by Beth Carter
Suzy nodded. “Your relationship is complicated with a capital ‘C.’”
“Sorry I’m late.” Cheri rushed inside and waved to Gus. She smoothed her orange sleeveless turtleneck and ivory slacks. A huge gold bangle encircled her tiny wrist. When she crossed her legs, Alex noticed her leopard print heels.
Groaning, Alex said, “Do you always have to look so good, Cheri? Damn. I’ve got to up my game.” Alex splayed her fingers on the table. “Ready for this? Tony has a new partner.”
“What’s his name?” Hope asked.
“Bridget Marlowe. Detective Bridget Marlowe.
“Oh,” Suzy said.
Hope scrunched her face. “That’s tough.”
Alex grimaced. “Besides having a cool name, she’s hot.”
“She can’t be as hot as you,” Cheri offered.
Alex sipped her chardonnay. “It’s okay. She’s a flaming redhead with big boobs. I seem to be surrounded by women with big chests”—she glanced at her friends—"except for you.” She giggled. “Never mind.” Alex shook her head. “I could see her cast as a cop in a Hollywood movie. She’s that gorgeous.”
Frowning, Suzy said, “Alexandra Mitchell, give yourself some credit. You’re beautiful, smart, sassy, and have a great career. Plus you’re sweet, even though”—she winked—“that’s supposed to be a secret.”
Alex half grinned. “Thanks. I thought negotiating with Joey and Nikki was bad. Now, there’s a sexy female cop in the mix. That definitely wasn’t on my radar.” Alex unfolded and refolded a paper napkin, avoiding the women’s gaze.
“Be yourself,” Suzy said. “You’re the one who attracted him to begin with.”
“I think my car had something to do with our meeting.” Alex winced. “Get this. The redheaded detective called me ‘Sugar.’ Twice.”
Hope peered over her margarita. “She’s likely using her police tactics to be condescending and get under your skin. Psychology 101. Trust me, I’m a high school counselor. I know these things.”
“It’s working. Not only that but she acted as though she didn’t know I existed. I discovered all of this when I spotted Tony and Bridget in a parking lot at Target. He didn’t even bother to tell her about me but the detective knew all about Joey. Damn. She’s built like a brick house. Do you know that song or are you too young, Cheri?”
Cheri laughed. “I’ve heard it on the Classic Vinyl station but you’re nothing to sneeze at, girl.”
Suzy frowned. “How did Tony act?”
Alex waved Gus over for another drink. “Tony and his new partner were in the same car, of course. He was driving and she kept leaning across him, touching him.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” Suzy said.
“I hate drama but have had plenty of it too,” Cheri said. “As you witnessed with Jade skinny dipping at Cole’s party.”
Hope’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow. I missed that,” she said, as she reached for a cashew.
“I wonder why.” Alex grinned and turned to Hope. “You were a little busy. Why have you been keeping Tucker a secret?”
“I wanted to make sure he’d ask me out a second time. And a third. And a fourth. And—”
“Wait.” Suzy held her wineglass in the air. “Tucker? Who’s Tucker?”
“Hope has a new beau. They were in their own little world at Cole’s party. You should have seen them dance. It was romantic.” Cheri winked at Hope.
Alex frowned. “I’m glad someone’s happy. Back to me. What should I do?”
Suzy stared at her blankly. “Between Tony’s hateful ex and now this? Do you really have to ask?”
Alex stared at the beach mural as if for an answer. “Hell if I know.”
Chapter 51
The day after meeting with her friends, Hope beamed when she saw Tucker’s incoming call. She barely said hello before he spoke. “I had a great time at that shindig but I miss you already. If you aren’t sick of me, let’s go for a walk in the park.”
“Not a chance.”
“You don’t want to go?” Tucker asked.
Giggling, Hope said, “Not a chance I’m sick of you. Let me change. I’ll be ready in twenty minutes.”
At twenty minutes on the dot, Tucker picked her up and drove to Sequiota Park. He parked and they walked hand in hand. Hope thought the sky had never been bluer. The grass had never been greener, and her mood had never been lighter.
Tucker squeezed her hand. “Someone’s in deep thought.”
“I’m happy.” She inhaled the fresh air. “I’ve never been so happy, in fact.”
“Me too.” He squeezed her hand. “I know we’ve been on a fast train the past few weeks, but I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be with. When we’re alone, I can’t get you out of my mind.”
Butterflies filled Hope’s stomach. She still battled insecurities and couldn’t believe a man—especially a wonderful human like Tucker—was interested in her. Men had never been her strong suit and dating had always been, well, something other people did. Hope stopped in the grass and faced Tucker. “I thought my life was full with my wonderful students and the best girlfriends anyone could have, but I never knew what I was missing.”
Tucker’s brows furrowed. “Huh?”
Hope took his face in her hands and stared into his chocolate brown eyes. “You. I never knew I was missing you.” She watched as his eyes filled with tears. He swiped at a stray tear and led Hope toward a shady tree, far away from two Frisbee-throwing teens. Unusually quiet, he reached for Hope’s hand.
“Your palms are sweaty. Are you feeling okay?” Hope put her hand on his forehead. “I don’t think you have a fever.”
“I’m fine. I’m, uh, well—” Tucker gave her a quick kiss and bent down.
“Is your shoe untied?” she asked.
Tucker’s head bobbed from laughter. “No, my shoe isn’t untied.” Reaching into his pocket, he removed a tiny black velvet box and held it in the air. Hands shaking, he said, “Hope Truman, will you do me the high honor of being my”—his voice clogged with emotion—“my wife.”
Hope gasped, then cupped a hand over her mouth. Wide-eyed, she asked, “Are you proposing?” Feeling lightheaded, she put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. When everything sunk in, she said, “Yes, Tucker Jensen. I’ll be your wife. A hundred million times yes.”
Tucker placed a silver engagement ring with a round, one-third carat diamond on her finger and embraced her in a bear hug. “I wish I could have afforded a bigger ring.”
Eyes bulging, she said, “Are you kidding? This is huge.” Her voice wavered. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.” Hope held her hand out and twisted her ring finger as the diamond sparkled in the bright sunshine. “I-I can’t stop staring at my ring. It’s beautiful.” She gulped. “Thank you.”
“Thank you?” Tucker belly laughed. “I’m the one who should thank you for being the perfect woman. I can’t believe we met on a random trip out of state, and now, here we are. We’re gonna build a life together, Hope. A good one.”
Tears streamed down Hope’s cheeks. “You bet we are. A picture-perfect life.” Staring at the glinting diamond, she grinned like a kid who had been given the biggest chocolate ice cream cone on earth. “When did you, um, decide to ask me? I’m in shock. Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled, but this is pretty fast by anyone’s standards.”
Tucker shoved both hands in his pockets and stared at his shoes. “Gosh, I wanted to give it to you after the eighties Homecoming dance. I’ve been carrying this around for over a week but was afraid it would scare you off if I asked too soon.”
Hope hugged him in as tight an embrace as possible without constricting his airway. She shouted to parkgoers, “I’m going to be a bride! We’re getting married!” She held both of Tucker’s hands. “I can’t w
ait to tell my friends. And my students—they’ll be thrilled. We’ll be the talk of Hilltop High.”
She felt Tucker stiffen. Mouth set in a grim line, he said, “Before you tell everyone, I need to tell you something. Something extremely important.” He paused. “You may change your mind about marrying me.”
“What?” Staring at Tucker, her attempt at bravery wobbled. “My life isn’t a happily ever after. Never has been and probably never will be.” She twisted the ring on her finger. Part of her wanted to remove it. The adult part wanted to listen.
“Hear me out. Please.” Tucker led her to a bench by the ducks. Hope’s heart nearly thrashed out of her chest as they watched parkgoers put their hands beneath the turnstile, get duck food, and toss it into the water. Ducks quacked as they finagled to be the first one fed. Willing the visitors to leave, Hope’s mind worked overtime at the possible scenarios—all bad.
Ordinarily, she felt peaceful while watching the wildlife, but she had a feeling Tucker was going to drop a bomb on her. Feeling disappointed he didn’t tell her whatever he was about to say first—she put her counselor’s hat on and forced some semblance of composure. That Zen-like moment lasted all of five seconds.
A tear trickled down her cheek as she stared at the gorgeous diamond Tucker had placed on her finger. “I’ve already fallen in love with you. Why do I have a feeling you’re about to rip my heart out?”
Hanging his head, Tucker said, “You’re probably going to rip mine out, or at least punch me.”
Hope avoided his eyes. Tears streamed down her face as she noticed unknowing boys bouncing a basketball and two teens on a blanket staring at their phones. “I’m afraid, Tucker. Please tell me now.”
He reached for her hand. “I’m doing this all wrong. I should have told you my news first.”
She nodded. “You think? My friend Alex would have shoved you in the duck pond by now.”
Tucker stepped near the water with outstretched arms. “Go ahead. Push me in. I deserve it.”
She led him back toward the bench. “I’m not Alex.” Pausing, she added, “I’m ready to listen.”
His eyes reddened. Wiping his nose with a handkerchief, he said, “I’m an idiot.”
Hope stared into his eyes. “Surely, it’s not that bad.” She swallowed. But the way my life has always gone, it probably is. Exhaling, she said, “Please tell me before my heart jumps out of my chest.”
“I will as soon as we have some privacy.” He glanced behind their park bench where a young, picnicking family with three kids and a weeping baby was packing up to leave.
Hope followed his gaze. She wanted to jump up, fold their blanket, shove toys into the kids’ hands, and march them to their car. That was totally unlike her. Alex, yes, but not patient Hope. This was all too much.
When the excruciatingly slow family finally left, Tucker took Hope’s sweaty hand and peered into her eyes. “There was never an easy way to tell you this. I certainly couldn’t do it on our first few dates. I wanted to wait until the test results came back.”
“You’re scaring me.” Hope’s heart felt as if it had stopped. She scooted closer to Tucker and lowered her voice. “Are you sick? Please tell me you’re not.”
He shook his head as he squeezed her hands. “It’s nothing like that.”
She stared from his face to her new diamond. “Are you an ex-con or something? Did you steal this ring?”
Tucker finally laughed. “I’m about as law-abiding and hard working as they come.”
“Then, what?” Hope felt the blood drain from her face as her pulse rate shot up. She already loved this man more than she thought possible. “You can tell me anything.”
Chapter 52
Unable to concentrate at work after meeting Det. Bridget Marlowe, Alex closed her office door and called Tony. She didn’t bother with a greeting when he answered, “Lt. Montgomery.”
“I bet you’re thrilled with your new, vampy partner,” Alex said, knowing subtlety had never been her strong suit.
Tony huffed into the phone. “Hey, the chief assigned her. That’s not my fault.”
“But I bet you don’t mind one bit.” Alex decided to let this play out. “Why were you sitting in the Target parking lot?”
“We were on assignment.” Tony sighed. “Is that all you called about? What’s up?”
Staring at customers in the lobby, Alex said, “Nothing’s up. I’m not happy that you didn’t give me the time of day or even mention your new partner in advance.” Alex pursed her lips. “Bridget Marlowe didn’t even know I existed.”
“So what? That’s no big deal. I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, yeah? We did.”
“I made an exception for you. My new partner doesn’t need to know my life story.”
“She sure knew all about Joey. Whatever. See you whenever.” Alex hung up feeling less than satisfied about their conversation. I can’t even have a good day when Hannah’s not around.
Chapter 53
Tucker took a deep breath. “Here goes.” Positioning himself on the bench so he faced Hope, Tucker placed both hands on her legs. She could feel him shaking. He took a deep breath and said, “I have a love child. That’s probably not the correct term for it these days, but I think you know what I mean.”
Hope’s mouth fell open. After several uncomfortable seconds, she said, “You have a child?” She swallowed. “Who? How old?”
Tucker shrugged. “I’m guessing she’s a teenager. High school age. I haven’t kept track of the exact years.”
“Her? So, a girl. Where is she?”
He shook his head. “I wish I knew. I never met her. Wasn’t allowed to ever see her after—” His voice caught and he turned away. “Shoot. I hadn’t planned on crying. This happened when I was in high school. Her mother’s parents were furious and told her to place the baby up for adoption since we were both teens. They refused to let me see my own child. The only reason I know it’s a little girl is because they slipped and mentioned the baby’s gender.”
Hope was in shock. She didn’t recognize her own voice. “Do you know her name?”
“No. I don’t have any idea what she looks like or if she’s still in the area. I was young and stupid. I didn’t know how to fight for my parental rights back then.” He got a faraway look in his eyes. “After my parents were killed, I think my aunt and uncle were happy to see the ‘issue’ go away. That was way more than they bargained for when they took me in.”
Hope gasped. “Wait. Did this happen in Crystal City or Alabama?”
“Here. It was before my parents’ accident.” Tucker continued, “In fact, the parents of the baby’s mother lived close to your school. Who knows if they’re still alive or if their daughter and granddaughter are around?”
“This is unbelievable.” Hope’s mouth fell open and closed like a puppet. Her life had changed twice in a matter of minutes. “Do you realize your daughter might be in the area?” Her eyes widened. “My God, what if she goes to my school.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Wouldn’t that be something?”
Tucker twisted the diamond on Hope’s finger. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before I proposed. I’m a dumb jerk. Do you hate me for it?”
“Of course not. You—I—we have to figure this out.”
“It’s my problem. I’ll handle it.”
“First of all, a child isn’t a problem,” Hope said, more sternly than she intended.
He hung his head. “I’m ashamed of being an absentee dad.”
Hope reached for his hand. “You were a teenager at the time. Teens do stupid things and you obviously weren’t ready for fatherhood. What teen is?” She paused. “I’m glad you want to make up for lost time. You’re a good person, Tucker Jensen.”
He squeezed her hand, chin wobbling as he said, “You didn’t plan on a child when I put that ring on your finger. I’ve got to find her and take on my responsibilities as a dad. Maybe I can figure this out with all the DNA testing they have these days.” Staring into her eyes, he said, “I’m sorry I did everything out of order. This is the first time I’ve asked a woman to marry me. I’m not very good at it. I sure hope you don’t change your mind.”
“Of course not. I’d love to help you find your daughter. Once you reconnect, I’ll show her my mad baseball skills.”
Her silly comment broke the tension. Tucker held Hope’s face in his hands, kissed both cheeks, and then a long, soft kiss on her mouth. They embraced on the bench, cried together, and promised to search for his daughter, no matter how many complications might unfold. “I don’t have any plans to break off our engagement. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”
Tucker kissed the back of both of her hands. “Thank you for being so understanding. I definitely chose the right woman to be my bride.”
“We can do this. I’m good with kids. It’s what I do.”
“I’m glad one of us is.” Tucker tugged on his beard. “Who knows if I can even find her? I’m nervous as all get out. Teens are hard to handle, aren’t they? Mouthy? Moody? Picky?” He stared at his shoes. “She may hate me. May not want me around.” He stared at a child feeding the ducks. “I want to be a good dad and make up for lost time.”
Hope smiled. “That’s the right answer.”
Tucker watched another little boy who toddled by with a ball. It rolled under their bench. After he rolled it back toward the child, he said, “The girl may hate me for what I’ve done. She may not want a neglectful dad in her life.” His eyes glistened. “I’m not sure I would.”
“We’ll get through this. I’m a counselor, remember? In addition to mad bowling skills, I also have mad counseling skills.”