A Thrill of Hope

by Marie Higgins

  As people around the table started standing, Holly became alert to what was happening. Apparently, it was six o’clock. Where had the time gone?

  She stood and collected her papers. As she turned to leave, Brian grasped her shirt sleeve.

  “Holly, I need to talk to you.”

  “Uh, sure.”

  He waited for everyone to leave before walking to the door and closing it. Concern etched on his face when he looked at her.

  “Holly, will you talk to me, please?”

  “Okay. Umm... What do you want to talk about?”

  He rolled his eyes. “I know something is wrong with you. Since you’ve returned from being with your mom, you haven’t been tuned into anything that’s going on. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She forced a smile. “I know I’ve been dragging, but I think it’s because I’m trying not to catch a head-cold.” She cleared her throat to add dramatics. “My body isn’t used to the darn switch of going from warm California to very cold Montana, and then back again.”

  “Are you sure that’s all? You seem so... preoccupied.”

  She laughed uneasily. “Well, that’s because I’m considering having a career change.”

  His blue eyes widened. “Doing what?”

  “Script writing. I’m interested in becoming a screen writer.”

  “Are you serious?” Brian’s gaze narrowed on her.

  “Very serious. In fact, while I was in Montana, I stayed a couple of weeks at this beautiful ranch. One of the men who worked there was very talented with wood. He helped construct the manger scene in my mother’s Christmas program. Being on the ranch filled me with inspiration.”

  She stopped her words quickly. What had she just said? That the ranch gave her inspiration? And yet, it was true. Her heart fluttered, knowing it wasn’t just Rafe she loved about Montana.

  Nodding, Brian leaned on the edge of the table. “And have you written this script, yet?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where did you send it?”

  “To Warren. I worked with Warren earlier last year.”

  He folded his arms and tapped his finger against his pointy chin. “Why didn’t you want to submit it to me?”

  She shrugged. “I didn’t know how you’d react. I mean, I’m working with you on this project, and yet I’m writing a screenplay.”

  “Yes, I understand. But do me a favor.”

  “What?”

  “If Warren turns it down, let me look at it. Christmas movies are money-makers, and I’d love a chance to look at yours.”

  Relief swept over her and she smiled. “Thank you, Brian. I’ll let you know what happens.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  She took her papers and notebook and stuffed them into her bag as she walked out of the door and outside. Darkness enclosed around her, so she hurried around the building to where the street lights were. As she walked to the FAST Transit, her heart lightened considerably. Perhaps she was meant to work on movie-scripts instead of being a producer. After all, she’d never had this kind of luck with being a producer’s assistant. And to think... her Christmas story might actually hit the theaters. Well, for now, she’d try not to set her hopes too high.

  She quickened her steps as she approached another shadowed spot. This daylight savings crap was for the birds. Holly needed light to see where she was going.

  Suddenly, from the side of the building, a man dressed in black jumped in front of her. On his face, was a black ski mask so she couldn’t identify him later.

  She cried out and stopped. In a blink of an eye, he grabbed her purse, trying to yank it off her shoulder. Because she usually hooked her purse over her neck and shoulder, it was more difficult for the man to remove. Yet, he was tugging so hard and so violently, she worried that he’d break her neck, too.

  She screamed as loudly as she could, but the man continued to pull. She fell to the ground. Pain exploded in her knees as she landed. The jerk wasn’t giving up. Anger welled within her. Oh, no you don’t!

  Now that she was on the ground, she rolled to her back. He stumbled, but kept upright. It took all of her strength, but slowly, she lifted her leg, positioning it between his. And then she kicked. Hard.

  He fell to the ground, screaming in a voice that was higher than hers, and rolling back and forth on the blacktop of the parking lot. She didn’t hesitate after that and jumped to her feet. She wasn’t wearing the most perfect shoes for running, but she ran as fast as she could until she reached light. The FAST transit was close now.

  She rested against the pole, heaving deep breaths as she tried to regulate her breathing. Her knees throbbed, but she tried to ignore it. Instead, she said a silent prayer that everything had turned out fine. This time. Now the question was would there be other times things like this would happen to her?

  Tears gathered in her eyes and her bottom lip trembled. For the first time in her life, she felt all alone. Although she had many friends, nobody had been here for her tonight. And when she returned to her aunt’s house, nobody would be there, either. Last week, her aunt went to stay with one of her daughters for the birth of their first child.

  Homesickness crept over Holly once again. She couldn’t count how many times this had happened since she left Montana. However, this time was stronger. Her chest ached, and her throat tightened so much she couldn’t swallow.

  Voices whispered through her mind of her mother telling her that home is where the heart is. Holly recalled times when her mother told her she’d be safe in Timberland. At this particular moment, that was exactly where she wanted to be. Not here, waiting for the FAST Transit. Not at her aunt’s house. And certainly not with Brian, helping him with his big movie-project.

  She wanted to go home. She wanted to be around people who loved her unconditionally, and who would always be there for her.

  The train pulled up, stopped, and opened its doors. Her legs shook as she walked on. As soon as she found a seat, she held her purse to her chest and leaned her head against the window.

  Tears of loneliness streamed down her cheeks and dripped on her jacket. She’d made some foolish mistakes over the years, but leaving Rafe was her biggest blunder. She wanted him right now... to be in his comforting arms as he whispered soothing words to calm her soul.

  She stared out the window, watching the buildings pass in a blur. Lights zipped past her, looking like one constant string of beams. After ten minutes had passed, her nerves didn’t seem as shaky. She dipped her hand inside her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Immediately, she noticed the cracks in it. A gasp tore from her throat as she straightened and examined the phone closer. It was broken completely. That must have happened when she and the mugger were fighting over her purse and she fell to the ground.

  Groaning in misery, she leaned her head back against the cool window. Her world hadn’t been going smoothly since coming back to California. Were these signs to show her she’d made the wrong decision?

  Of course, she didn’t need signs to tell her that. She knew it the minute Rafe had left her mom’s house on Christmas Day.

  As her stop approached, she shifted in the seat and rose to her feet. Once the train had stopped, she climbed out and walked to her car at the park-and-ride lot. Seven months ago, she figured it would save her money in gas if she drove her car here and took the FAST Transit to work. She hadn’t calculated how much she’d saved, but it was quite a bit of money.

  Driving home, she pondered the feelings in her heart again. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, she would return to Montana. Home. She prayed Rafe would still want her... still love her.

  She pulled into the driveway of her aunt’s house and killed the engine. As she climbed out, a taxi pulled in front of the house and stopped. She frowned. Did they have the wrong address?

  Not daring to close the car door yet, she hesitated and watched the taxi. From what she could see, the passenger was paying the driver. Then, the door opened, and a man climbed out, wearing a brown leath
er jacket, black jeans, boots, and a black felt cowboy hat. He pulled out a travel bag before closing the door. Straightening, he turned toward her.

  Recognition struck like a lightning bolt. “Rafe!”

  She dropped what was in her arms and ran toward him. He smiled widely and opened his arms for her. The moment she touched him, she pressed her head against his chest as tears of joy fell from her eyes. Warm, strong arms wrapped around her shoulders... and she finally felt safe.

  Her erratic heartbeat whacked against her chest. She held him so tight, not wanting to let go – not wanting to open her eyes only to find out this was all a dream.

  He kissed her head and stroked his hand down her long hair. “Holly,” he whispered in her ear, “I’ve missed you so much.”

  She lifted her head to look into his amazing eyes. His wide smile made his eyes twinkle. “Oh, Rafe. Tell me this isn’t a dream.”

  Chuckling, he cupped her face. “Whenever I’m with you, I feel like I’m dreaming.”

  He bent and covered her mouth with his. She tightened her arms around him and eagerly met his kisses. Happiness exploded inside of her, as tears of joy continued to leak from her eyes.

  She didn’t know how long they’d stood in the front yard kissing, but soon, he pulled away. Using the pads of his thumbs he wiped away her tears.

  “You are so beautiful.” He shook his head. “How could I have let you leave me?”

  “Oh, Rafe. I was such a fool. Please forgive me. I’ve thought of you constantly. I’m not myself anymore.”

  “I’m glad you said that.” He picked up his travel bag. “Because I’ve come to stay with you for a little while to see if I’d like living in California.”

  Holly shook her head, frowning. “You’ll hate it. I promise.”

  His eyebrow arched. “I will?”

  “Oh, yes. In fact, just today as I was leaving work, I realized that I don’t like living here.”

  His eyes widened in surprise. “Am I hearing you correctly?”

  “Yes. I don’t want to be here anymore. I want to go home.” Her voice choked on a sob, so she cleared her throat. “I want to write scripts for movies, with you by my side... at the ranch.”

  Relief swept over his expression. He picked her up in his arms and swung her around twice. Throwing back her head, she laughed, hanging on to his neck.

  When he stopped, he gave her a brief kiss.

  “Holly, I promise you won’t regret your decision. I’m going to spend every day of my life trying to make you the happiest woman alive.”

  She laughed. “Being with you makes me the happiest woman alive.”

  Sweeping his arm under her legs, he lifted her off the ground. Grinning like a man who had won the lottery, he carried her toward the house.

  “Well, my sweet Holly, I say we start making each other happy now. What do you think?”

  She laughed and hugged him. “I think that you’ve forgotten your old-fashioned manners. You can’t carry me over the threshold until we’re married.”

  He stopped on the porch and peered into her eyes. “You want to get married?”

  “Yes. Don’t you?”

  “More than anything, but only if I get to marry the woman I’m deeply in love with.”

  “As long as it’s me.”

  “I have never loved any woman as much as I love you.”

  She leaned in and kissed him. “Oh, Rafe, what a romantic man you are. I’m really the luckiest woman alive. I love you so much.”

  He took the keys from her and unlocked the front door, but he set her on her feet instead of carrying her inside. She grinned. He was old-fashioned, which was one of the things she loved about him.

  “So tell me, Rafe.” She walked into the living room and turned on some lights. “What kind of life are we going to have at the ranch as husband and wife?”

  “I was thinking that I could be a full-time rancher, but I’d also be a veterinarian.”

  She gasped in surprise and nodded. “That would be perfect.”

  “And you, my little wife.” He walked to her and took her in his arms again. “You’d be able to write movie-scripts all day if you’d like. You could have your movie-crew friends come to the ranch to shoot scenes, and you’d be able to have the freedom to do whatever your heart desires.”

  Peace settled in her heart and she smiled. “Mr. Montgomery? That sounds like the perfect life.”

  “Yes it does, soon-to-be Mrs. Montgomery.” He winked.

  As he pulled her in for another kiss, her heart sang with gladness. Finally, she felt complete. Finally, her future looked bright because she was going to be with the man she loved more than life itself.

  Now this would make the perfect ending to her screenplay...

  EPILOGUE

  “Shhh...” Holly put her index finger to her mouth as she glanced across the crowd who’d gathered in the Montgomery barn for their next Christmas program. She fidgeted in her chair, nervous for what she’d be watching. She wrapped the quilt around her shoulders and belly – especially her round belly. She’d be having hers and Rafe’s first child any day now.

  Sitting in the row of chairs behind her were Ivy, Noelle, and Cami sat by Mom. All of the Kidman women wore excited expressions. Mom’s eyes beamed with pride. She tapped Holly on the hand and grinned.

  “I think I’m as nervous as you,” Mom said.

  “Good.” Holly chuckled. “I’d hate to think I was the only one with butterflies in my tummy.”

  Two-year-old Cami turned her head and looked at Holly, frowning. “No bu’flies in tummy. Baby in tummy.”

  They all laughed, even the people sitting in the rows of chairs behind them. Luca, Blake, Steve and Lynda were all here, too.

  “All right,” Rafe announced as he hurried back to his chair beside Holly. “I think I got the TV working.” He fiddled with the remote until the television came on.

  Taking a deep breath, Holly cuddled against Rafe’s strong chest. Christmas music started playing even before pictures came into view. At first, names of the main actors popped on the screen, followed by the title of the movie in large letters: A THRILL OF HOPE.

  Everything felt so surreal, and tears filled Holly’s eyes. Of course, she was emotional since this was her second movie that she’d written that made it to the big screen, but this was the love story of her and Rafe.

  His arm tightened around her shoulders and he kissed her forehead. As the movie unfolded, her smile widened. No longer was she embarrassed when people in town gossiped about the kiss between her and Rafe when they were young in the prop room, because that kiss was the one that led to their falling in love.

  Their close friends and family watched the movie with her for the first time. Of course, in the script, she added more humor, but most of what happened in the movie, happened in real life.

  An hour and forty-five minutes later, the movie was over. Applause filled the barn, and her heart swelled with happiness.

  Rafe stood and helped her to her feet. Laughing, she took a bow.

  Everyone came up to congratulate her on another movie well done. The first one she’d written about the Christmas program was actually accepted by Warren. He was a bigger producer than Brian, and he made it into a masterpiece. Warren also accepted this movie. She hoped it would make him lots of money. She felt sorry for Brian, since his fantasy project flopped. Whether it was because she left him and moved to Montana with Rafe, she didn’t know.

  “Hey, everyone,” Rafe raised his voice over the chattering. “Come into the house for some cookies and hot chocolate.”

  She wrapped her arm around his waist as they walked toward the house – slowly. She didn’t do anything fast anymore.

  “Do you know how proud I am of my wife?”

  She smiled up at her doctor husband, who had actually taken over the practice of Timberland’s old doctor. Rafe did veterinary work on the side. “Thank you, Doctor Montgomery.”

  He kissed her briefly before straightening.
“I’m just so very happy that you reached your dream.”

  She nodded. “I did, and I’m very happy you were beside me while I was reaching for it.”

  “Have you thought of what you’ll write for your next story?”

  “No, not yet. But I’m sure it’ll come to me.”

  “Yes, I’m sure it will.”

  They walked into the house, and he took her directly to a kitchen chair to sit. She hated how her legs and back hurt because of her pregnancy. But Noelle assured her that once the baby was born, the pain would disappear. Of course, then she needed to start working out in order to get back her slim body.

  Ivy came over and gave Holly a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Sis. When are you going to delve deeper into the movie business?”

  Ivy shook her head, making her long, brown hair swish against her shoulders. “I’m actually enjoying myself working with the News Station. I’m trying for an anchor position.”

  “Oh, good luck with that one.”

  “Thanks. Let’s hope I have my sister’s good luck.” She patted Holly’s head.

  “Which sister?” Noelle asked, cutting in the conversation.

  Holly snorted a laugh. “Mine, of course. I’m sorry to say, Elle, but you don’t have a lot of good luck in your life right now.”

  Noelle rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up. I’ll admit, things haven’t been looking too good lately, but at least the divorce was finalized last week. That’s a plus. And since Mom is letting Cami and I live with her until I can get back on my feet, that will help me start rebuilding my life.”

  Ivy slipped her arm around Noelle’s shoulders for a half of a hug. “You’re right. I’m glad you’re free of that jerk. I know your future will start looking rosy now. But Elle, next time you want to fall in love, please check with Holly or me first? We can detect bad men.”

  Holly laughed. “And I can also find perfect men.” She moved her attention to Rafe who stood with two men from town. His gaze wandered to her and he winked.

  “Don’t rub it in,” Ivy said. “I think you might have taken the last perfect man in Montana.”