The Chosen Ones

By Megan Butler

Four babies are given up for adoption under very different but nevertheless heartbreaking circumstances. Meet the parents, whose stories are not what you might imagine, and find out what has happened in the lives of four couples who desperately want to adopt these children. Follow the children into adulthood and find out if they, like the author, search for their birth parents to ask the question every adopted child wants to know. Why?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504995290

Megan Butler

Megan Butler is both a mother and a grandmother who was given up for adoption at six weeks old. When Megan gave birth to her first son at the age of twenty-four, she felt very emotional and fiercely protective of her baby boy and could not imagine giving her son away. Megan finally traced her birth mother after an eighteen-year search to find the circumstances surrounding her adoption very surprising and not what she had always imagined. For the past twenty years, Megan has been writing her book and is delighted to finally publish it.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

L aura Smith was twenty-four and still single when her friend, flatmate and fellow primary school teacher Julie, dragged her along to a family birthday party insisting Laura was never going to find the man of her dreams if she sat at home every evening marking exercise books! The party was in honour of Julie’s mother’s fiftieth birthday and although it crossed Laura’s mind such an occasion would be severely lacking in eligible young bachelors, to humour Julie, she had nonetheless donned her best party dress and added her latest purchase - a stunning pair of stilettos!

The party was as Laura had imagined, full of aunties, uncles, cousins and friends of the family, the average age group being around the fifty mark. She had been introduced to numerous guests as Julie’s colleague and flatmate, resulting in the majority of conversations being a discussion on how she felt about the current programme for education.

After helping herself to a large drink and equally large slice of birthday cake, Laura found an empty sofa at the far end of the enormous lounge and was enjoying being alone for five minutes. She had just taken a large bite of cake when a tall, rather dishy guy gestured towards the empty seat beside her and she nodded gesturing she had a mouthful of cake. He smiled and as he sat down next to her the air around them was immediately filled with the heavenly waft of woody aftershave.

When she was able to speak, Laura apologised and was rewarded with another grin. The ‘dish’ held out his hand and squeezed hers gently as he introduced himself. I’m Peter and I’m delighted to have found someone around my own age to speak to! Instantly realising she might be offended by his comment, he immediately added, Oh I’m sorry, you’re not a relative are you? The look of horror on his face was a picture!

Laura laughed, No it’s okay, no offence taken, especially as I escaped over here for more or less the same reason! My flatmate insisted I come along and I have barely seen her all evening!

Ah, it seems we might be in the same boat as I was also invited along, however in my case it was more of a summons! The birthday girl is married to my boss and it would be more than my job is worth not to show face! he gave a wry smile.

Laura grinned, That would make your boss my flatmate’s father! Does that lead me to assume you are in accountancy?

It’s a small world! he laughed. Yes I play with numbers for a living. Am I allowed to know your name?

Oh I’m sorry, how rude of me! I’m Laura Smith and I’m a primary teacher at the same school as Julie, the boss’s daughter.

Well Laura Smith, do you think we have done our duty and could leave now without offending our hosts? I’m not really keen on the whole buffet thing and could do with a light supper somewhere a bit more peaceful. I don’t wish to appear forward but would you care to join me?

I’d like that very much, she rewarded him with her best smile, her sparkling deep blue eyes drawing him in until he felt his stomach tighten.

They had a candlelit supper at a lovely quaint little bistro and chatted easily for hours. The other guests gradually left until they were eventually alone, the waiters discreetly going about their work until Laura looked around and realised there was just one waiter left behind the bar. Peter it must be very late, what time is it? We’ve stayed far too long and I think the waiter needs to close up. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself tonight and would like to thank you for rescuing me from a very dull party!

Peter glanced at his watch and as he pushed back his chair to get up from the table the waiter immediately came over to ask if they would like anything else. Peter refused saying he couldn’t eat another thing, complimented him on the delicious food and apologised for staying so late. The waiter shook Peter’s hand insisting it was a pleasure for him when his customers chose to spend their whole evening at his bistro. He introduced himself as Carlos the proprietor and Peter thanked him, paid the bill and assured him he would recommend the bistro to his colleagues and friends. After many goodnights and shaking of hands, they finally left the bistro just after 2am.

You have a friend for life there Peter! Laura laughed. The food was excellent and it’s such a lovely little place.

We accountants seem to have a reputation for being boring, but if I haven’t bored you senseless, we can come back again sometime! They laughed and chatted happily as they walked towards the High Street to flag down a taxi and when Peter asked for Laura’s phone number she only hesitated for a split second!

The next day Peter phoned and invited Laura out to dinner the following weekend and she readily accepted. They had another great evening, this time Peter choosing his favourite Italian restaurant. The food was excellent as was the company and they talked non-stop about their families, jobs, ambitions, hopes and dreams.

After dinner they went to a small wine bar for a few drinks and both were equally sorry when the evening came to an end. Laura didn’t hesitate to invite Peter to come along to her school fundraiser the following Saturday afternoon.

We are holding it in the gardens in Princess Street and everyone has to bring their own picnic. There will be stalls; races; a talent contest and entertainment - you know the usual thing, she smiled up at him. Don’t feel as though you have to come, it might not be your scene?

Peter had not been on a picnic since he was a child, nor had he spent much time around children, but if it meant spending time with Laura he was more than happy to go along. Well it’s not how I usually spend my Saturday afternoons, he smiled, but I would love to come and support your fund-raiser - it will be a nice change for me! he replied with his usual wide grin.

Peter always said he knew on the day of the picnic that he would marry Laura. Her vitality, endless enthusiasm and ability to make every child feel involved and important were awe-inspiring!

On Saturday they were blessed with glorious sunshine and the children sat on large rugs with their families to have their picnics. One by one, each child in Laura’s class came up to say hello and show her a new dress, sandals or favourite toy. Some brought a cake or a home-baked treat and in return she showered each child with praise and thanks, all of them leaving with their choice of treat from a large box of home-baked goodies she had brought with her.

Surprisingly, Peter really enjoyed the picnic as Laura laid out quite a spread. He brought along a basket of fruit, a bottle of wine and just in case Laura wasn’t able to drink ‘on duty’, some small bottles of ginger ale. When they finished their picnic they wandered round the various stalls, cheered and clapped at all those who took part in the races and made a great fuss of the children who ran up to them to show off their winning badges and ribbons.

The day was a great success and after an enjoyable afternoon they rewarded themselves with another visit to the bistro. They were just having a nightcap before leaving when Peter asked Laura if she would like to make his day complete and agree to be his girl. Laura fought hard to suppress a giggle at the old fashioned wording, but at the same time found it quite endearing and said she would love to be his girl!

A year later they were again at the bistro, by which time they were on first name terms with all the waiters who always made a great fuss of them, seating them at ‘their’ table. They had a lovely meal and although they didn’t usually have a dessert, Peter persuaded her to have one for a special treat.

When their plates arrived, all that was on Laura’s plate was a small square red velvet box. She nervously looked up at Peter. If you open it you will be saying yes, making me the happiest man in the world by becoming my wife, but if you leave it closed… Laura quickly put her fingers to his lips to stop him saying anything more and slowly opened the box to reveal a beautiful engagement ring. Peter leaned across took the solid gold band, set with an oval ruby and smaller diamonds either side, and placed it on her finger. I love you Laura Smith and I promise to make you happy till the day I die, he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her ring finger.

Laura was so overwhelmed and emotional she could barely speak but managed to whisper back, I love you too Peter, with all my heart and soul. Peter leaned across and they kissed to a huge round of applause from the waiters and other diners. Carlos was at the table in an instant with two long-stemmed glasses and a bottle of champagne.

Congratulations, please accept my best wishes, I will order a special highchair for the bambinos! Everyone laughed and the other diners raised their glasses to toast them. Laura’s head was spinning, she loved and adored Peter and never had she been so happy! Since meeting him, she felt her life was perfect!

Neither of them wanted to wait very long to get married so over the next few months they made wedding plans. Peter already owned a large, beautiful ground floor apartment on the outskirts of Edinburgh with three bedrooms, a lounge with patio doors leading onto a terraced garden and a large kitchen/dining-room so they didn’t need to find somewhere to live.

A week before the wedding, Laura and Julie packed up the majority of her belongings and moved them to the apartment. Julie couldn’t believe how fast Laura and Peter’s relationship had grown and took all the credit for their chance meeting on the night of her mother’s birthday party. She was delighted when Laura asked if she would be her bridesmaid and now it was so close, she was very excited about the wedding!

Their wedding day was just perfect and they shared it with their families and close friends. There was only one place they wanted to have their reception and for them Carlos closed the bistro for the day and provided a huge buffet with many choices, all absolutely delicious! As Laura and Peter cut the cake the waiters broke into song and everyone clapped along! When they finished eating, the tables were pushed back and they all enjoyed an evening of music and dancing. At the end of a perfect day, Peter and Laura stood at the bistro door hugging and thanking their guests, all congratulating them and saying how much they enjoyed their special day!

After the last guest left, Laura and Peter thanked Carlos for a brilliant reception and, after the usual hugs and kisses, the newlyweds headed home to the apartment to start married life. When they reached their front door Peter scooped Laura up in his arms and carried her across the threshold in traditional fashion then whirled her round and round until they collapsed onto the sofa, both dizzy and laughing! It had been a wonderful day and they felt it was impossible to feel any happier than they did at that moment!

CHAPTER 2

M arlene Ross stared out of the office window and her stomach churned as she thought about the conversation she was about to have with her boss Johnathan. Although she had attempted to speak to him many times over the past couple of weeks, she repeatedly lost her nerve and left the office feeling both annoyed and upset with herself.

She started work as a junior secretary for Mason & Cook Solicitors ten years ago and slowly climbed the office ladder. Two years ago she was delighted when she was promoted to Johnathan Mason’s secretary, one of the younger partners in the firm with a reputation for being difficult, demanding and generally rude!

At that time she hoped her long-term boyfriend Paul would soon propose as now they were both earning a good wage they could afford to rent a flat together. However, when Paul came home on leave from the Navy a few months later, her world fell apart when he told her he had no intention of getting married. After a huge row, Marlene realised it had been very convenient for Paul to have a girl readily waiting at home for him when he was on shore leave. Paul had given her an ultimatum, either carry on as they were or they were over and she chose the latter, firmly slamming the door behind him!

After the break up, Marlene chose not to date anyone until about eight months ago, when one evening Johnathan asked her to work late and type up a deposition for a court case the following morning. Marlene and Johnathan had a friendly, easy working relationship and she had not found him to be as bad as his reputation, although he had his moments!

They worked until about ten o’clock that evening, happily chatting now and then whilst getting the documents ready. Johnathan was much more informal and more relaxed than usual, allowing her to see a softer side to him. Although she couldn’t quite put her finger on why, their relationship definitely changed that night.

Over the next couple of weeks they became very aware of each other, the tension between them almost tangible and it was obvious they were attracted to each other. Marlene couldn’t believe it as she had always liked him more than she should, but not for one minute did she ever think he even noticed her other than on a professional basis.

It wasn’t long before another similar situation arose requiring them both to stay late to complete urgent paperwork. They were standing side by side at a desk collating papers and Marlene could feel the electricity between them. A quick glance up at Johnathan was all it took for him to turn, take her in his arms and kiss her with a passion she had never experienced before. She felt her knees give and he scooped her up in his arms and carried her across to the sofa in the corner of his office where they spent over an hour having wild sex! As they lay together dishevelled and completely spent, Marlene could not believe what had just happened! How could Johnathan fancy her when his fiancé was like a model? As long as he wanted her she didn’t care about Avril and the last hour proved he found her sexy and attractive!

That night was the start of their affair and gradually they stayed back at the office until they were seeing each other at least a couple of nights a week. When she asked Johnathan why they couldn’t see more of each other, he said it was because he didn’t want to raise suspicion amongst the other staff, so Marlene suggested he came to her flat instead which he was more than happy to agree to.

After a couple of month’s Marlene confessed her love for Johnathan and although he professed to love her too, he still made excuses as to why he hadn’t called off his engagement to Avril. Marlene continued with the affair, totally head over heels in love with Johnathan and hoping his relationship with Avril would soon end to allow them to be open about theirs.

They had been together for about four months when Marlene had a pregnancy scare and after a week of pure panic, she was very relieved when her period finally arrived. However, the scare didn’t stop her continuing the affair with her boss and they carried on as before.

One evening, almost seven months into their ‘relationship’, Johnathan told Marlene he would be away for the weekend with friends, which of course included Avril. Knowing about the weekend only made Marlene feel totally miserable so in an attempt to cheer up her flatmate, Lisa persuaded her to go along to a dance on the Saturday night.

They were getting ready when Marlene found she couldn’t zip up her dress. You must have put weight on Marl! exclaimed Lisa who was trying with all her might to get the zip past Marlene’s waist, I’m going to break it if I pull any harder! Marlene couldn’t understand it and chose another dress, which also felt too tight but still looked really good on her and they headed out for the evening. They had a brilliant night, dancing so much they walked home barefoot carrying their shoes, singing and dancing all the way!

The next day the dress episode was still on Marlene’s mind as over the past two weeks her skirts had also felt a bit tighter than usual. Trying on a couple of her ‘tighter’ skirts, she was shocked to find she had no chance of zipping them up and alarm bells began ringing in her head! She also recalled a conversation the previous week when Johnathan said he could swear her breasts were getting larger!

As she left the doctor’s surgery the following week, Marlene was in shock as the doctor confirmed she was indeed around four and a half months pregnant, maybe slightly more. When she told him she couldn’t be that pregnant as she had some bleeding, he told her that could sometimes happen and she was definitely more than four months. I agree you are very slim, even at this point, but I don’t think you will be able to hide your pregnancy for much longer, your baby grows much faster from now on, smiled the doctor who didn’t appear to notice the shock and disappointment on Marlene’s face.

There was no point in standing staring out the window, she had put it off long enough - it was time to talk to Johnathan. As she walked towards his office she was shaking, so scared of how he was going to react to the news that they were going to have a baby. He was sitting at his desk reading some paperwork and she stole a few seconds to study his handsome, chiselled face before dropping her bombshell.

When her flatmate arrived home later that evening she found Marlene huddled on the sofa, very red eyed and looking deathly pale. Dropping everything, she rushed over and wrapped her arms around her friend. What on earth is the matter Marl? You look dreadful sweetheart! Marlene started sobbing and Lisa held her tightly, rocking gently to comfort her. They stayed like that for ages until finally Marlene stopped crying.

Right, we are going to have a long talk about whatever has got you into this state but first I am going to put the kettle on because I have a feeling we are going to need tea and a packet of biscuits! Lisa went into the kitchen and Marlene fetched her blanket from the bedroom. Once they were cosy on the sofa under the blanket with their tea in one hand, chocolate biscuit in the other, Lisa turned to Marlene. Now, would I be correct in guessing all these tears are something to do with the boss? Marlene nodded, still not quite trusting herself to speak. Okay, in your own time Marl and don’t leave anything out! A few minutes passed whilst Marlene sipped her tea and tried hard to compose herself.

It’s over between us Lisa, he doesn’t want anything to do with me.

Why Marl? Did you have a fight?

Fresh tears streamed down Marlene’s face. No, I told him I had been to the doctor and he said I am nearly five months pregnant.

Oh dear lord! I thought you were putting on a bit of weight, but it never crossed my mind you could be expecting! How did you not know Marl?

I had a bit of a scare a while back, but I got my period and thought I was okay! The doctor said it’s not uncommon for that to happen during pregnancy.

What are you going to do? What did Johnathan say?

I told him calmly about the baby and his face turned to stone Lisa, there was no expression, no happiness, no anger, absolutely nothing! Then he leant back in his chair and asked me how I could have been so stupid. Me stupid! What about him? It takes two! I tried to talk him round by telling him he was just shocked and that I had been the same to start with, but now all I could think about was the tiny person growing inside me! I said to him he would be a dad in a few months and he would feel differently when he saw our baby!

And he said?

He gave me a cold stare and said if I thought I was going to ruin his life then to think again. He said he wanted nothing to do with any baby and couldn’t I get rid of it somehow! He was like a stranger Lisa, I couldn’t believe how angry he was! When I told him I would be having the baby and I would need him to help me, he actually accused me of getting pregnant just to get him to split from Avril! He said it would ruin his career if such a scandal came out at work and told me to make sure I left before anyone noticed anything!

You could tell Avril Marl, tell her just what her precious fiancé has been doing behind her back! You can’t let him fire you, you need your job now more than ever! Lisa was pacing around the room at this point and Marlene thought she was going to explode with rage! Right, we need to calmly talk this through and come up with a plan to make sure Johnathan Mason does not shirk his responsibilities. Get the kettle on again Marl, I’ll get a pen and some paper and we are going to work out a way to make sure you are not left to cope with this alone!

After hours of talking they decided the best plan was to make sure Johnathan looked after Marlene and the baby financially. There would be no point in trying to change his mind as he had made it perfectly clear he wanted nothing more to do with her. The plan was to make two copies of an agreement between Marlene and Johnathan stating he would make an initial payment to cover her wages from now until the baby arrived and