Sunsets & Second Chances Read online

  Sunsets & Second Chances

  Rachel Hanna

  Contents

  Foreword

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  Foreword

  Thank you for picking up SUNSETS & SECOND CHANCES! If you haven’t read the first book, The Beach House, you’ll want to read that first.

  I would also like to offer a FREE January Cove book to you as well! Just click on the image below to download your copy of WAITING FOR YOU.

  * * *

  Chapter 1

  Julie looked back and forth between Dixie and William, like some sort of slow motion tennis game. She didn’t know what to say, and Dixie looked particularly dumbfounded and speechless, which was not something she was known for at all.

  “William?” Dixie repeated, as she stared at her son.

  William was not particularly engaging, his face impassable. It was like they had all invaded his space instead of the fact that he’d shown up at her door on Christmas Day.

  “It’s me.”

  “Why don’t I leave you two alone?” Julie offered. Dixie grabbed her arm, pulling her gently back to the doorway.

  “No. Please stay.”

  Surprised, Julie stayed put and tried to be like a part of the background. She didn’t want to interrupt their reunion after a decade apart. Although, reunions were normally happy, and this one didn’t seem to be all that joyous.

  “I’m glad to see you, son. How did you find me?”

  “It’s a small town, Mother. I asked around, and here you are.” His voice was so monotone that he sounded like a really annoyed robot.

  “Why are you here?” she asked, softly.

  “I think you know why.”

  “Oh,” she said, clearing her throat and seeming uncomfortable. “Can I give you a hug?”

  He paused for a long moment and then nodded almost imperceptibly. Slowly, Dixie stepped forward and put her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest. It took a few seconds for William to return her embrace, putting his arms around her loosely. Julie felt awful for Dixie in that moment. Her son was there, but not happily. It was almost worse than not having him there at all.

  Julie was confused on his answer as to why he was there. Not wanting to intrude in the moment, she wasn’t about to ask.

  “Would you like to come in and join us? We’re just about to eat,” Julie said. He shook his head.

  “No, thanks. I’m going to head back to my hotel room. I just wanted you to know that I’m here in town. We’ll speak later.”

  “William, I’d love if you’d stay and meet my friends. I haven’t spent Christmas Day with you in so long.”

  The look on Dixie’s face as she practically begged her only living son to stay for dinner made Julie both sad and angry. This wasn’t how anyone should treat Dixie.

  “Everything okay over here?” Dawson asked as he walked up next to Julie. Having him standing beside her made her feel safe in an inexplicable way.

  “Dawson?” William said, obviously surprised to see him there.

  “Will. Good to see you.” Julie could feel the tension in the air. Dawson definitely seemed on edge.

  “You live here?”

  “No. This is Julie’s house. I still live at the inn.”

  “Oh. Maybe we can catch up sometime soon.”

  Dawson smiled, but it was really more of a smirk. “Sure. After you spend some time with your mother, of course. I think she’s earned it.”

  William glared at Dawson, and Julie worried a fist fight might break out. That’s all she needed on Christmas Day, a big brawl in her newly decorated living room.

  “We honestly have too much food. Why don’t you stay a bit and at least have something to eat?” Julie asked, not really wanting this man in her house, but feeling the need to do it for Dixie.

  William took in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “Okay,” he said, not making eye contact with anyone as he walked in the door.

  Everyone else had been talking and not really noticing the unbelievably awkward situation happening at the front door. Dixie walked in front of her son, pointing at people and introducing them. William did the requisite “nice to meet you” tour and then walked to the dining room to take a seat.

  Julie had set up an extra long folding table too, just in case they had anyone else drop by. Now, she was thankful she did.

  “I just want to thank everyone for being here today,” Julie said, as she stood up with her glass of sweet tea. “I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas than with all of the people who have helped me through a very challenging time in my life. I’m so grateful for all of you.”

  Everyone clinked their glasses and then started digging into the food. Dawson sat on her left, her sister on her right. She had a full view of Dixie and her son sitting at the folding table, Dixie’s original seat empty at the main table.

  “This is awkward,” Dawson whispered in her ear.

  “Tell me about it. But, I felt like I had to invite him in for Dixie’s sake.” She plopped a scoop of mashed potatoes on her plate and passed them to her sister.

  “That guy’s strange,” Janine said.

  “He didn’t used to be. He was a cool guy. But, the way he’s treated Dixie is wrong, and I plan to tell him that.”

  “Dawson, maybe you shouldn’t interfere,” Julie said softly.

  He looked at her. “She’s like a mother to me. I have to say something.”

  Julie nodded, not wanting to upset him on Christmas. She was new to this whole dynamic, so she trusted that Dawson knew best.

  “Well, if one of my kids acted like that, I’d cut them off for good,” SuAnn said, having obviously been updated on the history by Janine.

  “Mom, you would not. We’ve had our fair share of tiffs over the years, and you’re currently sitting at my table,” Julie said, rolling her eyes.

  “Apology accepted,” SuAnn said, blowing a fake kiss at her daughter.

  “Very funny.”

  “So, what’s everyone doing after we eat?” Janine asked.

  “Doing? I’m planning on a nice long nap and a big glass of wine, probably not in that order,” Julie said.

  “I sure hope you’re not drinking too much,” SuAnn chided.

  “Oh, Mother,” Julie said, rolling her eyes again. She did that a lot when SuAnn was around, although it would’ve gotten her a slap across the face if she’d done it as a kid. SuAnn hated eye rolling, which was a big reason Julie did it. Childish, but oh so effective.

  “Well, Buddy and I are going to drive and see the Christmas lights in Charleston and then stay a night there before driving home.”

  “I thought you were staying here tonight?” Julie said.

  SuAnn looked at Buddy and smiled. “Well, dear, I don’t want to be crude, but we need a little alone time, if you get my drift.”

  “I just threw up a little in my mouth,” Janine said, putting her hand to her lips.

  “Oh nonsense! Sex between a married couple is important. Without it, you’re really just roommates,” SuAnn said, slapping Buddy’s leg. He chuckled and went back to his plate of food. Julie swore the man never spoke.

  “Mother! Honestly! Let’s not talk about sex at the Christmas dinner table.”

  “Fine,” SuAnn said, taking a bite of her food.

  Julie leaned over to Dawson. “Sorry about my mother,” she whispered. “She has no filter, and it’s only getting worse.”

&n
bsp; Dawson chuckled. “I’m actually enjoying it. Normally, it’s just me and Lucy having Christmas dinner together. This year, she’s with her family now that they live local again.”

  “Well, I’m glad this year is different.”

  He smiled. “Me too.”

  “I wonder how their conversation is going,” Julie said, looking over at Dixie and William. They were sitting across from each other, neither making eye contact. Dixie was picking at her food, probably too nervous to eat.

  “Doesn’t look like much conversation is happening,” Dawson said, as he held a fork full of green beans up to his mouth.

  “I wish I knew how to help her.”

  “He seems like kind of a jerk,” Janine butted in.

  Dawson nodded. “He is now. He didn’t used to be. We were pretty tight back in the day.”

  “Back in the day?” Julie said, laughing.

  “Don’t the kids still say that?”

  “I don’t think so,” Janine said with a chuckle.

  “Well, I hope Dixie gets what she needs out of this visit,” Julie said, worried about her friend.

  “Me too. But, I think there’s more to this story. I don’t know why he suddenly showed up,” Dawson said.

  “I’m not sure, but I plan to find out.”

  Christmas had been a whirlwind, so Julie was more than happy to get back to work at the bookstore. The rush of customers hadn’t stopped all the way up to Christmas Eve, and now they were back for the after Christmas sales.

  Dixie had decided before the holidays that they would mark down a bunch of books and have a sidewalk sale the day after Christmas. Customers were clamoring for the good deals, and Julie was having a hard time keeping up with everything by herself. She was thrilled to see Dixie show up just before lunchtime to help her.

  “Sorry, I’m late. William and I had breakfast this morning.” She didn’t look happy about it.

  “How’d it go?” Julie asked as she bagged up the last customer’s books. Thankfully, it seemed everyone in town was taking a lunch break at the same time. She needed a breather.

  “Not well.” Dixie sighed and sat down in one of the bistro chairs. She looked tired.

  “I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

  She smiled sadly. “Short of being the world’s best therapist, I’m not sure anyone can help. He’s just still so angry at me.”

  “About Johnny?”

  “Yeah, that’s most of it. But, he seems to have added new grievances over the years, like he’s been stewing on all the ways I failed him as a mother. I just don’t know what to do.”

  “I don’t understand something. Why did he come back if he’s mad at you?”

  Dixie took in a deep breath and blew it out. “There’s something I haven’t told you, dear.”

  “What?”

  “I’ve been having some medical problems. That was one reason I wanted to hire you.”

  “Medical problems? But, you seem as spry as anyone I know, Dixie. Is it something they can fix?”

  “Not really. I have Parkinson’s disease.”

  Julie felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. She didn’t know much about the disease, but she knew it was progressive. The last person who deserved an awful disease was Dixie. She was a saint of a woman and seemed immortal.

  “But, I haven’t seen you shaking or anything.”

  Dixie smiled. “The miracle of modern medicine. The tremors are under control. But the medication makes me very tired. And there’s something else.”

  “What?”

  “My memory has been a little spotty in recent months. My neurologist was concerned enough to ask me to reach out to my family for extra support. So, I sent a letter to William just before you moved to town. Honestly, had I known the daughter I always wanted was going to appear in my life, I might not have contacted my son.”

  Julie thought about whether Dixie had seemed forgetful lately. There was one time where a huge book order came in, and Dixie didn’t remember ordering it. But the holiday rush could make anyone stressed out, so Julie had chalked it up to that.

  “Oh, Dixie, I’m so sorry. How can I help?”

  “Now, I don’t want to be pitied. That’s why I haven’t told anyone. I’m a proud old bird, you know.”

  Julie laughed. “That you are. But, why did William come if he’s still so angry?”

  “I ‘spose he wants to make sure he gets my possessions once I kick the bucket. I don’t really know.”

  “I hope that’s not why he came.”

  “Me too. Well, enough about sad stuff. How’s it going with Dawson?”

  Julie grinned like a schoolgirl. “He’s pretty great.”

  “Yes, he is. Are y’all officially an item then?”

  “Not really. I mean, we’ve gone on a few informal dates, but we’re taking it slow. After my divorce, I don’t know if I’m ready to jump back into a relationship again.”

  “Don’t let that scoundrel of an ex husband ruin your chance at real happiness. Life is short.”

  “I know. I guess we’ll see how things go. I’m going to go start cleaning up the store a bit. Why don’t you relax and get some sunshine?” Julie stood and started walking toward the door.

  “Don’t treat me like I’m old and sick,” Dixie chided. “I’m still fit as a fiddle!”

  “I know, I know…” Julie said, laughing as she disappeared into the store.

  “Parkinson’s?” Janine said, her mouth hanging open. “But, she seems so healthy and vibrant, even for her age.”

  “I know. But, I’ve done some research about the disease since she told me, and I didn’t realize all of the other symptoms that came with it.”

  “Like what?”

  “Well, like freezing.”

  “Freezing? Like cold?”

  “No. People will often just freeze up, like when they’re walking or tying their shoes. And then there are non-motor symptoms like swallowing problems, dizziness, insomnia, loss of smell, urinary issues…”

  “Please stop. It’s making me sad.”

  “People with Parkinson’s usually live long lives, but I do think we need to help her find resources. Dixie is a proud woman, but there are some great rehab opportunities for people with the disease. I’m going to look into them and see what I can find.”

  “I’ll help however I can. Gentle yoga would be great for her balance too. I’ll suggest it next time I see her.”

  “Thanks, sis. So, I assume Mom and Buddy are heading toward the mountains by now?”

  “Yes, thank goodness. I love her, but I can only take her in small doses.”

  Julie giggled. “I quite enjoyed talking about sex over the Christmas ham.”

  Janine’s eyes widened. “I know, right? What is wrong with her sometimes?”

  “Hello, ladies,” Dawson said as he walked into the house. Julie was used to him coming and going like he lived there. He was always fixing this or that, and she enjoyed the familiarity they’d developed.

  “Hey,” Julie said, motioning for Janine to leave. Janine slipped out the front door, probably to take one of her long walks.

  “How was work?”

  “Good. Listen, I had a talk with Dixie today.”

  “And?”

  “Dawson, she has Parkinson’s disease,” Julie blurted out. She had never been great at delivering difficult news.

  “What? When did she find this out?”

  “A few months ago. She hasn’t told anyone. Well, except for William. That’s apparently why he came back.”

  “That makes a lot more sense. Do you think he wants her money?”

  “I don’t know, but I think we’re going to have to watch him carefully. Dixie’s already dealing with enough. I don’t want this to be a setback for her.”

  “Me either. You know, I’m so thankful she has you, Julie. You moving to Seabreeze has been a godsend for so many people.”

  Julie smiled. “Oh, yeah? Like who?”

  Dawson sh
rugged his shoulders, the corner of his mouth rising up to create that adorable dimple he had on one side. “Well, Dixie, for one. And Janine. And…”

  “And?” she said, staring up at him.

  “And maybe this guy right here.” He pointed to himself. “I was getting a little lonely on this island.”

  “Glad I could help relieve your loneliness,” she said softly. The romantic tension between them had been building for months, but they hadn’t gotten any further than hand holding and very long hugs. Julie didn’t understand it. He seemed interested in her, but not one kiss. She was starting to lose hope.

  “Listen, I have a question.”

  “Okay. Shoot.”

  “Would you be my date for New Year’s Eve? We have a big party here on the island, over on the beach. Some of the mainland people come. There’s a DJ, dance floor, food…”

  “I’d love to,” Julie interjected. Kissing would most definitely be happening on New Year’s Eve. If she had to maul the poor man, she would.

  There was a part of her that knew she was stepping into dangerous territory. Her brain was in a constant fight back and forth about getting in a new relationship. On the one hand, Dawson was amazing. He was handsome, kind, talented and loyal. But she’d thought many of the same things about Michael at one time. He’d been loyal. Until he wasn’t.

  Taking a chance on a man again wasn’t something she did lightly. It was much easier to be alone and protect her heart. But she did get lonely. She wanted that connection with a man again. She wanted strong arms around her when the world seemed to be falling apart. She wanted someone to talk to, to confide her deepest thoughts to. Vulnerability was hard and dangerous. The conflict she felt was exhausting.

  What she didn’t get was why Dawson was going so slowly. Was he unsure of their budding relationship? Was he only interested in her as a friend? Had he spoken too soon about wanting to start something with her?