Page 75 of Second Chance Fate

“No, he didn’—”

“And then there was Dr. Kent in the ICU. I thought he and Caleb were going to throw down when he wouldn’t let Caleb in to see you.”

“That was just because of the rules.”

“No. It had nothing to do with the rules. The old guy in the room next to you was visited by his landscaper’s daughter, who was home from college, and an intern at his company.”

“Still, you don’t know if the reason Dr. Kent didn’t want Caleb to visit had anything to do with?—”

“Mom,” Owen interrupted her. “He asked me if you were single. How long had you been single? What type of guys you dated. And where my dad was.”

“I was in the ICU?!” If it were anyone else telling her this, she wouldn’t believe them, but Owen never lied to her. He was so honest sometimes it actually hurt her feelings.

“I know,” Owen agreed. “And then there was the balloon delivery guy that left his card with his number every time he dropped off a new order. Half of those balloon bouquets were from him.”

“They were?” She did wonder why she’d gotten so many balloons.

“Those are just the latest admirers while you were in the hospital. Mom, guys are always falling all over themselves around you, but you are oblivious.”

She shook her head.

He sighed. “I don’t know why you guys said you got married, or what your other reasons were, or why you don’t want to admit to each other that you do love each other, but I know that neitherof you would have married each other if you didn’t actually love each other.”

“Owen, sometimes when you’re an adult, you have to do?—”

“No, it’s not about being an adult. Maybe for some people it is, but you guys would have found another way.”

“You don’t?—”

“Yes, I do know.” His tone turned serious, somber, as he continued, “because marrying someone that you’re not in love with would be cruel to do to the other person, and neither of you are cruel.”

She opened her mouth to argue his point, but she couldn’t, so she closed it. Instead, she stared at her son in total and complete disbelief. “Who are you? Where did you come from?”

“Didn’t we just go over that?” he teased.

Her head fell back as she started belly laughing. What he said was funny, but she was also just so relieved that not only did Owen know, he was happy about everything.

“I hit the gene pool jackpot.” He smiled widely, causing his two deep dimples to crease in his cheeks as he popped his collar. “I have Hot Pastor for a dad and a mom who had an ICU doctor ready to throw blows with Hot Pastor.”

She was still laughing as she stood and pulled him into her arms, hugging him tighter than she probably should have. “Are you sure you’re okay with us being married?”

“Yeah.” He nodded as he held her tight. “I’m not gonna lie, I sort of wish I could have been there, but I’m sure your dream wedding didn’t involve you being hooked up to an IV in a hospital bed, so.” He shrugged, but then he gasped and looked up at her. “But, wait, does this mean we can stay living here, not just until you’re better?”

“Is that what you want?”

He nodded rapidly.

“Yeah,” she smiled.

“Then, yep.” He put his hands out and spun around in the grass; both dogs hopped up and ran in circles around him. “I’m fine with it. It’s all good.”

She was happy to see that he felt as at home in Caleb’s home as she did. And also happy that he’d taken the news of her being married so well. As far as the rest of it went, she wasn’t really sure where to put that. For now, she’d just focus on the fact that for once in her life, she wasn’t waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was a strange feeling, but one she hoped she would get used to.

23

Caleb navigatedhis way down the tree-lined Main Street of Hope Falls downtown in his Jeep, the engine rumbling softly as he glanced out at the familiar sights of his small-town home. His hands gripped the wheel a little tighter than usual. He couldn't help but feel a fluttering tension in his chest as he thought about the conversation happening between Taylor and Owen. He wanted to be there but understood why he couldn’t.

As he drove past Sue Ann's Cafe, the warm aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the open window, momentarily grounding him. He waved at Sue Ann, who was out front arranging flowerpots, her face lighting up with an enthusiastic smile. Driving on, more familiar faces greeted him, each acknowledging him with waves or nods. He passed by Ralph Henley pulling his mail cart behind him, Mr. Reed, who was sweeping in front of Read Between the Lines, Hannah, who was setting chairs out in front of Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, and Tiana, who was wiping down the glass front of her yoga studio, Om Sweet Om. Their quiet gestures of recognition were momentary distractions from his swirling thoughts. Caleb offered friendly waves in return, masking the knot in hisstomach that tightened with each mile he drove, knowing he would have to deal with the “anonymous” messages Judy received, which was why he was headed to the church.

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