grace. She closed the file. A lightness filled her chest. This was God’s plan. She turned her gaze toward the window, and until it was time to open the store, she pictured herself fluffing Grace’s veil on her wedding day.

  * * *

  On Wednesday afternoon, the German chocolate cake was cooling on Molly’s stove top. By the time Annie brought Grace by, it would be ready for the icing. With the tea kettle on the stove and filled with water, she turned on the burner. Molly stepped into the pantry to retrieve her leather-bound journal from her tote bag and took a seat at the kitchen table to make a few notes for her next Book Buddies meeting.

  The project was near and dear to her heart. Soon after the grand opening of her bookstore, Molly partnered with several elementary schools in the Valley to form the book club. Every Wednesday after school, children gathered at her store to discuss books. Her goal was to promote the importance of developing a reading habit at an early age. Plus, the parents shopped and often made a purchase, which provided a bump in her sales. Molly was grateful for their support.

  The tea kettle whistled, and Molly eased out her chair. She removed a large red mug from the cabinet, dropped a tea bag inside and poured the steaming water. She took a sip with hopes of settling her nerves before meeting Grace.

  Her stomach fluttered at the sound of the doorbell’s chime. She glanced at the clock on the microwave and flinched. After seven? Where had the time gone? Her pulse clamored in her chest as she moved toward the front door, tugging on the peasant blouse hanging loose over her skinny jeans.

  “Sorry we’re running late. We got caught behind a tractor moving an oversized load,” Annie announced when Molly opened the door.

  Molly’s breath caught in her throat when she saw the child. It was love at first sight. Her heart was no longer her own. Grace’s striking blue eyes studied Molly. With a quick movement, the child turned her focus to the floor.

  “Come in, please.” Molly motioned for them to enter.

  Annie made the introduction. “Grace, this is Molly Morgan.”

  Her knees felt like saltwater taffy forgotten in the August sun. She struggled to maintain her balance. Molly knelt in front of the child and extended her hand. “Hi, Grace. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” Don’t get too attached. But the words spinning in her head couldn’t control her heart. Disbelief and hope collided when their fingers touched.

  “Hi, Miss Molly.” The little girl’s voice was barely a whisper.

  Don’t cry. Do not cry. This is only a test. But she didn’t want it to be a test. She wanted this child in her life. From the moment she saw the photograph of Grace, she knew God had answered her prayers. Molly wanted to take this child into her arms and protect her. She longed to welcome her with love to her forever home. But she knew she needed to give Grace time.

  “Something smells delicious.” Annie looked down at Grace and smiled. “Don’t you think so, Grace?”

  The child nodded. Her honey-colored hair skimmed her shoulders.

  “It’s our dessert. German chocolate cake. Do you want to help with the icing, Grace?” Molly dreamed of spending hours in the kitchen, sharing stories like a real mother and daughter.

  “Okay,” Grace chirped.

  Molly led Annie and Grace toward the kitchen. She was relieved she’d held off on icing the cake. It would give her something to do with her hands. Plus, it might put Grace at ease rather than sitting around a table with two adults asking questions.

  “Can I get you some tea, Annie? There’s hot water on the stove. Grace, would you like some juice?”

  “Tea sounds perfect.” Annie placed her hand on Grace’s shoulder, and the child huddled close by her side. “Juice for you?”

  Once again, Grace answered with a nod.

  What if Grace didn’t like her? Was that why she wasn’t talking? Molly retrieved a glass and coffee mug from the cabinet.

  “I can make my tea, Molly. You and Grace go ahead and get started on the icing. I have a mound of paperwork to keep me busy.” Annie poured water from the kettle into the mug before tossing in a tea bag. “Do you mind if I work at the table here?”

  “No, go ahead. Make yourself at home.” Molly’s shoulders relaxed. Maybe she wouldn’t be under the microscope. She pulled the juice out of the refrigerator and poured until the glass was three-fourths full. Molly passed it to Grace. The child pointed at the cartoon mouse heads covering the glass, and the sweetest giggle bubbled from her lips.

  Molly’s heart soared. “My mother bought me this when she took me on my first trip to Disney World. What can I say? I fell in love with Mickey.” For a second, Molly thought she’d broken through the wall that Grace had built around her. Molly knew all about those walls. She’d constructed a few of her own as a child. But Grace’s smile slipped away.

  While Annie tapped away on her laptop, Molly removed the eggs and butter from the refrigerator. Next, she moved to the pantry to gather the vanilla, a can of evaporated milk and a bag of coconut flakes. Molly took note of Grace eyeing the bag.

  “Do you like coconut?” Molly pointed to the flakes.

  Grace’s eyebrows twitched before she smiled. “Yes.”

  Molly opened a nearby drawer and pulled out a pair of kitchen scissors. With one snip, the aroma of coconut filled the air. “I have a yummy recipe for coconut chocolate chews. We can make them together sometime. Would you like that?”

  Grace smiled and looked at her. “I love chocolate, too.”

  Molly wished she could bottle the feeling pulsating through her body as she imagined a future with Grace. “Let me get the step stool for you so you can stand at the counter and help me. Would you like to do that?”

  Grace nodded and took a sip of her juice before placing the glass on the countertop.

  Molly unfolded the stool and tapped her hand on the black nonskid plastic covering the top. “Hop on here, sweetie.”

  Grace flinched and focused her eyes on Molly.

  Molly’s jaw tightened. Was she moving too fast, calling her sweetie? Did that make Grace feel uncomfortable? But then a slight smile moved across Grace’s lips. If Molly had blinked, she would have missed it. Yet she’d seen it with her own eyes, and for the second time tonight, Molly’s heart ignited with joy. It was a first step, right? They needed each other. They were meant to be mother and daughter. She would do everything in her power to make sure that happened.

  * * *

 
Thursday morning, after little sleep from the excitement of meeting Grace the previous evening, Molly sat hunkered inside her office at the back of her store. She recalculated her sales figures from last week for the fifth time. Squeezing her eyes shut, she hoped for a larger number when she refocused on the computer screen. That can’t be right. But she knew the numbers didn’t lie. Since the new chain bookstore had opened, her weekly sales had been on a downward trend. Her chest tightened. She’d have to go to the bank today to ask about taking out a small business loan. Rusty would be at the chamber of commerce meeting tonight. How could she face him without paying the rent she owed?

  The alarm on her phone sounded a reminder. With only a half an hour before the store opened, she hadn’t had a drop of caffeine to drink. Since Huggamugg had closed its doors, Molly made coffee at home, but this morning, she’d been in such a hurry to work on her invoices. Over the past few days, she’d seen the new equipment and supplies delivered to Derek’s shop. Yesterday, when she’d spotted the Open for Business sign and a rush of customers, realization settled in. Along with a stomachache. Derek’s presence hadn’t been a bad dream. In desperate need of caffeine and against her better judgment, she pushed away from the maple desk and headed next door.

  The cobblestone sidewalks outside of Insomnia Café bustled with activity. Molly leaned forward and peered through the window. She spotted Derek behind the counter, preparing orders for several customers. A handful of locals sat at the bistro tables. He’d only opened for business yesterday, and the place was packed this morning. Inhaling a deep breath, she pulled the door open, and the bell overhead chimed. Inside, she was greeted by the invigorating aroma of fresh brew.

  “Good morning. Welcome to Insomnia.” Derek called out without pulling his eyes away from the task at hand.

  “Hello, Molly,” a familiar voice called out.