Ten
When Martin asked Sylvia to join him for a bite to eat that evening, she expected a posh restaurant overlooking Lake Michigan and prices to match the skyscrapers. To her great surprise he took her to an Italian restaurant not far from downtown, but a world away from the hustle and bustle lifestyle. It must have been a private home originally, and the restaurant owners never bothered to tear down the inner walls. The smaller rooms gave a sense of intimacy. They’d already been through several courses, biscotti, salad, pasta and sherbet and now Veal Marsala and Chicken Parmesan. “Come work for me,” he said, covering her hand. They sat next to each other at a table for four, and though there was plenty of room, his knee found hers repeatedly. He’d apologized the first few times. “I don’t think so. I’m a partner where I am.” “I can offer you partner. I need a female with balls.” She choked on a bite of meat. “Is that a compliment?” “Absolutely! A lawyer needs balls, no matter what the sex. You handled yourself very well today, especially among strangers.” While Martin and Sylvia had waited for confirmation that his granddaughter had been picked up at day care and delivered safely to his residence, he called a meeting of his most trusted and best suited partners. The half dozen attorneys who had been invited to the impromptu meeting hammered out the beginnings of a brief and would file it the last day before Christmas break. They were seeking compensation for the millions Mark Llewellyn had already withdrawn from Hope’s account, plus another two hundred thousand for Hope’s medical bills. They’d tacked on another million for pain and suffering, just for the hell of it. Nobody denied that she didn’t suffer; missing three years of her daughter’s life was priceless. “I try to keep my professional and personal lives separate.” He dropped his fork and leaned toward her. “Does that mean what I—” She cut him off by running her hand up the inside of his thigh. “Don’t stop there.” There were only a few occupied tables in this room, not that a crowd would have stopped her. She turned sideways to look at him and propped her elbow on the table to support her chin, as if he were relating an intriguing story. Slowly, discreetly she eased his zipper down, freed his manhood from his under shorts and proceeded to pleasure him. A napkin covered his knee, handy for catching any spills. Before long, he tensed and closed his eyes, shuddered briefly. His sudden smile was a yard wide. “That was very civilized,” she said and licked her fingers, drawing each one in turn into her mouth. His eyes widened and his mouth fell open. “Very pleasant.” A waiter stopped at their table. “How is everything?” “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you!” Martin looked on either side of his chair. “I seem to have lost my napkin though.” “I’ll get another one for you.” They giggled like children. ~ * ~ Sylvia called Joshua at work the Thursday before Christmas. She was still in Chicago. “Hey, guess what.” “You filed.” “Sure did. Guess what else.” “Umm... I don’t know.” “On your lunch hour, you need to go to one of the garden centers and buy Hope a Christmas tree and all the trimmings. And then you need to go to a furniture store, doesn’t matter which one, and buy a canopy bed for Hope’s spare room.” His whoop nearly shattered her eardrum. “Casey’s coming home?” “You bet your ass she is.” “Fantastic, but we can’t just surprise Hope.” “Sure we can. Martin is picking me up any minute, and Hope and her nanny will follow us up to Madison. Casey doesn’t know what’s happening, of course. She doesn’t remember her mother.” “She may once she sees her. Should I book a room somewhere for Hope’s dad?” “Not necessary. It’s all taken care of.” “Where’s he staying?” She paused before answering. “With me.” “Sylvia! Are you crazy?” “I know what I’m doing, and I’m having a ball.” “Literally.” “I have no intention of marrying him. When it’s over, it’s over. It’ll be fun while it lasts.” “And you’ll end up with a broken heart and a drug habit. You heard Hope talking about her stepmothers. He ruins his women.” “The difference is that I know his history. He’ll never treat me that way because I won’t allow it.” Sure, easy for her to say. What about four years from now when he’d broken her confidence and defenses? “It’s your decision.” Who was he to talk? His sister was dead set against his relationship with Hope. Julie was convinced that he’d get his heart broken. She maintained it was too soon for him to get serious about anyone, that he’d only hurt Kimmie if he let his daughter get close to a mother-figure and things didn’t work out. She might be right, or she might be overly-protective of her big brother. What if he missed his chance to be with the love destined for him? He knew all too well that life is fragile and one needed to savor every minute. ~ * ~ By the time Joshua got home with the canopy bed, the garden center was waiting in the drive to deliver the tree and trimmings. His parents were right behind him, thanks goodness, because he needed every pair of hands to finish making Christmas happen for Hope and her daughter. Kimmie was at Julie’s house for the day. “Food! I never bought food.” “Stop worrying,” his mom advised. “We’ll order something in.” “Do you have a key?” Cappy asked. “Yeah, we traded keys a week or so ago, in case one of us gets locked out.” “Good thinking,” Elise said. “A woman on her own, no family anywhere close by... Who would she go to for help? I’m proud of you, son, for taking her under your wing.” “It’s not quite that simple, Mom. I mean—” “For God sakes, Elise, they’re sleeping together. How can you be so naïve at your age?” “Surely not with my granddaughter around!” “No, Mom, we’re very discreet.” He hurried to Hope’s front door to let the guys in with the tree. “You’d better get that bed set up before the little girl gets here,” Cappy warned. “She’ll need to know where her space is. Did you remember sheets and blankets?” “Got it covered,” Joshua said from the front porch. “It’s starting to snow.” Elise looked up to the lowering clouds. “Oh, how beautiful. The little princess will arrive to a winter wonderland, perfect for Christmas. But we better get the mattress and box springs off the top of the Jeep, my dear.” “That’s too heavy for you. Joshua can help me as soon as the tree is inside. I hope they get up here from Chicago before the roads get bad. They’re calling for six to eight inches.” “I think we should convince Joshua to go pick up Hope from work at lunchtime,” Elise said. “She has no idea any of this is going on. It’s not right. She doesn’t even know that Sylvia went to Chicago.” “For once, you’re right.” Cappy smiled to let her know he was teasing. “She should have a few hours to get used to the idea before she walks in on a crowd of people, only to find she has her daughter back. I agree. It’s not right.” “We could go get her, if we knew where she works.” “We better let Joshua do that. It’s sort of personal, don’t you think?” “What’s personal?” Joshua asked from behind them. “Oh, you scared me. Your father and I think you need to break the news to Hope, so she has a chance to get used to the idea, instead of springing it on her in front of a crowd.” “Good idea. As soon as I get the bed set up, I’ll zip over there.” “We’ll help you move the furniture to make room for the bed.” “The room’s empty. I guess she never had use for it.” “Isn’t that sad,” Elise said, “not to have a reason for a guest bedroom? We need to include her in our family.” “Yeah, well, I plan to work on that.” “Awesome.” She stuck her hand up for a high five. “Don’t worry about Julie. She’s trying to protect you, but she’ll come around.” “Even if she doesn’t, it won’t make a difference. I love Hope.” ~ * ~ “May I help you?” the perky blonde at the front desk asked. “Joshua Michaels to see Hope Hardcastle.” Her eyes widened and she dropped the receiver. Recovering from her clumsiness, she pushed a burgundy covered register toward him so forcefully it narrowly missed his privates. “I didn’t realize Hope worked in such a dangerous place.” She blushed a pretty peach tint. “If you’ll just sign the guest book, I’ll let you know, I mean I’ll let her know she’s here. I mean, I’ll let her know you’re here.” “I know what you mean.” He signed his name with a flare. He wanted them to know he played a significant role in Hope’s life and was tempted to add, Hope’s Lover in the title column. Easy to tell Hope didn’t get many
visitors. That would change. Course, she wouldn’t be working here anymore, if he had a say in the matter. “May I ask, what is the nature of your business?” ”It’s personal.” He smiled, his dimples showing. “Oh, dear! Personal visits are against company policy. I’m sorry.” He smiled again. “Don’t apologize. Just tell whoever asks that I forced myself past you.” The blonde’s mouth dropped open. “I can find her, where?” “Last door on the right,” she stuttered. “Thank you. You might need to bring some boxes so we can pack her belongings.” “Yes, sir!” His presence caused a stir in the general office. He strode down the middle of the room, a long row of cubicles on either side. Employees peeked out around the corners as he passed. He found the last office on the right and knocked once before entering. She did a double-take and mumbled something into the phone before dropping it onto the receiver and standing. “What’s going on?” “Your daughter’s on her way home. Your home. I thought you might want to be there when she arrives.” She literally collapsed in her desk chair. “You might have to bail me out for storming your company’s defenses.” “Oh my God, I don’t believe it.” “I may have gotten you in trouble, barging in the way I did.” “It doesn’t matter. Is Casey really coming here to visit?” “Not visit… live. She’s yours. I shouldn’t be presumptuous, but Blondie at the front desk promised to dig some boxes for your belongings.” “There’s no need. I pack light.” She grabbed her coffee cup, faux-leather briefcase and a coat. “All set.”
Eleven
Hope was trapped inside an emotional whirlwind with no idea how to break the spin. Her precious daughter, whom Hope hadn’t seen in three long years, was on her way home! Questions bounced around inside her brain, threatening to break through her skull with their pressure. What would Casey look like? What did she like to eat? Would she remember Hope? Would she cry for her father? Miss her friends at day care? She wasn’t a baby anymore. Her two-year-old was now five. She’d be able to talk by now, engage in conversation. Would she be headstrong like her dad or complacent like her mother? A happy, out-going child or introverted as Hope had grown up; still was? The activity inside the house didn’t calm her nerves, either. Joshua and his parents worked maniacally to cover every bare surface of Hope’s home with Christmas decorations, candles and artificial poinsettias, fake snowmen and elves. They had a reprieve time-wise because Hope’s father had some last-minute issues to deal with before he could leave the city and snow was playing havoc with the traffic in Illinois and heading north. Joshua’s sister Julie arrived with two boxes of children’s books and toys, a train set and stuffed animals. “I know I was suspicious of your intentions toward my brother. I was out of line and I apologize.” “Don’t apologize for protecting your brother. He’s lucky you care about him.” “Well, I’m sorry. Welcome to the family. He tells me he loves you and I believe him.” She gave Hope a hug, bringing tears to her eyes. It occurred to Hope that she should attempt a reunion with her stepbrothers. She had no idea where they lived. They were probably in college by now, but where? Shame on her for losing touch. She immediately recanted the blame. She’d been manipulated into extreme circumstances by a master of deceit. The fault was not hers. “Where are they? They were supposed to arrive by two,” she complained when Joshua stopped by her vigil at the front window. “Remember, Sylvia said your father had some things at the office that he couldn’t postpone?” “I know, but the waiting is killing me.” “Come see Casey’s bedroom.” Hope glanced longingly out the window one last time before following him up the front steps. He closed the door to show her the mirror mounted there, where his mother had stenciled fairytale princesses and unicorns in white snow spray. He leaned against the wall, watching Hope admire the canopied bed and pastel fairytale characters on the white walls. “It’s incredible how much your family accomplished in such a short time. Don’t let me forget to tell them how much I appreciate this transformation.” “We’re your family now, too. Everybody loves you.” She couldn’t ask. He read her mind. “Yes. Me, too. Come here.” She covered the short distance between them and leaned into him. He splayed out his legs and drew her in close. She felt the bulge in his pants, hooked one leg over his hip and rubbed against his arousal. “I love you, too,” she cried, “and I want you right this minute.” She moved his hand underneath her skirt. “Good lord, you have a garter belt on.” She in turn, unzipped his pants and freed his erection. “Wait, I have a condom in my wallet.” “Shush.” She guided him into her. “I don’t want to wait.” “Are we talking about making love...or having children?” “Both. I lost three years because I was afraid to start living again. I don’t want to waste another day of my life.” “Love, we’ve only known each other a matter of weeks. I don’t want you to regret—” “If I search for the rest of my life, I’ll never find a more perfect love. We’re meant for each other.” He supported her under the rump and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms around his neck, as close as they could be together, and they merged into one. ~ * ~ “They’re here!” Joshua and Hope barely had time to adjust their clothes and check each other’s appearance before tromping down the stairs. Julie had to pick up Paul, Jr. at kindergarten and had left with her two youngest while Joshua and Hope were upstairs. Poor Kimmie was torn between the activities Julie had planned and meeting Casey. She’d finally decided to go with Julie and her cousins. “Who’s that woman with him? See her in the front seat?” Cappy asked as they all peered from the great room window. Martin Hardcastle alighted from the car and walked over to the second new arrival in Hope’s driveway. “That’s Sylvia’s car behind him.” “I’ll bet he brought his housekeeper along to take care of Casey.” Hope sighed. “Where am I going to put her?” “Kimmie can bunk with me and she can have her bed,” Joshua said. “We have a perfectly good guest room,” Elise countered. “The poor woman can have a vacation while she’s here.” Hope purposely gave them a condescending look. “I doubt ‘poor woman’ is appropriate to describe her. Good help commands big bucks where he lives. She probably makes more in a year than I do.” They laughed together. By then, the housekeeper was helping free the child in the back seat. When the woman lifted her out of the car, Hope grabbed her chest. A sob escaped. “My little girl.” Joshua pulled her close. ”It’s okay, she’s here now.” His mother understood. “Go ahead and cry. You deserve it.” She buried her head in Joshua’s mother’s shoulder, knowing that of all of them, she most understood Hope’s emotions. Hope composed herself by the time the newcomers reached the door. “Hello, Father.” To her surprise, Martin hugged her as if he’d found his long-lost daughter. “You look like you’ve been crying. Are you holding up okay?” “I’m fine, now that you’re all here. Father, I’d like to introduce my neighbor, an associate of Sylvia’s, Joshua Michaels.” “At least you picked the right profession,” he commented. “...and his parents, Joshua Michaels, Senior, and Elise.” “It’s an honor to meet you. Call me Cappy,” Joshua’s dad said, offering a hearty handshake. Hope looked to Sylvia, still joined at the shoulder with Hope’s father. Hope raised her eyebrows in a silent, What’s going on? Sylvia shrugged. Not sure yet. We’ll see where it goes. Hope whispered, “Be careful.” Behind him, though, was her father’s housekeeper and Hope offered her hand. “How do you do? I’m Hope Hardcastle. Have you been with my father very long?” Though she listened to the housekeeper’s responses, Hope’s full focus centered on the child next to her. “And this young lady is...” The housekeeper looked on the child with pride. “May I introduce Casey Louise Llewellyn?” Her heart in her throat, Hope bent over to offer her hand. “How do you do, Casey.” “I’m not Casey, I’m Buddy.” “Oh, like Buddy West, the football player?” “You know him?” “Not personally, but you know what, I used to know you.” “Did you know my Daddy?” “Oh sure, we were great friends.” Until he started playing games and decided to get rid of me. It didn’t work though, because you’re mine again. “I’d like to introduce you to some very special people. You met Sylvia, right? And you know that big guy next t
o her.” “That’s my Granddad,” she giggled. “The man next to him is my neighbor and very good friend, Mr. Joshua.” He bent down to shake her hand. “How do you do, Buddy. I have a girl about your age. She’ll be here in a while so you can meet her.” “I don’t like girls.” She made a face to show how yucky she found them. “These are my parents,” Joshua told her. “Mr. Cappy and Ms. Elise.” “Miseries?” the child asked. “Close, sweetheart.” Elise squatted down to child level. “You can call me Ms. Cappy. Would that be easier?” “Yeah,” she agreed, shaking her head heartily. “Have you eaten lunch?” “Yah, but I can use a cookie, if you have one.” “Casey,” the housekeeper warned. “You know better than to ask for food. It’s bad manners. We must wait until we’re offered.” “But what if they don’t offer?” “Then we do without until we get home.” Casey looked around, not finding what she sought. “Can we go home now?” Elise saved the day. “You know, I swear I saw a package of cookies in the pantry today. Chocolate chip, maybe. Do you like chocolate chip?” “They’re my favorite!” “Oh, good. Do you like them with milk?” For the last few minutes, Hope had stayed on the sidelines, swelling with pride at her daughter. She was well-behaved, polite, confident, everything Hope would have attempted to instill in her daughter. The fact that Casey possessed these qualities without Hope’s guidance depressed her. Casey didn’t need her. Joshua seemed to read her mind. “Don’t forget, the love you gave her the first year or two of her life helped to shape her, too.” She turned her face into his broad chest. “I’ve missed so much.” “I know. You were robbed of her childhood, and you can never get that back. You have to let it go and start fresh from here.” “I don’t know if I can. I’m not as strong as you.” “The alternative is to hold on to your bitterness or feel sorry for yourself, but then you’ll miss out of all the joys in your life.” “How did you get so wise?” She could have bitten her tongue. His wife’s losing battle with cancer left its mark on him. He’d dealt with more than his share of heartbreak. ~ * ~ Christmas Eve was upon them. Hope was on a marathon shopping spree, making up for her lack of Christmas for the past three years. She bought gifts for all of Joshua’s family, her father and the housekeeper and Sylvia and her buddies in her office building that she’d gone to the movies with for several years. She filled the car with presents for Casey. Fortunately, the charm bracelet had arrived in the mail a few days ago. Return to sender. Refused. “You’re spoiling her,” everyone cautioned. “I’m making up for lost time,” she countered. Her father assured her that he’d recover her inheritance that Mark embezzled. “I don’t care about the money. I have my precious daughter back, and that’s more important than all the money in the world. “We’ll see about that,” he promised, his voice gruff. Bedtime was always tough. Casey always asked for her father. The night before Christmas Eve, she said, “Is he with Rhonda?” “You know her?” “She pretends she likes me, but when Daddy’s not there, she yells at me.” “Do you misbehave when she’s there?” “She thinks so. She just wants to spend all her time with her girlfriend when Daddy’s away. And she’s jealous because he wants to watch cartoons with me.” “Does she live at Daddy’s house?” “Not all the time. I like it better when she’s away.” “You don’t have to worry about Rhonda anymore. You’re not going back there.” “Is Daddy coming here?” “Honey, he has to be away for a while, but I’ll be here, and grandfather will be close by. You like Sylvia, don’t you? And Joshua and Kimmie? And Cappy and Ms.Cappy? You should have two uncles in Chicago. Do you know them?” “David and Marty?” “Yeah. Remind me to make your Grandfather invite them to visit. Okay, Buddy?” “How do you know them?” “They’re my step-brothers. That means we have the same father, but different mothers.” “Like Rhonda is my mother, but sometime they talk about my mother and it’s not Rhonda because they call her ‘she.’” Hope’s heart pounded a jungle beat. Her daughter knew she had a real mother. Hope prayed that in time, she would accept Hope in that role. “Well, it’s complicated. Someday, we’ll sort it all out.” Would the attorneys be able to get some dirt on Rhonda that would hurt Mark’s defense, especially since Rhonda seemed to live with Mark and Casey? ~ * ~ For Christmas Eve Cappy and Elise Michaels invited the Hardcastle family and their guests to join them for dinner and good cheer in the spacious house overlooking the lake. The table was set for twelve, not counting the new baby. Martin’s housekeeper had returned to Chicago to be with relatives over the holiday. They all gathered in the formal living room for some Christmas cheer before dinner. Hope cleared her throat. “I wonder if you’d mind if I read a story that was a tradition in my youth, and I hope to keep the tradition alive for my family.” “That’s so special,” Julie said. “We should start traditions for our family.” “Well, duh,” Joshua said. “Gathering at Mom and Dad’s on Christmas Eve is a tradition.” “I guess you’re right. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” “Kimmie, Paul Jr., Christopher, Buddy,” Hope said. “Would you all like to sit in front of me so you can see the pretty pictures?” Casey flounced onto an ottoman instead of sitting on the floor. “I’m too old to be Buddy anymore. I want to be Casey again.” The red velvet dress probably was a factor in her decision. “Welcome back, Casey,” most everybody in the room said. “Are you all settled now?” Hope asked. The children nodded. “The story is called The Night Before Christmas.” “I’ve heard this,” Kimmie said. Hope picked up a big book and with the help of a red ribbon, opened to the proper page. She held the book up toward her audience, so they could see the colorful painting, and she began, reading slowly and with great drama, “Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...” The four children were fascinated with the reading. All too soon she came to the closing line, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” The children chanted, “Read it again, read it again!” All except Casey. She stared at the book, her little eyebrows quirked and a frown on her face. “What’s wrong, Casey?” Hope asked. “I remember... my mommy reading a story like this to me a long time ago. She said her mommy read it to her on Christmas Eve when she was little.” “Yes, she did.” “Are…are you my mommy?” “Yes, honey, I am.” Casey climbed onto Hope’s lap, wrapped her arms tight around her mother’s waist, and laid her head over her mother’s heart. “Don’t ever leave me again, okay?” “I promise. I’ll never leave you again.”
Hope For The Holidays Page 7