“Aw, Han,” he said, his voice now more a hushed whisper. He tilted her face to his. “You should have told me.”
She nodded, eyes swimming again at the love and concern clear on his face. “I didn’t say anything because they made no sense to me. I love being with you, and I love being with Jake. I just figured it was some kind throwback to dealing with losing Liam—though it didn’t feel like that. I wasn’t sad; being with you both didn’t trigger that grief. If anything, being with you and Jake made everything better. I knew what I wanted, and I honestly thought it would get better, sort itself out, but it didn’t.”
“If you don’t or can’t be with us—we understand. Today, seeing Jake get hurt, must have been pure hell for you. I’m so glad you were there to help him, but I hate that you had to be there, to see that, deal with it.”
“I’m glad I was there for him,” Hannah told him. “And I do want to be with you. I love being with you both, want to be with you both. But something was really messing with me when I thought about us spending time all together, and I couldn’t understand why. I even called the therapist who helped me after the accident, but she’d retired and closed her practice. The only reason I’m telling you this now, all of it, is that I want you to know, I was determined to fix it, Will. I wasn’t giving up, not on you, or Jake, or us. I was going to figure it out.” She looked up at him. “And then today, out in that storm, I did.”
His worry ebbed and what she saw take its place thrilled her right down to her toes.
“I’m glad we’re worth fighting for,” he told her, “because we weren’t going to let you go without a fight either. That’s what that picnic was about. I should have said something to you sooner, offered to help you, but I was afraid I was borrowing trouble. We definitely don’t need to be doing that again, either.”
“Agreed,” she said, and drew in a shaky breath. “We see something, we say something.”
“Deal.” He brushed his thumb over her lip, gently soothed the bruised skin on her cheek, and looked deeply into her eyes, letting her see the truth of his words before he spoke them. “I love you, Hannah Montgomery. With all of my banged-up heart. You came into my life, our life, and gave mine back to me.”
Her eyes filled and so did her heart. “Good thing,” she said, “because what I figured out today, what I told Jake, was that it wasn’t that I was afraid of being in a family with you. I’ve always known that. I want that.” She looked into his eyes, wanting—needing—him to believe she understood now, that she was okay now. “When I saw that tree come down today, when I thought I might lose him—” She broke off, shook her head. “I realized that what that thing inside me was fighting so hard against, wasn’t finding a new family, but putting myself in the position to lose one.”
“Aw, honey,” he said, and there was a sheen covering his eyes then, too, as he hurt for her, for how hard she’d had to fight.
“The thing is,” Hannah said, “I knew the moment I thought I might lose Jake that it was already far too late to save myself from risking my love.” She reached up and cupped his cheek now. “I’ve already gone all in, Will. You both are already so very dear to me. I would have moved heaven and earth to get to Jake today, done whatever it took. And that’s all we can do, all we can be. We fight for the ones we love and pray like hell nothing bad happens to them. But I can’t—won’t—deprive myself of all the good there is in loving you, loving Jake, and being loved by you, just because I might lose it. Lose you. That’s a risk I will take. Every single day. Because I do love you, Wilson McCall, with every part of me. And I love your son.” She grinned through her tears. “So, I really hope you’re good with that, because I’m pretty sure you’re stuck with me.”
Hannah pulled his head down to kiss him, but he was already meeting her halfway. And wasn’t that really what love was all about?
“Finally.”
Hannah and Will broke their kiss to find Bailey standing by the half-open curtain, a very satisfied look on her face.
“Jake wants to see you,” she said. “Both of you.” Then she turned and was off without giving them a chance to reply.
Will looked at Hannah. “You ready for this?”
Hannah smiled up at him. “As I’ll ever be.”
They wound their way through to Jake’s curtained off cubicle on the other side of the ER. Bailey and Addie were nowhere to be seen now. The moment Will pulled back the curtain, Hannah immediately went to Jake’s side without hesitation. The only anxiety she felt was for the condition he was in. Will hadn’t been kidding about him being banged up.
From the look on Jake’s face, he was thinking the same of her.
“We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?”
Jake nodded, but his expression was more tentative. “Are you okay? I asked the EMTs about you, but they didn’t tell me anything. They said I could see when I got here. But then we had to run like a million tests.”
“I’m fine, just a little scratched up.”
Jake looked from her to his dad. “Did you guys talk?” he asked, keeping his voice low, directing the question only to Hannah.
Hannah realized he was worried that maybe what she’d told him out in the field had not come to fruition. “We did,” she said. “I’m really happy to report that he’s on board with me hanging out with the two of you. Which is good, because it might have felt kind of awkward with me showing up at your house just to see you if he didn’t.”
Jake’s face split into a wide grin, even as he winced and reached up to touch the cut on the side of his head.
She leaned down to inspect it. It didn’t look nearly as bad as it had in the middle of that hell storm. “Looks like they did a pretty good job of cleaning it up.” She glanced down at Jake, then leaned in and pressed a kiss next to it. She smiled at him and winked. “But now you’re the rest of the way good to go.”
“More of that mom magic power?” he asked.
“Don’t you know it. I’ve got loads stored up, so prepare to be embarrassed frequently.”
He groaned at that, but Hannah saw the secret thrill in his eyes and felt a rush of love that she’d only ever felt for one other person. It was scary, yes. Petrifying really, but she’d take on that and more just like it if it meant she got to have that kind of love in her life again.
She felt Will step behind her and slide his arms around her waist. He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck. “Is this a private party, or can dads join in?”
Hannah glanced back at him. “I think we can safely say, finally, that sometimes three really is the perfect size crowd.”
They were laughing at that and Hannah was thinking she’d never felt so wrapped up in love at any other point in life than she did right at that moment. Then the curtain parted again and one of the EMTs from the medivac helicopter stepped in. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said. She pulled something out of her pocket and handed it to Jake. “I know it’s probably beyond saving, but I thought you’d want it back.”
Jake held up his phone. The case and the phone were not only smashed, but kind of twisted in an odd angle.
“Doc said that phone was what kept your hip from being broken.” She nodded toward it. “That shape probably matches a pretty hefty contusion you’ll be sporting for a few weeks.”
“Thanks,” Jake told her, motioning with the phone.
She smiled. “You three take care,” she said, and ducked back out.
Hannah and Will turned from the departing EMT to look at Jake, who was turning his phone back and forth, looking at it in a mix of disappointment and amazement. He lifted up the fresh T-shirt Bailey had brought for him and edged down the waistband of the shorts she’d brought him, too, sucking in his breath as the fabric scraped over a rather spectacular mark that was already turning a deep shade of purple. He positioned his phone above it. “Well, what do you know,” he said.
It was a perfect match.
“So,” Will said, “I guess that’s what they mean by ‘saved by the bell�
�?”
Jake and Hannah looked at each other, then they both turned and each gave Will a pitying shake of the head.
Then the three of them looked at one another and burst into laughter, cuts, contusions, phone-shaped bruises, and all.
That was the moment Hannah knew the McCalls had just become an unbreakable tribe of three.
Actually, four. Hannah stepped back as Will and Jake started talking phone upgrades and whether or not they should mount the twisted phone on a base and call it modern art. Hannah listened to their manly chatter, punctuated by laughter, and took a moment for herself. She closed her eyes and drew in, then let out a deep, cleansing breath. No panic attacks. No crying jags. She allowed herself a slow, satisfied grin. She’d met this most recent life test, and she’d kicked its ass. Of course, she was pretty sure she’d had a little help.
She curled her hand against her heart and pressed it there. I know you were looking out for us today, Liam. Now you’ll have all three of us looking out for you.
She opened her eyes to find Will’s gaze, looking right into hers. He nodded, as if he knew, and she didn’t doubt for a moment that he absolutely did.
Look what you got, Hannah thought, and knew they were worth any risk.
Epilogue
Will’s palms were sweating, and he couldn’t seem to make them stop. He’d be worthless up there if he didn’t get his nerves under control.
Hannah lifted up on her toes and kissed his cheek, then when that didn’t work, she took his face in her hands and kissed him soundly on the mouth. “You got this,” she told him, then held his gaze until he nodded. “I’m going to hustle out of here now so I can get to my seat in time to see everything.”
“I should have told him,” Will said, certain now, after all his hard work to keep his big secret, that it was exactly the wrong thing to do.
“Jake surprised you a year ago, with his fiddle-playing prowess, and his beautiful voice.” Hannah grinned. “I’d say this is a perfect full circle. He will be on the moon.”
Will nodded, nerves seriously trying to eat him alive. “Won’t be much of a surprise if I can’t keep my hands from sweating.”
She took them both and held them in her own. “You’ve been practicing for ages now. Like you even needed to,” she added dryly. “’Have you heard yourself? You’re amazing.”
That got a chuckle out of him. “You might be a little biased.”
Hannah was undeterred. “And Jake is amazing. Where do you think he got those chops? Get out there and show him how it’s done.” She gave him one last deep, soul-searing kiss, then scooted out from behind the curtain they’d put up off to the side to keep Will hidden, and made her way to her seat. Will knew exactly where it was, exactly where to look, in case he found himself in need of a little emotional support.
He paced the small space, wanting time both to speed up and slow the heck down. He wanted to get it over with. He wasn’t ready to go out there. Get a grip, man. The rest of the musicians onstage not only knew what was going on, they’d been rehearsing in private every chance they got. Usually when Jake had been up at Addie’s or out at Lavender Blue with Hannah.
I’m so proud of you I could burst.
Will went stock-still, dipped his chin, then closed his eyes. I’m doing it for Jake, he told her. He deserves me at least trying. He opened his eyes, wiped away the moisture that had gathered at the corners. Then he smiled, and the smile spread to a grin. “I mean, look at what he’s done, Zoe. Our son. I’ve got a lot to live up to.”
I never doubted you would.
Will’s palms still weren’t dry when he heard Pippa take the stage to announce to the festival crowd that they had someone who wanted to join the group onstage. “Why don’t you come on out here and show these boys, and this girl, how it’s really done,” she said, and the crowd roared in delight.
Will picked up his fiddle, the one he’d made for himself, under his grandfather’s tutelage when he’d been barely older than his son was right now. Then he picked up the case holding the one he’d made for that very same son. “Just don’t make a fool out of yourself,” he muttered under his breath.
Then he stepped out from behind the curtain, and the crowd erupted in wild cheers so loud Will almost had to take a step back. His gaze registered the shock on Jake’s face first, then Will shifted it to the third row, dead center, and found her, blinding stage lighting and all. Hannah’s happy, pretty face. He nodded to her, then caught Jake up against him when his son wrapped him in a hug so tight, he thought he might have bruised a rib. He’d take one of those, every single day. “Here,” he said, handing the case to Jake. “Bailey mentioned something about you needing a new instrument. I hope this is a good fit.”
Jake’s mouth fell open and he just stared at the case, then up at Will. “Dad,” he said, clearly at a complete loss as to how to handle the moment.
“Well, open it up and let’s take her out for a spin. Pippa tuned it for you, just like the one you’ve been playing.” He smiled. “You might like the sound this one makes a little bit better though.”
Jake open the case and his eyes went round as saucers. He looked down at the fiddle, which was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship with Jake’s own name worked into the swirl of the wood, then wrapped his father in another tight hug. Will held on just as tightly as the crowd cheered, clapped, and whistled in thundering delight.
Every nerve-wracked moment, every sleepless night spent wondering if he had lost his damn fool mind, thinking he could, or even should, try to pull off something like this after all those years. All of those fears were put to rest in that one priceless hug.
Jake’s eyes were shining wet when he looked up at his dad, his grin so wide Will thought it would split his handsome face in two. Will might have been sporting one to match.
“You might have to take it easy on me,” Will told him. “I’m a little rusty.”
Pippa, who was wiping away a few happy tears of her own, shifted so Will could take the spot next to Jake. Then she nodded to the other players behind them and lifted her own fiddle. The bass player started them off, then Pippa nodded to Will, who looked at Jake. “You ready?”
In answer, Jake put the bow to the strings, grinning like mad, and started right in. Will joined him, while Pippa leaned in and sang into the mic, a song she’d written about fathers and sons, about redemption and love.
Pippa smiled at Hannah, too, including her in the moment.
And Hannah, who was surrounded by Chey, Avery, Vivi, Bailey, and Addie Pearl, led the savvy sextet in a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and—thanks to Chey—wolf-whistling cheering section as they all rooted on Hannah’s tribe.
Holiday treats abound when Donna Kauffman and
Kate Angell get together for Halloween in
THE BAKESHOP AT PUMPKIN AND SPICE.
Please read on for an excerpt from
Donna’s delightful novella,
“Sweet Magic.”
All Hallows’ Eve was fast approaching and Abriana and her grandmother were hard at work creating Bellaluna’s Bakeshop’s trademark special treats for their favorite magical, mystical holiday season. The Bellaluna women were known to be somewhat . . . special themselves. A visit to their shop, nestled in the little town of Moonbright, Maine, was guaranteed to cure any craving your sweet tooth might have. But there was a chance that one of their special treats could cure any craving your heart might have as well.
Abriana Bellaluna—Bree to everyone except her Grandma Sophia—loved this time of year most. The harvest season was ending, the leaves on the trees were turning into a rainbow of beautiful colors, swirling in the air like party confetti, celebrating the holiday season ahead. The temperatures dipped, the sounds of logs being split echoed in the crisp morning air, and smoke wafted from chimney tops, scenting the air as fireplaces warmed the hearths of their cozy little village. Sweaters were pulled out of storage, gloves were fished out of coat closets, and Bree could feel the excitement begin to bui
ld as everyone’s thoughts turned toward their very favorite time of year.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, then Valentine’s Day, each one a festive time, filled with traditions and joy, kept things bustling for the Bellaluna’s family-owned bakeshop. But for the residents of Moonbright, none was as festive and eagerly anticipated as the holiday that launched the season, Halloween.
There were parties, contests, not to mention the trick-or-treating. But one of the most anticipated events, and what drew so many outsiders to their little coastal town, was the grand Halloween parade.
Every man, woman, and child—and a fair number of their household pets to boot—dressed up in costumes that ranged from handmade creations by the very youngest, to elaborate concoctions that looked like something from a Hollywood movie set, and joined in the parade. Floats were made, and cars, fire trucks, along with a few tractors were decked out as well. The whole town got in on the fun. The parade grew as it progressed, like a giant, costume-festooned conga line winding through the streets. Music filled the air from the high school marching band and those who brought along their instruments and played as they strolled. Impromptu sing-alongs happened on every corner, and the shops that lined the main street through town stayed open until the wee hours, offering treats and specials to everyone who caravanned by.
Even though she’d always been inside the shop working on the actual holiday, looking out at the passing parade as she handed out treats and rang up sales, Bree looked forward to that night all year long. She loved the sense of community, of everyone she’d known her entire life coming together on one night to celebrate, sing, laugh, and have a good time. It was a no-pressure holiday. No gifts needed buying, no family ties needed testing. It was simply a night to play dress up, enjoy a few sweets, and sing and dance.
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