Page 33 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“I lost a tooth last week. I pulled it all by myself. The tooth fairy didn’t come though. You must believe in the tooth fairy and I don’t. I learned in fifth grade that fairies aren’t real. Tooth or otherwise. That’s okay. I didn’t need the tooth fairy’s money. I babysit. Did I tell you I babysit?” She looked up at Noelle with a grave expression. “I hate these braces too.”

“Yes. Yes, you did tell me you babysit.”

“Hello?” came a high-pitched voice from the porch.

“In here,” Noelle called out.

A woman—a very pregnant woman—walked in, found Harley and shook her head. “Girl, there you are. Didn’t I tell you to wait for me before we came bothering this woman?” She looked at Noelle with an apologetic smile. “Hi there. I’m Parker, Harley’s mom. We’re your neighbors. And it appears you’ve already met my daughter.”

“Yes,” Noelle said.

“Look, Mom. This is Ollie. Isn’t he a cute baby?” As serious as a heart attack, Harley looked at Noelle and said, “Mom and Dad don’t make cute babies. They’re all bald and fat.”

Noelle had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

“Harley! That’s not very nice,” Parker shook her head. “Sorry,” she said to Noelle.

“It’s the truth.” Harley shrugged.

“She says exactly what’s on her mind. Just like her father. I blame him.”

“I’m Noelle Evelyn. Ollie seems to really like your daughter.”

“I know you. Your daddy was Tuck. What a kind man he was. You’re the talk of the town, girl. There are no secrets here.”

Noelle forced a smile. “News does travel fast.”

“My husband is Derry. He handled all of Tuck’s legal affairs. I’m not from around here. I’m from Georgia. After Derry and I got married we moved here. Took me some time to adjust. I’ve been a little busy.” She patted her stomach. “I’ll have two babies under two. What was I thinking?”

Derry never struck Noelle as a fatherly type. “You have your hands full.”

“Derry told me all about you. It’s a small world, huh? Like I said, we’re neighbors. I’m so glad to finally get someone closer to my age next door. It can get a little lonely, isolated, out here in the country. I love this town, but for a woman who likes city life it took me a good minute to get used to the slower pace ‘round here. Why don’t you just look at me, I’m talking your ear off. Harley, we need to go and let this woman get back to her son.”

“But I want to play with Ollie,” the girl whined.

“Harley, how would you like to come over and hang out with Ollie tomorrow while I do some chores around the house? You two could get to know each other better, if that’s okay with your mom,” Noelle offered. She found she liked both Harley and Parker, and felt good friends in the neighborhood would be welcome.

“Can I, Mom? Please?” Harley pleaded.

“That would be fine.” She cupped her large belly lovingly. “This one here is overdue by two days. My doctor told me to walk and hopefully the engine will start to work. Harley, we have to go now. I promised Deidre we wouldn’t be long.” She turned to Noelle. “Deirdre is the nanny. Sent straight from God. She earns every dime taking care of my sweet brats. Let’s go, Harley.”

Harley reluctantly stood and made her way to stand in front of Noelle. “Nice to meet you, Noelle,” she said politely.

“Nice to meet you, Harley.”

“Again. Sorry for the intrusion,” Parker said and waddled awkwardly to the door.

“No bother at all. If you need anything, let me know.”

“As much as I complain I feel blessed. My home is filled with laughter and the pitter-patter of tiny feet. And your son is precious. He looks just like you.” She took a step onto the porch. “Oh, looks like you have a delivery.” She tried to bend but her belly prevented her. “Oops. Can’t do that. I might pop this baby right out like a cannon.”

“I’ll grab that.” Noelle scooped up the large envelope. It had her name written on the front but no address.

“I almost forgot. Baby brain.” She clicked her tongue. “Is it okay if I add you to the town’s phone tree? It’s handy at times of need.”

Noelle blinked. “What’s a phone tree?”

Parker laughed. “Just one of the things that make Second Chance a great place to live. It’s a way of contacting a large group of people quickly. If you should need help, you send out a message. What’s your number?” Parker grabbed her phone out of her back pocket.

---