All night Jenna tossed and turned, one hand on Sadie’s shoulder to make sure she still slept and the other on her chest keeping her heart from breaking all over again.
Sadie’s tiny fingers drew circles on her lower back. Somehow, her daughter always knew when she needed a little TLC.
Jenna rolled over, forcing a smile and the energy to get out of bed to face her new life. One without the comforts of a well-to-do husband, without the distance from her mother, and without the delusion that she didn’t care about Drew Walker, and his ultimate betrayal, since the day she’d left Creekside. She’d thought the pain had mended over the years, but the thin sutures securing the gaping hole in her heart had burst, spilling the hurt all over again.
“Mama, Mama, Mama. Morning.” Sadie clapped and kissed Jenna’s cheek.
Shaking off the debilitating memory of Drew and Jessica in an intimate embrace under an oak tree, she decided it was time to face today. “Want to go to town? I need to visit someone. You might remember her. She met you briefly a few months ago. She’s your grandmother.”
“Bye, bye, bye?”
Jenna smiled and tucked Sadie’s thin hair behind her ear. “Yes, we can go bye-bye.”
In only a few minutes, Sadie dressed herself in a frilly blue dress and handed her hairbrush to Jenna. With each stroke, Sadie nearly fell asleep. The child loved the feeling of physical contact to the point where her eyes rolled back in her head. Shane hated it, always yelling for Sadie to sit right and stop looking stupid. Jenna only hoped the scars of his words wouldn’t be permanent. Someday, Sadie would show the world how gifted and smart she truly was.
After several hundred strokes, Jenna left Sadie to play dolls and dressed herself. “Do you want a treat while we’re out? I thought we could get something special to celebrate us moving here.”
“Ice cream?”
Jenna slipped her green long-sleeve turtleneck over her head, ignoring the nagging memory that Drew had always loved her in green. He'd said it made her eyes shine across the entire county. Did he use the same words with Jessica? Jenna shook the image from her head and shoved her socked feet into her black boots.
After they brushed their teeth and got the buckles done on Sadie’s white shoes, they headed down the driveway. “It’s not a far walk. Would you like to go in the car or walk?”
Sadie hopped up and down. “Walk, walk, walk.”
Jenna took a tight hold of her hand and led her up the street. It wouldn’t be long before someone spotted her and the entire town knew she was back. She only hoped she’d reach her mother first to control the impending collateral damage. She’d been too much of a coward to tell the truth before she arrived, fearing her mother would be at her doorstep demanding she and Shane worked out their marital problems. She could have demanded all she wanted, but that would’ve never happened.
They reached the edge of town and Sadie squealed with delight. She tried to pull her hand away, but Jenna kept hold and squatted to eye level. “You need to listen, Sadie. If you don't behave, there’ll be no ice cream and we won’t be able to stay. You must keep hold of Mommy’s hand.”
“Aha, aha, aha.” She nodded with each Aha and settled at Jenna's side, but continued to gently tug her toward the scarecrow at the first lamppost.
She hugged the scarecrow, but then shoved it from her and rubbed her arms. “Noooooo.”
“Too stiff?” Jenna asked. She should’ve known her daughter wouldn’t like the texture. “It’s still cute to look at. We can use our eyes instead of our hands. Imagine he’s guarding the town.”
Sadie smiled and half-skipped, half-trotted up to the flower shop and stopped to sniff the yellow buds in the green container at the front door. After two sneezes, she skipped and trotted to the antique store. Judy’s store. She’d mentioned she had gone into business with a girl named Lisa, who married her son, Eric. She wondered when Eric had returned to Creekside. He'd left for university around the same time as her brother. He’d been handsome and older, but still just her brother’s friend in her eyes.
So much had changed, yet the town looked the same. They reached the coffee shop, updated at some point in the last ten years, but with the same kind of vibe. Beyond the window, she spotted Judy Gaylord Benjamin waving at them.
“We’re going to stop inside here for a moment. Would you like to meet the nice lady who told Mommy about this job? She was like a second mother to me when I was growing up.”
Sadie bounced. “Aha, aha, aha.”
A short man she didn’t recognized held the door open for them. There were many new faces, along with familiar ones in the coffee shop.
“How are you? How was your trip, darling?” Judy swept over and wrapped her welcoming arms around Jenna. The warmth and loving, strong arms from her childhood settled her nerves a smidgen.
“It was fine. We’re getting settled in our new home before the school opens in a few weeks.”
Judy released her then knelt gracefully, despite her heels and dress, to meet Sadie at eye level. “This beautiful girl can’t be Sadie. She’s too grown up to be that little girl.”
“Me.” Sadie twirled, holding out one side of her favorite blue dress. The one Shane had bought for a party in hopes she’d look normal, but never took her to after she had an accident. He was always embarrassed she wasn’t potty trained by age two like all the other little girls.
“Well, I’ve seen pictures of you, but it’s a pleasure to meet you now.” Judy took her little hand and shook it without hesitation.
Sadie wobbled, but still executed a graceful curtsy. She’d practiced for days after watching it on a movie and deciding she wanted to be a princess.
Judy pointed to the front counter. “Can I get you something?”
“No, I’m good. I’m afraid my stomach isn’t going to take much this morning.”
“Ah, you haven’t told Cathy yet. Oh, hon, you better get home quick. You know that woman has eyes and ears everywhere. Sometimes I think she’s really a spy for the CIA and has bugs all over town.”
Jenna laughed at how right she was. “I still don’t know how she knew about Drew and I skipping lunch period and leaving campus in high school.”
“Well, no teacher wanted to be the one that allowed something to happen to you. They were all scared of your mama. Cathy put the fear of God into everyone in town that had interaction with her kids. You can say a lot about Cathy Mitchell West, but she was one devoted mother.”
Jenna nodded. “Devoted to the point of choking the life out of us. My brother and I couldn’t leave town fast enough after we graduated.”
Judy waved at a tall gentleman with a silver flat top. “Oh, just in time. I’d like you to meet James, my husband.”
“Hello.” James shook Jenna’s hand, kissed Judy’s cheek then squatted in front of Sadie. “Who is this pretty young lady in the fancy dress? Is this the princess of Sweetwater County?”
Sadie threw her arms around James.
“Oh, and a good hugger, too.”
“Sadie, let Mr. West go. I’m sorry. She’s excited you called her a princess.”
James stood with Sadie in his arms. “Oh, no need to apologize. It’s not every day I get a hug from a princess.”
Jenna wasn’t used to such a warm welcome with Sadie. She’d forgotten the family-style community she once belonged to. At one time, she’d had dreams of staying, despite her mother’s meddling. She’d planned on attending Riverbend College and marrying Drew, but all that changed. Thank goodness her mother had applied to the University of Tennessee for her. If she hadn’t, she would’ve had to watch Drew and Jessica get married and have a family together. Her chest tightened, knowing sooner or later she’d have to see them together.
“I think we better get going. If my mother hears about me being in Creekside before I tell her, she might go supernova on all of us.”
“She’s already going to have a fit over the board and me knowing you were hired for the job,” Judy said.
“I’m sorry I put you in that position, Mrs. Benjamin.”
“Judy, please. You were always like a daughter to me. And don’t worry about Cathy, she kind of owes me one on the secret department.” She laced her fingers with James’s and they smiled at each other as if sharing an intimate secret.
“Well, I guess this isn’t going to get any easier. Let’s go see your grandmother, Sadie.”
James lowered her to the ground. “Promise me you’ll come visit us at the farm. We even have a pony now you can ride.”
“Yeeeeees!” Sadie clapped and hopped on one foot.
“Good, it’s settled.” James tweaked her nose.
Sadie stood on her tiptoes, returned the gesture, and then held his imaginary nose to her chest.
They left the coffee shop and the warmth of welcoming friends, the aroma of coffee, and the safety of another building to walk down Main Street to her childhood home. It was such a stark contrast to their oversized home in Connecticut where they’d lived the last few years, surrounded by other large homes, large yards, and large attitudes.
They opened the wrought iron gate and entered the garden. It was manicured and in beautiful shape, the way it had been when she was a little girl. Fall flowers dotted the outskirts of several beds around well-sculpted bushes and grew over the edge of pots on the front porch. Fresh paint and some added rocking chairs made it feel like she’d stepped into a dream, one of a loving family. But once she told her mother she’d left her husband, the dream would end with her yelling and carrying on about ruining her life.
Inside the front window, she spotted her mother sitting at a small table with her new husband, Devon. His salt and pepper hair made him look distinguished. He seemed like a nice man when they’d met, but she didn’t know him well. The way they laughed and held each other’s hands made Jenna smile. She’d never seen her mother so happy. The woman was a third the size she'd been when Jenna left Creekside, and her kitty sweatshirts had been replaced with current fashion. Jenna hadn’t recognized her when they’d visited. Perhaps her new husband would be a big enough distraction to keep her mother from meddling in her life. One could hope, even if there was a better chance of her finding a magical turkey on her front steps.
Sadie jumped to see inside. Her hair flying up and down snagged their attention. Her mother stood and covered her mouth, her eyes going wide, then she darted to the door.
“Oh my word, what are you doing here, darling? You should’ve told me you were coming. I would’ve picked you up from the airport.”
Swept up in hugs, Jenna struggled to keep hold of Sadie’s hand.
“And you brought that beautiful granddaughter of mine. Well, hello there, Ms. Sadie.”
“Hi, hi, hi.” Sadie twirled in her dress. “Boo?”
“It’s blue,” Jenna translated.
“Yes, I love your dress. You are the prettiest girl this side of the Mississippi.” Her mother swooped Sadie into her arms and spun.
Devon joined them. “It’s good to see you.”
“Where’s that husband of yours? Don’t tell me he had to work again. Oh well, a man’s gotta earn money to take care of his family.”
Jenna wanted to tell her then and there that she’d divorced the man her mother had approved of, even though they’d barely talked for five minutes, but Cathy was dancing about and so happy, drawing all sorts of attention.
Devon placed a hand on Jenna’s shoulder. “Come in and make yourself at home.”
Jenna moved to take Sadie, but her mother held her daughter tight and wouldn’t let go.
“I’ve got my grandbaby. I’ve raised a few kids of my own, you know.”
Jenna stepped inside. The smell of childhood bombarded her senses, but there was a new mix. Devon’s cologne and fresh cinnamon candles melded the past with the present.
“I can’t believe you’re here. I’m so excited. Please, oh please tell me you’ll be here for the Thanksgiving Feast. I know I can’t hope for Christmas, but I’ll take Thanksgiving if I can. I’m sorry. I’m being too pushy, aren’t I?”
Since when did her mother apologize for anything? Let alone even consider she might be out of control and taking over? Perhaps Judy was right. Devon had tamed the great Cathy Mitchell.
“Sit, relax. Can I get you anything? Oh, darling, I’m so glad you’re here.”
Jenna sunk into the sofa and eyed Devon, who busied himself in the kitchen as if he knew she had to tell her mother something in private. “I’m afraid you might not be so happy to see me once I tell you why I'm here.”
Her mother froze midspin and set Sadie down. Her arms outstretched toward her grandmother, Sadie called, “Again, again, again.”
Devon swooped in and lifted her up, providing an instant swing for her.
“Darlin’, there is nothin’ you could ever tell me that would make me wish you weren’t here. Now, let’s settle in for a little chat and you can tell me what’s troubling you.”
Jenna fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, crossed and uncrossed her ankles and shifted in her seat.
“Jenna Mitchell Greyson, you can tell your mama anything, but now you’re scaring me. Out with it. I promise I won’t be mad,” Cathy said, but the thickening southern accent and higher tone warned of the exact opposite.
Jenna sighed. “Don’t make promises you won’t keep.”
Cathy settled in by her side and took her hands to hold them tight in her lap. “I know I’ve been a little much over the years, but I promise I won’t go mental on you. I’ve changed, promise. I swear, even though I only did things because I love you, I know it’s your life and I shouldn’t meddle in it unless I’m asked for my opinion. I promise you’re safe to tell me anything.”
Jenna cleared her throat and readied for battle. “Okay, I guess I'll just spit it out.” After a quick glance to check on Sadie, she lifted her chin and said, “I divorced Shane and I’ve moved back to Creekside. I’m going to be running the Children’s Center for Autism.”
Her mama’s face turned every shade of green then white. Only the sound of the ticking grandfather clock her great-grandfather had made, and Sadie’s squeals sounded in the room.
“Mama, say something. Anything.”
Her mother let go of her hands, smoothed out her long shirt and stood. “You need to go home, Jenna. You need to go home now.”