Chapter 13 Reese #2
“That’s moving pretty fast.” Her heart was also racing pretty fast. He wanted to marry her? She certainly wanted to marry him. She’d always wanted that, but she’d never imagined it could actually happen. Not after all these years of mourning him, of hating him for leaving her.
Cody kissed her. “I want you to know my intentions. I’m not losing you a second time. Not unless you push me away. Otherwise, I’m here.”
“I’m here too.”
They kissed again with the snow falling all around them in the dimming light, and Reese knew then, there was no going back. And she didn’t want to. She was about to jump into a big, complicated situation. With Roan. Her only love.
The week moved with startling speed. Monday morning, Roan made the calls—to DCF, to Cody’s social worker, to Logan to confirm the emergency custody filing for Marcus.
Reese had gone to his house early, wanting to be there with him, and had sat at his kitchen table while he reported everything.
The assault. The drowning attempt. The pattern of violence.
His voice had been steady and factual, but she’d seen his hands shaking when he hung up. “Now we wait,” he’d said.
Tuesday, DCF investigators came to the school.
They interviewed both boys separately, photographed Cody’s injuries, documented everything.
By afternoon, Cody’s social worker called Roan with the news.
Immediate removal from the Patterson home, emergency placement approved.
Reese had gone with Roan to pick Cody up from school.
When Cody walked out and Roan said, “You’re coming home with us,” Cody had burst into tears right there in the parking lot.
Wednesday morning brought the call about Marcus. The judge had signed off and emergency temporary custody was granted. Marcus could stay with Roan officially while DCF searched for his mother and worked through the longer-term process. Both boys were home by Wednesday afternoon.
The rest of the week had fallen into a new rhythm.
Bridge Program classes continued as normal—CrossFit, dance, the kids getting stronger and more confident.
Reese taught them the complete choreography for All I Want for Christmas Is You, breaking down the moves until they had them memorized.
They were surprisingly good, even Cody. She was so proud of all of them.
Evenings, she had gone over to Roan’s house, helping with dinner and homework. She’d never been much of a cook until she took Mia’s class last Christmas season. Now, she made all the Italian dishes she’d learned, beaming when the boys and Roan complimented her.
On Friday afternoon, December 12th, Reese had just finished teaching her last class—eight-year-olds working on their Nutcracker routines. Her phone buzzed with a text.
Roan
Meet us at 5 for the tree lighting? I’m just finishing up with a client but the kids already headed over to get us a good spot.
Reese
Yay. I’ll be there.
Roan
Wear something warm.
Reese
You sound like a dad.
Roan
No dad jokes. I promise.
She did indeed change into warmer clothes—jeans, a thick sweater, her winter coat and boots. Tonight was one of her favorite of the year. The whole town would be at the tree lighting tonight, celebrating the season and their sweet community.
And this year she’d be there with Roan and all four of the kids.
Everything was changing so fast but maybe that was okay.
She’d had the same routines for years now.
Work. Mauve. Spending time alone even when she wished she wasn’t.
Now, her life was full with the kids and Roan.
Maybe this was what she’d needed all this time. People who needed her.
The town square was already packed when Reese arrived.
White lights were strung between the lampposts, and the enormous spruce tree stood in the center of the park, dark and waiting.
Families clustered together, children bouncing with excitement.
The smell of hot chocolate and cinnamon drifted from the cocoa stand near the pavilion.
Reese scanned the crowd, looking for Roan. She spotted Jason first, standing near the front with Mauve. Their heads were bent, engrossed in talking to each other. Mauve practically glowed. Reese really hoped she wasn’t about to have her heart broken when Jason went back to his real life.
Then she saw them—Roan standing near the tree with all four kids. Emma was gesticulating wildly with her hands, clearly telling a story, her cheeks flushed. Julia stood beside her, bundled up in a thick coat. Marcus and Cody flanked Roan on either side, both wearing their new winter jackets.
Gratitude flooded Reese as she watched them all together, amazed at how successful their time with the kids had been. This was the embodiment of the Christmas spirit. Grace Hayes had done a good thing.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Roan said when she reached them, pulling her close for a quick kiss.
She blushed. No one could make her feel as beautiful as Roan Hayes could. “Hi. Sorry I’m late. It was a zoo getting here.”
“No problem. We saved you a spot,” Roan said, kissing her again.
She turned to say hello to the kids. Julia surprised her with a hug.
“How are you feeling?” Reese asked.
“A little tired, but not bad,” Julia said.
Emma hugged her next, her slim arms sliding around Reese’s middle. “I’m glad you’re here, Reese. Everything’s more fun with you.”
“Is your mom coming?” Reese asked.
Emma’s sparkle faded. “No. Said she didn’t feel like dealing with the crowds.”
“I’m sorry,” Reese said, giving her another hug.
“It’s okay. Today I’m choosing to be happy,” Emma said. “No matter what stupid games my parents are playing.”
“Good plan,” Reese said.
“Reese, I got an A on my essay for English class,” Marcus said. “My teacher said it was the best one. She said I’m a great writer.”
“Marcus, that’s wonderful. I’m proud of you,” Reese said.
“It’s a lot easier to concentrate now that I have a kitchen table to study at and a full belly,” Marcus said, glancing up at Roan. “I prayed and prayed for a new home. A family.”
“God was listening, apparently,” Reese said.
Cody nodded hello to Reese and then plucked his knit cap from his head. “I got a haircut.”
“Oh my goodness, you look like a movie star.” Reese reached up to ruffle the close short locks.
“No, I don’t.” Cody grinned. “That’s Jason, not me.”
“You never know,” Reese said. “Maybe you should audition for the class play this spring.”
“Um, no way. Dancing is bad enough,” Cody said. “I’m not going to be in a play. But Roan said I could join the track team this spring if I wanted to. He said he’d pay the fee and everything.”
“I can’t wait to attend one of your meets,” Reese said.
“You’ll come for real?” Cody asked.
“I’ll be there.”
Before Reese could say anything further, the choir assembled near the pavilion, dressed in matching robes.
The polite crowd hushed as they began to sing The First Noel.
The music rang out over the town square, pure and beautiful.
Reese felt tears prick her eyes. This was Christmas. The real meaning of it, right here.
Beside her, Roan reached for her hand. She smiled up at him, his face blurry through her tears.
The choir finished, and Mayor Davidson stepped up to the lectern, his red scarf bright against his dark coat. “What a treat to have our choir here tonight. They’re better than anything you’d hear in a big city, am I right?”
The crowd cheered.
“As you know,” the mayor continued, “before we light the tree, we have a tradition in Sugarville Grove to honor a member of the community who’s gone above and beyond to contribute to the well-being of others.
This year, we wanted to honor someone who has quietly served this community for decades.
Someone who opens her home to anyone who needs help, who’s fed half the town with her cooking, who’s organized food drives and taught Sunday school.
And this year, she spearheaded The Bridge Program, which pairs teenagers with adult mentors.
Thanks to Grace’s vision and determination, kids who were struggling now have hope and support.
This year’s Christmas Star is Grace Hayes. ”
The crowd erupted in applause, but no one cheered louder than the four teenagers gathered around Reese and Roan.
Grace made her way to the front, Walter beside her, both looking embarrassed by the attention. Grace’s eyes were shining, though, as she waved to the crowd.
“Go, Mom,” a man shouted.
“Yay, Grammie,” a child’s voice called out.
Reese turned to see the entire Hayes family gathered together to cheer on their mother. All four boys, their wives and children beamed at their matriarch.
“Grace,” the mayor said, “you are the embodiment of Christmas spirit, and we’re honored to have you light our tree this year. Thank you for everything you do for our community.”
Julia cozied up next to Reese, who took her hand. Cody rubbed shoulders with Roan. Emma and Marcus, being the shortest, stood in front of them. A family of sorts, Reese thought. A family of their own choosing.
Grace and Walter approached the tree, and the mayor started the countdown.
“Ten!”
The crowd joined in, children giggling and bouncing.
“Nine! Eight! Seven!”
Marcus, Julia, and Emma were counting along, their faces bright with excitement. Cody stood quietly, but a smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
“Six! Five! Four!”
The voices grew louder, more urgent.
“Three! Two! One!”
Grace plugged in the tree, and it burst to life in a cascade of dazzling white lights. Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd, followed by cheers and applause.
Reese clapped and laughed along with everyone else, swept up in the magic of the moment. She had always loved the tree lighting, but this year felt special. The first of many, she hoped, with Roan and the kids.
“It’s so pretty,” Marcus said.
“Totally,” Emma said.
“Epic,” Julia said.
Roan excused himself to say hello to his cousins. Marcus, Emma, and Julia surged forward to get a candy cane from the mayor’s wife, leaving Reese with Cody.
“Makes me think of my mom,” Cody said. “She loved the tree lighting.”
Reese squeezed Cody’s hand. “I bet she’s watching from wherever she is.”
“You think so for real?” Cody asked.
“I certainly do,” Reese said. “And I bet she’s so proud of you. All you’ve gone through, and still a good person.”
“You think I’m a good person?” Cody asked.
“Of course I do,” Reese said. “I see the way you look after Marcus. How sweet you are with the girls. We’re all lucky to have you in our lives.”
Cody’s throat worked, and he ducked his head, but not before Reese saw his eyes shimmer.“No one’s told me that since my mom was alive.” He swiped under his eyes with the back of his glove. “You remind me of her. She was the type who always put others’ needs first too.”
“Is that how you see me?” Reese asked, surprised.
“It’s pretty obvious,” Cody said. “Not many women would stick around when their boyfriend takes in two kids like Marcus and me.”
“Well, then, we should feel sorry for those sad women. Because I’m the lucky one who gets to spend time with all three of you.”
“Are you guys going to get married?” Cody asked.
“I’m not sure. Why do you ask?” Reese looked up at the sweet, lanky boy.
“No reason.” Cody shrugged. “It would just be nice to have you around all the time.”
“I’m not going anywhere, don’t you worry,” Reese said. “It took fifteen years for Roan to come back to me. I plan on making sure he makes up for lost time.”
Grace and Walter were making their way back through the crowd, reaching Reese and Cody just about the same time Roan returned with Jason and Mauve in tow. When she reached them, Grace pulled both her nephews into a fierce hug.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said. “Your mama would be proud.”
“We love you, Aunt Grace,” Jason said.
“Very much,” Roan said. “Thank you for welcoming us back without judgment.”
“This is your home. Where you belong. When you’re not being a famous actor, that is,” Grace said to Jason. “I hope you’ll make it home a little more often.”
“I plan on it,” Jason said.
Grace looked past Roan and Jason to where Marcus and Cody stood nearby. Her face lit up. “There are my boys. Come here and give me a hug.”
Marcus and Cody moved forward, and Grace pulled them both into an embrace.
“I heard the good news,” Grace said. “I’m so pleased for you all.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Marcus said. “We’re very grateful.”
“How are you settling in?” Grace asked, looking between them.
“Good,” Cody said. “Really good.”
“Roan’s done a lot for us,” Marcus added.
“We love his house and our room and Reese’s cooking,” Cody said, patting his stomach. “I’m going to get fat.”
Grace laughed. “I think you have a way to go before that happens. Don’t forget—Walter and I are here for you guys too. Just holler and we’ll come running.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Marcus said.
Walter stepped forward, shaking both boys’ hands. “We’ve got a big kitchen table and there’s always room for two more.”
Walter and Grace left to greet more of their fans. Meanwhile, people began to disperse, heading to the hot chocolate stand or toward the shops. Reese noticed Emma gathering the other three kids and they all leaned close, whispering.
“What are they up to?” Reese asked Roan.
“Never you mind,” Roan said.
Definitely conspiring about something.
“Will you come home with us?” Roan asked Reese. “The boys want pizza. We can pick it up on the way out.”
“I can’t think of anything better.”
And she meant every word.