True to You in Good Hope: A Good Hope Novel Book 15

by Cindy Kirk

  “Heath talked to you?”

  “He called off the engagement. He told me he was offended by Dad’s lack of trust. Said he didn’t want to be part of such a dysfunctional family.”

  “I’m sorry, Sasha.” While Piper wasn’t sorry her sister’s engagement had ended, she was sorry for her pain.

  “I’m sorry, too. Sorry my own sister didn’t care enough about me to tell me my fiancé was a cheater.” Bitterness laced Sasha’s words. “At least Dad cared enough to go the extra mile. But not you.”

  “I wanted to tell you a million times, but I worried you wouldn’t believe me. I knew Heath would deny it, and he can be very convincing.” Piper’s palms turned sweaty. “I worried you wouldn’t believe me and cut me out of your life.”

  “Always about you, isn’t it, Piper? Not one thought about anyone else.” Sasha’s lip curled. “A coward, that’s what you are. A coward who thinks only of herself.”

  Piper couldn’t respond, too stunned to speak.

  “You want to know what I think?” Sasha said. “I think you didn’t tell me when I was in Good Hope because you feared that if I broke up with Heath, you wouldn’t get the money for the dress.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Isn’t it?” Sasha’s voice turned razor-sharp. “Did you ever wonder that the reason I was dragging my feet on the dress might be because I was having second thoughts?”

  “The thought did cross my mind, but you never gave any indication that—”

  “You never asked.”

  “You’re saying this is my fault?” Piper’s voice cracked. She wasn’t sure if it was the headache, but none of this was making sense. Sasha and their mother had decided that she would make the dress, even after she’d resisted. And no one had told Sasha she had to date, much less marry, Piper’s ex.

  Just as she’d anticipated, she’d become the villain in this mess.

  “I’m just thankful Dad cared enough to do the difficult thing.” Sasha’s eyes turned ice-cold. “The wedding is off, so you can forget about the dress. Oh, and the money, too.”

  “Sasha.” Piper fought for calm. “I don’t care about the money. I care about you.”

  “You have a funny way of showing it.” Sasha’s laugh held a sharp edge. “I don’t want your apologies. It’s too little, too late. I want people in my life who truly care about me and have my best interests at heart. Not a coward who hides behind excuses. I’m done with you, Piper.”

  Piper opened her mouth, but the call abruptly ended.

  She stared at the screen, her heart fluttering in her throat. What she’d feared for so long had finally happened. The truth had come out, and she’d lost her sister.

  Anders pulled into the lot behind Swoon. Though he and Piper hadn’t made plans for the evening, she’d been on his mind all day. He’d swung by Bayside Pizza on the drive home, hoping they could enjoy the pie, then spend the rest of the evening together.

  With the enticing aroma of spicy meat and sauce filling the cab of his truck, Anders called Piper. He smiled when she answered on the first ring.

  “Hi, Piper. It’s me. Have you eaten?”

  “Hi, Anders. I’m not hungry.”

  Something in her voice put him on alert. “Is something wrong?”

  She sniffled. “Everything.”

  “Are you at home?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  Anders found the outer door unlocked. He took the steps two at a time.

  Seeing the door to her apartment ajar, he pushed it open.

  Piper stood in the middle of the room, her face a ghostly white, her eyes huge.

  Dropping the pizza box on the counter, Anders crossed to her. “What’s wrong?”

  She flung her arms around his neck and burrowed against him. Relief flooded Anders that whatever was troubling her wasn’t something he’d done that hurt her.

  “It’s over.” The words came out on a sob.

  For a moment, his heart stopped. Not them, he told himself. She wouldn’t be holding him this way if she was talking about their relationship.

  He held her, just held her, stroking his hand up and down her back in an attempt to soothe.

  After a long moment, he stepped back. Wiping her tears away with the pads of his thumbs, he searched her face. “How can I help?”

  She shook her head. “You can’t.”

  Though he wanted to know what had her so upset, he sensed she needed to tell him in her own time, in her own way.

  Taking her hand, he walked to the sofa and pulled her down beside him. They sat there for the longest time, their heartbeats the only sound in the room.

  Finally, Piper cleared her throat. “My sister found out about Heath and now she wants nothing to do with me.”

  Anders pulled his brows together. “I don’t understand. Is it that she doesn’t believe you? Does she think you made it up?”

  Taking a deep breath, Piper relayed the conversation.

  “Piper, she’s just hurt right now.” Anders took her hand. “She’ll come around. She’s your sister.”

  “She thinks I’m a coward. And selfish.”

  “What do you think?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe I am.”

  “Well, I think you’re one of the most giving, loving women I’ve ever met.” He squeezed her hand tight. “You wanted to spare her from any pain.”

  “I did. And I knew she’d blame me in some way. I just never thought it would be because I didn’t tell her. I can see why she’d be upset that I didn’t, but I was stuck in a catch-22. Damned if I did, damned if I didn’t. I mean, what if it was just me that he cheated on?”

  The sadness in her eyes tugged at his heart. “Piper, you didn’t treat this issue cavalierly. It tore at you, and you were constantly trying to figure out how to spare your sister any pain. I know you didn’t ask for my opinion, but I think Heath is the dumbest dumbass on the planet for cheating on an amazing woman like you. He doesn’t deserve you or Sasha.”

  She gave him a faint smile. “Thank you for that.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m not sure how to go forward from this.”

  Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head. “We’ll take it one step at a time.”

  The next morning, Piper decided to take a first step. She set up a meeting with David for that afternoon. It was time to face facts.

  At two o’clock, Piper drove to Millionaire’s Row, a stretch of waterfront where some of the most expensive homes in the area sat far back from the winding road.

  Though she’d told David it was important they meet, he’d tried to put her off until next week. Piper knew things for him—and for her—would only get more hectic the closer they got to Christmas. She’d insisted on getting together as soon as possible.

  He normally didn’t do business at his home, but he’d told her that if she didn’t mind a toddler and a dog being around, they could meet at his house. His wife, Hadley, was at a friend’s house, baking treats for tonight’s Victorian Home Tour.

  Slowing the car, Piper paused for a moment to take in the large 1920s-style home that had been built in recent years to fit in with the other homes in the area. With a multigabled roof, it sat at an angle in a wooded area at the end of a winding drive, facing the waters of Green Bay.

  As it had sounded as if David didn’t expect Hadley back until later, instead of pulling all the way to the back of the home, Piper stopped near the scooped walkway leading to the front door.

  Walking up the steps, she paused at the frantic sound of a dog barking. Knowing David, though, he would have the animal under control before he invited her in.

  She raised her hand to knock, but stopped when the door opened.

  David, casual in jeans and a Packers sweatshirt, smiled. A toddler was perched on his hip. “That didn’t take long. Come in. It’s cold out there.”

  “I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice.” She stepp
ed inside, taking in the open living room anchored by a large, stone fireplace. Off to her right was a gorgeous wooden stairway, the wood gleaming as if freshly polished.

  “Thank you for driving all the way out here.” David jiggled the child in his arms, making the boy laugh. “Carter and I are hanging out today. Brynn is with her mother, helping with the baking.”

  Brynn was their oldest child, likely in middle school by now.

  The second David set the boy down, he ran over to a whole fleet of trucks. Unlike his blond, blue-eyed sister, this child had his father’s dark hair and gray eyes.

  Carter had just plopped himself down on the floor when barking sounded from the other room.

  “Ruckus.” Carter slapped his hands against the floor. “Want Ruckus.”

  Piper cocked her head. “Ruckus is the dog?”

  David grinned. “I bet you can guess how he got his name.”

  “I don’t mind if you let him in here.” Piper smiled. “I like dogs.”

  “He won’t jump on you.” David crossed the room to open a door.

  A large shepherd mix bolted into the room.

  From his spot on the floor, Carter called out and clapped his hands, then laughed uproariously when the force of the dog’s weight knocked him over.

  From his protective spot near the child, Ruckus turned then to study Piper. After looking at David, the dog began to whip his tail back and forth.

  “I’ve got a treat in my pocket, if you’d like to give him one.”

  Piper nodded and, with treat now in hand, crouched down. “I have something for you.”

  Cautiously, the animal moved forward to take the treat, then returned to sit by the boy.

  “He’ll be fine now.” David nodded his approval, then held out his hand. “May I take your coat?”

  Once the garment was hanging on a vintage coat tree near the front door and they’d had a few minutes of small talk, Piper got to the point.

  “When moving Swoon to Wrigley first came up, I had my concerns,” Piper began.

  “I remember.”

  Though David’s full attention appeared focused on her, Piper noticed he kept slanting glances at his son. Thankfully, the boy appeared content to play with his trucks, at least for now.

  “I worried the move would affect my business.” Piper swallowed hard against the lump forming in her throat. “I’m sad to report I was correct.”

  “You haven’t been there for very long,” David commented. “Just a few months. Are you sure you’re giving it a fair shot?”

  “My business had already been slowly decreasing over the past couple of years.” Piper blew out a breath. “The move was simply the final nail in the coffin.”

  David’s dark brows pulled together. “I’m sorry to hear that. We needed to make the renovations on your former block for safety reasons, but I never wanted the change to hurt your business.”

  “I ran the numbers.” Piper clenched her hands together in her lap to still their trembling. “I’m going further into the red each month, and I honestly don’t see things turning around. Maybe two or three years down the road, Wrigley will be a major shopping draw, but right now it’s not. I don’t have the resources to wait it out.”

  “Have you considered another location?”

  “I suppose I could try to relocate to Egg Harbor or another community on the peninsula, but I doubt I could afford the rent. What I was paying prior to the move helped me stay afloat for as long as I did.”

  David leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs, his eyes dark with concern. “What can I do to help you, Piper?”

  “I’m hoping you’ll let me out of my lease as of January first. I realize it’s not much notice, but I’m having trouble coming up with the rent.”

  He winced. “Business is that bad?”

  She nodded and fought unexpected tears. “And getting worse.”

  David’s gray eyes clouded as she paused and took several deep breaths to steady herself.

  Clearing her throat, Piper found herself feeling more in control. “I realize you have every right to hold me to my contract, but I’m hoping—”

  “Actually, we have a potential tenant interested in your space.”

  Piper paused. Blinked. “You do?”

  “Yes. Which is why I will agree to release you from your lease without penalty.”

  Relief rushed through her. “Can I get that in writing?”

  “Email me your intent to vacate, and I’ll respond with a confirmation that there will be no penalty for early termination.” David’s expression remained solemn. “I’m sorry it’s come to this point. Swoon is a wonderful shop that adds a lot to the community.”

  “Thank you for that.”

  “I’m a great believer that when one door shuts, another door opens.” He stood. “I believe there will be even better opportunities for you in the future.”

  Piper slowly got to her feet. He’d given her everything she wanted. She should feel relieved. All she felt was sad.

  Sad that a lifelong dream was now in the dust. Sad that she would need to start preparing for a going-out-of-business sale during what should be one of the happiest times of the year.

  “Who is this prospective tenant?” Piper asked. “Anyone I know?”

  David retrieved her coat. “I can’t say. Just like what you and I discussed today, it’s confidential. It’s up to you to decide who you’ll share your news with.”

  Piper wouldn’t be calling her family, that’s for sure. She would tell Bea and Charlotte. But neither was first on her list.

  Anders would understand how completely devasting it was for her to lose Swoon. He would soothe and comfort and even let her cry on his shoulder if she wanted.

  He would be there for her.

  Just like he’d said he’d be.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  After helping his brother on Thursday afternoon decorate the porch, the carriage house and the wrought-iron fence encircling the property, Anders had assumed Beck and Ami’s home was ready for the Victorian Home Tour the following evening.

  When Beck had informed him Friday would be devoted to the interior, Anders had thought he’d help put up the tree.

  How wrong he’d been. The tree, a large fir that went all the way to the high ceiling, already boasted ornaments and a burnished gold star with a hint of sparkle at the top.

  Beck said putting a star at the top of a tree was a tradition started by him and Ami the first year they were together. His brother had gotten this goofy look on his face, telling Anders the star held special significance, though he didn’t elaborate.

  Even with the tree already decorated, there were plenty of little touches to add. One of Anders’s first tasks was winding garland around the banister, which was easy considering the recent practice he’d had with the porch railing.

  Finally, he moved on to his final assignment—filling a basket designed to hold firewood with an assortment of oversized glittery ornaments that Ami had selected. The vibrant reds and golds, along with some sparkly tree branches that added dimension, certainly drew one’s eye.

  Ami had texted Beck she was on her way home with dozens of Christmas cookies she and Hadley, along with niece Brynn, had baked that day at the bake shop.

  “Anything else you need help with?” Anders asked, eager to get home to Piper.

  Beck thought for a moment, then shook his head. “I believe the only thing left is wrapping each cookie in cellophane and ribbon.”

  At Anders’s questioning look, Beck added, “The cookies are gifts for everyone who tours the home.”

  Anders could only imagine how long it would take to wrap that many cookies. “I can help—”

  “Steve and Lynn are watching the children. Ami and I are going to make an evening of it. Just the two of us.”

  Beck didn’t need to paint him any more of a picture. It was clear his brother had more than gift-wrapping cookies on tonight’s agenda. Three would definitely be a crowd.
r />   Beck slapped him on the back as he walked Anders to the door. “I appreciate your help both yesterday and today.”

  “I never realized how enjoyable decorating for the holidays could be.” Anders made a sweeping motion with one hand. “The designers always took care of the tree and decorations at home.”

  “Mom and Dad’s lifestyle works for them.” Beck smiled. “This works for us.”

  Beck’s words circled in Anders’s mind on the drive home. His brother was right. Their parents were both busy professionals who loved their careers. Anders had no doubt that if things had been different, Beck’s lifestyle with Lisette would have followed that same path.

  It was strange, he thought, how life’s detours could propel you in a different direction than you had planned. Heck, if not for the wake-up call he’d received, he might still be in New York working a bajillion hours a week and having only a superficial private life.

  Instead, he was here in the same town as his brother and planning a new career that would be a perfect fit. Would he have even considered the possibility of opening an outfitter enterprise without all that had happened in the past five years?

  Possibly not.

  Probably not, he amended.

  More important, all these changes had brought him to Piper.

  She was the greatest gift of all.

  “I went to see David today.” Piper sat across from Anders at her tiny dinette table, the pizza he’d picked up yesterday on the table between them.

  “You did?” Anders looked up from the slice he’d been saturating with red pepper flakes. “Why?”

  “I asked him to release me from my Swoon lease.”

  “You’re going to do it?” His voice turned as soft as his eyes. “You’re really going to close Swoon?”

  “I can’t keep it going.” Piper tried for matter-of-fact, but the quiver in her voice betrayed her. “With sales as bad as they’ve been since I relocated, I wouldn’t even be able to make my rent for January.”

  “I can lend you some money to tide you over.” He offered an encouraging smile, though his eyes remained solemn.