Page 33 of Second Chances

“No, not exactly.”

Still holding the tie, Josh’s mouth curled. “Okay, so what is it exactly?”

“Well, it’s really more of a last-minute thing.” He loathed hiding it, but he didn’t want them to make too much of a fuss.

“Like what?”

“I have…a date,” Henry finally admitted, noting the look of approval on Effie’s face.

“Who’s the lucky woman?” Effie, eyes sparkling, tried to hide a smile.

“It’s Charl—” the rest of Charlotte’s name was swallowed by the scream Effie gave, swinging her arms around his shoulders.

“I knew it. I knew it. I knew it.” She turned to Josh, who was leaning against the banister. “Babe, didn’t I say just the other day what a perfect couple your dad and Charlotte would make?”

Josh nodded. “You did. In fact, you’ve been saying⁠—”

“And wasn’t I wondering if I should maybe prod them about it? I mean, I didn’t want to pull a Ruth or anything, but sometimes people need help, you know, getting there.” Ruth Miller was well known for helping push relationships forward that she deemed to be taking too long.

“Again, you mean,” Josh told her. “Prod them again, because in my recollection, you’ve tried before.” Josh nodded, crossing his arms. “And I advised you against getting involved.” He turned to Henry. “Her restraint has been quite remarkable. Especially when I know that she and Ruth have had their heads together when ‘wedding planning’.” Josh used air quotes.

Henry turned to Effie, “I could use your help, actually, with what to wear.”

“Of course.” His future daughter-in-law followed him up the stairs, heading straight for his closet. “First of all, I love that shirt, but those black pants are giving major funeral vibes. Babe, you know that pair of jeans I bought for you that you refuse to wear?”

“Because I prefer Levis over Wranglers, but you thought my butt would look cute in the Wranglers. I told you I didn’t like the fit⁠—”

Effie raised her hands. “See what I have to put up with, Henry? Your son can be impossible.” To Josh, she said, “I think they would be perfect for your dad. Can you run home and get them?” Even as Josh rolled his eyes, Henry knew he would do anything Effie asked.

“Be right back, Dad.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Effie hugged him. “Now, I think that with those jeans on, you will be irresistible tonight.” Was he ready for whatever this could be with Charlotte? He was fifty-eight, not exactly a spring chicken. “Henry, what’s wrong? I know you’ve been interested in Charlotte for a while. Is this first-date jitters?”

“Honestly, I feel like I did back in high school, when—” Henry cut himself off before he said too much.

“When you had feelings for my mom?” Effie gently asked.

Uncomfortable, Henry tugged at the collar of his shirt. “I was such an idiot. A lovesick schoolboy. And then every mistake I made with Josh’s mom⁠—”

“Henry,” Effie interrupted again, taking his hand in hers, “you’re not the only one who’s been let down by love or taken a chance on the wrong person.” Wasn’t that what he’d told Liam earlier? “If I could go back to my younger self and warn her to avoid my ex-husband at all costs, save myself from that trauma, I would. And I know Josh wishes he and Tess would’ve just stayed friends after they broke up the first time. But we all have skeletons in our closets…things that make us stronger for when we are ready for the right one.”

“You’re right. But what if things go well tonight? What if Melanie somehow learns about it?”

“Why? Has she been in touch with you?” Alarm laced Effie’s words.

“No. I guess I’m paranoid. Josh is adamant about not having her at your wedding, and I can’t help but feel if she finds out about it, she will be unbearable, like she was when Josh first came back to South Dakota.”

“Too bad she didn’t care that much before she abandoned you both,” Effie commented. “Anyway, shrug her off, and my mom, too, and just focus on Charlotte. Where were you thinking of taking her?”

“La Hacienda. Or is that too informal?”

Effie sighed. “That is perfect. Charlotte loves Mexican food.”

Henry’s head lifted. “Do you think I should wear a tie?”

“No, keep it casual.”

“I don’t know what I’m doing, Effie,” Henry confessed. “Charlotte is dreams and promises. I’m just the owner of an auto shop who’s let a lot of people down during my life.” For the first time, he put words to his trepidation. “Josh’s mom…and Josh. My mom and dad, when I settled in Clover Lake with Melanie.” He hadn’t been enough for DD back in high school, nor had he been enough for Melanie after that. Now, when he was almost sixty, would he be enough for Charlotte?