Finding Love (12 page)

“You know, he met Clay a couple of times.”

“He did?”

“Right before he died. Clay was just a kid, of course, but your father liked him enough to take him and Kyle fishing once. They went down to the pier, in fact.”

“The pier where Clay runs the ferry?”

“The very same one. It’s one of the reasons why Clay decided to run the ferry, Addison. That place has memories for him.”

“He never told me he met my Dad.”

“Probably didn’t want to dig up old wounds. Well, I’ve got to go to another appointment now. Some woman wanting to dig up dirt on her cheating husband,” he said with a wink. “Keeps me busy.”

“I’m sure it does!” she said as she walked him to the door. “I hope I didn’t pry too much, Addison. I just care about you and Clay.”

“I know you do. And thank you.”

With that, Addison watched Harrison walk to his car and drive away. And then she wondered what to do with this newfound information.

***

Addison went back to work the next morning with renewed hope that her life would get back on track soon. She would talk to Clay and hopefully at least preserve their friendship. She would hear from her attorney soon about the new settlement offer they’d be making to Jim’s attorney. She’d also see her doctor again soon to check on the baby.

The holidays were passed, so she’d also be helping Jenna prepare for her upcoming wedding. There was lots to do, and most of it would be a welcome distraction from the worries that floated through her mind each day.

“So, has Jenna shown you the bridesmaids dresses?” Rebecca asked as she cut the freshly made poundcake.

“No, not yet. Are they awful?” Addison asked with a laugh.

“Not too bad. No puffy sleeves, at least,” Rebecca said with a  giggle.

The chime of the door caused them both to turn their heads. Rebecca wasn’t alarmed by who was standing there, but then again she’d never seen Jim.

“Dear God, what are you doing here?” Addison said through gritted teeth. “Jim, get out or I’ll call the police.”

Rebecca stepped around the counter. “You need to leave.”

“Relax, ladies. I’m just here for a cup of coffee and a civil conversation with my wife.” He gave Rebecca his best attorney smile.

“You don’t know how to have a civil conversation,” Addison said with her arms crossed. She stayed behind the counter.

“I’ll be good. I promise.” He held up his right hand like he was swearing in a courtroom, but it meant nothing. He’d also sworn before God that he’d be faithful and that didn’t happen.

“It’s okay, Rebecca. I can handle him. We’ll just step outside since this is a place of business.”

“Addy, you can stay…”

Addison waved her hand. “It’ll be fine.”

She followed Jim out to the sidewalk and pulled her coat around her.

“Look, Addison, we need to discuss this settlement like rational adults.”

“Rational? Since when were you ever rational?” she asked.

He took in a deep breath and pursed his lips. She knew she was getting to him.

“The settlement that your attorney submitted is ridiculous. You’re basically asking for half of everything I own.”

“Everything you own? Um, I believe I own the same amount you do, Jim.”

“You did nothing to earn that money!” he snapped. “You were a worthless piece of baggage that I carried for all those years. You don’t deserve a dime.”

“Is that what you told Tiffani in the elevator? At the fancy schmancy hotel in San Fran?” she said with her eyes wide and a smile on her face. Jim’s jaw dropped.

“What?”

“On our anniversary, Jim? Really? Very classy.”

“How do you… Wait. What?” He still hadn’t put two and two together.

“Also, how’s uncle Ned?”

“Huh?” he continued to stammer.

“Oh, yeah, Jimbo. I forgot to tell you that I have the goods on you. I’m not worried about my reputation anymore, sweetheart, because I don’t intend to ever go back to my old life or my old career. People here know the real me. They know who I am, and they wouldn’t listen to you anyway. But I can guarantee that your colleagues in Atlanta would love to get the scoop on who you really are. Give me a reason, Jim. Just give me a reason,” she said, her finger pointed in his face. For the first time, she stared him down and let him know she wasn’t going to back down anymore.

“You’re a bitch!” he said. “I married you so I’d look good, having the whole stay at home wife thing. But you aren’t who I married. Thank God I’m almost rid of you.”

“The feeling’s mutual. Trust me. Now, get out of here.” She turned and started to walk inside, but he just couldn’t let her go. He grabbed her arm and twirled her around.

“That bastard baby of yours will never have a life. You should choose adoption…”

He never got to finish that sentence because the next thing he saw was the front of Clay’s fist as it crashed down on his formerly perfect nose.

***

Addison had never bailed anyone out of jail before. Until today.

Clay had knocked Jim out cold, leaving him with a broken nose and one black eye. Addison couldn’t help but laugh on the inside, but thankfully she’d held it together on the outside.

After paying the bail, Clay walked out of the small county jail holding a plastic bag with his wallet, keys and whatever else he had in his pants pockets.

“You okay?” she asked, crinkling her nose, as he met her on the sidewalk.

“Well, I’ve been better,” he said with a sad laugh. “The question is, how are you? Did he hurt you before I got there?” he asked, touching her arm where Jim had touched her. Amazing how two men’s touches could be so vastly different.

“I’m fine,” she said, putting her other hand over his. He let go.

“He tried to press assault charges, but Rebecca and another eye witness told the officer that I was getting him off of you. In the end, Jim was too big of a coward to proceed with it because he knew it would hurt his reputation.”

“No surprise there,” she said as they walked toward her car. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride home.”

“That’s okay. I had a couple of my friends bring my car so I’d have it when I got out.”

“Oh. Okay. By the way, thanks for the baby gift. You didn’t have to do that. It must have been a lot of work…”

“You’re welcome. It was no big deal.” He wouldn’t look at her, and it was making her uneasy. Had Harrison Gibbs gotten it all wrong?

“Are you angry with me or something?”

“No.”

“You know what, you’re all hat and no cattle, Clay Hampton!” she screeched a little louder than she’d planned.

“Excuse me?” he said, turning to look at her.

“You said all those nice things, and you claim not to be upset about my pregnancy, but you’re barely speaking to me right now. When the chips are down, you’re bolting yet again!”

“Really? That’s what you think? I just punched your sorry husband out and went to jail for a few hours, but I’m ‘bolting’?”

“Just admit it. You think I’m a whore just like Jim does!” she said pointing at him. She knew as soon as she’d said it, she’d said the wrong thing. He looked pale and shell shocked. He’d saved her from Jim, at least in his mind, and now she was being ungrateful.

“Sweetie, I’m not in the business of protecting whores. But if that’s what you think, then I guess I’ll see you around,” he said as he got into his car and drove away.

***

Addison drove by the ferry a few times over the next week, but she didn’t see Clay’s car. Maybe he was walking to work these days, burning off the rage he felt for her.

Amazingly, she received a signed divorce settlement from her attorney in just over a week from the time Jim had shown up. She gladly signed it and returned it to Helen, who was happy to have the case over with.

She would get half of the house they lived in together once it sold. She would also get half of their savings account and some of the retirement funds over time. All in all, she would be able to start over and raise her baby with a nice nest egg. She could even buy a house in January Cove if she wanted. Or somewhere else, although she couldn’t imagine the thought of that.

Her appointment with the doctor revealed the baby’s gender and she couldn’t have been more excited to have a baby girl on the way. But she felt let down that she didn’t have Clay to share it with.

She decided to walk past the Mallory house once again. Maybe she’d do something crazy and make an offer on it. She could live there and run her B&B like she dreamed. Imagining the pink nursery she could have upstairs overlooking the garden, she walked as quick as she could to see her dream home.

And there was a sold sign on it.

What? Who could’ve bought it so quickly? She had the money now, and her house was gone.

Dejected, she decided to find Clay and see if he knew anything about the new owners. Maybe she could negotiate to buy it from them.

As she walked up to the ferry dock, she saw some guy she didn’t recognize.

“Can I help you, miss?” the older man said.

“Um, I’m looking for Clay Hampton…” she said, looking around for any sign of him.

“Oh, he’s out of town for awhile.”

“Out of town? When will he be back?” she asked.

“Don’t know, ma’am. He just told me that he was on an open-ended vacation.”

“Thanks…” she stammered before she walked back toward the road.

He’d left January Cove for the first time, and it was all because of her.

“These aren’t half bad,” Rebecca said with a laugh as she spun around in the pale pink bridesmaid dress. Jenna rolled her eyes.

“Did ya’ll really think I would make you look bad at my own wedding?” she asked. Each of the women shrugged their shoulders and giggled. In unison, they all said “Maybe.”

“Well, I’d appreciate it if someone could pry me out of this dress and get me a bigger size!” Addison said, laughing so hard that she feared she’d bust the dress wide open. “I need an adjustable one,” she said to the attendant. The women all burst into hysterical laughter.

It had been weeks since she last saw Clay, but Addison was picking up her life and moving forward. She had more to worry about with a baby girl on the way.

After finally relenting, she opted to stay with her mother at least until the baby was a few months old. So Adele had started to work on the nursery, and she was going overboard, as usual.

The whole room was being repainted, the floors sanded and all new decor had been ordered. Addison just sat back and smiled, letting her mother have all the fun.

Planning Jenna and Kyle’s wedding had been a lot of fun too, with the exception of knowing that Clay would be driving the ferry boat and attending as a groomsman. She dreaded seeing him again after the way she’d talked to him before.

After her bridesmaid dress escapade, she met up with her brother, Jackson, for lunch.

“So, how goes the dress shopping?” he asked as he bit into a hamburger.

“Pretty good except my expanding girth is a challenge,” she said smiling.

“Well, for good reason. I can’t wait to meet my niece. I’m gonna spoil her rotten.” And she knew he would. “Any ideas on a name yet?”

“I was thinking of Anna Grace.”

“I like it,” he said, taking a sip of his soda.

“So… Have you seen Clay lately?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“No, but I heard he just came back to town or something. Said he needed a break.” Jackson was eying her closely. “Something going on with you two?”

“Nah. Just wondering. Hadn’t seen him around.”

“Addy, I’m not an idiot. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I’ve seen the way you look at him. He broke Jim’s nose for you.”

“Well… I… uh…”

“Pregnancy got your tongue?”

“Very funny.”

“If you like Clay, why not just admit it?” he asked.

“Because you’ve done everything in your power to keep him from even looking at me for years.”

“Is that what he told you?” Jackson asked with a wide grin.

“Maybe.”

“Well, I’m your big brother. What was I supposed to do?”

“Let me make my own decisions?”

“You decided on Jim. Not a feather in your cap, sis.”

“You’re a regular comedian today,” she said sarcastically. “Besides, he’s angry at me for being a jerk after I bailed him out. I don’t think he wants to hang out with me anymore.”

“Doubt that. He’s drooled over you since you were a teenager, Addy. If you like Clay, then tell him. That boy can’t stand to be led on. He needs to know how you feel. Otherwise, he runs for cover.”

“Really?”

“He’s a big guy, but he’s got a big heart too. Jeez, I can’t believe I just said that…”

“You’re becoming a softie, bro,” she said as she stood and kissed him on the head. “Thanks.”

“Where are you going?” he called after her.

“To find that big hearted man!” she yelled back as she walked down the street toward the ferry.

***

As she approached the ferry dock, she saw him. Wearing a long sleeve navy blue shirt and form fitting jeans, she ogled him for just a bit too long. He turned around and looked at her.

“Are you checking me out?” he asked with a hint of a smile.

“Maybe,” she said, slowly walking toward him.

“You look good,” he said, pointing down to her belly. “And…”

“Bigger?”

“I’m not saying that…”

“It’s okay. In this case, bigger is better,” she said. He nodded thoughtfully. “I’m having a girl.”

“Really? That’s awesome.”

“Yeah, I’m excited to have a daughter.”

“It’s so good to see you again, Addy,” he said stepping off the dock and bridging the gap between them.

“I’ve missed you, Clay. I’m so sorry about the way I acted at the jail. I was just going through a lot. But the divorce is over now, and I got a good settlement. I’m starting over, and I’m happy.”

“I’m glad to hear that. You deserve happiness.”

“Listen, I was wondering about something.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you know who bought the Mallory house? I notice it’s got a sold sign now and there’s work being done there.”

“Hmm… I don’t know, but then I haven’t been around much.”

“Oh. Okay.”  She was starting to chicken out.

“Well, it was good to see you…” he started to say as he turned to head back to the ferry.

“Will you go on a date with me?” she said at the same time. Awkward.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing,” she stammered as she started to walk away.

“Addy! Wait up!” he called. Once he caught up with her, he turned her to him. “Did you just ask me on date, Addison Rose Parker?”

“How do you know my middle name?” she asked.

“I’ve made it my business to know everything about you,” he said softly. “And to answer your question, I would love to go on a date with you. A real one.”

“Okay,” she said, sure that her cheeks were a bright shade of crimson.

“But on one condition.”

Great. A condition. “What condition?”

“That you let me plan it. The man should ask the woman on the date, and the man should plan it.”

“Southern chivalry?” she said, smiling up at him.

“Of course. How about tomorrow night?”

“It’s a date,” she said as she backed away. “And I won’t stand you up this time.”

***

Addison was excited about her date with Clay, and she didn’t hide that fact from her mother.

“So, Clay Hampton is your date?” Adele said.

“Yes, mother…” Addison said as she put her earrings in and checked the mirror for the sixth time.

“Well, I think that’s just great.”

“You do?” Addison said, surprised that her mother would be okay with her pregnant daughter dating.

“Of course. He’s like a son to me. I love Clay. I couldn’t have picked a better person for you to date. Besides, he’s loved you for years, sweetie.”

“Why didn’t anyone ever tell me that?” Addison screeched out. How had she been so blind to it all those years?

“Because love has to find its own way. You can’t push it. What’s meant to be is meant to be.”

“How many cliches can you pack into one sentence, Mom?” Addison said with a laugh as she hugged her mom’s neck. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve been doing with the baby’s room. It’s much appreciated.”

“It’s my joy to welcome a third generation of Parker women into this family, Addy.” Adele smiled and continued painting the walls of the nursery.

“Well, I’d better get ready,” Addison said. “He’ll be here in less than an hour.”

***

Clay stared at her for a moment before handing her a small bouquet of yellow roses.

“These are my favorite!” she said, putting them up to her nose to get an early whiff of springtime.

“I know,” he said softly.

“You amaze me.”

“The feeling is mutual,” he said with a smile. Those dimples did things to her that she couldn’t mention in polite company.

“So, where are we going?” she asked.

“It’s a surprise,” he said with a huge grin. She nodded her head slowly.

“Okay…. Hang on a sec… Hey, Mom, can you put these in some water for me?” she yelled into the house before handing the flowers to her mother through the door. Adele shot a quick smile and wink in Clay’s direction before closing the door behind them.

“Why do I feel like a teenager right now?” he asked as they walked down the steps.

He opened the door to his truck and helped her up inside. The truck wasn’t overly tall, but being six months pregnant was a challenge in several ways.

As they rode down the street, Addison mused in her head about the fact that she was going on a date as a pregnant woman. Never would’ve expected that.

“Close your eyes,” Clay said.

“What?”

“Close your eyes. Where we’re going is a surprise.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. Here,” he said, handing her a neck tie. She put it around her face and decided to play along.

“This is already the most interesting date I’ve ever had,” she said laughing. “Are you driving in circles?”

“I’m just throwing you off track,” he said as he turned for the tenth time.

“I’m getting vertigo!” she said with a giggle.

“Okay, fine,” he said as he turned onto a road and finally stopped the car. “Stay there.”

She stayed where she was until Clay opened the door and helped her out, practically lifting her from the truck and placing her gently on the ground.

“Be careful. There’s some gravel on the ground,” he said. “Keep your eyes covered.”

He led her up some stairs and she could hear him unlocking a door. Had he brought her to his house? She tried to remember how many steps he had on his front porch. She heard him close the door and then take a deep breath.

“Okay, you can take off your mask now,” he said softly. Addison reached up and pulled the tie from around her eyes, taking a couple of moments to allow her eyes to adjust again.

At first, she had no idea where she was, but it was a beautiful place with thick moldings and shiny hardwood floors. She looked at Clay who was smiling like a Cheshire cat, and then looked behind them and out the window.

The Mallory house.

“Oh my goodness, Clay. We’re at the Mallory house?” she whispered.

“Why are you whispering?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Because we aren’t supposed to be here. What if we get caught?” she continued whispering. “The workers were just here yesterday.”

“Don’t you like to live a little on the edge?” he asked as he walked toward her. “Live a little dangerously?”

“Well, obviously,” she said pointing at her pregnant belly. “But still, we should get out of here. I don’t want to be the cause of you getting a reputation at the county jail!”