4. Abby

4

ABBY

A bby had the salad bowl in one hand and Rufus’s leash in the other as they trudged across the snow-covered meadow to the Hayeses’ farmhouse. Sophie and Jack ran ahead, which in turn made Rufus desperate to follow them. She called out to Jack. “Come take Rufus, please.”

Jack turned back, a delighted grin spread across his face. “Really? I can walk him?”

“Yes, but keep a firm hand. I don’t want him breaking free.” Abby didn’t want Rufus acting unruly in front of Luke.

“I will,” Jack said.

Sophie surprised Abby by waiting for her to catch up. The two of them walked together, with Jack and Rufus taking the lead.

“What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner?” Abby asked, desperate to get the girl to talk to her.

Sophie clutched a book against her puffy jacket. “Mashed potatoes and gravy.”

“I love that too. And apple pie. Do you think Grace will make pie?”

Sophie nodded. “She always makes an apple and a pumpkin. My mom loved apple pie, too.”

“We had a lot in common,” Abby said. “Especially our love of sweets and reading.”

“My mom said you’re really smart. That’s why you could go to vet school.”

“I worked hard, that’s all.”

“My mom worked hard, but she was always broke anyway,” Sophie said without any emotion. Abby knew better than that. Under the surface of that statement were layers and layers of complicated feelings. She knew because she’d felt that way about her mother. It had been so hard to watch her single mother struggling to make ends meet. Feelings of helplessness and sometimes even anger, not at her mother, but the world, had often overwhelmed young Abby. She had vowed at an early age to do whatever she could to have a different kind of life. What irony that she was back here, unsure of what work she could possibly find despite her fancy degree.

Were all the women in her family fated to be single mothers?

They soon arrived at the Hayeses’ driveway, which had been cleared by some kind of plow, making it easier to walk.

Abby stopped for a moment to take in the Hayeses’ two-story farmhouse framed by tall pine trees dusted with snow. It was as she remembered—painted white with black shutters and a red door. A wraparound porch extended from the front of the house all the way around one side. Today, its white railings were decorated with evergreen garlands and dotted with twinkling lights. Smaller wreaths hung from rafters, each one tied with a simple red ribbon. Another wreath hung on the red front door.

Through the windows, a faint glow of warm light hinted at the cozy interior. Upstairs, a balcony overlooked the snowy yard, and from its railing hung a giant wreath.

“Oh, it’s so pretty,” Abby murmured.

“Mom said it’s the prettiest house in the whole county,” Sophie said.

The red barn, its wide double doors shut tightly against the chilly temperatures, was also as she remembered. A weathervane in the shape of a rooster perched on top of the barn, slightly rusted.

Hayes’s bottling and packaging building was new, though. Its practical design was built for function, with long windows running along the sides to let in the natural light. The building had a sturdy wooden frame and a wide front door, flanked by signs proudly displaying the Hayes family name and their famous maple syrup.

Abby and the children, with Rufus behaving himself, carefully made their way up the steps to the porch. She switched the heavy glass bowl of Jell-O salad from one hand to the other and knocked on the door. It was now or never. She must be brave. Having Thanksgiving with virtual strangers was not something she’d have ever chosen, but here she was, so she must make the best of it.

Why was her stomach suddenly tied in knots of nerves?

The front door swung open, and Lily bounded out, her blond curls bouncing with excitement.

"Hi, Sophie. Hi, Jack. Hi, Abby. Hi, Rufus.” Lily’s small hands flapped in obvious excitement before she launched herself at Rufus, prompting Jack to drop the leash.

“Rufus, sit,” Abby said in her most commanding voice.

Thankfully, Rufus obeyed despite seeing Lily. He always knew a fan when he met one.

Lily knelt beside Rufus, hugging him. In turn, the dog licked her cheek. Jack dropped to his knees next to Lily. “This is my dog now,” Jack said to Lily.

“Lucky,” Lily said. “You can bring him to play any time you want to.”

Jack Ellison was hardly lucky, but Abby was beyond thankful. He felt so happy to have Rufus in his life.

Grace appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on an apron dusted with flour. Her eyes lit up as she took in the sight of them. “Well, hello. Welcome and happy Thanksgiving.”

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Abby said. “Is it okay that I brought Rufus?”

“You can’t very well leave him at home, can you?” Grace said. “He’s part of the family.”

“I brought a towel to wipe his feet,” Abby said.

“Is that Jell-O salad?” Grace asked.

“The kids said that’s what they always bring.”

“And so it is,” Grace said, a tinge of sadness in her voice.

“We helped Abby make it,” Jack said. “She doesn’t know how to make anything.”

Abby and Grace exchanged an amused glance. What could Abby say? It was true.

“I can’t wait to eat some.” Grace smiled warmly, stepping forward to take the bowl from Abby’s hands. "Come on in. My whole crew is here and excited to see you.” She opened the door wider and ushered them into the foyer.

Abby’s nerves settled the moment she entered to the scents of roasting turkey, sage stuffing, and baked apples. She shrugged off her jacket, glad they’d come. This was a home with a happy, generous family. It would be good for the children to be here in a familiar setting with people who loved them. Grace took their jackets and hung them in the closet as Abby knelt to wipe Rufus’s paws with the towel she’d brought. “Be good,” she whispered in his ear. “I mean it.”

Rufus nuzzled her hand before trotting off to follow the children into the front room.

Grace led Abby down the hallway and into the kitchen. “Oh, you’ve remodeled since I’ve been here.”

“Yes, Walter and Luke spent all last summer putting in my new kitchen. I’m in love with every inch of it.”

“They did a remarkable job.” Abby thought about the kitchen at Ramona’s old house. It could use an update like this one.

“What can I get you to drink?” Grace asked, stopping to stir a pot on the stove. “Wine? Beer? Soda?”

“Wine, please. White if you have it.”

“You’ve got it.”

While Grace opened a bottle, Abby had a look at all of the side dishes displayed on the island. There was enough food to feed an orphanage.

“I know. It seems like too much food.” Grace handed her a glass of wine. “But my boys can eat.” She gestured outside to the patio. “They’re all out there having a drink around the firepit. You might like to join them? They’re all looking forward to seeing you.”

“But don’t you need help in here?” The children’s laughter could be heard from the living room, as well as an occasional bark from Rufus. Abby really hoped he wasn’t causing any trouble.

“Not yet. I will right before it’s time to dish everything up, but for now, have a drink and rest. I’m sure the children have been keeping you busy.”

Grace’s kindness made Abby want to cry, but she simply thanked Grace instead.

The patio door flew open, and Walter Hayes appeared, wearing a thick black-and-red-plaid coat and carrying a pair of binoculars. “Babe, you won’t believe what I just saw. A snowy owl. At least, I think so. These blasted binoculars are worthless.” He stopped abruptly at the sight of Abby standing there. “Well, look at you, Abby Parker. All grown up and looking like a supermodel.”

“Hardly,” Abby said, giggling. She’d forgotten what a charmer the Hayes patriarch was.

Walter grabbed her into a bear hug. “We’re all so glad you’re here. Anything at all you need, and we’ll do it.”

“Thanks, Mr. Hayes.” He looked amazing for his age. His sons looked so much like him. They were blessed to have his genes, given how finely he’d aged.

“Walter. Please. I don’t want to have to call you Dr. Parker.” Walter released her, grinning. “We’re all very proud of you. A doctor. What a feat. Ramona always said you were the smartest person she ever knew.”

“All right now, you’re embarrassing her,” Grace said. “She’s heading out to have a drink with the boys and relax a minute.”

“Don’t let our boys corrupt you,” Walter said. “They’re notoriously obnoxious on almost every major holiday.”

“Truer words have never been spoken.” Grace gestured toward the set of French doors. “Go on. I’ll let you know if I need you.”

Abby nodded and headed out to the patio. The day had remained clear, with a sunny, startling blue sky that made the snow sparkle. Four men were seated in Adirondack chairs around a gas firepit. Even if she hadn’t known already, it would have been obvious to anyone that the four men were brothers, all with thick dark hair, wide shoulders, and long legs. They stood as she approached.

“Hey, Abby, welcome,” Luke said. “Do you remember these idiots?”

The butterflies were back, dancing in her stomach. If anything, he looked even more devastatingly gorgeous than he had earlier, which might have something to do with the fact that he was smiling instead of scowling.

Max came forward first. He looked pretty much the same as she remembered, except bigger and slightly more rugged. “Abby, good to see you again.” His energy was lively and mischievous. It was impossible not to like him. He wore his slightly wavy brown hair cut short, but there was a bit of a bohemian vibe to him. His warm chestnut-brown eyes sparkled as he held out a hand.

Expecting only a handshake, she was surprised when he folded her into a warm embrace instead.

“We’re all rooting for you,” Max said in her ear. “And here for anything you need. For real.”

She thanked him and then turned to Logan. “Hey, Abby. Sorry to have to see you again under these circumstances.” Logan shook her hand, his cornflower-blue eyes peering at her with interest. Eyes that conveyed sympathy but also a strength of character. This was a man one could rely on. A rock. He was of similar height and muscular build as his brothers. He wore his hair a little longer than Max, with curls falling attractively over his forehead. A neatly groomed beard made him seem both rugged and refined at the same time. He didn’t look like any lawyer she’d ever met before.

“Thanks for making this as smooth as possible. You’ve been wonderful.” He’d taken care of all the legal details when it came to custody of the children, as well as Ramona’s will. “I’m very grateful.”

“You’re welcome. It might have been the hardest phone call I’ve ever had to make. Ramona was a dear friend and client. Words can’t express my sorrow.”

“Thank you,” Abby said.

Lastly, she was introduced to Nolan. The youngest Hayes brother possessed a pair of light hazel eyes behind a pair of trendy, attractive glasses. His neatly styled brown hair was slightly lighter than his brothers’, with streaks of honey woven throughout. His smile was as wide and generous as the others’, but there was a gentleness about him that reminded Abby of Grace. His female students must swoon on a daily basis over their handsome professor. She wondered if there had been an influx of English majors when he’d joined the faculty at the university.

“We’re glad you’re here,” Nolan said. “But this must be hard on you.”

“It’s been a shock,” Abby said.

“The children are lucky to have you,” Nolan said. “You’re sacrificing a lot to do what you’re doing.”

“I don’t know if they’re lucky, but I’m all they have. It’s certainly not how I thought the next season in my life would go, but family comes first. Always.” Abby shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket and rocked back slightly onto her heels. “But it all still feels like a dream.”

“How could it not?” Nolan asked. “Come sit.”

Luke pulled another chair close to the fire, and Abby sank into it, feeling suddenly fatigued. Being here with the Hayeses made her feel less alone. She could loosen her shoulders a little without worrying about what the children were thinking or doing. They were happy here with Lily and Rufus and Grace. Or as happy as children who had just lost their mother could be.

“When was the last time you were here?” Max asked.

“My aunt’s funeral. Ten or so years.” Saying it, she was flooded with shame, but she continued. “I went to college right after my mother died, and between school and working, I didn’t have much free time.”

“Medical school isn’t for sissies, right?” Max asked.

“No, it was not,” Abby said. “But it was also really hard for me after my mom died. Coming here would have been…I don’t even know the word.”

She’d not really said it out loud before, but it would have been excruciating visiting Sugarville Grove knowing her mother was gone. It should have been the opposite—Ramona and her aunt were her only family left and, therefore, precious.

“Seeing my aunt, who was so much like my mom, felt like too much,” Abby said. “So I stayed away. I wish I hadn’t.”

As close as she and Ramona had been, back then, distancing herself had felt necessary. As if the sadness would have eaten her up if she’d seen Ramona and Aunt Sally still together when she’d lost her own mother.

“At the time, I was only eighteen and not really in touch with what was going on inside of me.” Abby lifted her shoulders for a second and then let them go, along with her breath. She took a sip of wine. Even after all these years, it still hurt to think about her mother. “I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a mother when you’re not fully grown.”

“Which is why you didn’t hesitate to drop everything?” Nolan asked.

“That’s right,” Abby said.

How was she ever going to get Ramona’s kids through this without some kind of long-lasting repercussions?

As if he’d read her mind, Luke said, “There’s a really good child therapist in town. I could get her number for you.”

Abby nodded, sending him a grateful smile. “That’s a really good idea. I just need to figure out how to pay for it.”

“It’s a shame she doesn’t take adults,” Max said, teasing in his voice. “Ms. Cassandra Locke is one fine-looking woman.”

“She wouldn’t date a patient, dummy,” Logan said. “Anyway, like you’d have a chance with a woman like that.”

“I might. You don’t know.” Max tossed a beer cap across the fire, landing on Logan’s chest. “I’m extremely charming.”

“She went to Harvard or something,” Luke said. “Way out of your league.” He gestured toward Nolan. “Professor Hayes here—he might be more her style.”

“Opposites can attract,” Max said, laughing. “You know, the class clown.” He tapped his chest. “And the smart girl in the front row—maybe they hit it off and surprise everyone.”

“Why don’t you ask her out?” Nolan asked, sounding earnest.

Max threw up his hands. “I’m all talk, that’s why. Luke’s right, she’s way out of my league. You should see the kinds of cheeses she buys.”

“What’s that have to do with anything?” Abby asked, amused by the conversation.

“The types of cheese people buy tells you a lot about them,” Max said. “My store has the finest in Vermont. I’ll bring you some samples next week.”

“What kinds of cheeses does she buy?” Abby asked.

“The most expensive. Like wicked expensive,” Max said. “And she buys big old chunks, which tells me she probably has a boyfriend. Either that or she hosts a lot of parties. None of which any of us are invited to. What does that tell you?”

“That she’s silly not to invite the handsome Hayes brothers to her parties,” Abby said. “Ramona and I would have killed to have any one of you at any kind of party we ever had. Not that we had parties, but you get my point.”

“I might have been invited to one or two.” Nolan pressed the middle of his glasses, pushing them higher on his nose.

“No way. How come you didn’t tell me?” Max asked.

“I didn’t go.” Nolan fiddled with the label on his beer bottle. “I’m not really into big parties.” He said this to Abby. Presumably, his brothers already knew this about him.

“I understand,” Abby said. “Too many people, and I freeze. Can’t think of a thing to say. Whereas in a small group, I’m fine.”

“Why is that, do you think?” Logan asked in a lawyerly tone.

Abby blinked a few times. Should she answer honestly? Why not. She had nothing to lose. The men around the fire were caring and compassionate, that much was obvious. “I was the kid no one wanted to sit by at lunch.”

“No way,” Luke said, stretching out his legs. “Everyone would want to sit with someone like you.

“It’s true.” Abby wasn’t sure what he meant by “someone like you”, but from his tone, she took it as a compliment. “I guess you could say I was a little weird. Back then. Not now.” She smiled before taking a sip of wine.

“How so?” Logan asked genuine curiosity in his eyes.

Abby twisted her mouth to one side, trying to think how to say it best. “I was really, really into school, like the biggest nerd that ever lived. Everyone made fun of me for it. Not that I cared. I mean, not really. I wanted so badly to make something of myself. Not be stuck in poverty like my mother. I knew the way out was to get good grades and get into a good college. So that’s what I did.” The back of her throat ached, remembering how inadequate the health care had been for her mother. If they’d had money and lived in a different zip code, she might have gotten diagnosed earlier and have survived. But her ovarian cancer had been misdiagnosed, and it was too late by the time the doctor figured out what was really going on. Even thinking about it now, Abby seethed with anger. If only. If only.

“Your nerdiness paid off, obviously,” Max said. “Look at you now.”

“All the best girls are the nerdy ones,” Nolan said. “Give me a girl who likes books over a cheerleader any day.”

“What are your plans for work?” Max asked. “You thinking of opening your own practice?”

“I don’t think I can. I don’t have the funds to get started, and I owe so much in student loans, I doubt I could even get a small business loan.”

“You should go talk to Doc Ford,” Logan said. “He’s been the vet around here since before any of us were even born. I heard rumors he wants to retire.”

“Really?” Abby sat up straighter. “Maybe he’d take me on.” As soon as she said it, she deflated. “But what do I do about the kids? How am I supposed to work and take care of them?”

“You get sitters or send them to after-school stuff,” Luke said. “My mom can help, too. She took care of them on the days Ramona worked at the store.”

“Get the job first,” Logan said. “Then we’ll help you figure out a plan. We know everyone around here.”

Abby let out a slow sigh. “You guys are the best. Thank you.”

“That’s what neighbors are for,” Max said.

“We take care of our own here,” Luke said. “And you’re one of us now.”

How odd that it felt so good to hear him say those words. This had been a good idea to come here for dinner. They were right. Neighbors should look after one another. It was just that she’d never experienced it before. Where she’d lived in LA, despite being right next door to someone in an apartment building, she didn’t know one person. Everyone kept to themselves. They went about their business and closed the door behind them when they returned home.

“You guys are making me feel better,” Abby said. “And I can tell you, that’s no small thing. I’m in so over my head.”

“Nah, you’ll do great,” Max said. “You’ve got a big heart. Those kids are going to be okay.”

“Plus, like you, they have us,” Nolan said.

They were interrupted when Sophie came running out to the patio with Rufus on her heels.

“Auntie Grace told me to take Rufus out for a potty break,” Sophie said, stopping in front of Abby. “Is that all right?”

The girl was so anxious and careful. Had she been that way before losing her mother, or was this a new thing? At this point, Abby had no idea. She didn’t know either of the children well enough to wager a guess.

“Yes, please do,” Abby said. “Thank you.”

Sophie gave her a shy smile. “You’re welcome.”

Progress.