Grace After the Storm

by Sandy Sinnett

  “Does it meet your standards… boss?” she asked sarcastically, a little upset that he’d interrupted her alone time, but also glad he did.

  Brad swiftly walked over to her and got right up in her face, gently pulling her safety glasses off her head. “You’re absolutely beautiful when you’re holding a power tool, did you know that?” Without hesitation, he reached around behind her and pulled her close, sinking his lips into hers for the first time in eight long years.

  This time, Hannah surrendered and melted into him. Immediately, she felt their souls connect, two long lost friends and lovers destined to be together. The warmth of his touch brought her back to a place when she was his and he was hers, and it was better than anything she could have ever imagined, but once again, fear set in. She pushed him away and backed up.

  “What are you doing?” Hannah was disappointed in herself for allowing it to happen.

  “I thought I was kissing you and it sure seemed like you were enjoying it!”

  “I… I didn’t enjoy it. We can’t just pick back up again where we left off Brad – too much has happened between us!”

  “Why can’t you just forgive me? I never wanted to hurt you – don’t you know how much I loved you? I still love you, Jules!” he shouted. “There… I said it.”

  “It doesn’t change anything! You left me. You walked out on everything – on our future. You’ll do it again!”

  He stepped toward her, inches from her face, and she felt the heat between them.

  “Stop pushing me away, Jules! You still love me too and you know it – just let it go!”

  “I don’t know how, Brad,” she said, vulnerable and honest.

  “Then let me show you… please?” Brad took her in his arms and leaned in, gently kissing her soft lips. His grip tightened with the intensity of his kiss, filled with passion and warmth. Hannah couldn’t fight it any longer, and she gave in to her heart’s desire. The love she had kept hidden in a box for so long, along with his letter, was now free. She returned his passion and Brad felt her body relax – finally.

  He always knew they were meant to be together – despite the detours in life that had kept them apart. She was his once again – and this time it was forever. Hannah broke his kiss, leaning her forehead against his, catching her breath.

  “Does this mean…”

  “Yes! I love you, Brad Young! Are you happy now? I never stopped loving you, not once. I simply learned to bury it to protect my heart. There’s something you should know though…” She hesitated telling him the next part, but knew she had to come clean.

  “Okay. What is it?”

  “It’s just that… well, I kind of lied to you about the letter.” She bit her lower lip and squinted, prepared for his unfavorable response.

  He laughed. “I knew you were lying, silly.”

  “What? You did not!” Hannah slapped his arm playfully

  “I totally did – you are a horrible liar, Jules. Remember when you used to plan our surprise dates and tried to make me believe we were just going grocery shopping? I always knew you were up to something. Your mouth always curls to one side when you lie.”

  “How could you possibly remember that?” She was amazed.

  “I remember every moment we had together – each one. I never wanted to forget any of them… or you. I was so stupid and couldn’t admit I had screwed up.”

  “It’s okay – I forgive you. I guess it was more of a half-truth, really. I did get the letter, but I never opened it. I ripped it in half, then taped it up again and stuffed it in the box. I never read it until this week.”

  “I get it, Jules. Oh… is it okay if I call you Jules now? It’s really all I know.”

  She laughed, “Yes. I’d like that.”

  “Good – it was so hard trying to say Hannah all the time.”

  They walked arm and arm back to the house. Hannah’s heart was light and burden free for the first time in years. When they reached the door, Brad stopped and turned to look her in the eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “I’m curious about something. If you kept the letter, I… I don’t suppose you kept…” He stammered, hesitant to finish his question.

  Hannah blushed, already knowing his question. “Yes, I kept the ring too. Why? Did you want it back?” No, no no… please don’t ask me to marry you – you’ll ruin everything! she thought.

  “Oh no, of course not! I was just curious – that’s all. I’m glad,” he stammered.

  “This is a new journey okay? Let’s just take our time and see what happens.” She leaned up and kissed him again, then they walked inside. “Are you sure you’re okay to watch the place tomorrow?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll have the place booked solid before you get back.”

  “Ha ha… very funny. But thanks for thinking positive.” Hannah was still leery about the success of the estate, even if it was under new ownership.

  “Go and have fun. I’ve got everything covered. Oh, and I talked to the chef. He is good with hosting our first wine dinner in July. Do you want me to send out the invitations and put it on the website?”

  “That’s great! Yes, let’s send them out. We only have two months to prepare,” she giggled. “You know… you being here – back in my life after all these years – it’s crazy, and exciting, and scary all at the same time. Do you feel that way or is it just me?”

  “Yes, and no,” He closed the gap between them and took her face in his hands. “I always hoped for this day, Jules. I kept living my life and going through the motions after I left you behind, but on the inside I never stopped loving you. You’re my one. You’ve always been the one – the reason I could never be happy or settle down with another woman. No one else was good enough compared to you,” he laughed softly. “My brother would say that this was all God’s perfect timing, and although I haven’t been the most willing to believe in God at times, I have to agree with him on this. Only God could have planned for us to find our way back to each other again, and I’m never letting you go,” he paused, then whispered “Never.”

  Hannah was rendered breathless by his sweet words, unable to reply. Slowly, Brad leaned in and his lips met hers, parting them slightly. He pulled her body close, into his warm embrace, then backed her gently against the wood door, sinking deeper into her wet kiss. Brad’s soft hands slid under the back of her blouse and she moaned softly, reeling from the sensation of his touch and longing for more, but after a few minutes, she suddenly stopped and pulled her head away – fearing things would get out of hand if they kept going. I admit I’ve let go, but I’m not quite ready to let go of everything just yet.

  “Um… wow… that,” she smiled, letting out a short breath, “that was… very nice. I’d like to slow down a bit though, if that’s okay? My head is still spinning from this whole thing. I think I need some time to adjust,” she smiled, hoping she hadn’t upset him.

  Brad smiled and pulled her to his chest, his chin resting on her head. “Having you back in my life is all that matters. We can crawl, walk or run, whatever speed you need, as long as you’re by my side. If I can see a glimmer of forever spent with you, then I’m good,” he paused for a minute, then chuckled softly, “and to think all of this began with a crazy lady who loves the rain…”

  “Do you mean Laci?” Hannah asked, looking up at him.

  “Yeah, but that’s a story for another day.” He opened the door for her and they walked inside.

  “Well, sleep tight,” Hannah said. “Thanks again for… for helping me let go.” She turned and gave him one last hug. “I do love you, you know. And you have no idea how nice it is to say that again after all this time.” She smiled up at him, cheeks still aglow.

  Brad bent down and kissed her softly. “I couldn’t agree more. I love you too. ‘Night, Jules.”

  11 – Forgiving Rain

  Clare stormed in the house like a bull in a china shop – yelling at the top of her lungs.

  “Let’s go Jule
s! The horses await!” she shouted.

  Hannah was still getting ready when she heard Clare’s announcement. “Make some coffee – I’m almost ready!” she yelled down the stairs.

  Clare started a pot of coffee and Brad walked in – helping himself to the first cup.

  “Great – you’re still here? I was hoping you had fallen off of a steep cliff by now, or gotten caught in the grape musher thingy,” Clare snapped.

  “Very funny, Pit-bull, but I’m not going anywhere.” Brad’s smug face was more than she could take.

  Hannah walked in on the two of them, sensing the tension in the air. When Brad turned around, they smiled at each like two high school teenagers with their first crush. “Hey gorgeous,” he said, leaning down to kiss her.

  “Morning handsome,” Hannah replied.

  “Oh gag! You two are…? What is this, Jules? What’s he done to you? You know he’s up to no good right! This is the PUTZ remember? You can’t cave in now!” Clare was furious at the obvious display going on in front of her.

  “Slow down, Clare. No one is caving in. What are you talking about – why is he up to no good?”

  “His little plan to kick you out of here – that’s what. Didn’t he tell you yet? I overheard him talking it over with the broker the other day.”

  Brad realized then that Clare overheard only part of their conversation that day, skewing it all out of proportion. “Now wait just a minute, Clare – you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Brad said harshly, his temper flaring.

  Hannah turned to Brad. “Well, why don’t you enlighten me? What is she talking about?” Hannah’s brow furrowed.

  “It’s nothing – not really. I’ll explain it all later. It’s just a special stipulation we had put in the contract – it’s not a big deal.” Brad hated to tell her about giving back the property this soon, fearing she would let her pride get in the way and reject their offer.

  Clare crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I heard him say this place would be out of his hands in a couple of months. He’s going to sell the estate out from under you, Jules!”

  “Is that true? You need to tell me now, Brad!” Hannah was furious, realizing what a fool she’d been for allowing him back into her heart.

  “No, Jules. She’s got it all wrong!”

  “I should have never trusted you again! Jeez – I was so stupid to let you get under my skin. You don’t care about me! This is what I suspected – I’m just another capital business venture to you aren’t I?” She turned to Clare. “Grab the snack bag and coffee thermos. Let’s get out of here. I can’t stand the stench any longer… I’m done.”

  “Jules, wait! Let me explain, please?” Brad pleaded, following her out the front door, but she wouldn’t turn around. They climbed in Hannah’s car without another word.

  “Wait, Jules! It’s not what you think!” he yelled from the porch, but they were halfway down the drive already.

  Brad was beside himself – worried about what Jules thought of him, knowing that Clare had the facts all wrong. Why didn’t I stop her and tell her the truth? She hates me now, and I just got her back. Over the next few hours, he tried to stay busy to keep his mind off things. He added some finishing touches to the fire pit, then polished the new quartz on the bar, but nothing helped. Disgusted with life in general, he went upstairs and took a shower, then sat down on the bed, took a deep breath, and called Mitch.

  *****

  Laci paced back and forth in the bathroom, staring down at not one, not two, but three pregnancy test sticks sitting on the counter – each one reading ‘positive’ in bright pink words. This can’t be right! It’s only been a month since… oh good grief. I was late – but I’m also 44 years old… this doesn’t happen to a woman my age, does it? She collected the tests and shoved them in a sack, hiding them under the cabinet in case she needed the evidence later. Mitch was waiting patiently for her downstairs, about to treat her to lunch.

  “It’s about time – everything okay?” Mitch asked as she walked up to him.

  Laci didn’t reply. Her mind had drifted – still in shock from the results.

  Mitch waved his hand in front of her face. “Woohoo… hey Darlin’, come back to me.”

  “Oh, sorry. I’m ready when you are,” she replied, half-heartedly.

  “I asked if everything was okay. You were up there a while.”

  “I don’t recall asking about all of your long visits to the ‘loo’… give me a break! Can’t a girl have a moment to herself?” Laci playfully poked him in the gut.

  “Fair enough. Let’s go – I’m starving.”

  They were about to sit down at their table when Mitch’s phone rang. Laci saw Brad’s name on the screen. “Yeah! An update!” she said, her face filled with excitement as Mitch answered. Thank you God! I needed the diversion. I’m not ready to tell him…

  “Hey brother, what’s up? How goes the B&B ‘reno’ project?” Mitch asked.

  “I’ve got a problem,” Brad said in a serious tone.

  “Uh, oh. What’s wrong, bud?”

  Laci’s expression changed instantly, worried that something had happened. She leaned in closer in hopes of hearing some of the call.

  Brad poured his heart out to Mitch, going over the events of the last few weeks, Lois’ worsening condition, the progress he made with softening Hannah’s heart, and how things had even taken a turn for the better – with their relationship. Then he shared about Clare’s little ‘eavesdropping’ escapade.

  “I think Clare overheard the broker talking to me about the ‘new owner’ that would be taking over. She thinks I’m selling Hannah’s estate to someone else, taking it out from under her or something.”

  “I see… and she doesn’t realize that Hannah will be the new owner?”

  “Correct. She’s a hot-headed teenager who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I knew she heard something that day, but honestly wasn’t sure what until now.” Brad was devastated. He flopped down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, scared that he’d lost Hannah for good this time.

  “Look, I know we were going to wait and tell Hannah after the sixty days were up, but you’re obviously going to have to tell her.”

  “Trust me, I tried, but she stormed off with Clare and drove out of here so fast you’d have thought her hair was on fire – for real.”

  “Where was she headed?”

  “To the stables – she’s taking Clare horseback riding for her birthday. She’s fuming mad, Mitch. I don’t like it.”

  “Maybe this is better – it will give her some time to cool off. Women need that,” Mitch added, smiling at Laci across the table.

  Laci heard his comment and kicked Mitch under the table, smiling.

  “Ouch!” Mitch yelled.

  “Laci punched you, didn’t she?” Brad laughed, knowing she had done something.

  “Nope – kicked me…”

  “Serves you right little brother.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Mitch said, winking at Laci. “It will all work out Brad – don’t worry. Just tell her the truth and let God handle the rest.”

  “You’re right. I’ll talk to her as soon as they get back.” A crack of thunder sounded in the distance and Brad stood up to look out the window, a dark sky overhead. “Hopefully sooner than later. I don’t like the looks of this sky right now,” he said, an uneasy feeling churning inside.

  “That’s crazy – I heard the thunder through the phone.”

  Laci’s eyes got as big as quarters at the mention of thunder and she smiled. Mitch covered the phone and whispered, “Don’t smile, Lace. Hannah and Clare are out horseback riding and there is a storm on the way,” he said.

  Laci shrugged, unaware of the circumstances of course. “Sorry,” she mouthed in silence.

  “She’ll be fine, Brad. You worry too much,” Mitch said.

  “Yeah – you’re one to talk about not worrying,” Brad replied sarcastically.

  “Touché. Text me after you tw
o talk okay? I’ll let you go.”

  “Sounds good. Oh, and tell Laci she’s starting to rub off on me. I’m planning an event… or I was planning one at least. Not sure I’ll get to finish now.”

  “Wow. She’ll have heart failure – not sure she’s ready for that kind of news yet,” Mitch laughed, then winked at Laci.

  Laci tilted her head, curious. “What’s he saying?”

  Mitch whispered, “He’s planning an event.”

  “Oh dear Lord, help us,” Laci replied, rolling her eyes.

  “Hey, if I can straighten things out, it will be the talk of the town – you wait and see,” Brad said confidently.

  “I have no doubt, brother. No doubt at all. I’ll talk to you later,” Mitch said, then hung up.

  Laci was anxious to hear Brad’s news, and more than happy to delay sharing her own. She tapped her fingernails on the table. “Well? I’m freaking out, Mitch! What’s going on?”

  “Everything is fine – or will be. They had a little misunderstanding that’s all,” he replied.

  Mitch explained the situation to Laci as they ate lunch, trying to put her mind at ease, but something was gnawing at her and she couldn’t ignore it.

  “I’m worried, Mitch.”

  “You and Brad both. Will you stop worrying? There is nothing we can do except wait. Brad’s got this under control, trust me.”

  “That’s what worries me.”

  Mitch took Laci’s hand and squeezed it. “We have to have faith, Darlin’,” he said.

  “It’s not the winery – it’s Hannah and Lois. Something doesn’t feel right, Mitch.”

  “Well, at least it’s getting ready to rain there – that’s good right?”

  “Yeah – I suppose so.” Laci wasn’t sure this time.

  “Now, what is going on with you? Our lunch is almost over and all we’ve talked about is Brad and Hannah. Are you sure you’re okay? I get the feeling you aren’t telling me something.”