A Surprise Awaits Back Home

By Sally M. Russell

Following high school graduation, Chad Hunter wanted to leave his small home town so went to college out of State. His met his wife, found a great job and settled for an unfamiliar life with a controlling mother-in-law. After losing his wife in a car accident, his parents asked if he would consider coming home to fill the position of a retiring employee in the family lumber business. After losing the nanny, he and his two little ones returned to his small home town and the little ones are happier than they'd ever been. He then finds a girl right in the office who, after 12 years, was still waiting to fulfill a love that she'd had for him since high school although it takes some time to convince her that he was truly in love with her. He becomes very involved in helping the town grow, meeting new friends and is so happy to be home again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468545074

Sally M. Russell

When her first husband passed away at an early age, Sally had two teenage boys to try to guide through that difficult time. She had also gone back to a very responsible job, which frequently required extra hours, so she quickly learned the struggles of a single parent. After several years, she remarried and retired, and then decided to start writing at age 75. She had read quite a few romance novels and one day while she was reading a very disappointing one, she thought she could write as well as several of the books she'd read recently. She sat down at a hand-me-down computer and started typing. That's about all she knew how to do on the unfamiliar machine. She had always been a Royal manual typewriter user, but she had conquered the big Burroughs's business computer at work so she vowed to conquer this little know-it-all machine that kept telling her it wasn't given the right information. With quite a bit of help from her family and a wonderful technician, she finally learned enough to get one novel in correct form to be published. The following ones didn't give her as much trouble, but something was always popping up that made her temper rise and thoughts of throwing it out the window come to mind. Sally can look back now and feel satisfied that she, at least, gave her sons a Christian base to help them in life. She offers a prayer to all those who face the huge task of raising children alone. "May God bless you with strength and wisdom."

Book preview

A Surprise Awaits Back Home

Sally M. Russell

US%26UKLogoB%26Wnew.ai

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2012 Sally M. Russell. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 1/26/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4507-4 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4509-8 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012901181

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilog

About the Author

Books written by Sally M. Russell

An Escape For Joanna

*Finding A Path To Happiness

*Dr. Wilder's Only True Love

*Josh and The Mysterious Princess

A Surprise Awaits Back Home

* The Haven of Rest Ranch Series.

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO:

All those who have faced the unfortunate death of a loved one and been left the responsibility to raise their children alone. May God be with you and lead you to happiness in your life once again.

Having made his Decision- - -

Chad had gotten his two little ones, Mickey and Angie, in the car and just driven away from his life in Richmond where there was only a memory of the one he'd loved. He has doubts, though, that the small town he'd left 12 years ago for college, a career and a family is going to be the answer to his loneliness and uncertainty about the future. It only seemed to be the best option in his present situation.

However, could there be someone waiting to fill that void in his life? A surprise is definitely forthcoming, but can it actually be the right answer for him and his two little ones?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Chapter One

Chad Hunter was deep in thought as he drove his late model sedan along Route 95 in North Carolina. He'd noticed that the flowers along the highway were in full bloom, and it was a pretty and memorable drive as his mind drifted back to his days of growing up around here and all the happy times he'd had with his friends in school. The vacations his family had taken had been great, too, even though the three siblings had most likely given their parents a great many headaches.

He was returning now with his own two children to a small hometown he'd left twelve years ago when he'd just turned eighteen, graduated from high school and had longed to get away from the expectations of his family. It had always been assumed that he would just automatically become a part of the family business and stay in the town on a finger of the Pamlico for the rest of his life. That, however, had not been his dream.

He had finally been able to talk his dad into letting him go to a college in Virginia, and upon his graduation, he'd been offered and accepted a CPA job in Richmond, VA. To return to White Springs now had been a hard choice, but one he felt in his heart was the only one for him to make at this time. The little ones, Mickey and Angie, fastened in their car seats in the back, were asleep for an afternoon nap which was a blessing. It had been a rather confusing time for them the last two weeks—not being old enough to understand all the problems their daddy was facing. He had especially noticed the troubled looks on their faces as their nanny told them goodbye yesterday, and now they'd been in the car for several hours without being able to run, jump, and laugh together like they could at home. He'd tried to stop fairly often to give them a chance to get out and move around, but he was getting rather anxious now to reach his destination. He wanted them to have some time to get adjusted to a few new faces, and also to see their new bedrooms before it was time for them to try to sleep tonight.

Chad had met his wife, Constance, at college and they'd had an enormous wedding a year after graduation. They'd then lived in a large Southern mansion, which she'd accepted from her parents, even though he'd been against all this grandeur that he couldn't provide. She had a job as a traveling representative for a new cosmetic line that her sister had developed, and she'd be gone at least three or four days a week She enjoyed coming home to the large, well maintained home where she could just relax. He'd been busy with his work, too, and she'd been wonderful when she was home. They'd been very comfortable, happy, and content. Why not—when there were maids to do the shopping and fix the meals, keep the house clean, and do the laundry, all provided by her parents, of course. He had tried, over and over, to pay some of the expenses, but they wouldn't even consider it. He felt as if they were in control of just about everything, but Connie seemed perfectly content so he'd decided to enjoy the luxuries. He'd finally learned that Connie had grown up being totally controlled by her mother, and it was just life as she knew it.

When they'd been married about 18 months, Connie realized that she was pregnant. She was furious at first, but finally accepted the fact she would have to take some time off for the delivery of the baby. She had insisted, however, that a nanny be hired shortly after the little boy was born so she could continue her travels for work.

Only a few months after she'd given birth, however, she'd started spending much more time at home because she hadn't wanted to miss Mickey's first step, his first word, or all the hugs he'd wanted to give her. Mickey had completely stolen her heart by the time he was two, and she'd been so excited when she'd realized she was expecting again. It was then that she'd given up her job totally and stayed home to spend countless hours with their son while she awaited the birth of their daughter. It would have been a wonderful time as a family except for her mother who had arranged for the nanny to remain employed because she'd insisted that Connie stay involved in the many social events that were required to retain their high standing on the society page.

The months had seemed to pass quickly with Mickey learning new things daily. When Connie had been to the doctor for her eighth month check-up, she'd been told it was now time to start appointments every week until delivery. Everything had checked out fine and she had been anxious to get back home to be with Mickey. Chad would also be home in a little more than an hour, and she'd called to tell him she was looking forward to him holding her in his big strong arms. She'd even told him they'd been playing one of his favorite songs on the car radio and she'd been singing along.

She'd then remarked that she was approaching a very busy intersection and she had to slow down for the light to turn green. She'd given him an over-the-line smooch, and then had apparently dropped the phone on the seat, without clicking it off, so she could concentrate on her driving. He'd heard her complaining about the light taking so long to change, and then a sigh as she'd pulled out into the intersection.

A car going way too fast in the opposite direction, however, hadn't been able to stop before it was too late. Chad could hear the squealing of tires and the screeching of brakes as the crash occurred. It happened so quickly, it was hard for him to comprehend, but he was soon at the scene.

The impact had been to the passenger side door of her car, and he quickly learned that her head had apparently been thrown against the window and door frame of the driver's side when the collision occurred. Because of her late term pregnancy, she hadn't been wearing her seatbelt.

An ambulance had been at the scene almost immediately and transported her to the hospital where she had so recently been to receive the happy news that the baby was fine, she was fine, and delivery could be anytime. But now, test after test was taken, but each one only confirmed what the doctors had known shortly after she'd been brought in. She was brain dead, and there was also some internal bleeding, but they hadn't been able to determine if it was coming from the womb or another spot in the same area.

After some fast action by Chad and Connie's OB doctor conferring with the ER staff, it had been decided they would try to save the baby. Since it was a late term pregnancy and no sign of injury to the child, they'd felt quite certain this could be accomplished. Her own doctor performed a C-section delivery of a healthy baby girl. The internal bleeding had then been found but it wouldn't have made a difference. Connie was gone.

The nanny had been wonderful and continued on to care for Mickey and the baby girl whom Chad and Connie had already decided they would name Angie.

***

Somehow the months and years have passed and Angie is now a darling little 2 year old, but the nanny had recently informed Chad that she was getting married and could only stay for three more months at the most. He'd been totally devastated. Why hadn't I seen this coming? I should've asked her to marry me. She certainly was easy on the eyes and I'd always admired her and the wonderful care she'd bestowed on the kids even with Connie's mother still trying to control every facet of their lives. I guess I was still missing Connie too much to have had many thoughts about a relationship, but I must have thoughtlessly assumed that the nanny would be there forever. What a fool I was, but maybe there's a good reason for me coming back home since so many things fell into place at about the same time. It's almost unbelievable.

***

Chad's family had owned a number of lumberyards for many years, and his dad was now the President since Grandpa had retired. His older brother, Zach, was also involved, but he wasn't interested in sitting behind a desk working out the details of ordering all the big truck loads of materials, or sometimes a carload of lumber from the dealers, watching all the current inventories and checking on new items which were always arriving on the scene. There was a hiring after an occasional retiring or a firing of an employee, as well as checking sales reports and customers' accounts, following up on past-due accounts, and, of course, keeping tabs on the never-ending maintenance, not to mention all those reports which had to be sent to the State and Federal governments.

Zach was willing and good, though, about visiting the yards to see how things were at each one of those, and many of the maintenance problems were reported to him and he brought them back to the office to be taken care of. He was still single and enjoyed being out and around the different towns so he could check out the pretty girls. He was never without a date when he stayed overnight at one of the yards. What a difference in the two of them. Chad had been happily married for five years, then heartbroken for two, and now faced the responsibility of raising his two little ones without them even having the mother they'd known for the last two years—the nanny he'd let get away. He'd also been feeling a little restless lately, since he'd had no woman in his arms since Connie's death, so maybe a change of scenery was what he really needed. With the nanny gone, it would've left his mother-in-law in complete control of his life as well as his children's. That was one of the best reasons he'd had for finally making the decision to return home. She would not be hard to forget.

Although Chad had gotten along very well with Harold, the father-in-law, he'd seldom come to see the children, and when he did, it was always with his wife. He'd sit and say very little, but he'd always had such a pleasant smile on his face when Mickey or Angie had climbed up on his lap and given him a hug. He would stop by Chad's office occasionally, and that was where he'd really ask about the children and then slip an envelope of money in Chad's hand. That's for you to use for whatever you want for Mickey, Angie, or yourself. I'm sorry I can't just give a check, but I don't want any trace of it coming back for Caroline to see.

That had made Chad often wonder if he wasn't allowed to come see his grandchildren without her being with him, so he asked during one visit, Harold, you have been paying all the bills for years now even though I've offered to at least help, so why do you think you need to give me this extra money without Caroline knowing?

Paying the bills, etc., is control money that my wife has always insisted she had to do so she'd have the right to keep Connie and her grandchildren growing up in the right circles. Our other daughter rebelled against the rules and has been estranged from her mother for years, but Connie had always wanted to please her mother so went along with the orders and society involvement. We both tried to talk to Caroline after you were married, but nothing we said would change her mind so my pleasure has come from these visits, Chad, and giving you a gift now and then that you can do with as you please. It comes from my heart.

"Well, I enjoy the visits, Harold, and if it gives you pleasure, then I'll continue to see that Mickey and Angie also receive pleasure from your gifts.

***

His dad had one very capable guy who helped him, plus two bookkeepers to handle the daily financial duties. There were also three loyal employees to do the other paper work that comes in from the yards. One of the bookkeepers had informed his dad recently, however, that he was planning to retire the first of June. His dad had called Chad the next day to see if he would possibly consider coming back home to become Vice-President and CPA of the family business. You really don't have anything to keep you there now, do you, Son? he'd asked seriously but with a lot of compassion that came through loud and clear to Chad.

He'd been told over the years, by his dad, that the town was growing, the regular old-style lumberyards they'd operated for ages had been converted to Do-it-yourself centers, and they were all doing well. He had tried to make trips home with Connie, but the first time she had met his family was at the wedding. She'd never felt she had time to go with him to visit while she'd been working, and of course, she was always trying to keep up with her mother's constant insistence that she be included on her busy social calendar. Then it was the pregnancy that had kept her at home because her mother insisted that a trip like that was just too hard on an expectant mother. So, Connie had never had the chance to see the little town where he had been born and raised.

His parents could tell that Connie wasn't too happy to have them come to Richmond, either. She always had to soothe the ruffled feathers of her mother who would manage to have a party or a charitable activity for her to be involved in, whenever they planned a visit, and then imply that in-laws shouldn't come and interfere. His parents had little in common with that life style, so their trips were short and soon became infrequent. During the last two years, his mom and dad had visited a few times, and consequently, both of the children knew them and loved them. Still, Chad had learned about most of the changes in the business through phone calls.

When his problem of losing the nanny arose, his mother had called to insist she'd be thrilled to take care of the little ones, whom she had gotten to see so seldom, if he'd consider coming back to help his dad at the office. They'd have cousins here, she'd told him, and also stressed that there were many new activities in White Springs for children. Their schools were some of the best in the State, which made Chad realize that Mickey would be ready to go to Kindergarten this Fall. He knew it would be a pretty good set-up, under the circumstances, but could he return for any length of time to the little town he'd fought so hard to get away from?

It had certainly sounded better than any other option he had, and maybe it was the one answer he'd needed to get away from the constant nagging of his mother-in-law. According to her, there were always changes that needed to be made in the children's lives, and she was the only one that was qualified to make them. That, naturally, had included some of her high-society acquaintances whom she always implied would make such fabulous mothers for the children. She'd never quite figured out what to do about him, though. He hadn't been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so to speak, and it would've been in bad taste for her to even suggest that he would make a suitable husband for any of those society ladies. She'd never really acknowledged him as the husband of her daughter even though he was the father of her grandchildren.

Having made his decision, the nanny had helped him pack most all the belongings of the kids—clothes and toys and furniture that the mother-in-law had finally agreed they could have. To her way of thinking, Chad had bought absolutely nothing for the children or the house all those years. He'd insisted, however, on quite a few things that he'd wanted and had the cancelled checks to prove he had paid for them. She was fighting this move all the way, of course, and was still blaming him for Connie's death. In her mind, if he hadn't gotten her pregnant again so soon, then she wouldn't have been at the busy intersection that day, and she would still be alive.

Finally, he'd arranged for the moving van to come fairly early this morning without her even knowing. They'd gotten the things loaded while he'd fed and dressed Mickey and Angie. He'd called yesterday to have the meters read, the phone disconnected, the newspaper stopped and the mail to be forwarded, so he was ready to lock the doors and leave the key in the mailbox. He hadn't even called to tell his in-laws goodbye. He'd just gotten Mickey and Angie in the car and driven away from his life in Richmond where there was