Grace

By Jessica Reynolds

Grace and Jack have a close-to-perfect marriage. The kind most dream of. And they do.

Everything seems to be going along great besides the fact that Jack’s protective mother will not respect their privacy and the wife of a friend of theirs has an unbelievable crush on Jack and makes it known to everyone, including her own husband!

All of a sudden, things change. Things come up missing, Grace feels someone is watching her, a car accident happens, people turn up missing, and a few more twists and turns are in the book. Jack fears his wife may be next, and his fears are not that far-fetched.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885055840

Book preview

Contents

Part 1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Part 2

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Part 1

1

The day could not have been more perfect! Not a cloud in the sky, a light breeze was blowing, the tide was low, and the seagulls were soaring. I ran across the street with my bags, waving at the car that had stopped to let me cross.

Most people would say I was beautiful, with long blond hair flowing around the middle of my back, and eyes as green as the sea. I didn’t normally have trouble getting cars to stop so I could cross any street. Today, white shorts showed off my long tan legs. Sometimes I didn’t realize how beautiful I was or notice the looks I got.

I was running late, as was normal, but I wanted to get home to make this night as special as possible. I still had so much to do when I got there. I had stopped to get lobster and clams from the local seafood store that was right on the beach. Everyone had been friendly. Everything seemed to melt away when I was on the beach, and as normal when I was there, I lost track of time.

I would be making a nice dinner for my husband, Jack. We had been married for two years today. Rushing through the front door with all my things for the evening, I was caught off guard. What is that smell? It smelled clean, freshly cleaned. I set my bags down on the table while looking around. The house was spotless! There was a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the counter, with a card. I opened it and read my mother-in-law’s note inside:

Hi, dear!

I know today is special for the two of you. I stopped in to clean up for you, knowing it would be just one thing less you had to do tonight! I hope you love the flowers. I bought them from the new shop downtown. Have a great night!

Love,

Mom

My mother-in-law. How sweet! I thought as I continued to look around, walking from room to room. Freshly made bed with clean sheets and a little bouquet of wildflowers on the pillows, new candles, fluffed-up pillows on the couch, with more candles on the coffee table—dusted, vacuumed, and mopped. My mother-in-law, Doris, had coved everything.

I looked around, a little sad. No, I thought to myself, I am happy. I put a pillow back in its place on the couch. Of course I was happy. It was one less thing I had to do myself, but I had looked forward to doing it myself. That attention to detail that would be done for my husband on our special night was what I had wanted to do. Doris was thoughtful and just trying to help; she always did things like that. I set a mental note to call Doris soon to thank her.

I took the new candles I bought and tucked them away in the cabinet for emergencies. In the other cabinet, I went to grab the wine chiller bucket to get it chilling in the freezer. But no bucket. Where had I left that? I opened the other cupboards, but I was sure I hadn’t put it in there. I opened the back door and looked around. Not on the table. I didn’t think I had left it there anyway. Back in the kitchen, I checked the dishwasher just to see. Nope, not there either.

I opened the fridge to get the lobsters and clams in there before I went on searching further. There it was! In the refrigerator was the bucket. In it sat a brand-new bottle of wine with a big red bow, already chilling. Doris.

Chuckling to myself, shaking my head, I closed the door and put the new bottle of wine I had bought for tonight on the wine rack for another night. Well, everything was done besides the cooking, and that we would do together.

I would take advantage of the extra time and take a nice, long, hot bath, to pamper myself. I stopped. On second thought, I went to grab the new candles I had bought out of the cabinet. I would enjoy these while I was in the bath. I lit the candles, got undressed, and put a little extra bubble into her bath. Testing it with my toe, I decided it was just right.

The sound of my cell phone ringing had me pulling my foot out of the water and shutting it off. It was probably Jack calling to see if I needed anything on his way home. He most often did.

Hey, baby. I don’t need anything besides—

Hello? Doris answered back.

Oh! Hello, Doris. I was expecting Jack. How are you? Oh! My lord, how embarrassing!

Well, that is obvious, dear, by the way you answered. Why didn’t you check to see who was calling? Doris asked, sounding very concerned.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I sighed. I’m happy it was you. I was planning on calling you to thank you for everything you did for us today.

Oh! Doris’s concern was gone. Goodness, dear, you don’t have to thank me. I enjoyed it! By the way you answered the phone, I take it Jack is not home yet?

Not yet. I expect him anytime soon, though. Do you want me to have him call you?

No, no, dear, that’s fine. Do you have everything you need for dinner tonight?

Yes, I am pretty sure, I said, looking around. Our entire bedroom had been cleaned as well.

Perfect! I have to run over to Tilly’s for a bit. Maybe I will stop in for a short visit.

I frowned into the phone. Umm… Doris…

Laughing her famous, high-pitched laugh into the phone, Doris said, Silly me! Not on your anniversary! Wasn’t that what you were gonna say, dear? Anyway, tomorrow night, then! Have a good night!

You too, Doris. The line went dead.

I headed back to the bath, which had gone cold, and drained it and started it again. This was what I needed. Candles flickered, and I relaxed—an almost-perfect end to the day. My cell phone chimed with a phone call. Luckily, I had brought it in and had it beside the tub. Hello, I answered this time, just in case it was Doris again.

Hey, baby. I’m on my way home. Need anything?

Nope, I am all set. Thanks for checking. When will you be home?

About twenty minutes. And I got you a surprise!

Jack, we agreed, no gifts.

I know, baby, but I couldn’t resist.

Smiling into the phone, I said, Okay, see you soon. I almost knew he would break that rule. He always got me gifts or just picked up something just because something reminded him of me.

I jumped out of the tub and grabbed my robe. Drying off quickly, lathering my new lotion all over my body, I then started to dry my hair. I was gonna wear my new silk shorts and silk shirt, light makeup. Just right for a romantic night with just the two of us.

I heard his car as I headed into the kitchen, all ready for the evening.

Jack came through the front door, cradling his cell phone between his shoulder and his ear, one arm behind his back as he shut the door with his foot, keeping his surprise hidden.

Rolling his eyes, he said, Yes, Mother, I know. No! Not tonight!

As I looked at him, my eyebrows went up in shock. Didn’t we just talk about her not visiting tonight? I mused.

Okay, Mom, love you too. Good night. Jack pressed End and then turned his phone off, tossing it on the counter. Hey, baby, he said as he walked over to give me a kiss.

As he came to me, I could not be anything but happy. He took my breath away! He was so handsome, a hair over six feet tall, dark hair, the most beautiful blue eyes—deep blue, the kind you got lost in. His arms, I loved being wrapped up in.

I missed you today. Whatcha got behind there? I asked and started to peek around him.

Flowers of course, baby. I heard you talking about the new flower shop in town, so I stopped by and got these for you.

They were gorgeous. I closed my eyes and smelled them. They smelled so good!

Thank you so much, babe. They are amazing! Let’s get these into some water.

Walking around me, Jack said, Babe, you already went to the shop?

I glanced over at him. I didn’t. That was your mother’s.

Jack looked back at them. Oh, that was nice of her. Opening the fridge, he smiled at me. I knew you would have thought of everything, he said as he pulled out the wine.

With a sigh, I set the flowers in the middle of the table.

Your mother again, along with all this. I pointed around the kitchen. "Flowers, cleaning, candles, and wine. She covered it all. But I did get dinner!" I said with half a smile.

Jack handed me a glass and took a sip of his own, looking around. Honey, you know she is just trying to help out. She knows we are trying to keep you stress-free. He winked at me and pulled me into a little side hug.

I know. Waving off the feeling of defeat, I smiled and leaned into him. I know, babe. I thanked her on the phone earlier when she called.

Okay! Enough about her. Tell me how your day was.

It was great! I went down to the beach today to get the lobsters and the clams.

I knew he loved hearing the excitement in my voice. I know. I figured I would be home before you, he said, joking with me.

Laughing, I said, If it were any other day, you probably would have, but I tried to pay attention to the clock today.

Want me to get the water going for dinner? he asked.

Sure! I will light the candles, and we can enjoy our wine. How was your day today? Did you have a good day at work? I asked, starting to light the candles.

It wasn’t too bad. I went over and looked at the job up on the golf course I had told you about. Jack had made a pretty good life out of the landscape company he started a few years back.

Oh, wow! That would be nice. That golf course is so beautiful! The things you could do with that space!

Yeah, I threw a few ideas around with Jo today. I took her up there with me. So much space! I wanted to make sure I had another set of eyes with me, to be able to toss ideas at and vice versa.

Joanne, Jo for short. I loved her! It was actually I that had gotten her the job with Jack. Jo had been hauling lobsters for one of the locals down at the beach, and I spent every free minute down there but also had bought a bunch of seafood off the boat she worked on. So we made small talk every time I would see her. And the rest was history. She confided to me how she would like a more steady job on the mainland, and it just so happened Jack was just starting his business and really needed the help. So I set it all up.

Jo’s wife, Gail, was a sweetheart! I loved her as well. They made the perfect couple. Gail was a nurse at the local hospital specializing in women’s reproductive health. She treated all her patients as part of her family, and in my eyes, anyone would be lucky to have her for their nurse. She was absolutely perfect.

We need to have them over soon for dinner again. It feels like it has been forever since we have spent time with them.

We should. Whenever you want, baby. Speaking of dinner, he said as he topped our wineglasses off. Should be only a couple of minutes before dinner is done.

Great! I’m starving! I set the table, and Jack pulled the lobsters and clams off the stove and got them into serving dishes and to the table.

We laughed and chatted over dinner. It was perfect! I loved nights like this.

That’s it! I am officially stuffed! I said, pushing my plate away.

I could whip us up some strawberry shortcake with whipped cream for dessert—

Oh my word! Stop! I cannot even think of dessert right now, Jack. I am so full, I moaned, and he laughed a little more at that. At the sound of my cell phone ringing, I stood up and grabbed my phone. Jack grabbed me first and put me on his lap, kissing me. Nope! Not tonight. Ignore it.

But, Jack, it could be important—

Not more important than this. He interrupted, kissing me a little more.

I melted in his arms, returning his kisses. Agreed.

He stood up, cradling me in his arms. Let’s worry about this mess later and take this party to the bedroom.

Works for me. I rested my head on his chest. He stopped, handed me the glasses and the wine bottle to hold, and headed to our bedroom.

2

The candles had almost burned all the way down. It was dark besides the tiny flicker of the candles. I was wrapped up in Jack’s arms; he was sound asleep. I slowly unfolded myself out of his arms and put my robe on. Quietly I grabbed our glasses and the wine bottle and headed to the kitchen. I flipped the light on and looked around at the mess we had left. I loaded up the dishwasher and tossed the empty shells into a bag and headed to the door that was connected to our garage. Jack would take them to the dump tomorrow, but for now they were out of the kitchen.

I went to the sink to wash out the lobster pot and looked out the window into the darkness. There was little light from the sliver of the moon. Everything was quiet. I washed down the counters and the table and got the eeriest feeling. I felt like I was being watched!

Looking all around at the windows and doors, I didn’t see anything, but I was sure of it! I quickly shut all the shades to the windows, and as I got to the French doors, I was sure I saw a shadow! I dropped the shades on the doors and ran back to our bedroom.

Jack, I whispered, shaking him.

What’s wrong? What happened? He grabbed me and held me tight. Your heart is pounding! Did you have a bad dream? What happened?

No. I took a deep breath, still trying to calm myself. I thought I was being watched in the kitchen, and I saw a shadow! Someone is out there! I hissed.

Jack was already getting out of bed and pulling on his shorts. I’m going to go check it out. I will be right back.

I sat up, waiting for him, with blankets pulled up to my chin, ears strained for any and all sounds.

He was back within a few minutes. I didn’t see anything. But I did lock all the doors, and I locked the garage up.

Thank you for checking. I swear I saw a person’s shadow. I snuggled back into bed, and he pulled me close.

*****

The sound of the doorbell woke us first thing the next morning. Who the hell is here this time of the morning? Flinging the blankets off himself, Jack jumped out of bed and went to the front door, pulling it open.

There stood a tall lanky guy, midtwenties. He looked Jack up and down and knew he clearly had woken him up. Jack was still just in his shorts, and his hair had bedhead written all over it.

The man handed him a flyer. I am sorry to bother you so early, sir, but my dog is missing, and I have been trying to find him and see if anyone has seen him. He went missing yesterday.

Jack took the flyer. Glancing at it, he saw the big picture of a golden retriever’s happy, drooling face, with bold missing printed across the top. No, I have not seen him, but I will keep an eye out for him.

Thank you so much, sir! The man turned and walked back down the driveway.

Jack went back to the bedroom.

Who was at the door?

Some guy looking for his dog. It’s been missing since yesterday, he said as he climbed back into bed with me. He cuddled me and smelled my hair. God, baby, you always smell so good, he moaned.

We had a lazy morning of naps, lots of sex, and finished it off with a shower together. We went to make brunch and have coffee—the perfect way to start a Saturday.

I plugged in my phone, which I had forgotten to charge last night, then grabbed the newspaper, and Jack handed me a cup of coffee just the way I liked it. He walked over and turned his phone on.

My phone chimed with notifications. I looked at it: five missed calls from Doris, two text messages, the first one saying, Hello? The second one: I have been trying to call you. Hope everything is okay.

I forgot to charge my phone last night. I missed calls from your mother, and she sent messages saying she tried to call. And then I chuckled. Also wanted to make sure everything was all right.

Rolling his eyes, Jack responded, For the love of God! Then his phone rang. Two guesses who that could be, he said.

Looking at me, he shook his head. Hello, Mother.

Jack! Oh, thank God you are okay! I was worried sick!

Mother, why? You know last night was our anniversary. Why on earth would we be checking our phones?

Why have a phone if you are not going to use the darn thing? Doris demanded, and I could hear her through the phone.

Closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead, Jack calmly replied, What was so important, Mother?

I think checking in on you is pretty important! she snapped. Grace didn’t answer! Your phone went straight to voice mail! But anyway, I guess I shouldn’t worry! Taking in a long, dramatic, deep breath and letting it out, she calmed herself and continued. Tilly gave me some strawberries, and I wanted to know if you wanted them.

Jack leaned away from his phone. Babe, you want some strawberries?

I looked up from the paper, shrugged my shoulders, and said, Sure.

Yes, Mother, we will take them, Jack relayed.

Perfect! I will drop by later. Love you, Jack.

Love you too, Mother. He hung up and joined me at the table, topping off our coffee.

I handed him a section of the paper I had already read. Your mother upset I didn’t answer last night?

She called me too. I got the whole ‘Why have a cell phone?’ lecture, Jack said as he took the paper from me and began to look it over. I laughed a little and got my recipe book to search for strawberry recipes.

Later that day, while Jack had gone out to mow the lawn, I sat with my laptop. I was always on the lookout for new ideas and new vendors for my shop.

I rented a little building downtown that I had turned into a boutique. It was right on a little strip about a half mile from the ocean, right on main street. Jack always stopped by if he had extra time on his way through. I got the locals and also the tourists! My boutique had a little of everything. I had always had a love affair for homemade things people made. In fact, I had a local artist that made earrings that I sold, and another that knit and made a variety of things from socks and scarfs to pot holders and plant holders. I also had a little old man that caned chairs for me to sell, and also whittled wood into little treasures that tourists loved. I was in love with my job, and that was what made me so good at it, Jack always said. I just found a lady online that made handmade soaps that would ship me a little sample for my shop so I could see how it would sell. I also shopped online and got little things that I knew people would love, and I sold that stuff as well. I got excited about all of it! I loved every part of my job; it was my passion. Today I was just browsing and enjoying the day and the smell of fresh-cut grass.

I made some fresh-squeezed lemonade earlier. I looked around. Jack was on his way back around on the mower. I figured I would be able to catch him on his way by if I was quick about it. As he rounded the house, he saw me sitting on the steps with the two glasses. He slowed the mower to a stop and took the glass from me. Thank you, babe. He took a long swallow. Mmm, this is just right!

It came out good, didn’t it? I sipped my own.

Give me some sugar, babe, he said with his eyes closed and puckered up his lips. I stood and went over to kiss him. He pulled me onto his lap. Ever done it on a rider before? I busted out laughing as he kissed me all over my face. Hmm? he asked as he continued to kiss my face all over.

Stop it! I tried to say, but his lips were all over my face and my giggles just could not stop!

Hello! The voice came from inside the house. Hello? Jack stopped and looked toward the house; I sat up and called back, Out here, Doris! from Jack’s lap while wiping my face and smoothing my hair back in place.

Doris walked out onto the porch. Good God, dear! Get off him! How will he get anything done with you on his lap?

Hello, Mother.

Doris leaned in and kissed Jack’s cheek. Hello, sweetheart.

I went back up on the porch to my chair. Jack and Doris followed. Would you like some lemonade, Doris?

Yes, dear, that would be lovely, Doris said, glancing over at me, then back to Jack. My goodness, I feel like I have not seen you in forever!

Just saw you the other day, Mother.

I returned with lemonade for Doris and the pitcher to top off Jack’s cup and my own.

Thank you, dear.

Thank you again, Doris, for the flowers and for all you did around the house for me yesterday. It helped out a lot.

Oh, no need to thank me. That’s what I am here for. Doris took another sip. Oh, that reminds me, sweetheart, I bought you a package of underwear. They are in the bag by the strawberries I brought over for Grace.

Umm, okay. Jack set his glass on the patio table and looked at his mother, confused. Why?

With raised eyebrows, I looked at Doris. Great question! I could not wait to hear the answer.

Well, yesterday, when I was here, I noticed you don’t have many, and the ones you do have, seriously, sweetheart, they would fit better in the trash than on someone, Doris said matter-of-factly.

Well, thanks, Mom, but you do not need to do that anymore. Okay, Mom?

I’m just trying to help. Doris looked away.

I know, Mom, and you are a big help. Thank you, Jack said, rubbing Doris’s back a little, looking at me.

It’s one less thing for me to grab at the store! Thank you, Doris, I said, trying to make light of the conversation.

You’re welcome, dear. I am just trying to do what I can for you both. I don’t mean to overstep, but I just—

No, don’t even worry about it. We appreciate it. I smile. Anyone want more before I go put it away? I said, holding up the lemonade.

No, thank you, dear, Doris said.

I’m okay for now, babe. Thank you.

I went inside, putting the strawberries and lemonade away before returning to the porch.

Those strawberries look delicious, Doris. Thank you so much, I said, sitting back down with them.

They do! Tilly had so many! Doris said. I grabbed a little for myself as well.

We chatted for a little while longer about Jack’s new job coming up at the golf course, and about my shop. Doris talked about her time at Tilly’s the other night playing poker and how they planned on turning that into a weekly affair. Jack and I thought that was a great idea and encouraged it! Doris was lonely, and something like that would be great to get her out of the house and have something to look forward to.

Jack’s father died about ten years ago. Jack had been living at a studio apartment at that time, one that was close to his job, but when his dad passed, it was clear Doris was going to need his help. Doris and Jack’s dad had been high school sweethearts, and Doris had not known life without him. She was very lonely and depressed. Jack moved in with her and made sure she was eating and getting her bills all paid on time. It was just what Doris needed, and she was so thankful for Jack. With Jack being her only son and pretty much the only family she really had left, she felt beyond blessed for him to have dropped everything to be with her.

As time went on, Doris got better and was now taking care of Jack. She loved it! Her baby was home, and with her husband gone, she could devote all her time to Jack. She had his breakfast waiting in the morning, his lunch packed for him to take to work, and dinner on the table when he got home. It gave her a reason to live again after she had lost it when she lost her husband.

When Jack and I met, it was pretty much love at first sight for both of us! Sure, Jack had dated before, and he had a girlfriend before me, but a tragic accident took her life and he swore he would never date again, until me.

I was a different story. Jack loved everything about me and wanted to spend every minute with me, and I felt the same. We dated for a few months while Jack stayed at home for his mother, but there were the nights that he would call after work to tell Doris to not wait up and he would grab dinner with me.

Doris felt him slowly slipping away. She tried to have Jack invite me to dinner; in fact, he brought me home often. But we also had plans of our own most often.

He had come home one night right on time like in the pre-Grace days and sat down to dinner with his mother. Then he dropped the bomb on Doris.

The bomb she had feared and prayed would never happen. The bomb that Jack was looking at rings and he and I were looking for a place together! Doris had handled the news like a natural disaster! She cried so much and for so long, like her heart was actually breaking. Jack had no idea what to do. He had not wanted to cause her this much pain! Jack reassured her, however, that he would still help her, that we would not move far away from her, and that she could come see us whenever she wanted and Jack would stop all the time.

But things would never be the same. Doris put on a good face for Jack and never did tell him about the hole in her heart that was empty and how it was like the death of his father all over again. That was how she felt. She was devastated! But for Jack, she wiped the tears and was determined to hide how she was actually feeling.

So the news that Doris was actually going to be making a weekly poker date with Tilly was beyond great for Jack and me! We had her over all the time, of course, and always stopped by, but we also tried to get her involved with her own friends. Doris simply had no use for that. I had a poster board at my shop of different groups and activities going on around town that locals posted, and always checked it and brought information home to share with Doris when I found something I thought she might like. I had yet to find that perfect hobby for Doris. So this was a start!

We said our goodbyes to Doris and promised to have her over for dinner one night that week.

I walked into the kitchen, picked up the pack of Jack’s new underwear, and tossed them at Jack, laughing. Don’t forget these, sweetheart, I joked with Jack.

Jack did a little football fake-out, dodging the pack of undies, and grabbed me around the waist, lifting me up. Be careful. I will have her pick you up some new panties and bras!

We both laughed together.

Little did we know, Doris had forgotten a magazine she had grabbed for me and was headed back into the house to give it to me. She had watched the whole thing take place. She turned, paused for a second, contemplating going in, then walked back to her car.

*****

After dinner, I was putting away the last of the dishes when I asked Jack, Do you want to invite your mom for dinner tomorrow night? I will make something with the strawberries for dessert. She might like that.

Sure, I will give her a call and ask her. Jack grabbed his cell and called his mother. That’s weird, he said to me. She didn’t answer. He hung up without leaving a message.

Really? That is weird! She always answers when you call.

I know. He set the phone down and looked at it another minute. She will probably call right back.

I’m sure she will.

I’ll ask when she calls. Then Jack asked, Want to watch a movie?

Sure! Go put it in and I will be right there.

We ended up falling asleep. Doris never called back.

*****

Doris sat at home in the dark. She saw the call come in when Jack called, but she just didn’t want to answer him after what she had seen take place—her feelings were a little hurt. She sat there flipping through the channels, lost in her own thoughts. She would call him back tomorrow.

*****

At some point in the night, Jack and I had made our way to the bedroom to go to sleep and get off the couch.

Sunday was a day for getting done all the stuff that we had not gotten to over the weekend to get ready for the workweek. Over coffee, I made out my grocery list while we chatted about dinners we would cook throughout the week, just making small talk. I went to the local grocery store to shop for the week, while Jack went to the dump to take the trash back and return bottles.

I loved grocery shopping. I knew it was not most people’s favorite, but I truly loved it! I always took a list, but I always got more than the list called for. I loved getting ingredients for baking. This time of year, I was canning as well, along with the dinner stuff we would be having.

I figured we would have Doris for dinner maybe tonight or tomorrow night, so I already had on my list the food for that, as well as the strawberry pie I planned to make.

That reminded me, Doris never called last night. Odd, I thought. But she was also