Over in California, Valerie LeVeaux's phone buzzed. She picked her phone up and read the text message.
Hey Mom. It's Rosemary. Just wanted to let you know that Lee and I are having a baby. :)
Val sighed, smiled, and then sighed again. At least she put a smiley face at the end of the text. And at least she found out straight from her daughter, rather than on Facebook or through a friend of a friend. But what could she expect from Rosemary? Especially after years of strain and hurt?
She had let Rosemary down too many times to count. And, it seemed to be a recurring theme in her life since Robbie, her husband and Rosemary's father passed away. When he died, it was as though she died too. She stopped living and turned to other ways to cope. When the addiction to pain meds stopped working, she turned to dating other men. And when that didn't work, she turned back to her medication and alcohol. She did everything she could but for herself. She was so selfish. And she had robbed Rosemary of her childhood. Val would never forgive herself for it. She was good about keeping things under the radar, but one day, she was found out by Charlotte Thornton. And boy did Charlotte give her an earful.
"What are you doing?" Charlotte asked walking into the kitchen. Val stuffed the bottle back into her purse.
"Nothing."
Charlotte glared at her. "Valerie LeVeaux, I've known you long enough to know something is up. Rosemary told Jack you missed the spring play. And she was the lead this time. And you missed the Christmas Concert too. And she had a solo. And what about the—"
"Things got busy." Valerie tried to move away from Charlotte, but Charlotte stopped her.
"Busy? No. That's not it. You could barely hold a conversation out there." Charlotte nodded towards the patio. Everyone had gathered at Tom and Charlotte's for a barbecue and for Tom's 40th birthday. Charlotte reached for Val's bag and pulled out the bottle of pain medication.
"Val."
"It's not what it looks like." Valerie felt herself get defensive.
"It's exactly what it looks like." Charlotte said. Charlotte was too good. Of course she was. She had been a private investigator before quitting to raise her two boys. Val's defenses dropped. "Val. I know the last several years have been hard." Charlotte's voice softened ever so slightly.
"What do you know. You still HAVE your husband." Val said bitterly. "Mine should have never taken that shift. He should have been home. With me." Almost three years had gone by since Robbie's death. And each day never got easier.
"I can't imagine what you are going through." Charlotte lowered and softened her voice. "But you can't keep doing this. You have a daughter to think about. She needs you. These are crucial years."
At this point, the drugs started to kick in, mixing with the alcohol, and Valerie had no idea what she was saying or trying to say. "Rosemary doesn't need me. She deserves better. And some days, I don't know how to love my own daughter."
At that moment, Charlotte and Valerie noticed Rosemary standing in the kitchen. Rosemary was twelve, almost thirteen. And she wasn't naive.
"I KNEW IT. YOU DON'T LOVE ME."
"That's not true!" Val said, trying not to slur her words. She was already making a mess of everything.
"It's true! That's why you won't come to any of my events. The spring play? My dance recitals. Concerts!"
"Rosemary—"
"You just told Ms. Charlotte that I didn't need you. And that you don't love me!" Rosemary crossed her arms. "You hate me! You think I'm the reason Dad died!"
"No! I—"
"Leave me alone!" She threw down the can of coke, which burst onto the hardwood floors, and ran off. Charlotte stood there for a moment not knowing what to do. She watched at Rosemary ran across the yard and climbed up into Jack's old tree house. That's when Val realized, she needed to get a hold of herself and her life. She started to cry right then and there. Charlotte led her to Tom's study where they could speak in private. Val confessed everything. The last three years she had let herself go. She tried it all. Anything to get away from the pain. And she didn't miss the plays or concerts on purpose. She had gotten so wasted, she'd slept through them. And if she were completely honest, Rosemary spent the night at friends houses so many times, Val didn't even know where she was half the time. Her life was spiraling out of control. She was surprised that she wasn't dead yet. She needed to check into a rehabilitation center. Val rambled, attempting to put coherent sentences together. And Charlotte listened. That's all she did. When Val looked up, there were tears in Charlotte's eyes. No judgment. Just compassion. Charlotte gave Val a hug. They made plans. Val would check herself into rehab and Rosemary would move in with the Thorntons. They had no other family around and this way, Rosemary didn't have to leave a life she knew and live with complete strangers. Plus, Val trusted the Thorntons—they were like family.
That's exactly what happened. Rosemary lived with Charlotte and Tom for two years before moving back in with her mother. Rosemary was going into high school. Val had completely missed Rosemary's middle school years. And despite the weekly visits at rehab, the relationship with her daughter was severed. Val tried to earn Rosemary's trust, but right when she was at the turning point with Rosemary, she stumbled again. This time, she stumbled hard. And Rosemary went back to living with Charlotte and Tom, but that time only for six months. She was released the day before Rosemary's seventeenth birthday. Charlotte and Tom were kind enough to throw Rosemary a birthday party at their home for Rosemary and a few of her friends. Val arrived, much to Rosemary's chagrin, but Rosemary, the little actress she was, put on a show for everyone. That didn't change the fact that their relationship was lost.
Rosemary jumped at the chance to do anything and everything, just so she didn't have to be home. When she wasn't at school, she was at cheer or dance. She did every single play the school produced and in the summer, Rosemary signed up for drama camps and when those were over, Rosemary found jobs at the mall. Oh and she hung around that Jack Thornton kid an awful lot too. Rosemary was determined to buy her own car. She used the bit of money she had earned and a little bit of what her father left her to buy herself a car. Val promised herself she wouldn't backtrack, and she didn't. With Tom's help, Val was able to get a job as a secretary at a law firm, but the hours were demanding, and Val spent many nights working overtime just to provide more money as she was a single parent. Years later, she'd regret it, but she didn't always make Rosemary's plays or dance recitals a priority. She thought she was doing the right thing by providing the money. But she realized, Rosemary only needed her more.
Still, the relationship between Rosemary and Val was broken. Neither mother, nor daughter, knew how to fix it. For Rosemary, whether it was out of fear of having her trust broken, or angry that her mother had practically left her half-orphaned for the crucial years in her life, Val didn't know. Rosemary stayed a good distance from her mother, and Val didn't force a relationship. Worse, she didn't know how to mend the relationship with her daughter. Rosemary had closed herself off to her. And then Rosemary graduated from high school and made plans for college. Much to her relief, she was going to the same college Jack was going to. At least she knew someone would watch out for Rosemary because goodness knows, Val was not the right role model for Rosemary.
Val half-expected Rosemary to never contact her ever again. However, Rosemary did occasionally inform her of life goingons whether throughtext of Facebook. Rosemary only told her mother the bits of life she wanted her to know, like the plays she was in. Yes, she was making good grades. Yes, she was making friends. No, she wasn't getting into trouble. Yes, she was still working. No, she wasn't coming home for summer break. Yes, she had a boyfriend. Valerie didn't think much of this boyfriend, as she assumed Rosemary was just dating around. Then Rosemary started her senior year of college and when she came home for Christmas break, bringing home a young man, Valerie was shocked. Naturally, Rosemary wanted to have dinner with Tom and Charlotte as well, as they had pretty much become her second parents. As much as that hurt Valerie, she accepted it.
Lee was a nice young man and as Valerie watched them interact, she noticed something. Rosemary had a sparkle in her eye and her laughter was full and hearty. Something she hadn't seen in years. Then again, Rosemary never went home for the holidays or summer break. Rosemary bantered with Lee and he didn't miss a trick of hers. Lee was also quite charming, a lot like Jack Thornton, who apparently had a girlfriend of his own, and was off visiting her family for first part of Christmas break.
The next day, Lee stopped by the legal firm where Valerie worked. It was around lunch, so it couldn't have been a perfect time. Lee smiled and asked if he could take her to lunch. Val knew exactly where this was going. He insisted on paying, and they went to a small cafe right around the corner from the firm. After a bit of small talk, Valerie cut to the chase.
"I know why you're here."
"You do." He said it more like a statement, rather than a question.
"You want to marry my daughter."
Lee held his composure. "I do." He took a deep breath. "Mrs. LeVeaux—"
"You can call me Val."
"Val, I love Rosemary. She is the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"She's had a hard life, you know."
"I know."
"Has she shared everything with you?"
"I don't push it." Lee said. He looked at her evenly. "But her past doesn't matter." Val studied him for a moment. She had talked to Charlotte and Tom and they had both met Lee several times before, and both had nothing but great things to say about him.
"Leland, you are a wonderful young man. From what I can see, and from what I've been told. My daughter seems to adore you." Val leaned forward. She didn't think she would get emotional. "You've brought life and light back to her. Last night— I hadn't seen her like that in years."
That statement seemed to surprise Lee. "I screwed up. Big time. I don't know what she's told you, but I wasn't the parent I should have been for her. She deserves the best." Valerie said. "If you are willing to do that, be that, the very best, then you have my blessing."
"I'm not perfect—" Lee started to say.
"She doesn't need perfection, Lee. She needs someone who will love her and show her that she is loved and cared for through the good and bad. Through the hard times. Someone who will stick by her side and hold her when she is down. She needs security. And she needs someone who will love her for who she is."
Lee was silent. "She is everything to me."
Val met Rosemary and Lee at the airport. Rosemary had sprung on her mom that she would be spending the rest of Christmas break with Lee's family. She wasn't surprised. The Christmas before, she spent Christmas with her roommate's family at their cabin in the mountains. And the Christmas before, the Thorntons invited them to spend Christmas with them on the beach. Val couldn't get off of work, but Rosemary was happy to tag along.
"Mom! What are you doing here?" Rosemary asked. They were just about to leave the check-in kiosks.
"I'm glad I caught you," Val said. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"I'm about to get on a plane." Rosemary looked uneasily at Lee. Lee nudged her forward.
"It's not going to take long." She pulled Rosemary to the side. "I just found this. I was supposed to give it to you for your 21st birthday, but I had forgotten—"
"Naturally," Rosemary muttered under her breath. Val pretended not to hear her, even though it was true— birthdays and Christmas gifts were not her strong suit.
"But, this is for you." Val handed her a box. Rosemary took the box and looked at the handwriting on the card. It was Robbie's handwriting. Rosemary looked at her mom, her eyes sad.
"Thank you." Rosemary stuffed the box in her carry on.
"Well. Have fun with Lee." Val gave her a side hug which she was surprised Rosemary didn't try to pull away.
"Merry Christmas, Mom," Rosemary said quietly. Val went home and did some cleaning before noticing a small gift bag on the counter. Val never put a Christmas tree up anymore, which was why the gift bag was on the counter. It was a gift from Rosemary. Despite the lack of relationship, Rosemary made sure to give her a gift each Christmas. It was just a gift card to the cafe around the corner from her work and a brightly colored scarf.
On New Year's Day, she received a text from Rosemary saying that she and Lee had gotten engaged the night before, followed up with a text that said Rosemary would handle it and no need for her mother to worry about anything. Val sighed. She knew this was just another way Rosemary was pushing Val out of her life.
A month before Rosemary, Lee, and Jack were supposed to graduate, a tragedy occurred. Tom Thornton was killed in the line of duty. Jack came home immediately. His girlfriend, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Lee came home a few days later. The next several days were a whirlwind of events. Val felt sick for her dear friends, Charlotte especially. She knew exactly how Charlotte must have been feeling. But Charlotte Thornton, that woman was the strongest woman she knew. Val opened the door to the funeral home. She hadn't been to a funeral since her husband died. And she knew why she avoided them. The smell, the music, the building triggered memories of that terrible time in her life over a decade ago. She couldn't do it. She walked back outside, found a bench on the other side of the funeral home and cried.
Tom Thornton's death had been hard on everyone, Val included. She knew how much Rosemary looked up to Tom and Tom had adored Rosemary like his own daughter. And now, Rosemary had lost two father figures in her short life. Tom had always encouraged Val and both he and Charlotte kept Val accountable after coming home from her second time in rehab. Val owed them everything. Rosemary seemed to grow more distant, only to grow closer to Lee. And Val assumed that's how it should be. She guessed it was only normal for Rosemary to drift farther away from her.
The day of Rosemary's wedding was full of excitement as everyone bustled around like busy bees. Rosemary laughed it up with her friends, and Val watched from afar. Rosemary looked up and made eye contact with her. Valerie stood and walked over to Rosemary.
"Can I talk to you, dear?"
Rosemary nodded. Her maid of honor, Elizabeth, stepped away, giving them privacy. Rosemary patted her hair, which was swept up in a low side updo. Soft curls framed her face.
"You are beautiful."
"Thank you."
Val was quiet for a moment. "I'm sorry."
"Oh, mother. Today? You choose to do this today?" Rosemary sighed. She was about to turn back in her chair, but Val stopped her.
"All I want to say is that, Lee is a good man. He's perfect for you. Don't take him for granted."
Rosemary nodded her head.
"Your daddy would have been proud." Valerie handed her a small white handkerchief. "This was your daddy's. He wore it in his suit pocket the day we got married. Lord knows if he were alive, he'd be using it today."
Rosemary chuckled, then looked up, her eyes brimming. "Gosh. I miss him so much."
"So do I." Val said quietly. She noticed a charm on Rosemary's wrist. She recognized it as the bracelet Robbie had picked out for her long before Rosemary was born.
For the first time in a very long time, Rosemary hugged Valerie. A real hug and not just a side hug.
There was a knock on the door interrupting the moment. It was Jack. He was not only the best man, but he was also walking Rosemary down the aisle. Rosemary had originally asked Tom Thornton to walk her down the aisle as he was the second father in her life. But after he passed, Rosemary had no one to walk her down the aisle. It wasn't until her roommate, Elizabeth, suggested she ask Jack. At first, Rosemary balked at the idea— they had such a long history together and had even dated on and off casually, although they never slept together. And he was Elizabeth's boyfriend— would it be weird for her? Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and just said, "He'd be willing to do it. He's like a brother to you now, and he's Lee's best friend." So, Rosemary talked to Lee, who thought it was a great idea, and together they asked Jack.
"Wow, Rosie! You clean up pretty nicely," Jack said.
"That's the best you can do?" Rosemary crossed her arms. Jack tilted his head.
"You look nice...pretty?"
"Try stunning," Elizabeth whispered, giggling. She put her hand in Jack's.
"Does he really have this much trouble with compliments?" Rosemary turned to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No."
"You're like my sister, Rosie. So, it's a little hard." Jack blew out a breath. "But, you do look beautiful."
"Aw, thanks, Jack." Rosemary grinned.
"Lee will probably pass out at the sight of you," Jack teased. Rosemary playfully punched his arm.
"I hope not!"
The wedding coordinator let everyone know it was time for everyone to be on their place. Val squeezed Rosemary's hands.
"I'm proud of you, dear. I— I love you." Valerie rushed out the door not giving Rosemary a chance to respond. Truth was, she was scared of the response. Whether it be a "Thank you." Or an "I love you." She just didn't want to put either of them in an awkward position.
After the bridesmaids left, Jack lingered behind with Rosemary.
"Rosemary," Jack started off. Rosemary turned to face him. "I am deeply honored you asked me to escort you down the aisle."
"Jack. Of course. You have been there for me ever since my dad died. You are the best big brother a girl could ask for. And I'm so lucky to have you and your family in my life."
"My dad— he was so excited for you and Lee." Jack lowered his head. "Aw, crap. I wasn't gonna cry today."
"You're just a big old softy," Rosemary said lightening the mood. She stood on her tiptoes to give him a hug. She lowered her voice. "He was my second Dad. And I miss him too."
Jack and Rosemary shared that special bond now. Not only childhood friends, but now not having a father in their life anymore. They heard the music and headed to the foyer, still hidden.
"You ready?" Jack held out his arm, and Rosemary took it.
"Absolutely."
As Rosemary walked down the aisle, Valerie couldn't stop crying. Her life had flashed before her eyes. She was overjoyed that Rosemary found a good man and would start a new life with him. She was saddened that she had lost the last fifteen years with her. She was heartbroken that Robbie was not there. She barely heard a word of the service. Lee and Rosemary said their vows. Jack and Elizabeth sang "When God Made You" as Rosemary and Lee lit their unity candles. And then the Pastor announced "By the power vested in me, I pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. Lee pulled Rosemary in for a deep, romantic kiss. And just like that, she was no longer Rosemary LeVeaux. She was Rosemary Coulter.
The wedding reception was also a bit emotional for Valerie as well. She had thought that Rosemary wouldn't get a father-daughter dance. Except that she was surprised to see Ken Coulter, Lee's father, talking to Rosemary, and she stood up and he led her to the dance floor. Faith Hill's "There You'll Be" started to play as Rosemary danced with Lee's dad. The screen in front of them played pictures and video clips of Rosemary and her dad, and had a few of Rosemary and Jack's dad. Val looked over at Charlotte, who just smiled and squeezed her arm gently. It looked like Rosemary was telling Ken about her dad as they would look over at the screen from time to time.
After the first verse, Jack took over and danced with Rosemary. Val could see Rosemary and Jack talking about something. Rosemary wiped a tear and giggled. As Faith Hill belted out "For Always," Jack led Rosemary to Lee. Rosemary wrapped her arms around Lee as the swayed to the music. Rosemary leaned her head on Lee's shoulder. She looked safe and at peace in Lee's arms. As the music started to end, the screen in front of them blurred into a quick home video clip. Rosemary must have been 8 or 9 and the sounds of the city were loud in the background. Rosemary was bundled in a bright pink jacket, her blonde curly pigtails poking out from under her hat.
"Today was the BEST DAY EVER!" Young Rosemary exclaimed she held up a program to the Barnum and Bailey Circus. She waved it around excitedly. Everyone in the audience chuckled. The camera moved as Robbie knelt down next to his daughter, holding the camcorder so both of them would be in the frame.
"We're in New York!" He yelled excitedly over the hustle and bustle of the city.
"New York!" Rosemary echoed. She grinned at him.
"Can we see the circus again next year?" Rosemary bounced up and down. She threw her arms around Robbie's neck. "Love you, Daddy."
"Love you, Rosie Roo."
The music faded out and everyone clapped. Val remembered that trip. Robbie planned a special trip with Rosemary every year from the time she was about five until he passed. That trip to the circus was the last one he'd take her to.
And just like that, the reception ended, Rosemary and Lee said their goodbyes, before hopping into the red convertible they rented just for the occasion. Lee was opening a financial firm in a town near their alma mater and the plan was for them to move straight there after the honeymoon. Ironically enough, Jack Thornton's first order after he finished Officer Candidate School was to the city next to where Rosemary and Lee would be living. Elizabeth Thatcher also applied to teach at the Hope Valley School System and she too would be relocating to Hope Valley. There must have been something magical about that quirky little town for a bunch of twenty-something year olds to be moving there.
And that was that. Rosemary and Lee were thriving in Hope Valley. Val received a few updates here and there, and she too sent them snippets of her life to the couple. For their first Christmas, Lee and Rosemary opted to stay in Hope Valley with their Hope Valley family as it was too expensive for them to go home to either family. That Christmas, she spent it with Charlotte and together they spent it at the local women's jail ministering to them. Val realized how much grace and mercy she was given over the years. If only, if only she could redo those years and make it right. The guilt still hung over her head.
Rosemary's text brought her hope and sadness again. Maybe this baby would be the key to bridging the long-lost gap between mother and daughter. Val could only hope.
Author's Note: Man. That was a tough one. Rosemary is such a complex character and I think we'll be "peeling off the layers of the onion." I never thought Rosemary to be some spoiled kid. I always saw her as a girl with a difficult past, hiding the difficulties behind acting and drama. And this chapter is from her mom's point of view... sometime in the future, we'll be revealing more of Rosemary's point of view of her childhood.
The next chapter will be lighter and a little more fun. ;)