Love Inspired May 2015 #2 (17 page)

* * *

Jake might only get one chance to do this right. So with Violet by his side, he drove toward Remy's apartment after church on Sunday, mentally preparing himself.

He wouldn't get angry if she said no. He'd simply persuade her that it was in her best interest.

“I'm going to stay calm and not lose patience.”

Violet set her hand on his knee, a reassuring gesture. “Unless Remy's school credits don't transfer, or she can't find a job in Appleton, I don't think she'll refuse. She loves you and respects you.”

He laughed. “How could you tell she feels that way from the brief meeting at my house?”

“I know the man you are. Honorable...” Her cheeks flushed pink, and she looked away. “Lovable.”

“Thanks for coming with me today.” He covered her hand with his.

“I wouldn't miss a chance to see Abby. Or to cheer you on.”

Following his cell phone's directions, they ended on a dead-end street lined with duplexes that all looked alike. They pulled up to the curb in front of her tiny unit.

“Looks well maintained,” Violet said.

“Not bad.” Looked better than he expected, at least on the outside.

He went around to Violet's side and helped her out. They walked to the front door and knocked.

Remy opened the door. His gaze went straight to Abby, held snugly in her mother's arms. “She looks beautiful, perfect.”

“Hi, Remy,” Violet said.

“Can I hold her?” he asked.

Smiling, Remy handed her over. “She's missed you. Come on in.”

The baby looked at his face, and he thought she seemed happy to see him. With the precious bundle in the crook of his elbow, he beamed at Violet and Remy. “I've missed her. Thanks for letting us come by.”

“Anytime. Y'all sit down.”

“You have a nice apartment,” Violet said.

Jake looked around as he took a seat on the couch. Sparse secondhand furniture. But clean and tidy. Lots of sunlight streaming in the front window as well as from a window in the small, adjoining kitchen.

Clean bottles lined the countertop, drying upside down on paper towels.

“Thanks, Violet. It's a project of Peace House, provided for former residents along with job training. I pay rent each month according to how much I make, and we can stay here for up to eighteen months.”

“Sounds like a great program.” His gaze met Violet's.
Lord, please let Remy agree to move home.

“So how is everything going with Abby?” Violet asked.

“I'm exhausted, but she seems to be doing fine. She's eating better. Crying less as I'm learning to relax. And is bonding with the child-care workers.”

Jake's heart felt bruised. He wanted Abby with him, at least some of the time. “Where are you working?”

Abby started to fuss, and Remy hopped up, grabbed a pacifier and popped it in her mouth.

“I'm still working full-time at a doctor's office, and going to school part-time. Like I said the other day, I'm studying to be a certified nursing assistant.” Pride gleamed in her expression, and for the first time since she was about fifteen, he saw a glimpse of the Remy he remembered from their early childhood.

“I'm happy for you.”

“Jake, I know you're still concerned about Abby because of the way I acted when I left her with you, but I'm not that woman anymore.”

“It's okay,” he said. “After fumbling my way through, believe me, I understand.”

She swatted at tears. “Sorry. I've worked really hard to pull myself together. I'm determined to be a good mom, to do right by her.”

“You should be proud,” Violet said.

Jake knew the memories probably hurt Violet, but she was generous in her praise. And he admired her even more.

“I am proud of myself. But mostly, I'm grateful to both of you for watching out for my baby.”

Jake leaned forward and took his cousin's hand. “Come home to Appleton, Remy. The local technical college has a CNA program, and there are job openings at the hospital. You can live with me until you're done with school and can afford to move out on your own. Either that or let me help you with your own place until you're able to do it alone.”

Her gaze darted from him to Violet, uncertainty drawing her brows downward.

“You'll have a built-in pediatrician,” Violet said with a reassuring smile. “And babysitters who are ready and willing and will love your girl as much as you do.”

“Are y'all getting married or something?” Remy asked.

Jake's neck heated and was probably as red as Zeb's truck. He laughed, but it sounded more like a rusty gate creaking open. “Well, we haven't talked that far ahead. But we'll both be there to help you.”

He couldn't bring himself to look at Violet. She was probably mortified, maybe even angry about his reaction.

“Remy, we promise not to interfere,” Violet said, “or to try to take over Abby's care. Right, Jake?”

He glanced at Violet. She didn't seem disturbed by Remy's embarrassing question or his choked response. “That's right. We're offering assistance, not trying to step into your place.”

“Why?” Remy asked.

“Because you deserve a chance,” Violet said simply.

Jake's throat tightened as if caught in a monkey wrench. The woman he loved never had a chance with her own child, yet she'd been strong enough to stand up to him, causing herself pain, because she wanted to give Remy the opportunity Violet had never had.

“Thank you both for the offer.” A smile quivered on Remy's lips. “I'll investigate the possibility of transferring my college credits. I'll seriously consider moving home.”

Relief swamping him, Jake reached for Violet's hand.

Violet swiped tears from her eyes and then gave him a watery smile. A laugh burst out of her. “I may not be family, but I hope the next time someone asks whether we're getting married, you won't look like you've swallowed a two-by-four.”

“Ooh, she nailed you, cuz,” Remy said with a chuckle.

Tugging at Violet's hand, he scooted her closer and planted a big kiss on her lips. “Later...we need to talk.”

Violet pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and held it up. “First, I need to make a phone call. You two have inspired me, and it's time to finally call my parents.”

“Do you need me?”

“No, I'm good. You, Remy and Abby enjoy your visit.”

As Violet slipped outside, Jake knew he'd found the woman he would spend his life with. Maybe they'd even be blessed with children of their own.

“Why's Violet calling her parents?” Remy asked.

“They've been at odds since she was in high school.”

Reaching for her cell phone, Remy took a deep breath. “Maybe it's time for me to do the same. I have a lot of apologizing to do.”

“Paul has been looking for you. And Edith is dying to see Abby. They'll be relieved to hear from you, but be patient with them.”

She stood. “Are you okay here with Abby while I go call?”

“Are you kidding? Take your time. And, hey, tell them I plan to bring Violet down there soon and that they're going to love her.”

He couldn't imagine being any happier. Well, except for the possibility of having that talk with Violet later.

It was time to tell her he loved her, and he hoped she'd be able to return those feelings.

* * *

“Hi, Mom. It's me.”

Violet couldn't sit still on the front porch, so she hopped up and took off down Remy's driveway.

Her mother gasped. “Violet? It's really you?”

Taking a right at the end of the driveway, she ambled down the sidewalk. “Yes. I've been thinking of you and Daddy. Wanted to see how you're doing.”

“Why, we're fine, dear. It's so good to hear your voice. How are you?”

“I'm okay... Great, actually.”

“I'm glad.”

Tense silence reverberated in her ear. Why had she called?

“I'm so sorry, Violet,” her mom whispered. “
We're
sorry. Sorry that we weren't there for you when you needed us.”

A crushing ache squeezed her chest. Suddenly feeling weak-kneed, she headed toward a picnic table in a small park at the corner.

“I shouldn't have shut you out,” Violet said. “I've realized lately that you probably only did what you thought best.”

“Yes, we truly did love you and think it was best for you. We feared you couldn't manage since you'd never babysat or held down a full-time job. You were idealistic and had no idea what you'd be getting into. But, honey, we should have listened to what you wanted. Should have worried less about what other people thought.”

“Is that why you've been trying to contact me?”

“Yes. To apologize. To try to make amends. Although we know it's too late to change the past, we'd like to heal from our losses. Honey, our lives have been empty without you.”

Tears stung her eyes. “I've been helping my...uh, neighbor take care of his three-week-old niece lately, and I see how much work it is. I realized I would have had a tough time on my own.”

“Well, we could have helped you raise our grandson. We let our own pride as well as our dreams of you becoming a surgeon, following in Dad's footsteps, get in the way. We've experienced regret over the years.”

“I think my son's probably had a good life.” She hated the uncertainty in her voice.

“I'm sure he has. He went to a wonderful family who'd tried for years to have a child and wanted him desperately. I promise you, we checked them out thoroughly.”

Relief washed over her. Though she had assumed as much—because her parents were nothing if not thorough—she'd still had moments of doubt and fear.

A comfortable moment passed without either of them speaking. She enjoyed knowing her mother was on the other end of the line, such a normal thing that many people took for granted.

“Are y'all in good health? Still playing tennis each week?”

“Your dad had a little scare with his heart a couple of years ago, but he's fine now. And yes, we still play tennis at the club. Although these days we're in a senior league.”

Camilla's voice soothed Violet, reminding her of childhood. So much wasted time. If only she'd called sooner. So much pain because of her stubbornness. “I'm sorry I shut y'all out. I've been pigheaded.”

Her mother laughed, but it was mixed with tears. Then she blew her nose. “Well, you do have your dad's genes.”

“And yours.” At the sound of her mother's chuckle, decade-old pain let go of its firm grip, freeing Violet from the worst of the anger.

“Well, now, I suppose you're right,” Camilla said.

“Mom...can I come home to see you?”

“Of course. As soon as you can, okay? Or we'll come there if it'll be easier with your schedule—if that's okay with you?”

“You're welcome to visit anytime. But I'd like to come home.” And maybe she'd admit to them she had stopped by recently but hadn't been ready to go in.

“That's wonderful, dear. Just call and let us know when.”

“I'll call this week.”

Movement caught Violet's eye. Jake was walking down the street toward her. “And, Mom, I'd like to bring someone special with me.”

“A man?” she asked. “Would that happen to be your friend Jake West?”

“Yes,” she said with a laugh. “A very special man.”

Jake looked worried as he approached. He stopped, lifted her chin and searched the expression on her face. At his concern, love washed over her, making her smile.

His shoulders slumped in relief.

“We look forward to seeing you both,” her mother said.

“Thanks, Mom. It was good talking with you.”

When she ended the call, she rushed into his arms. “Oh, Jake...”

“Must've gone well,” he said. “You look radiant.”

She tilted her head back to look into his beautiful, dear eyes. “It was so simple. She apologized. I apologized. We're both relieved. Why didn't I return their calls sooner?”

“Because you were hurting. It's tough to be objective when the pain is so deep.”

“And the guilt, wrapped up in anger, at them, at myself.”

He gave her a gentle kiss, his soft lips brushing against hers. “I'm proud of you for calling them.”

“Thanks, I feel...hopeful.”

His eyes sparkled with the joy she felt. “Violet, I need to tell you—”

“Wait.” She pressed her finger to his lips. “I need to finish first.” She laughed at his look of surprise. “I told Mom I want to come visit and bring along someone special.”

“Someone special?”

“I want you to meet my parents.”

Frustration flashed on his face, but then it cleared. “I'll be happy to meet them.”

“Are you sure? You don't look pleased.”

“No, I'm good with it. When would you like to go?”

Disappointment over his reaction chipped away at her excitement. “Maybe Friday afternoon?”

“That should be fine.”

She snaked her arms around his neck and leaned up on her toes. “Now, what were you about to tell me a minute ago before I interrupted?”

“Just that...well, that I'm glad this day turned out so well.”

A bird in the tree above them chirped a happy song. She sighed. “It did, didn't it? I have a sense that everything will work out for the best.”

He closed the gap and kissed her, making her knees go weak. She couldn't remember ever being happier.

But did he feel the same way she did? She wished he would say with words what she suspected he tried to say with his kisses.

Chapter Thirteen

T
he diamond engagement ring burned a hole in Jake's pocket.

He and Violet were going to drive three hours to South Carolina for him to meet Camilla and Buford Crenshaw. Meeting the parents, a first for him. But, more important, it would be Violet's family reunion.

A lot was resting on one visit.

Could he do this? Could he declare his feelings and propose as soon as Violet arrived at his house? Or should he wait until after meeting her mom and dad?

Her parents were society folks. Would Violet want him to be proper, to first ask her father for her hand in marriage?

Pacing the living room of his house, he ran a hand through his hair. She had said she wanted to take him home to meet her family. Maybe he should wait on the proposal. To make sure he met their approval.

What if they'd always dreamed of a doctor or lawyer for their daughter?

“Jake?” Violet called from the kitchen. “I'm here.”

He froze, unsure. He didn't know anything about being a husband, being a
son-in-law
.

“Oh, there you are. What are you doing?” Violet asked.

She stood with the sunlight streaming over her short dark hair, her eyes bright...happy.

Calm settled over him. This amazing woman had been on her own for years. She was strong, capable, independent.

She didn't need her parents' permission to marry. And he didn't, either.

He might not know anything about being a husband or son-in-law, but he hadn't known anything about taking care of a baby, either. He could learn. Besides, he loved Violet and wanted to marry her. Nothing would change that.

“Jake?”

“You're beautiful.”

A smile lit her face. “Thank you. Are you ready to go?”

“Not yet.”

With a tilt of her head, she looked at him, questioning.

He stepped closer, ran a hand over her soft cheek. “I love you, Violet.”

She blinked her gorgeous hazel eyes. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I love you, too, Jake.”

“Really?”

“Of course.” She laughed and then gave him a soft kiss. “I don't babysit just anyone's niece, you know. I only do that for men I care about.”

“Well, there won't be any other men to care about in your future. I'm it for you.”

“Agreed.” Joy shone in her eyes.

“So, does that mean you'll marry me?”

“You're asking?”

“Wait.” Shaking his head, he stepped away from her. He needed to stay focused. “Having you so close made me forget all I had planned.”

He pulled the ring from his pants pocket and held it in front of her, wishing he'd put it in a fancy box or had set up some kind of big surprise at a nice restaurant. “This was my mother's. I've kept it in my safety deposit box all these years. Never once considered taking it out. Until this past week.”

“Oh, Jake. It's beautiful. Perfect. I'll treasure it.”

“Violet Crenshaw, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She jumped into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes!”

He laughed as she almost knocked the ring out of his hand. She didn't care one whit how he presented it. She would have ripped through any wrapping anyway.

A big grin stretched across his face as he set her back on her feet and placed the ring safely on her finger. It was a little loose, but they could have it adjusted. “Do you mind that I didn't ask your parents' permission?”

“No. I'm thrilled and honored to introduce you to them as my fiancé.”

He lifted her chin and touched his lips to hers. When she placed her hand on his chest and sighed, his heart pounded double time.

“I don't want a long engagement,” he whispered.

“Me, either.”

“Remy called today to say she's moving home right before school starts in August. Will you mind having her and Abby living with us for a while?”

“Not at all. I'll love having a baby in the house.”

“And then maybe we can add one of our own?”

Pink tinged her cheeks. “I hope and pray.”

He kissed her thoroughly and then forced himself to step away. “We need to leave. Time to meet the family.”

She reached out and took his hand, and they walked out the door together.

“You're my family now, Jake.”

He'd never been happier or more content in his life. Raising the back of her hand to his mouth, he kissed it. “I adore you. Together, we're going to build the family I've always dreamed of.”