by Katlyn Grace
He coiled a strand of her hair around his finger. “Yours are a lot like strawberries…with a hint of hot chocolate.” He winked.
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I could get used to that.”
“Ditto, my little lobster.” His hand rubbed her back.
He earned a shove in the ribs for the nickname. “Let’s get our pictures and finish up shopping. I’m ready to look at some Christmas lights.”
It took twenty-six minutes to get from St. Louis, Missouri to Belleville, Illinois. Ethan enjoyed simply driving around with Hope, his hand in hers and Christmas music playing in the background. It was something he could get used to…her presence.
He hadn’t thought he would kiss her today, but that thought changed back in the photo booth at the mall. Ethan couldn’t help himself. She looked beautiful today, and they were both having so much fun. He wanted to remember their first kiss, and after kissing her, he realized he really didn’t have to capture it. He would remember that kiss for the rest of his life. It was magical. Hope was magical.
Ethan had plans up his sleeve for tonight. Hope would love the Way of Lights drive through Christmas light display.
The memories hit him like a wave crashing onto the seashore as he drove up to the entrance. Instead of letting it all bubble inside, he let it out. “We used to pile up in a car with all kinds of snacks and blankets and sing carols together when our family came here. Nathaniel used to claim he was a professional Christmas caroler. Sara and I disagreed.” Ethan eased the brakes as they waited in line behind other cars. He took this chance to reach in the back seat of his truck to grab blankets and a big tub of holiday popcorn mix for the both of them.
Hope snuggled into one of the quilts. “Memories are good. You can’t buy those.” She reluctantly let go of his hand to open the popcorn mix.
Ethan smiled as they entered the park full of colorful, mesmerizing lights. The fresh coat of snow on the ground made it feel like they’d just driven into the North Pole. He felt like a kid again tonight. He turned on the local radio station that softly played Christmas tunes.
“The lights are beautiful.” Hope kept her eyes glued on the giant nutcrackers out her window.
Ethan took this time to appreciate her, and how beautiful she was. Even if the truck was dimly lit, the lights outside framed a silhouette around her body. He wished he had a camera to save this moment with a picture. Oh, how pretty she was. But it wasn’t the looks he was falling in love with, it was her heart; and she was stealing his too.
She turned around to her left and handed him some popcorn. “You’re supposed to be looking at the lights, silly.” She grinned, loving the attention he was sending her way.
“You’re a distraction.” He carefully pressed the gas on the truck to move forward in the slow line of vehicles.
“Believe me, you are too.” She stopped to admire the brightly lit angel beside the road, then backed her statement up with an example. “I was making a cake in the bakery before I got sick. I was supposed to be piping Happy Birthday, Henry on it. Instead, I ended up writing Happy Birthday, Ethan with a red heart doodled beside of it.”
Ethan erupted in laughter. “So, you’ve been thinking about me, eh?” he pestered.
If they weren’t in the dark, Ethan knew he would be able to see the familiar blush scrawled on her cheeks. “You seem to be there in my mind quite often,” she admitted. “Thanks to you, I haven’t heard the end of Bri’s teasing. I think she took the cake home with her and froze it.”
“I love your family.” He chuckled as he momentarily relaxed his head on the headrest.
Hope beamed. “Really?”
He nodded. “Who wouldn’t love your family? It was good to be a part of one today.”
“It was nice having you there.” Hope flicked a piece of popcorn Ethan’s way. It probably wasn’t the safest thing to do seeing how he was driving, but he still caught it in his mouth. “I could get used to you being there by my side.”
Ethan rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. His grin felt incredible. “I don’t plan on leaving—” he glanced at her. “If you don’t mind, of course.”
“I couldn’t think of anything I’d love more.” She smiled as they entered an arch tunnel of lights. “How gorgeous.”
“This was always my favorite part.” Ethan agreed with her. The light show was stunning.
Hope turned her attention back to him; her tone more serious. “Ethan, God comes first. I don’t know what He has in store for our relationship, but I know it will be best with Him in the center.”
Now, Ethan couldn’t agree more. He watched his life go well with God before, and the moment Ethan let go, it went downhill. He decided he didn’t want that again, it was time for God to be first, always. “I completely agree.”
Hope freckled face radiated. “Please tell me this console folds up into a seat.”
Ethan laughed. “It indeed does.”
Hope giggled and unbuckled her seatbelt. She folded up the console that once put a barrier between the two of them. She snuggled up close to his side with her quilt.
Ethan kissed her hair that smelled like fresh strawberries. “I’m enjoying this.”
“You’re spoiling me.”
“You love it.” He wrapped his right arm around her while his left hand guided the steering wheel.
“I can’t deny it.” She squeezed his hand. “Have you ever thought about having a family of your own, Ethan?” Her question seemed out of the blue, but he knew the subject would come up eventually if they furthered their relationship.
Ethan sighed. He knew if they ever became serious, Hope would desire children. It was something that scared him. He didn’t want his children to ever go through what he had to. Losing parents left a hole—a huge, gaping hole covered with an ugly scar. But that sense of fear had to be faced, and Ethan wanted it to be given to God. If God wanted them to have children, they would have children. “I have.”
“And?”
“I would eventually love to be a dad.” The statement was entirely accurate. He would love to raise a son of his own, teach him all the things Ethan’s birth father never had. He gazed at Hope, a warm feeling overtaking him. “You would make a great mom one day.” And that she would. Ethan saw the way she lit up when she was around kids. She had a unique bond with them.
She chuckled. “Could you imagine mini versions of us running around your house?”
“My house?” Ethan really enjoyed this.
“Let’s just say I really admire your kitchen.” She looked up at him, biting the inside of her cheek.
He laughed. “I really enjoy your meals.” He mocked her factual tone of voice.
“I am a good cook,” she boasted.
“The kitchen is all yours…as long as I can get some horses and dogs for the property. The kids would love that.” He let himself dream of the future. No one could fill the role of being his wife better than Hope Lawson.
She buried her head in his side. “I want to spend forever with you.”
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat and his cheeks heated. “Let’s enjoy these lights before my heart explodes.” He rubbed her back as she laughed.
Just then, he recognized this woman as the love of his life.
seventeen
H ope slid down further into her duvet cover after she closed her memory journal and put away her pen. The grin was impossible to wipe off her face tonight. She glanced at the reel of pictures on her nightstand from the photo booth earlier today.
Ethan kissed her.
She hadn’t let that fully register in her mind yet, and now she had time to. The kiss this time wasn’t something she regretted. It was one she would treasure for a lifetime. It wasn’t the same feeling she received with other guys in the past. This one was different. This kiss felt right, and special. Hope felt like she was on the brink of something magnificent.
Lord, where do I begin? You sent Your Son to die for me. You’ve given me a lovely fami
ly. I asked for a bakery, and You gave it to me. I have prayed diligently for Ethan’s soul, and now he’s one of Yours again. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
I’m beginning to sense something between Ethan and I that was meant for more than just friendship. He’s a wonderful friend, but I think he’s supposed to be more than that in my life. God, he has an amazing heart and cares deeply for others…and ultimately, he cares for You now. Is he the one? If I’m wrong, tell me. Either way, please guide Ethan’s footsteps. Lead him in Your ways, and always protect him.
Thank You, God, for today. I really needed it.
Ethan woke early Monday morning. He sought to start his rededicated life to God out right. He had watched the sun come up in his living room and felt the warmth in his heart tingle straight to his toes. He even read his Bible this morning while he drank his coffee. He felt like a brand-new person. Ethan respected the man he was with God by his side.
He shivered as snow flurried around him. It was almost below zero degrees today, but Ethan wanted to settle something that he never finished. It was time. He needed to move on.
As he studied this morning, if Jesus forgave those that tortured Him on the cross, Ethan could forgive his birth father, Peter. It was a subject that Ethan had always been sensitive of. He never possessed the desire to forgive someone that had been so cruel not only Ethan, but his family. But today, as he read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, he realized he needed a change of heart. If God could forgive someone as filthy as Ethan used to be, Ethan would choose to forgive Peter. And it was indeed God who laid that desire upon his heart.
Peter was buried in a private gravesite. Not more than ten people were buried with his father. Ethan found Peter’s headstone and knelt to brush off the pile of snow built up on the grey stone.
Peter Wallace. Never a man big on words. He was someone Ethan had looked up to, until Ethan was old enough to realize his dad wasn’t the best example. Peter had somehow gotten lost down life’s winding road, just like Ethan had. But Peter did not get the second chance that Ethan was mercifully given. God’s grace stepped in for Ethan, and he couldn’t express his gratitude to the Lord enough.
The four words that Ethan had never been able to say, now rolled off his tongue easily. “I forgive you, Dad.” Ethan placed the bouquet of crimson roses by Peter’s headstone and quietly walked away. The relief of emotions were incredible as he felt a barrier break in his life.
Thank You, God. Thank You for Your grace.
eighteen
H ope retrieved the bubbling chicken casserole from Ethan’s scorching hot oven. “Dinner’s ready!” She took two plates out of the cabinet for her and Ethan.
It was Tuesday evening and Ethan sat somewhere in his stepdad’s old office, still job hunting. Hope grinned. Ethan had no idea about the news she carried with her this evening. She hummed along with the old record player that she brought into Ethan’s kitchen, feeling ecstatic.
Ethan’s kitchen. It easily became her favorite place to hang out in his home. She tested out a new cupcake recipe last night with Ethan in here and succeeded. Hope hungrily desired for the day this kitchen would be hers. She also wanted Ethan to be hers. He enjoyed her food, so she thought of it as a win-win situation. Hope chuckled at the thought.
“It smells delicious.” Ethan snaked his arms around her waist and placed a kiss atop her hair.
“Any luck?” Hope continued preparing their plates. She piled the green beans on her plate, they were her favorite.
He snatched a bean off her plate. “No.” His rough voice groaned.
“It will come.” She bit back the smile to keep her secret hidden for now.
“I know.” He leaned against the counter.
“Let’s eat.” She handed him his plate, and they sat down at the round dinner table in the dining room.
Hope admired the bright yellow color as she sliced the delectable looking lemon meringue pie. She really needed to sell more pies in her bakery, her customers would go crazy for them.
Hope cut two pieces of the pie and placed them on Ethan’s mother’s delicate dessert plates. Their light conversation and meal had been nice earlier this evening. Evenings like this with Ethan were enjoyable, but Hope couldn’t contain her secret for much longer. Her insides bubbled with anticipation from the news she had waiting for him.
“I’m getting spoiled.” Ethan looked up from the newspaper he’d been reading and chuckled as Hope handed him a piece of pie.
She plopped down on the couch beside him. With a stab of her fork into the buttery smooth dessert, Hope entered dessert ecstasy.
“What’s up with you?” Ethan nudged her side with a curious smile.
Hope swallowed a taste of the tart dessert. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve been acting weird today.” He pointed his fork at her. “You’re up to something,” Ethan stated after he took another bite.
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re biting your lip. That’s why.” Ethan wiped meringue off the corner of Hope’s mouth.
Hope stopped her nervous habit in an instant, deciding it was time to tell him. “I’ve been doing a little job hunting for you.” She dramatically paused and Ethan patiently waited for her to continue. “I got to talking with Mark. There are no jobs available at the station, but he went to the board of education for me to look for job openings. I figured the chances were slim, seeing how it’s the middle of the year and all but…”
“But what?” Hope successfully captured Ethan’s full attention.
“We decided to check anyways.” She nonchalantly shrugged as she ate another mouthful of the pie.
“And?”
Hope laughed at his growing impatience. “The middle school is in desperate need of a gym instructor. The previous teacher gave the position up due to a better job offer. No one wants the position. It’s all yours if you want it. You get first dibs because of previous experience.”
Ethan dropped his fork on his plate, creating a clattering sound. “You’re kidding!” His mouth stood open in awe.
Hope’s heart fluttered rapidly at his reaction. “I’ve seen you around kids, Ethan. You should really consider the position.”
“How did you manage this?” Elated, and not knowing what to do with himself, he tickled Hope’s feet. All he wanted to do was kiss her pretty face.
“I know a guy.” She casually shrugged her shoulders and added a smirk. “If you take the job, they would want you to start right after Christmas break ends. And there’s something else…”
“There’s more?” He was already speechless. How could she possibly have more news?
Hope laughed with a nod of her head. “In the spring, the high school wants to offer you a coaching position for the soccer team.”
Her words echoed in his head, and Ethan didn’t know whether to believe Hope or not. Surely it was a setup or some sort of joke. But when Hope didn’t say anything else, Ethan’s head dropped to his hands, propped on his knees with his elbows. His posture collapsed as tears streamed down his face. All the joy bubbled and spilled out. “God, I’m overwhelmed.” He choked the words out.
Being the coach of a soccer team before he’d selfishly quit, Ethan realized then that this was truly a second chance for something he had a passion in. This time he was being offered so much more. A physical education teacher. He could see himself being one, especially to middle school children.
God, You are wonderful.
Hope placed her hand on his knee. “So, what do you say…are you going to take it?”
Ethan gazed into her compassionate smile and he nodded. “Thank you, Hope. There’s no way I can deny that amazing opportunity.”
Hope clapped her hands together with a squeal. “Merry early Christmas, Ethan Grey.” She grinned.
Ethan pulled her good-looking face close to his and kissed her soft lips. Her lips tasted like cake batter this evening. She bought a new Chapstick. Ethan playfully took note of that and stashed it awa
y with the rest of his mental notes filed under Hope.
He decided to seize this opportunity to tell her how he really felt. Ethan would have fun with this. “Knock, Knock.”
Hope giggled and cuddled up close to him. “I thought the jokes were mine.”
“Just give me this one.” He pouted his lips.
She laughed and finally agreed. “Who’s there?”
“I.”
“I, who?” He could tell just how cheesy the joke was going to be when he watched her bite back a laugh.
He tickled Hope’s ribs and continued with his comedy session. “I love you.” Ethan meant those small, yet powerful three words that made his heart hammer against his chest.
Hope’s cheeks flashed a bright red color as tears brimmed her eyes. “I love you more, Ethan.” She chuckled at his cheesiness.
Ethan shook his head in disagreement with her statement. “I love you most.” He closed the small gap in between them and placed another gentle kiss on her lips.
“That was a good joke.” Hope grinned as they pulled apart.
He pulled her onto his lap to stroke her silky strawberry-blonde hair. “Not a joke, but I thought it was a good one.”
nineteen
“Y ou’re falling in love.” Brianna smiled genuinely at Hope as she peered over her glass of water.
Hope and her sister were out for lunch on their break. It was the least she could do after leaving Brianna in charge of the bakery last week when Hope had been sick. Plus, it felt refreshing to chat with just her sister. “We’re past the falling stage…I’ve fallen quite a million times already. I’m just plain in love with him now.” Hope admitted and took a bite of her delicious club sandwich, relishing Patti’s Diner.
Her sister chuckled. “I like Ethan, and so do Mom and Dad.”
Hope choked on her sandwich. “You do a lot of talking, don’t you?”
“I get around.” Bri shrugged, that familiar sly grin beginning to grow on her lips again. “Ethan’s good for you.”