Not Until Forever (Hope Springs Book 1)

by Valerie M. Bodden

  He’d always assumed that when he got to the point of dealing with screaming children, it’d be with Sophie at his side as they made their own family memories. But if she was going to be taking care of kids with anyone, it was with Mr. BMW.

  What about Emma? She took care of baby horses all the time. Maybe she’d know what to do with baby humans, too.

  He sent her a quick, desperate text.

  A few seconds later, she texted him back. Try this. Helps me sleep.

  There was a link attached. Spencer clicked it, and it took him to a video. Relaxing Horse Galloping Sound Effects.

  Spencer stared at it, then shrugged and hit play. He was willing to try anything at this point.

  It took the boys a few seconds to notice the sounds of horse hooves and waves, but as they did, they quieted to listen.

  Spencer turned up the volume on his phone a notch.

  The boys yawned and rubbed their eyes.

  Ten minutes later, both laid down.

  Spencer closed his own eyes, letting the sound of their soft breathing mingle with the horse hoofbeats.

  Maybe this was what peace felt like.

  “Finally,” Chase breathed into Sophie’s ear as they entered Alessandro’s. “Somewhere civilized.”

  Sophie’s hands clenched. Only a few more hours.

  Then she could go to bed. And escape Chase. At least until morning.

  She caught herself before she groaned out loud.

  Whatever it was about him that had appealed to her in Chicago had lost its luster in her hometown. There, he seemed confident and in control. Here, it was more like pompous and overbearing.

  Earlier, when she’d rejoined him at the pier after her visit with Nana, he’d lunged at her in relief, as if she’d abandoned him in the wild for days.

  “Glad that’s over with.” He’d given her his deprecating smile. “You would not believe how many little brats have taken over this pier in the past hour.”

  Sophie hadn’t bothered to point out that it had only been half an hour. That she’d cut her time with Nana short because she’d known he’d be getting impatient.

  It had been too early for their reservation, though, so she’d driven him to see the sights the peninsula was known for—the farmer’s market, the giant sunfish statue, the Old Lighthouse. His reaction to each had been the same: indifference.

  Finally, she’d given up and they’d come to Alessandro’s early. At least Chase would be content waiting here. In his element.

  The maître d’ took their name and ushered them to an elegant lounge with high chandeliers and plush carpeting to wait.

  “I’ll get us some drinks.” Chase disappeared without asking what she’d like.

  Sophie scrutinized the space as she sank into a supple leather chair. Her parents had brought her here for countless birthdays, even when all she’d wanted was a simple party at home. She’d always felt like she was on display here, her parents showing her off to all their country club friends. And those friends boasting of their own children’s achievements, which always outshone hers, until, by the end of the night, she could feel her parents’ disappointment radiating off them.

  Her eyes fell on Evelyn and Andrew Carter, and she sent up a small plea. Maybe they wouldn’t notice her.

  But as if drawn by the thought, Evelyn’s eyes landed right on her. The woman’s diamond tennis bracelet sparked in the light as she tapped her husband’s shoulder and pointed at Sophie, then gave an exaggerated wave.

  Sophie gritted her teeth but raised her hand in a small wave. The Carters were already on their way toward her.

  Sophie pushed her lips into a painful smile as they reached her. “Mr. And Mrs. Carter. It’s so nice to see you.”

  “And you, dear.” Mrs. Carter leaned in to give Sophie a kiss on each cheek. “How are your parents?”

  “They’re fine.” Sophie kept her answer short. Maybe once the pleasantries were over, the Carters would move on.

  “And what brings you back to Hope Springs, dear? Our Myla is so busy she never makes it home. She’s a resident now, you know. Neurosurgery.”

  Sophie grimaced. She had no interest in knowing what her oldest rival was up to—though the two girls probably never would have become rivals if their parents hadn’t constantly pitted them against each other.

  “My grandma is ill.” Sophie kept her tone civil but hoped the Carters would get the hint that she was done talking.

  “Oh, I did hear that. Myla’s grandmother died last year, but she was so busy she couldn’t make it back. We all understood, though. You’re lucky your job is so much less demanding.” Evelyn’s eyes traveled down Sophie’s simple black dress. “What is it you do now, dear?” If the woman were any more patronizing, she’d pat Sophie on the head and hand her a lollipop.

  Before Sophie could answer, she spotted Chase. She’d never been so grateful to see him. “I’ll let you go. I should get back to my—” She gestured toward Chase.

  “Oh, yes, I see.” Evelyn’s sharp laugh punched through the air and Sophie winced. “Poor Myla hasn’t found herself a man yet. But she has time, of course. I’m always telling her to get her career off the ground first and then—” She broke off as Chase reached them.

  He passed Sophie a glass of wine and held out a hand to Evelyn. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Chase.”

  Evelyn’s eyes flicked to Chase’s tailored suit and handmade patent leather shoes. She looked mildly impressed. “Evelyn Carter. The Olsens are good friends of ours. Aren’t they dear?” She gestured to her husband, who had yet to say a word.

  The hostess approached the group. “Table for two for Sanders.”

  “That’s us.” Sophie barely masked her relief.

  “Well, it was lovely seeing you, dear.” Evelyn held out a hand to Chase again. “And delightful to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty more of you. Be sure to invite us to the wedding.”

  That was enough of that. Sophie practically shoved Chase toward the hostess.

  “Evelyn seemed nice,” Chase said once they were seated. “Your family is close to theirs?”

  Sophie shook her head. She didn’t really want to talk about the Carters. But she couldn’t think of anything else to talk about. “They’ve been friends with my parents since before I was born. They have a daughter my age. Myla.” Even the name left a bad taste in her mouth.

  Chase snickered. “What’s so bad about Myla?”

  Sophie wrinkled her nose. “Nothing.”

  “Come on.” Chase nudged her leg with his under the table. “Let me dislike her with you.”

  Sophie couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, she was always super-competitive, for one. Constantly trying to one-up me. And her parents encouraged it.” As did Sophie’s. She could still picture her parents’ expressions when they’d learned she’d be graduating second in her class, behind Myla. “And she couldn’t let an argument go. Always had to have the last word. And—”

  But, no. She was a bigger person than this. She was successful now. She didn’t have to compare herself to Myla or anyone else.

  Chase raised an eyebrow at her, waiting.

  Fine.

  “And she was so— So driven. Nothing mattered to her but being the best.” And making Sophie feel the sting of her own inferiority.

  Chase’s eyebrow remained hiked. “So she was basically you?”

  Sophie opened her mouth to argue. She was nothing like Myla.

  Except maybe she was.

  The thought slammed back and forth in her head. Was that really who she was? Someone who thought only about her own achievements, about the next thing she needed to do to get ahead?

  Her jaw snapped shut.

  “So, anyway, the Hudson project . . .” Chase picked up the subject as if he hadn’t just blindsided her with his comment.

  She grabbed her wine glass with shaky hands. Was Chase the only one who saw her this way, or did everyone?

  Did Spencer?

  But she alr
eady knew the answer. She swallowed the bitter drink and pretended to listen to Chase for the rest of the meal, interjecting the occasional “yes” or “uh-huh.” If Chase noticed she wasn’t giving him her full attention—or even a tenth of it—he didn’t seem to mind.

  “Now what?” Chase asked as he finally pushed his plate to the side.

  Sophie lifted a last bite of duck confit to her mouth. Even as the rich flavor coated her tongue, all she could think about was how much she could go for a pizza.

  “We could take a walk.” Fresh air would do her good. “The beach is always pretty at night. There are these amazing sand dunes.”

  Chase frowned. “In these shoes? And you’re wearing your favorite Manolo Blahniks.”

  She shrugged. “We could take them off. Go barefoot.” It seemed to be a thing with her lately anyway.

  He wrinkled his nose. “I was thinking a little more upscale. Any clubs around here?”

  Sophie laughed. “Not exactly. This town pretty much shuts down by ten. Actually, I kind of have a headache. Do you mind if we go back to my parents’ place?”

  Chase gave a heavy sigh. “Yeah, okay.”

  She was unmoved by his pouty act.

  The drive to her parents’ house was blissfully silent, and Sophie spent the time dreaming of snuggling into her favorite pajamas and curling up with a book before going to sleep.

  When they reached the house, Sophie led the way upstairs to the guest bedrooms. She paused at her bedroom door. “Goodnight, Chase. Thanks for dinner.”

  Instead of passing her to move to his own room, he stopped, too. His eyes traveled to the spot where her dress strap slipped from her shoulder.

  Before she realized what he was doing, he’d moved in and pressed his lips to hers, his hands coming to her arms.

  Sophie stiffened and pulled her head back, shoving a hand against his chest.

  “What’s wrong?” He grabbed her hand and tugged her closer.

  “Chase—”

  He didn’t let go of her, but he did stop trying to pull her to him. “What is it?”

  She couldn’t tell if it was hurt in his expression or petulance.

  She didn’t want to make things awkward. But she had to be honest. “I don’t think our relationship is a good idea.”

  He held up a hand. “You’re worried about your job. I get it. But I’ve already spoken to my father about this. It’s not like I’m going to pursue a relationship that could destroy my career.”

  How sweet.

  But he was still talking. “I explained to my father that our relationship is like a business partnership with benefits.” He brought his mouth closer to hers. “Like this.”

  She swiveled her head so that his lips landed on her cheek.

  She reached behind her and fumbled for the doorknob. “It’s not going to work, Chase.”

  “But Sophie—” His voice grew hard. He was used to getting his way.

  “I’m sorry, Chase.” Her hand connected with the knob, and she shoved the door open. “I think you should go home in the morning.”

  Chase’s face reddened. But Sophie stepped into her room and pushed the door closed behind her.

  A few seconds later, she heard the door to Chase’s room next door close hard.

  She crossed the room and laid on her bed, fully clothed.

  A business partnership? Is that really the kind of relationship Chase thought she wanted?

  Then again, why wouldn’t he think that? Almost the only thing the two of them had in common was work. And most of their dates centered on talk of the latest projects. What else would he think?

  She stared at the ceiling, wrapping her arms around her middle. Something big and empty had opened inside her. Even though she could hear Chase in the next room, all she could see was Spencer.

  The relationship he’d offered her once hadn’t been a business partnership. It’d been one based on joy in being together. On a commitment to the same values. On love.

  She squeezed her arms tighter.

  She’d been so sure then that she didn’t want what he was offering. Didn’t want love and family.

  But it turned out he’d been offering her everything she needed.

  And she hadn’t realized it until this moment.

  When it was too late.

  Chapter 12

  Sophie stabbed at a piece of cantaloupe and brought it to her mouth mechanically. Chase had left before she’d gotten up this morning, without so much as a goodbye. Which meant things would be worse than awkward when she got back to Chicago. But that was a problem for another day. What was it Nana had always said? “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” That was from the Bible, if Sophie remembered her Sunday school lessons correctly.

  A sharp click of heels on the floor announced Mom’s arrival. Sophie tensed and sat up straighter. She’d promised herself she’d have this conversation with Mom, but she wasn’t eager to do it.

  “Morning.” Mom went straight for the coffee.

  Sophie took a deep breath, but Mom spoke first. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

  Sophie blinked. “Boyfriend? Oh, Chase? We weren’t really— I mean, we went on a few dates, but—” Why did it matter to her what Mom thought about this? “Anyway, he left early this morning.”

  Her mother frowned. “So soon? He just got here.”

  “Yeah, well, I asked him to leave.”

  Mom lowered her coffee cup. “Why would you do that?”

  Sophie shrugged. She and Mom had never talked about this kind of stuff. Nana had always been the one Sophie confided in. “We aren’t right for each other.”

  Mom snorted. “Yeah, successful businessmen who also happen to be the son of the owner always make the worst matches.”

  Sophie gawked at her mother. Did she really expect Sophie to be in a relationship to further her career?

  “I’m going to visit Nana. I think you should come with me.”

  Mom drained her coffee cup and turned to the sink to rinse it. Then she grabbed the rag and wiped at the already-clean counter.

  Sophie opened her mouth to repeat her request even though she knew Mom had heard her the first time.

  But Mom beat her to it. “I’m not going.”

  Exactly what Sophie had expected. But she was ready for it. “I know it’s hard for you, after Jordan.” Her mother’s shoulders hardened, but Sophie pressed on. “It’s hard for me, too.”

  “I’m not going—” Mom’s voice was too calm, too quiet.

  “But, Nana—”

  “I said no.”

  Sophie bit her lip. If it were about anything else, she’d retreat. But she couldn’t this time. It was too important. If Mom didn’t say goodbye to Nana, she’d be left with regrets the rest of her life.

  “You know what I think, Mom?” Sophie moved closer and laid a hand tentatively on Mom’s arm.

  Mom looked from Sophie’s face to the spot where Sophie’s hand rested on her arm. Then she very deliberately took a step away.

  She spun on her heel and strode from the room.

  Sophie sighed.

  She’d longed so many times for a relationship with her mother.

  But it looked like that was just one more thing she couldn’t have.

  Spencer’s arms throbbed with the weight of his nephew, but he wasn’t about to put the boy down. He’d been dragging his brother and the twins around town to show them the sights all morning. It was a good way to distract them from missing Julia. And to show them off, if he was honest.

  They’d already visited the pier, the toy store, and the fudge shop, where Ariana cooed over the boys and plied them with too much fudge.

  Lucas rubbed his chocolate-streaked face against Spencer’s shirt.

  “Hey.” Spencer tickled the boy, eliciting a contagious giggle.

  “You up for one more stop?” Spencer asked his brother.

  “Lead the way.” Tyler’s eyes had grown brighter throughout the morning, his gait more sure.

  �
��Good. Violet would never forgive me if I didn’t bring these two to meet her.” He stopped outside the antique shop.

  Tyler’s forehead crinkled. “You want to bring them into a store full of breakables?”

  Spencer eyed the store, then his nephews, whose eyelids were starting to droop after the long morning. “They’ll be fine.”

  Tyler shook his head as Spencer pulled the door open and gestured for him to enter. “I hope you have your credit card ready.”

  “Relax. It’ll be—”

  But the moment he followed his brother into the shop, he rethought his assessment.

  Not because of the breakables.

  But because of the person standing at the counter talking to Violet.

  Sophie.

  His eyes flicked around the store. If Sophie was here, her boyfriend must be, too. His grip on Lucas tightened. He couldn’t deal with this right now. The urge to flee seized him. Was it too late to back quietly through the door?

  But Violet had already spotted Tyler and was headed toward them.

  “And who are these two?” she asked with a wide smile.

  Sophie turned then, too.

  She did a double-take as her eyes fell on Spencer. Lucas had lain his head on Spencer’s shoulder. The boy’s soft breaths puffed onto Spencer’s neck. It was oddly reassuring.

  “Violet. Sophie. This is my brother Tyler. And these little terrors”—he gestured with his chin toward William, whose head dropped against Tyler’s chest—“are my nephews William and Lucas.”

  Violet crossed the space to shake Tyler’s hand. “Yeah, they look like real terrors, about to fall asleep in your arms.”

  “That’s because they’re so exhausted from screaming all night.” The hair on the back of Spencer’s neck lifted at the thought of going through all that again tonight.

  Violet laughed. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”

  Spencer groaned. “Worse. Thank goodness for Emma. She had this horse hoofbeat soundtrack, and it put them right to sleep.”

  Across the room, Sophie’s head jerked up, but she didn’t make eye contact.

  Violet turned to Tyler. “So how long will you be staying in Hope Springs?”