Season of Hope

by Lisa Jordan

Perhaps Dad was right.

  Maybe God had allowed things to happen the way they did to bring them back together. And maybe it was time to step out in faith and lay it all on the line.

  What if she didn’t feel the same way?

  What if he’d been misreading her?

  What if he was setting himself up for more heartache?

  What if he let fear hold him back and lost the only woman he’d ever loved...again?

  Or what if he risked it all and got everything he’d been wanting for so long?

  A quiet knock sounded on his door.

  He strode barefoot across the room, quickly making work of the last buttons on his shirt, and opened the door to find Tori standing in the doorway wearing a bright pink sleeveless dress that brushed the tops of her knees and matching sandals with sparkly stones that added a couple of inches to her height. Her hair had been gathered in a side ponytail of curls that fell in front of her left shoulder. Cream and pink flowers had been pinned in her hair, the petals brushing her jaw.

  He swallowed...more like gulped. “You look...amazing.”

  A blush brightened her cheeks. “Thank you. You look dashing yourself.”

  Jake glanced down at his untucked shirt opened at the throat and bare feet. “I’m not quite ready.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Her eyes roamed the length of him, then she gave him a coy smile. “You still look good. Sorry to interrupt but I need your help stashing my wedding present for Chuck and Claudia.”

  “Sure, give me a minute to put on my socks and shoes, and I’ll give you a hand.”

  “No need.” Tori turned away from the door and beckoned.

  Jake grabbed his dress socks he’d tossed on his unmade bed. Then pulled the comforter up to the pillows in some semblance of order.

  “Hey, big brother.”

  Jake’s heart stuttered.

  That voice...

  He whipped around to find Evan...and Micah standing inside his bedroom.

  His socks fell from his fingers. “What? How...?”

  He walked toward them slowly and stretched out a hand, almost afraid to touch them for fear their presence wouldn’t be real.

  Evan snagged his hand and jerked Jake to him, wrapping him in a tight one-armed hug.

  Jake’s heart picked up speed as his chest shuddered. He squeezed his eyes against the rush of tears and tried to swallow past the knot in his throat. He wrapped an arm around Micah’s neck and pulled his baby brother into a hug.

  Over their shoulders, his damp eyes tangled with Tori’s. He mouthed, “Thank you.”

  She smiled, blew him a flirty kiss, then brushed away her own stray tear as she backed out of the room and closed the door.

  He released his brothers and rubbed his eyes.

  “Getting soft on us, bro?”

  “Allergy season. What are you doing here? I mean, how did you get here? How did Tori pull this off?”

  “She’s one amazing girl.” Evan, never one to sit still, prowled around Jake’s room. He grabbed a quarter from the mug of change Jake kept on his dresser and rolled the coin between his fingers. “She called a few weeks ago and asked for my help in reaching out to Micah.”

  “I just talked to you the other day. You didn’t mention it.”

  “She asked me not to. Said she wanted to surprise you, too. And she didn’t want to let you down again if it didn’t work out. Interesting choice of words, if you ask me. She’s the one you talked about, isn’t she?”

  Jake glanced at the time and snapped his dress watch on his wrist, then tucked in his shirt. “Yes, she’s the one.”

  “She’s hot.”

  “Back off.” Jake shot Evan a dirty look as he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on his socks.

  Evan held up his hands. “No worries. I don’t take what’s not mine.”

  Jake shoved his feet in his dress shoes, tied them quickly, then looked at Micah, who hadn’t said a word since entering his room. He stayed close to the door with his back pressed against the frame. His right sleeve hung limply at his side.

  Etched lines had aged him, chasing away the boyish looks. His long hair had been cut but his dark beard couldn’t disguise the puckered scarring on the right side of his face.

  “Micah, it’s good to see you, man. So good.”

  “Yeah, you, too.”

  More than anything Jake wanted to rewind time and go back to that night he’d fought with his brother, calling him irresponsible and reckless. “Listen...” His words trailed off. How did he even begin to apologize?

  “Yeah, me, too.”

  “We good?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  Someone rapped on the door, causing Micah to jump away from the frame. His eyes darted around the room as he crouched and raised his left hand into a fist.

  Evan rested a hand on Micah’s shoulder. “Relax, man. You’re safe. It’s just someone at the door.”

  Micah’s face blazed as he pushed to his feet.

  Jake opened the door and found Tori again. “Chuck and Claudia are waiting in the living room wearing blindfolds. I said their surprise was too big for me to carry so I needed Jake’s help.”

  “Where’s Tuck? Does he know they’re here?”

  She nodded. “He picked them up from the airport last night. They stayed at my place.”

  “They were just down the road?”

  “Don’t be mad. Their flights were delayed so they got in late.”

  Jake traced the frame of her face and smiled down at her. “I’m not mad.”

  She reached for his hand and squeezed. “Good. Let’s get on with the surprise so Aunt C can finish getting ready. I have a feeling she’s going to need to repair her makeup.”

  He followed Evan and Micah out of the room and reached for Tori’s hand. “I know you did this for Dad and Claudia, and two little words seem so insignificant, but thank you. I don’t know how you pulled this off, but I will never forget this.”

  Tori’s smile widened. “Maybe we can find a quiet moment later to, you know, talk? Then I can tell you all about it.”

  He threaded his fingers through hers. “I’d like that. There are some things I need to say.”

  As she walked beside him down the hall, her small hand enveloped in his, Jake realized Dad’s life wasn’t the only one changing today.

  Tori had done the impossible—bringing his family back together. He couldn’t ever repay her for such an incredible gift, but he could start by offering her a second chance at a new future together.

  Dad was right—he needed to take charge of his own happiness, and that was going to happen today.

  * * *

  Tori wanted nothing more than to grab a pink lemonade cupcake, refill her coffee and find a quiet corner where she could catch her breath.

  Scratch that. She wanted to close her eyes for a few minutes, then she’d eat her cupcake and drink her coffee in peace.

  But that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.

  So she’d settle for grabbing a cupcake and finding a quiet spot to enjoy it.

  Around her, music and laughter flowed like iced tea on a hot summer’s day. The scent of barbecue drifted down the table from where the catering staff was taking care of the leftovers.

  The wedding had been beautiful. Both of Claudia’s sons had walked her down the aisle between rows of white chairs to where Chuck stood under the arch of apple tree branches. Tori, Claudia’s two daughters-in-law and Annabeth, all wearing different shades of pink, stood beside her as bridesmaids while Jake, Tucker, Evan and Micah stood with their dad. Olivia and Landon stole the show as flower girl and ring bearer as they elbowed each other to be the first ones down the aisle.

  While Chuck and Claudia said their vows, Tori’s gaze tangled with Jake’s as she remembered reciting similar ones to him. Did
he remember their tiny wedding at that little chapel nestled in the vineyard with the stained glass windows where they’d promised to love and cherish for as long as they both lived?

  The country band Claudia and Chuck had chosen broke into a well-known line dance number, jerking her away from the memory. Ladies dressed in sundresses and skirts kicked off their heels and lined up next to men in jeans and dress shirts. They stomped, clapped and moved their feet in unison with a lot more rhythm and coordination than she had.

  Tucker and Evan danced on each side of Claudia while Micah reclined next to Chuck, watching them. Annabeth stood on the tops of Jake’s feet as he held her tiny hands and danced in slow circles. She grinned up at him, and the look of love on his face about melted Tori’s heart. He lifted her in his arms, and she pressed a kiss to his cheek, then rested her head on his shoulder. Jake caught her eye and a slow smile spread across his face. Once the song ended, Annabeth twisted out of his arms and ran off to catch up with Olivia and Landon.

  Jake refilled his iced tea, then wandered over to her. He rested a hand on the back of her chair. “Have I thanked you for what you’ve done for Dad and Claudia today?”

  “About a dozen times.”

  “Let’s make it a dozen and one, then. Thanks again for what you’ve done to bring our family back together. And for this party. If the fund-raiser is even a quarter good as this, then we’re golden.”

  She lifted her chin, pulled up her shoulders and shot him a knowing look. About time he realized her abilities. “They’re two different events. This is a celebration. The other is to raise awareness and to gain donors to partner with your program.”

  “Even so, it’s all happening because of you. You make things happen. It’s your superpower.”

  “Does that mean I get a cape and some sort of high-tech signal to flash in the sky when my services are needed?”

  “Some of the best superheroes don’t wear capes. When people tell me what a great party this is, I’ve been singing your praises.”

  “That’s so sweet. I don’t know what to say except thank you.”

  “Once the fund-raiser is over, I can pretty much guarantee your business calendar will be booked.”

  Tori looked away. She needed to tell him about Sophie’s offer and the numerous texts that followed. But not now. Not here. And not today.

  Today was about celebrating family.

  So when?

  She toyed with the fluted wrapper on the cupcake. Her decision depended on many things. Even though she was still living out of boxes, she had a house of her own that she loved. Annabeth had a yard where she could run and play. She loved being close to her aunt. And then there was Jake.

  “Hey, you okay?” Jake bumped her shoulder lightly with his.

  “What?” She looked up at him.

  “I’ve been talking and realized you weren’t paying attention. Are you feeling okay?” The look of concern on his face nearly had her spilling everything.

  She smothered a yawn she didn’t have to fake and waved away his words. “A little tired but I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

  Jake shoved his hands in his pockets and kicked at the grass with the toe of his dress shoe. A frown lined his forehead, then he looked at her. “I know this isn’t the best time or the right place, Tori, but the more I’m around you, the more I like worrying about you. I want to worry about you. Know what I’m saying?”

  Tori’s heart quickened. She didn’t want to assume, but was Jake saying what she’d been waiting to hear?

  She glanced down at the somewhat mangled cupcake in her hands. Pink frosting clung to her fingers. She set the dessert on the table and reached for a napkin.

  “By your silence, I’m guessing you don’t.” A scowl laced his face as he downed the rest of his drink.

  She focused on her sticky fingers and shook her head. “No, it’s not that. You just caught me off guard. We do need to talk. I have things I need to say but today’s not the time. Focus on your family. I’m not going anywhere.”

  A grin replaced his scowl. He leaned over and wrapped his arms around her.

  She clung to his broad shoulders, soaking in the security of his embrace, and breathed in the scent of his soap.

  Jake brushed his lips over her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “Dance with me.”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice. He took her hand, guided her through the maze of tables and pulled her into his arms. They fit together perfectly, as if the pairing had been decided long before either of them had been born.

  As he drew her closer, she rested her cheek against his chest, his heartbeat a steady sound in her ear. His chin grazed the top of her head as they danced to a country ballad about eyes meeting.

  Jake lowered his head and sang along, his voice for her ears only.

  Closing her eyes, she breathed a sigh and committed to memory every move, every sound, every nuance that would remind her of this unforgettable moment.

  The song ended but Jake was slow to release her. She turned her face up to look at him. He traced a finger down her cheekbone and across her jaw. He brushed a gentle kiss across her lips. Then he pulled her closer to his chest. “We need to talk. And soon. Lady, you’re driving me crazy.”

  In a good way, she hoped.

  Tears pricked her eyes. Finally, things were beginning to fall into place.

  So why was she feeling so unsettled?

  Chapter Thirteen

  It couldn’t be morning already.

  Seemed like Tori had just crawled into bed.

  Stifling a groan, she squinted against the light streaming through the crack in the curtains and buried her head under her pillow. She patted her nightstand for her phone to check the time.

  9:00 a.m.!

  She’d slept way later than expected. They were going to be late for church.

  Where was Annabeth?

  Why hadn’t she woken her? Or Poppy, needing to go outside?

  Tori tossed the summer quilt aside as a crash sounded from the kitchen followed by an “Oh, no!”

  She grabbed her phone and hurried out of her room. She rushed down the stairs and into the kitchen to find Annabeth wearing her Peppa Pig pajamas and standing in a growing puddle of milk with Poppy beside her lapping the milk quickly before it could be cleaned up.

  Annabeth looked at her with wide eyes brimming with tears. “Sorry, Aunt Tori. I wanted to make you breaffast. I dropped the milk.”

  Tori scooped her up and set her on the stool at the breakfast bar. “You sit here and I’ll clean up the mess.”

  “Am I in time-out?”

  “What? No, honey. I just want to clean up the milk so you don’t slip and fall. I’d feel sad if you got hurt.” She picked up the leaking jug and set it in the sink. Then she grabbed several dish towels to mop up the liquid.

  As she dropped dripping towels in the sink, the doorbell rang, sending Poppy into a barking fit. Milky footprints stamped the floor as the dog raced across the room and headed for the door. Her phone chimed from the breakfast bar.

  Tori ignored it and dried her hands on the way to the door. Poppy danced around her feet, nearly tripping her. She whipped it open to find Jake standing on her welcome mat. Dressed in a light blue untucked button-down shirt, gray shorts and black leather flip-flops, he held a bouquet of white daisies with baby’s breath wrapped in yellow tissue paper and a Cuppa Josie’s bag.

  Poppy jumped up on his legs, begging for attention.

  “Hey.” She ran a hand over her tangled mess of hair and tried to use the door to shield the fact she was still in pajama pants and a tank top.

  Jake grinned and held up the bag. “Good morning. I brought you something. And stopped to see if you wanted to ride to church with me.”

  “What is it?” Her mouth watered as she smelled cinnamon and sugar.

 
“Let me in, and I’ll tell you.”

  “Oh, yeah, sorry. It’s just a little crazy at the moment. My brain is like applesauce this morning. Not the sweet kind, but the mushy, left-out-on-the-counter-resembling-a-science-project kind.”

  And now she was babbling like an idiot.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yes. Mostly. I overslept. Annabeth tried to fix me breakfast and spilled the milk. I was cleaning that up and trying to keep Poppy out of it when my phone rang the same time you came to the door, which sent Poppy into a barking spasm.” She scooped up her dog and opened the door wider, waving for him to enter. “Welcome to the chaos.”

  As they headed to the kitchen, she could hear talking and found Annabeth with Tori’s phone pressed to her ear.

  “Who are you talking to, honey?”

  “Mommy.” She grinned, exposing the vacant area where her tooth had been.

  Kendra must’ve been the one who called while Tori hurried to answer the door. “May I talk to Mommy, please?”

  Annabeth held up a finger—something she’d seen Tori do many times.

  Tori turned on her Keurig and pulled two white mugs out of the cabinet. “Want some coffee?”

  “Sure, they’ll go great with the cinnamon rolls I brought.” He leaned on the counter and glanced at her, then jerked his gaze away.

  She looked down to find her shirt had ridden up, exposing a couple of inches of her waist. She set the cups on the counter. “Excuse me a minute.”

  She hurried to her room, exchanging her pajamas for a red-and-white-striped T-shirt dress, and yanked a brush through her hair before pulling it back into a ponytail. With no time for makeup, it would have to do.

  She reentered the kitchen to find Jake mopping the drying puddle of milk by the fridge. He’d placed the flowers in a drinking glass filled with water. Annabeth walked slowly across the room and held the phone out to Tori. Her bottom lip puffed out. “Mommy wants to say hi.”

  Tori took the phone and gave a quick hug to Annabeth, who always hated saying goodbye when Kendra called—not that Tori could blame her. “Hey, you. What’s up?”

  “I have only a couple of minutes left to talk. I was getting worried when you didn’t answer my other calls.”