Everyone Deserves a Second Chance by Alyssa Shannon Page A

the
rest of our time out here." Connie and Brenda climbed out of
the wagon bed and took up the reins on either side of the little
boy.
    Brenda and Connie
continued to chat over Garrett's head as they drove the wagon
further from the commotion and over to a line where they could
unhitch.
    "Momma! Did you see
me?" Garrett cried as they pulled to a stop and she
approached. "Brian let me drive the wagon all the way at the
end. It was neat!" He jumped from the wagon and threw
himself into her arms until she finally picked him up.
    "You are way too big
to be doing that." She said with a laugh.
    "Megs?"
    Lindsey spun at the sound
of Connie's voice and a smile spread across her delicate
features. "Connie? Connie Russell?" She approached
straining to hold Garrett who was still in her arms. "I
never thought I'd see you again. What a surprise!"
    "You know the
saying, birds of a feather flock together. I never thought I'd
see you again. You lit outta here like a bat outta hell after—"
    The silence surrounded
the four of them. Brenda looked from one woman to another and
then at the anxious child between them. This was not going to be
a pretty reunion.
    "Garrett come play!"
Brian ran up and shattered the thick silence. Garrett slid from
his mother's arms and ran off after Brian.
    "Be careful!"
Lindsey called after him. "And don't talk to strangers!"
But the kids were already out of earshot. Lindsey turned back to
Connie. "Don't tell me that was little Brian."
    Connie laughed and caught
Lindsey's arm in her own. "Yes, they do get big fast, now
don't they?" She motioned to Brenda. "You've met Brenda
haven't you? She works at the family psychological health clinic
in town."
    "Yeah, we met a few
days ago." Lindsey responded before she gave Brenda a forced
smile.
    Brenda couldn't bring
herself to return the gesture. Connie continued talking as if
nothing had happened as she threaded her arm through Brenda's and
dragged the two back towards the continuing parade festivities.
    It wasn't long before
they were immersed in the crowd of laughing people and children.
Enormous stuffed animals already filled the arms of overzealous
boyfriends and proud fathers. The smells of grilling hamburgers
and hotdogs, fresh popped popcorn, cooling pumpkin pies, and warm
funnel cakes flavored the air.
    "Garrett!"
Lindsey called after her son who ran helter skelter along with
Lauren and Connie's twins. "Excuse me." She gave Connie
an apologetic smile then hurried off to pull her son out of the
maelstrom.
    "You didn't tell me
he was hers. Better yet, that Garrett was his." Connie said
glancing worriedly at Brenda as she took her arm and guided her
away where they could talk without interruption.
    "He swore to me that
Garrett isn't his. They're only staying for a while. It doesn't
change anything."
    "But it changes
everything." Connie took her arm and gave it a squeeze. "I'm
sorry Brenda. If I'd have known I wouldn't have ever suggested
you and Marcus getting together."
    "You said yourself
earlier today that he was as good as mine. Give him a month or
two, you said. I was so sure he was going to propose last winter,
and then Lauren hurt her arm and he...it was just bad timing I
guess." Brenda could feel her emotions welling up in her
chest. Marcus was such a good man. He was passionate and caring,
dedicated and hard working, and more than what any woman could
ask for. He'd come to replace Fred if she let him.
    Connie gave her a sad,
sad smile. "And we both know where his heart is."

Marcus pulled his hat off his head as he followed Brenda into the
small building. She led him past a small reception area and back
into one of three rooms at the far end of the building.
    "Have a seat. Would
you like some coffee, tea maybe?" She asked as she took off
her coat and shut her purse into a desk drawer.
    "Naw, I'm fine.
Thanks." He took a seat in one of the chairs before her
desk.
    "Okay, I'll be right
back then." She smiled at him before her footsteps faded
down the