Episode 2.26

210 Shavano Court

Maggie parked her car in the driveway and then went and opened her trunk, taking out two bags of groceries. As she made her way up the driveway she heard someone call out hello. Turning around she saw an older man, with thick dark hair dressed in sweats jogging down the street and then up her driveway. “Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m John Adams, I’m just down the road.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Maggie Williams.” She said putting the bags down on the porch.

“If you ever need anything just let me know and I’ll help in any way I can.” John offered.

“Thank you that’s very sweet.” Maggie looked around, “Are there a lot of families in the area?”

“A few, its in the midst of a rejuvenation. Most of the families that were here when my children were growing up have moved on. We have a few young couples with out kids, a few single parents.”

Maggie nodded, “That’s good to know. It was nice to meet you, but I have to get these put away so I can get to work.”

“No problem at all.” John said before he started to jog away.


Hallow Hills—Main House

“Well my little girl, its time for you to meet your new mommy and to meet your big brother Chad.” Doug told his daughter as he carried her into the house. “Adel?” He called out as he walked in with her in his arms.

Adel came into the living room, “Doug!” She was thrilled to see her husband, she ran to him and kissed him, and then backed away when she saw the baby. “You really did this?”

“Of course I did honey, did you think I was joking?” he asked as he adjusted the baby in his arms. “So darling have you thought of any names for her?”

Adel shook her head a few times, “No nothing yet.” She couldn’t believe it, Doug had brought home a child.

Doug looked down at his daughter, “You know what, I think Isabella would be perfect, what do you think?”

Adel could only nod for a few moments, “Yes that would be good. Excuse me I have to make a business call.”


Hallow Hills—Adel’s Office

Adel walked into her office and found Jeff sitting there reading the paper. She let out a loud sigh, “Damnit Jeff, why are you in here?”

He looked up and smiled, “I thought I would give you and Doug some privacy with his latest return. Plus you’re new daughter.”

“Isabella.” Adel said, trying to show some sort of maternal pride.

“Doug picked it I’m sure. You would’ve come up with something more creative.” Jeff stood up and walked over to her, his hands placed on her upper arms. “You’re a free spirit dying in this marriage with my brother.”

Adel pushed his hands away and stepped back, “Jeff, please just drop this and do not mention the kiss to Doug. I don’t want any of this to come out. It was a mistake and you need to forget about this crush you have on me. I have a husband and two, nay three children.”

“Fine, be happy with your picture perfect fake dream.” Jeff looked at her for a moment before storming out.


The Java Jet

“Hi Mom!” Dan kissed Lydia Adams cheek as she sat down across from him with her coffee, “I’m glad you could meet me.”

“Of course Daniel, now what’s so important?” she smiled and pushed back a few stray locks of her dark hair over her eyes.

“Well Mom, you know Abby just graduated college, and Sam’s off at college. The whole time I’ve just been here, working so after some thinking, long and hard I decided to get my life in order.”

Lydia smiled, “You’re going to go to college and study pre-med?”

Dan shook his head, “No, Mom that’s not it, not even close.” He looked down at his to-go cup of coffee and then back up at his mother, “I applied to the police academy and I leave tomorrow to start training. Dad and Abby already know.”

“But Dan, being a police officer is so dangerous, you can not risk your life like that!”

“Mom, this is what I want to do. Its what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. I’m not going to spend the rest of my life working as a delivery boy for three different stores in town.” He looked into her eyes, “Please Mom, I’ll be fine I’m not going to move to New York City, I’m going to work here in Pinõn Hallow.”

“I still don’t like this.” Lydia crossed her arms over her chest.

Dan stood up, taking his coffee cup with him, “You don’t have to Mom, and you just have to accept it as fact.”

Lydia didn’t speak she just shook her head and a moment later Dan walked out of the café leaving Lydia alone at the table.


Nebraska’s

Abby and Ethan sat across from each other, each with a glass of water in front of them. “So Abs have you given any thought to my proposal?”

Abby blushed, “Yeah, I even got a counter offer from Chad Davis to stay with him so I would be closer to work.” She picked up her glass and sighed, “I turned him down, don’t worry. Also thinking about it staying with my parents might invade their relationship you know. They do have the house all to themselves now.”

Ethan smiled, “So does that mean you’ll be staying with me?”

Abby shook her head, “I actually decided to just stay in my apartment. I’m only their a little bit now since I work at Hallow Hills. Besides Dan won’t be gone for too long.”

Ethan nodded, “Probably for the best, right?”

“Yeah, besides I wouldn’t want to ruin your stellar reputation after all.”

“Your right that could just ruin me.” He joked before Abby threw her napkin at him. He handed it back and found her to be closer then he realized, and let his lips touch hers once in a soft quick kiss. “I’m sorry.” He immediately said.

Abby looked down and then back up, “Don’t be, sometimes it just happens.”


220 Shavano Court

As John came back into the house after his jog the phone was ringing, “Adams Residence.”

“Um Dad, it’s Sam. I have a question that might be a bit difficult.” His son Sam spoke over the line.

“What is it Sam?” John sat down and began to untie his sneakers.

Sam released a long unsteady breath, “Are you Raquel Davenport, the romance novelist?”

“Why, why do you ask son?” Johns face went pale when he heard the question.

“Well Dad, you’re picture is on the front page of the Ginger Falls Tribune and on their website!” Sam’s distress was coming through.

“Are you serious?” John asked.

“No Dad, I’m just pulling this out of my ass. Of course I’m serious. You realize Abby has like every book you’ve written?”

“She does?” John sat there with the phone to his ear stunned, why would anyone in Hawaii care?

“Yeah she goes through them quicker then a alcoholic can go through a handle!” Sam declared, anger in his voice, “Dad, why didn’t you tell us?”

John sighed, “I didn’t want to hear this disappointment in you’re voice.”

Sam’s alarm on his watch went off, “I have to go, I’ve got class in ten minutes. I’ll call soon, bye Dad.”

John nodded and hung up the phone, and then stared at the staircase for a minute, wondering how he was going to handle it when Abby and Lydia found out.