Page 30 of Your Second Chance
I couldn’t keep dragging her into it either. She shouldn’t have to worry about me. I loved her like a sister, maybe even more, but she didn’t need to constantly worry about me, and with the peach coming, I needed to get a grasp on my emotions.
When I woke up early, the house was quiet, and thankfully, Ollie wasn’t up. There was no coffee in the kitchen, so I slipped into my clothes—thankfully, Luna had packed my favorite jeans and an oversized sweater—and headed toward the main house. I couldn’t sort things out with Ollie, but that didn’t mean I had to avoid his parents.
I carefully pushed open the backdoor, the same one we’d gone through yesterday. His mom and dad were already at the kitchen table, their gazes lifting as I stepped inside.
“Oh, hi.” I waved awkwardly. “There’s no coffee, and Ollie’s still asleep, so I thought I’d see if I could make a cup here.”
I hugged my arms across my chest, suddenly feeling stupid for coming.
Before I could retreat, his mom shot up from her chair, and his dad pulled another out for me.
“Sit, please,” he said warmly.
I nodded gratefully. “If it’s no trouble. I can make it myself if?—”
His mom squeezed my shoulders gently. “Not a bother at all. We made extra, hoping you two might stop by.”
The kindness in her voice tugged at something deep in my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this, this small moment of warmth.
I sat down, and Mrs. Stone handed me a steaming cup of coffee along with a plate of jam and scones.
“From the bakery in town.” She smiled.
I thanked her and grabbed one, the buttery scent filling the air.
As I took a small bite, Mr. Stone looked at me with a curious smile. “So, are you and Ollie dating?”
“Stop it.” His wife chided him, swatting him with the newspaper she had been reading.
I laughed nervously, shaking my head. “No, we’re not dating. I-uh... recently got out of something serious.”
“Oh, honey,” Mrs. Stone said, her tone maternal. “What a lot of changes you’ve had. I’m sure your parents are worried sick.”
I paused, the words catching in my throat, but I forced myself to answer. “My mom passed away a few months ago. I moved here the day after her funeral,” I whispered. “And, uh... no dad.”
Their expressions shifted, a look of quiet understanding passing between them. Mrs. Stone stood up and moved to me, her arms outstretched.
“And the baby?” she asked softly.
My jaw dropped. “How?”
She gave my cheek a gentle pinch, her smile kind but knowing. “A mother always knows.”
I couldn’t hold it back anymore. The tears spilled over, and I broke, sobbing right there at their kitchen table. Mrs. Stone crouched down beside me, wrapping me in a firm, comforting hug.
“You’ve been through so much, sweet,” she murmured, her voice steady and soothing. “You’re always welcome here. I’m no replacement for your mum, but I’m here.”
Her words cracked something open inside me, and I clung to her as if she could somehow hold all the broken pieces together.
When I finally pulled away, I wiped my face with trembling hands, glancing between them. “Ollie doesn’t know. I haven’t really told anyone.”
They both nodded without hesitation.
“We’re a vault here,” Mr. Stone said.
I swallowed hard and looked down at the table. “I was married,” I whispered. “He’s... an alcoholic.”
Mrs. Stone reached out, her hand settling on my arm with the kind of comfort I didn’t realize I was yearning for. “You don’t need to share anything you’re not ready to, sweetheart. We’re here. If you need advice, help, or even someone to sit with, I’m here. I know a thing or two about babies—I had one a long time ago,” she added with a nostalgic smile.
