Stay with Me: A Second Chance Accidental Pregnancy Romance Read online

  “You didn’t have a choice. You had to go to school, and returned when your parents asked you to come home and help with the marina. You shielded Lucy from that.”

  “I did. I came home so she wouldn’t have to. I didn’t want her to quit her dream job. That was the last thing she wanted.”

  “Now she’s moving back.” How did I feel about that? It was easy to ignore her when she was out of sight, but now I’d run into her around town. She’d be more involved in Jack’s wedding. It would be impossible to avoid her.

  Jack was quiet for a few seconds, probably remembering everything he went through last year—quitting his firefighting job to return home and help his parents with the marina only to discover the business was failing. Then his dad decided to retire when the lease for the marina reverted back to the town. At that point, Jack was dating Samantha and thought he’d have to move back for his old job because there weren’t any paid firefighter positions here. He was lucky enough to get an instructor position at the fire academy in the next town over.

  “You did the right thing.”

  Jack continued as if he hadn’t heard me. “I can’t believe she’s home.”

  Neither could I. She was so determined to make a life away from here. I never thought she’d return. Maybe in the beginning I thought she’d come back for me, but as the months went on and I didn’t hear from her it was obvious she wasn’t going to. It was healthier for me to believe she wouldn’t return so I could get over her, and I thought I had until she was standing in front of me. I clearly hadn’t moved on. She still had the power to knock me off my axis.

  He raised his brow. “Are you going to be able to get along for the wedding?”

  “Of course.” I wouldn’t let her affect me. Except she already had. I’d stormed out of Jack’s engagement party because Lucy said she was moving home. Not reacting to Lucy was a promise I couldn’t keep.

  Lucy

  After the engagement party, I lay on the white fluffy comforter in my childhood room where the walls were now painted a cool blue. My mother had packed up all of my stuff—trophies, awards, and pictures into boxes stacked in the corner of the room.

  The room held no trace of teenage me and I’m sure that was intentional. My father had certain expectations of me—I’d stay close to home and help out in the marina’s office. Those expectations pushed me further away. When the marina’s business was suffering last year, I didn’t want to take leave from my job, so Jack stepped up. My father was still angry with me about that, but it had worked out for Jack. He’d reconnected with Samantha, he was happy, and starting a life with her.

  I watched the ceiling fan slowly turn on the ceiling, casting shadows in the room. Wyatt hadn’t returned to the party after his abrupt exit. I could face this town and my parents, but all of the guilt I’d been blocking out of my mind had washed over me tonight when I saw him.

  I was right back where I started in this small town, separated from the rest of the state by a three-mile-long bridge. There were no opportunities for me here. I felt the familiar weight of frustration settle on my chest.

  I’d worked as a junior graphic designer at Planit, the trendy advertising agency housed in the Power Plant building in the city’s Inner Harbor, working seventy to eighty hours per week with constant pressure to come up with innovative designs. All I had to do was put in the hours, impress the directors, and build a portfolio to move on to somewhere better. A few of the other designers moved on to work at the Discovery Channel, making double the salary.

  My position at Planit was highly coveted, but the salary didn’t match the lifestyle, and I had quickly gone into debt to maintain a wardrobe which caught the creative director’s eye. It was a cutthroat competitive field, but I hadn’t expected to be fired. I’d earned fewer and fewer jobs over the last few months, but I wasn’t sure why. Creative fields are subjective, and my director said my creativity had suffered. I hadn’t seen it coming, which bothered me. Why hadn’t I known my job was in jeopardy?

  Unable to sleep, I sat up in bed and pulled out my laptop to scour job sites. It was time to search for other positions. My degrees were in photography and graphic design. I doubted there were any positions in Chestertown, and what could I do with photography? Wedding pictures? I shuddered at the thought. My best bet was to move back to the city as soon as possible, but I’d need to earn some money in the meantime. I needed to find a new job. I couldn’t stay here. Not after my reaction to Wyatt.

  My mind drifted to how Wyatt looked in a suit. He was sexy. In high school, his boyish looks, floppy wavy hair, and sweet demeanor drew me in. After Jack left, Wyatt was there for me when the arguing between my parents was too much. I worried they’d get divorced, we’d lose the business and our house. I couldn’t talk to Jack. I didn’t want him to worry. Instead, I confided in Wyatt.

  We became close friends until at some point we looked at each other differently. I couldn’t pinpoint an exact moment, but I became very aware of his eyes on me, his hands that lifted me out of the water when we were swimming, the way he tracked the droplets of water down my body. He didn’t make a move right away. It was slow, deliciously slow, now that I look back on it. Our relationship was sweet, and it was the escape I needed from my parents back then.

  I couldn’t believe I’d effectively blocked him from my mind for years and one encounter brought everything back. Everything I did when I was younger, I did with him. At first, I thought I could go to college, keep our relationship long distance and return. But my dad pressured me to go to college close to home, to help out on weekends, and I knew if I stayed I’d be sucked into working at the marina.

  All I could think about when I broke up with Wyatt was that I didn’t want to be stuck in Chestertown. I didn’t want to be tied down and Wyatt was the knot that wouldn’t let me go. I had to block out my feelings for him, which made what I had to do back then infinitely easier.

  Lucy

  When I woke the next morning, Jack messaged asking me to meet for brunch. I figured my other option was to eat with my parents, be asked a million questions about what happened with my job, and what my plan was going forward. I’d successfully avoided an interrogation last night by telling them I was exhausted. I was avoiding the inevitable by responding yes but I did it anyway.

  I quickly showered and dressed in a black romper and black crocodile sandals with a strap over my toes and around my ankle. My style was a little too fancy for Chestertown but then I didn’t exactly fit in here anymore and I wanted to feel like myself. I entered the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee before Jack and Samantha picked me up. As I pulled a mug down from the cabinet, my father said, “Good morning.”

  “Morning,” I said without turning around. My shoulders tensed as I picked a K-cup out of the tray and placed it in the Keurig, waited for it to warm up, and then pushed the button to brew.

  While the coffee filled my mug, I turned to find my father leaned against the counter with his brow raised. “I’m happy to see you.”

  I couldn’t remember the last time I stood in my parents’ kitchen. Dad had been so angry I didn’t quit my job and come back home to help him when the marina was going under, I’d avoided this place and his disapproval.

  “What’s going on? Mom said you’re moving back in?”

  “I don’t know.” My shoulders slumped as I leaned back against the counter crossing my arms over my chest. I’d never not known exactly what I’d wanted and gone for it.

  “Did you lose your job?” His forehead wrinkled.

  “My boss said I wasn’t producing.” The Keurig machine beeped to let me know it was done brewing, so I threw out the used cup and moved my steaming mug of coffee to the counter to add creamer. “But don’t worry. I’ll find something soon and—”

  “And be gone.”

  I looked up at my father’s disappointed expression. “That’s the plan. I’m sure you don’t want your grown daughter living back home and eating your food.”

  “I’m
happy you’re here whatever the circumstances,” he said gruffly. His fingers tapped on the countertop, he looked out the window as if he wanted to leave, but had something he wanted to say. “I think I screwed up.”

  “What are you talking about?” I didn’t think I’d ever heard my father admit he’d made a mistake. The arguments about the marina tended to be my mom pleading with him to do something different, modernize, create a website, but he was always adamant his way was the best.

  “When I ran the marina it was all I could think about. I thought you and Jack should be involved. I put too much pressure on you, and I think in the end I pushed both of you away. You both went away to college, and neither of you wanted to move back home.”

  My mouth dropped open slightly, my coffee forgotten on the counter in front of me. “What brought this change on?”

  “Honestly? Retirement. I’m more relaxed. I see things differently. What used to be important isn’t anymore. Your mother and I used to constantly argue about the business. Looking back, it was unnecessary. I pushed everyone away.”

  “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

  “I’m sorry I asked you to quit your dream job and give up your life to come back here. I’m sorry I was disappointed with you when you didn’t do what I asked.”

  “Thank you.” A lot of the tension that had built on the long drive home yesterday began to dissipate. Tears sprang to my eyes. I didn’t realize how much I wanted his approval until this moment.

  “I want you to be happy. If living in Baltimore makes you happy then I’m happy too.”

  “Really?” My whole life, my parents wanted me to come back here. It was hard to believe that their opinion had changed so drastically.

  “Yes.”

  I took the few steps toward him and pulled him to me for a hug. He patted my back for a few seconds before saying, “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

  I couldn’t say anything in response because the tears that had formed were starting to spill over and one thing my dad didn’t respond well to was emotion.

  He pulled away before pushing open the back door. “I gotta pick some eggs for breakfast.”

  The door slammed against the frame behind him and I watched him cross the yard to the chicken coop to gather eggs for breakfast.

  That was not the reaction I’d expected. I blew on my coffee and took a tentative sip, hearing the shower in my parents’ room turn on. The kitchen was the same as it had been when I lived here, yellow walls, chipped white Formica countertops, and worn oak cabinets. Yellow gingham curtains hung from the window over the sink and fresh cut flowers were arranged neatly on the counter. It was so nice to be home without judgment, without fear of my life choices disappointing my parents.

  A few minutes later, I heard the front door open and close, heavy footsteps sounded on the wood floor entryway.

  “You awake, sis?” Jack asked.

  I placed my coffee mug down on the counter and rushed through the house as fast as I could in my heels to find Jack in the hallway. I threw my arms around him again, so happy to see him even though I’d seen him just last night. He actually took a step back at the force of my embrace.

  “Wow. This is a nice greeting. Happy to see me?” he asked, pulling back from me slightly to see my face.

  I smiled. “Always. You know that.”

  “You ready for brunch?”

  “Yes. Definitely. Let me grab my purse and we can go.”

  “Where’s Mom and Dad?” he asked, ducking his head into the living room.

  “I think Mom’s in the shower and Dad’s gathering eggs.”

  “Let me say hi to Dad.”

  “I didn’t tell him I was eating with you.” I’d been so thrown off by his apology I’d forgotten to mention it.

  “I’ll do that. Samantha’s waiting in the car if you want to head out.”

  “Sure.” I grabbed my purse from the entryway and headed out to Jack’s truck. Samantha opened the door for me and scooted to the middle of the bench seat to make room.

  “Morning.” Samantha smiled.

  I pulled myself up onto cracked vinyl seats. “Good morning.”

  Samantha watched me warily. “So, the reason I wanted to meet with you is that I need a favor. A big favor.”

  “Okay,” I said cautiously as Jack opened the driver’s side door and got in.

  Jack shot her an amused look. “Are you propositioning her already? I thought we’d feed her first before we asked.”

  Samantha rolled her eyes but kept her attention on me. “I’m so sorry you lost your job but I’m really happy you’re here. We could really use your help if you’re going to be here this summer, but I’m not sure of your plans.”

  “I planned to search for a job in the city.” I looked back and forth between them wondering what they could possibly need.

  Jack pulled out of our long, graveled driveway and headed to town.

  “My mother is driving me crazy with this wedding, but I don’t want to hire the wedding planner she’s been insisting on. If I go with the one she wants they’ll team up and bulldoze any ideas I have. I want you.”

  “Why me?”

  “Jack said you’re amazing with design, you’re good at organizing things, and you plan huge parties at work.”

  “I did plan the parties at Planit. They were elaborate—two thousand people, themed, catered, ice sculptures, no expense spared. My bosses were hipsters who wanted everything to be cool and unique, but I have no experience with wedding planning.” Based on what I knew of Samantha so far, she was soft spoken, sweet, and wore flowy dresses, so I assumed she’d want understated and romantic.

  “We only have a few months to do everything. The marina is still under construction, so I need someone to be in constant contact with the town regarding the timeline for completion. I need—”

  “She needs a buffer between her and her mom,” Jack interjected, one arm draped over the steering wheel and the other stretched out over the top of the bench seat.

  Samantha sighed. “Yes, even if it’s only for a few weeks. We need you. Please.”

  I didn’t want to say no, but I needed to look for a job and earn money to move back to the city. Would I have time for this too? On the other hand, I was good at planning parties and Samantha looked so hopeful. “I’ll do it.”

  “Yay!” She turned slightly to Jack and her hand squeezed his thigh. “I told you she’d do it.”

  “But I still need to find some way to earn money while I’m here so I can …” I paused, wanting to say ‘leave’ but I knew saying that would hurt them, so I said, “… find my own place to live.”

  “I’m shocked as shit you’re living at home. Never thought I’d see the day,” Jack said, glancing from the road to me.

  “Tell me about it, but I had no choice.” And it was temporary, so so temporary.

  “That’s the best part—we can pay you,” Samantha said.

  I shook my head. “I can’t charge you, you’re family. And I’m happy to help.”

  “No, this is perfect. My mom wanted me to hire a wedding planner and I have. She’s paying for the wedding.”

  “We need to make this look legitimate.” Jack pulled into the parking lot of the greasy spoon breakfast place on the outskirts of town. “So take the money.”

  “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Just say yes,” Samantha said.

  “I’ll do it, but I can’t make any promises. If I get a job offer in the city, I’ll have to take it.”

  “I understand, but really anything you could do would be amazing.”

  I laid my head back on the seat. For the first time since I heard my boss say he’d have to let me go, I felt hope that this could work out. Living with my parents wasn’t ideal, but I could save more money this way.

  “Don’t get too comfortable. I warned you her mom is over the top with wedding planning. She’s super involved and opinionated.” Jack shot me a look that said it was worse tha
n he was describing.

  “Don’t worry. I can handle her. Design clients are the pickiest people in the world. Mrs. Miller should be easy peasy.”

  “Yeah, okay,” Jack said.

  “I can handle her. Don’t worry,” I said.

  “I’m just glad you’re here,” Jack said.

  “Me too. It will be nice to be involved in your wedding.” And to be present for it. I pulled open the door to step out.

  Samantha hopped out of the truck. “Thanks for doing this.”

  “Of course. Anything for you guys,” I said.

  Samantha smiled as Jack came around the truck and pulled her into his side. I followed them into a restaurant. The sign over the door read Wallflower Diner. “Is this new?”

  Jack opened the door for us. “A trendy new place which serves a mix of southern and Maryland dishes. Our friends like coming here.”

  When he said friends I knew he was referring to their tight-knit group of friends: Emma, Stella, Ashley and their significant others, Luke, Sawyer, and Logan. Observing them together after Wyatt had left last night made me question whether I should have hung onto my friendships from town.

  I slid into the maroon booth across from Jack and Samantha, relaxing for the first time since I’d arrived home.

  “Tell her the rest.” Jack nudged Samantha’s shoulder and her expression was pained.

  “The rest?” I asked.

  Samantha’s face was pinched as she handed out the menus to us. “I need you to plan the bachelorette party. Usually, the maid of honor handles it but as Jack’s sister, I’d like you to handle it.”

  I wondered if Jack asked her to give me the task. Was this his way of trying to get me to stay in Chestertown? “I can handle it.”

  But Samantha’s expression was still troubled as she looked over my shoulder and I heard the bell over the restaurant door sound as it opened and shut.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” I asked. I sensed Wyatt’s tense presence at the end of our table before I saw him.

  “Wyatt is planning the bachelor party,” Jack said.