Chapter Five
“Thank you so much for meeting me for coffee,” Molly said to Georgia in a chirpy voice as they brought their coffees over to a table by the window of the Coffee Bean Café. The café had the best coffee in town.
“I’ve missed you,” Georgia said as she placed her coffee down on the table and sat down.
Molly sat down across from her. “I’ve missed you too. It’s been way too long since we’ve really sat down and talked. How are you, Georgia?”
“I’m doing well,” she said with a nod. “How about you?”
“Great. I’m in my last year of college,” she announced. She took a long sip of her coffee, then put her cup back down. “And then I’ll be ready to take the world by storm.”
Georgia giggled. She could imagine Molly being a true tornado if she set her mind to it.
“I’m ready to embrace everything the future has to offer. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Molly said, stretching her arms out wide as if she wanted to grab ahold of the entire world.
“Are you seeing anyone special?” Georgia asked. Since she was single herself, it would make her feel good to hear about Molly’s love life. Hopefully she had found a special someone at college.
Molly grinned at her. “There is someone I’m falling for. He’s sweet and kind and he has a close relationship with the Lord. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted for myself wrapped up in a big bow.” She let out a sigh. “But I want to take everything slowly this time around. I need to trust in God’s timing.”
“Amen.” Georgia grinned. She could tell so much by Molly’s expression. There was love shining forth in her eyes. The way she spoke about her sweetheart spoke volumes. At the same time, Molly sounded a bit hesitant. Georgia knew she had gotten her heart broken before by her ex-boyfriend, Eric. It had happened not too long after her own break-up with Riley. Georgia didn’t know all the details, but Libby had told her it had been devastating for Molly.
After Georgia’s break-up with Riley, his little sister had been MIA for quite some time, which is why she hadn’t heard it from Molly’s own lips about the end of her relationship with Eric. Georgia had tried not to be hurt by Molly’s lack of contact. Surely if she had to take sides, it would be Riley’s side she would take. Then—out of the blue—Molly had popped up back in Hope Valley during spring break and reached out to Georgia. She’d been over the moon to reconnect with Molly. Losing Riley had been hard enough. It had been a blessing not to lose Molly as well.
Now, almost four years later, Molly had found love. It made Georgia hopeful. Perhaps she too could find a love to call her own.
Against her will, Riley’s face flashed before her eyes. She cringed. Why couldn’t she get this man out of her head? What was the expression her mother used to say? There are plenty of fish in the sea. Why couldn’t she take her fishing rod and reel in another one?
“You’re being very wise,” Georgia said, turning her attention back to Molly. “Sometimes the heart wants what it wants, but it’s always smart to use your head.”
Molly nodded. “Yes. Unfortunately, Eric taught me that just because someone tells you he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, it isn’t always so black and white.” She made a face. “I learned the hard way.”
“I’m sorry he disappointed you.” Clearly, Georgia had been out of the loop. At the time of Molly’s disappointing experience with love she had been reeling from her own heartbreak. She hadn’t been aware that Molly’s relationship had been quite so serious.
Poor Molly! More than anyone, Georgia knew how it felt to be disappointed in love. She wouldn’t wish those feelings on her worst enemy. Molly was a sweet kid. Way too young to suffer heartache.
Molly shrugged. “I’m older and wiser now. I would have walked through fire for Eric. Now I’m taking things one day at a time. I’m not sure I felt strong before. But after everything I’ve been through, I really feel strong now.”
Molly’s comment caused goosebumps to pop up on her arms. She had spoken in such an intense manner. What had she gone through? Her words hinted at something dramatic. At one point in time she and Molly had been as thick as thieves. That had been dealt a huge blow after her relationship with Riley ended. She wasn’t in any position to pry any further into Molly’s personal business, even though she sensed there was something lurking under the surface.
“I’m happy for you,” Georgia said, smiling at Molly. Riley’s sister grinned back at her.
“I hope it’s okay to ask you this,” Molly said, biting her lip. “How does it feel to have Riley back in town?”
“Of course it’s fine to ask, Molly. We’re friends,” Georgia said. “I hope we’ll always be in each other’s lives. I know things are different now than they used to be, but you’re still very important to me. I know you’re Riley’s little sister, but over the years you became mine as well.”
“For a long time I was hoping you would become my sister in law,” Molly said in a hesitant voice. “I really wanted you and Riley to end up together.
“I wanted that too, for a very long time.” She let out a ragged sigh. What was the point in hiding her feelings from Molly? Riley’s kid sister had been one of their biggest cheerleaders. She had cried her heart out when Riley had broken the news to her.
“It’s fine having him back here. I know how much it must mean to your family, especially since he might be coming home for good.” She took a swig of her coffee then picked at her scone. “I have to admit, seeing Aidan was a shock. No one ever said a word about his existence, not even Libby.”
Molly’s face turned pale. “H-he’s a great little boy. Aidan has done so much for him. I know it must be difficult to absorb, Georgia. I know you had dreams of having your own children with Riley. I’m so sorry if meeting Aidan knocked you for a loop.”
She’s different, Georgia realized. She couldn’t quite place it, but Molly had transformed into a more mature, grounded young woman. She was sensitive and caring. It was as if she’d grown up all at once.
“I still dream of having children, Molly. Just not with Riley.” The realization that she’d mentally moved on hit her out of the blue. She still had dreams of a happily ever after with a man who wanted to give her a lifetime commitment. It just wouldn’t be Riley Somers.
Molly appeared to be choking back tears. “I want more children too. As many as the good Lord allows me.”
As they finished their coffee and scones, their conversation turned to world travel and hobbies. Molly was an avid skier while Georgia preferred hiking. They both promised to keep in contact more frequently and to get together once Molly graduated and moved back permanently to Hope Valley.
After finishing up with Molly, Georgia raced back home, knowing she had agreed to have dinner with Eden and Mama. Rosalie had told her daughters that she had some sort of news to deliver. Knowing her mother as she did, Georgia had decided that her news was best delivered in a familiar environment with great food being consumed. By the time she reached home it was almost five o’clock. Georgia began prepping dinner, then grabbed a quick shower and sat in the kitchen reading one of her favorite mystery authors. Eden and Rosalie arrived at the same time, which served as Georgia’s signal to heat up the meal while her sister set the table.
By the time dinner was served, Georgia’s stomach was grumbling. As they enjoyed her ravioli, spinach salad and garlic bread, Georgia couldn’t help but wonder about her mother’s announcement. She prayed it wasn’t anything about her health. Rosalie was already dealing with MS. Anything further wouldn’t be fair. Her faith told her that God never gave any more than a person could handle, but sometimes Georgia wondered if that was true. God was a constant in her life, but she still wondered why bad things tended to land on the shoulders of the same people over and over again.
For dessert, Eden pulled a cherry cheesecake out of the fridge. Georgia had made it over the weekend and Eden had been dying to taste it. Eden quickly began to slice the cheesecake and dish out the servings. Georgia had to smile at the look etched on her sister’s face. She was in heaven.
Once their plates were polished clean, Rosalie set her fork down on her plate with a slight bang. She looked back and forth between her daughters. She cleared her throat. There was a look of nervousness etched on her face. Georgia’s stomach lurched in anticipation of her mother’s special news.
“I’m seeing someone,” their mother announced.
Georgia’s jaw dropped. Her mother was dating someone? Although the announcement was surprising, Georgia felt relieved. At least the news wasn’t alarming or health-related.
“Since when?” Georgia asked. “You haven’t said a word about it.”
“For a few weeks,” Rosalie said in a crisp tone. A little smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“Who is this mystery guy?” Eden asked. Georgia could tell by the expression stamped on her sister’s face that she was skeptical of her mother’s romance. Georgia wanted to be optimistic. Everyone needed a little love in their lives.
“It’s Benjamin,” Rosalie said.
“Benjamin who?” Georgia shrieked. She had a funny, niggling sensation in the pit of her stomach. Dear Lord, please don’t let it be who I think it is.
“Oh! No way!” Eden said with a snarl. “There is no way in the world you would be…foolish enough to date our father after everything he put you through.”
Rosalie’s mouth twisted. She glared at her daughters. “Benjamin said I shouldn’t tell the two of you. He was right! Why can’t you be happy for us? For me?”
“Mama. We just don’t want you to get hurt,” Georgia said, reaching out and patting her mother’s arm.
Eden made a sucking sound with her mouth. “We know he’s going to hurt you all over again.”
“Eden,” Georgia said in a warning tone. Eden had the habit of being overly blunt. She could tell by the expression on her mother’s face she was on the brink of tears.
Eden sent her a loaded glance, then let out a sigh. “We all want to believe in happy endings, but as your daughters we’re worried about you. He might be our father, but we’ve never been blind to his flaws. He hasn’t exactly been a one-woman man.”
That was an understatement! Benjamin Ballou had a habit of going from woman to woman. It was highly unlikely he would stick with their mother for the long haul. And her heart would be crushed.
“I know you have my best interest at heart, lovelies. But the last time I checked, this is my life. I never stopped loving your father. And clearly, he still has feelings for me.” Rosalie met their gazes head-on, as if daring either one of them to argue her point.
Eden let out an indelicate snort. “Mama, it seems as if you don’t want to listen to reason. So all I can say is be happy.”
Georgia reached under the table and squeezed Eden’s hand for support. She knew how difficult it was for her sister to wish her mother well when they both knew that things were going to implode in a few weeks.
“Ditto to what Eden said, Mama. Be happy,” Georgia said. Unexpectedly, tears blurred her vision. She wanted happiness for her mother, but she knew her father wasn’t going to be the man to give it to her. Why did it seem as if love brought nothing but pain? For the life of her she couldn’t think of many couples who were blissfully in love.
After Rosalie had left for the evening, Georgia and Eden sat in the living room and dissected their mother’s announcement.
“Can you believe it?” Georgia asked. “I wonder how this all came about. I thought daddy was seeing someone.”
“As if that’s ever mattered.” Eden threw her hands in the air. “What is in the drinking water in Hope Valley? I think everyone has gone a bit crazy with the exception of yours truly. Kit’s marriage is in the dumpster. You’re all goo goo eyes over the guy who dumped you. And our mother is dating her cheating ex-husband.”
“You forgot to mention Max Stone,” Georgia said, smiling at her sister. For some reason Max got under Eden’s skin like no other.
“He’s not relevant to this conversation,” Eden said in a clipped tone.
“I think he is,” Georgia said. She pointed at the bouquet of white roses sitting on the side table. “Those roses were from Max, weren’t they?” Georgia asked. “You didn’t say who sent them, but clearly it was somebody who has money to burn and is very fond of you. All roads lead to Max.”
Eden dismissively waved a hand in the air. “Flowers mean nothing in the scheme of things.”
“But you kept them, didn’t you?” Georgia asked.
Eden let out a groan and stood up, then stormed over toward the flowers. She plucked them from their vase and marched over to the trash where she unceremoniously dumped them in. “There! Is that proof enough that I do not have feelings for Max Stone?” With a groan of annoyance, Eden stormed out of the kitchen and stomped upstairs.
Georgia sat back in her chair and let out a huff of aggravation. There really was something in the water in Hope Valley. Everyone seemed to be on the verge of losing it. Eden. Mama. Kit. She shook her head. All things considered, she was doing pretty well for herself. At least she wasn’t dating an ex like Mama. Once again, Riley’s handsome face flashed before her eyes. She shut her eyes tightly, but his image wouldn’t disappear.
Who was she kidding? Riley Somers wasn’t going anywhere, especially now that he might be moving back to Hope Valley. Riley was still firmly entrenched in her heart. She had no business shaking her head at Mama regarding her decision to date her ex-husband, Georgia’s own father. She was no better, silently pining away for Riley.
That night as Georgia drifted off to sleep she began to toss and turn. It had been an eventful day. The news about her mother reuniting with her father was weighing heavily on her heart. Georgia didn’t trust her father as far as she could throw him. Benjamin Ballou was her father and she would always love him, but he couldn’t be trusted with her mother’s heart. Rosalie was a romantic at heart, much like Georgia herself. But there was nothing she could do to stop it. Mama would have to make her own decisions about her romantic future. All she could do was pray on it.