by Ginny Baird
Before my week in Maine, I’d never met anyone like him. I didn’t even believe that sort of person was possible—someone so warm, tender, and caring. Intelligent, thoughtful, and kind. Brent has all the qualities to make someone the perfect husband someday, and I have no doubt that he will.
Brent deserves all the happiness that life can bring, as do all of you. And so, I close this letter in sorrow but also in love. My life will go on, as yours will, but there will always be a piece of my heart left behind in Blue Hill, Maine.
Sincerely,
Hope Webb
Brent stared down at the page in his hands, and his eyes burned hot. His heart ached, and he felt all churned up inside. It wasn’t until he saw the small pockmarks of moisture hitting the stationary that he realized he was crying. And he hadn’t wept in years.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Hope sat at the sunny outdoor restaurant under an awning with her teacher group, a dozen of them clustered around a long wooden picnic table with benches. It was Taco Tuesday, and they were taking advantage of the discounted eats, which everyone appreciated on their teachers’ budgets. Most people were drinking iced tea, but Hope was drinking water because the only kind of tea they served was sweetened. She’d been trying to eat more healthily these past few weeks and had begun freezing the goodies Iris brought her so she could enjoy them in moderation later.
She hadn’t lost a ton of weight but was already feeling better. Cutting out a lot of sugar and processed foods helped. The floral skirt and top she’d worn today fit really well, and the color of her scoop-necked shirt matched her pretty yellow flats. She had her necklace on, as she always did, and now it served as a double reminder. Both to be good to herself and also to stay true to herself—while being honest before others.
A waiter appeared to refill her water just as the person across from her said, “Hey, does anybody know that guy?”
“If I weren’t engaged, I’d want to,” Jessica said. “He’s smoking hot.”
Hope turned to see who they were looking at, and her heart caught in her throat. It couldn’t be, but it was Brent. He stood there, scanning the crowd, wearing a black polo shirt and jeans and holding a wildflower bouquet. Hope blinked hard, quite certain she was imagining it. Then his eyes settled on hers.
“Whoa,” Jessica whispered. “He’s your friend?” She gave Hope a playful nudge. “I thought you had a boring summer.”
Brent tilted his chin, and she got unsteadily to her feet. “If you’ll…uh…excuse me,” she said to the others before walking toward him in a daze.
“Brent?”
“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting. Iris told me I could find you here.”
“Iris?” she asked, gobsmacked. “But how—”
“Your return address was on the envelope, and she was gardening outside.”
Hope licked her parched lips, her mouth feeling sandpaper dry. “I don’t understand.”
“I read it, Hope. Your letter. Grandmother Margaret sent it to me.”
Her cheeks burned hot.
“I’m sorry if you didn’t mean for me to see it, but I’m glad that I did.”
“I didn’t think you’d ever want to hear from me again.”
“I didn’t, either.” His mouth tipped up in a lopsided grin, and Hope’s heart thumped. “Until I did.”
He held out the flowers. “These are for you, if you’ll accept them. Along with my apology.”
She numbly took the flowers, still wondering if she was dreaming. But as she lifted the fragrant bouquet to her nose, its sweet scent assured her that everything that was happening was very real. “What do you have to apologize for?”
“For not digging deeper,” he said. “Looking beyond how things were on the surface to how they are inside.”
“And how are they inside?” she asked, barely daring to hope. He raised a hand to her cheek, and her whole world went topsy-turvy.
“I think you know,” he said huskily. “What happened in Maine was wrong.” He searched her eyes. “But, at the same time, incredibly right.”
Hope’s heart pounded because she so desperately wanted to believe. Believe that he was saying what she’d wished he might. That he’d fallen for her, too.
“I’m so sorry for everything,” she said. “For lying to you—and your whole family—about who I was. None of you deserved that, most especially not you.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Brent’s forehead rose. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking ever since I read your letter. At first I was angry with you—at you and Jackie both. Then, in time, I understood that I should lay some of the blame on myself.”
“On you? But why?”
“I was the guy who proposed to a woman I didn’t love. A person I didn’t even know, Hope. Someone I couldn’t tell from her twin, for crying out loud. So, what kind of man does that make me? I’ll tell you what kind. Somebody pretty imperfect.”
She stared up into his heady dark eyes. “You seem pretty perfect to me.”
“I know that’s what you believe, but it’s important for you to understand that I played a role in this, too.” He took her in his arms. “In a strange way, you did me a favor and kept me from marrying the wrong sister. I mean, there are things that are great about Jackie, but she’s not the woman for me.”
Hope’s heart beat even harder as she absorbed his words. “There’s something I need you to know,” she whispered. “I wasn’t pretending. Not about how I feel.”
“That’s what I figured.” He smiled. “And I’m glad. Because, Hope?” He held her closer, smashing the flowers between them. “I wasn’t pretending, either.”
Her heart melted as she met his swoony gaze.
“You know what I think?” he asked, his eyes sparkling. “I think we should try again.”
“In Blue Hill?”
“No, in Durham.” He considered her carefully. “Or in Boston. I’ve got a new day job in consulting now, so I’m my own boss.”
“How great. But what about your grandpa? Albright Enterprises?”
“William’s taking over all that.”
“Is that what he wants?”
“It’s what he and Sofia want.” His smile grew. “They’re having a little girl and naming her Julia.”
Hope’s whole soul welled with happiness. “That’s wonderful!”
“So, what do you say?” he asked, jiggling her in his arms. “Will you date me?”
“Are you kidding?” She let out a joyful laugh. “Yeah.”
“No pretending this time,” he said seriously. “No more lies.”
“I promise.”
His lips brushed over hers, and her skin tingled. “I think we might have a future, Hope Webb.”
“I do. I mean, I do, too,” she replied with a blush.
He chuckled at her reaction. “You might want to save those words for later.”
“How much later?”
“Let’s take this slow.” His mouth met hers in the world’s deepest and most soulful kiss until hoots and hollers broke out from her teacher friends, as well as other patrons in the restaurant.
“I’ll take it any speed you want,” she answered shyly. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“Take me on another picnic?”
“Oh, sweetheart,” he said with a laugh. “Don’t you know? I’ll take you anywhere in the world you want to go.”
“But probably not to Bermuda,” she joked.
“No,” he said, chuckling. “Probably not there.”
“That’s okay,” she said, angling for another kiss. “I hear it’s overrated, anyway.”
Epilogue
Hope snuggled down in the double-size sleeping bag beside her new husband. She couldn’t believe he’d booked them this suite in an ice hotel! Th
e walls were carved into exquisite ice sculptures, and the bed was remarkably cozy, considering it was essentially a block of ice covered with a wood board and a comfy mattress. Flames flickered in the glass-encased gas fireplace on the far side of the room, giving the space an ethereal appeal.
“This honeymoon’s been like a dream.”
“You’re telling me.”
Brent tugged her nearer, and her cheek brushed against his morning stubble, filling her mind with memories of all the exciting skin-to-skin contact they’d enjoyed last night. While the temperature in here was below freezing, she wasn’t chilly in the least. Brent’s body heat warmed her through and through.
She wore fuzzy flannel pajamas, and he had on his sweatpants with a long-sleeved tee. Both of them wore hats, like they were on an adventurous outdoor camping trip, yet they were sheltered inside this amazing structure. Hope couldn’t believe this was real and not a fantasy. She never could have imagined such an unusual and unique honeymoon locale.
“What made you pick this place?” she asked, gazing up at him.
He smiled, and lines crinkled at the corners of his swoony dark eyes. “It was about as far from Bermuda as we could get.”
“Yeah, that’s true.” She giggled, because he’d surprised her so thoroughly with this winter-wonderland getaway. They’d been ice-skating and snow rafting and had had all sorts of fun playing in the beautiful Canadian snow. “There’s definitely no need for bikinis here.”
“Except for in the hot tub,” he said with a sexy growl.
She laughed, loving him so much. “Yep. Except for in there.”
Despite their best intentions in taking things slow, once they’d started dating, their relationship had evolved quickly. Because they hadn’t been lying about their backgrounds, wishes, or likes in Maine, they already knew tons about each other. Hope couldn’t quell that little flutter in her belly every time they got together, and the dreamy look in his eyes said Brent experienced the same deep attraction to her.
By Christmas, they were already talking about marriage, but then they became conflicted about how to move forward. Considering they’d already had one pseudo-wedding, it felt weird to plan another. They weren’t so sure about asking their families to sit through a second one, either. So, in early January, Brent arrived at the inspiration that they should elope to a justice of the peace. They’d done that in Durham three days ago exactly. Iris and Hope’s teacher friend, Jessica, had served as their witnesses.
Hope intended to keep teaching at her school, and Brent had decided to relocate his consulting business to the Research Triangle area so they could officially move in together as husband and wife. They’d already done a little browsing online and had picked out a few cute homes to visit when they returned to North Carolina.
Hope couldn’t wait to buy a little house with Brent and begin making it their own. Of course, she’d miss Iris, but—wherever they settled—Iris wouldn’t be that far away and could always come visit. Or Hope could visit her. Jackie also had been really supportive of Hope and Brent’s elopement and future plans. She’d started doing yoga and meditation, both of which seemed to help mitigate her high-anxiety nature.
Their mom was doing great, too, as were all the Albrights, who’d generously forgiven Hope and Jackie for their deception, because they were good people with very big hearts. In Hope’s eyes, the biggest heart of all belonged to Brent. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.
“Thank you for doing this,” she said. “Planning this fab honeymoon. Everything.”
A pretty solitaire sparkled on her ring finger next to the gold wedding band Brent had placed on it. When they’d exchanged vows in the courthouse during their private ceremony, her heart had brimmed with joy. She couldn’t wait to get started on their new life together and see where it led.
“I’m so glad that you’re happy.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m happy, too.”
“I love you, Brent.”
His eyes sparkled. “Not half as much as I love you.”
“Oh yeah?” she challenged. “Wanna bet?”
He laughed warmly and kissed her. “How about we call it even?”
“All right.” She grinned and laid her head on his shoulder, feeling peaceful and adored. Of all the potential husbands in the world she might have landed, she only wanted him, and she was happier than ever to be his one and only bride. Even if things had started out a little rough, they’d turned out okay in the end.
“So you’re kind of into me, huh?” she asked in a flirty way.
“One hundred percent.”
“That’s good.” She held him closer. “I’m glad that it’s mutual.”
“Yeah.” He shot her a loving smile that spoke volumes. “Me, too.”
Like FREE Books?! Download one of Entangled’s bestselling books here!
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary romance, mostly at the sweeter end of the spectrum. She’s published more than twenty-five novels and novellas, both independently and with traditional publishers, and is a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, Ginny enjoys cooking, biking, and taking long walks in the woods with her Labrador retriever. She lives with her own personal hero in Virginia, where the couple has created a welcoming nest for their blended family of six children and significant others. Ginny invites you to visit her website to learn more about her and her books:
www.ginnybairdromance.com
Turn the page to start reading the charming and heartfelt small-town romance
Chapter One
Today was always going to be a life changer, Felicity knew that. Watching her firstborn walk across the graduation stage, smiling ear to ear, was one of those slow-motion moments, a blur of happy times, milestones, and pride. Her daughter, Honor, was done. Eighteen. A high-school graduate, ready to spend the night celebrating with her friends.
Which was exactly as it should be.
This, now, leading her two kids into the emergency room, was not.
“How serious was the accident?” Honor asked, holding tightly to her hand.
“Honor,” Nick, her sixteen-year-old, snapped. “You heard as much as she did.”
It had been one of those times she’d wished her phone wasn’t synced to her car. How could she have known the hospital was calling? How could she have known Matt, her ex—the kids’ father—had been in an accident? A serious accident. They’d all just assumed Matt had ditched, as was the trend.
“Hold my hand, Nickie,” Honor mumbled thickly, reaching for her little brother’s hand.
Nick didn’t say a word, but Honor didn’t have to ask again.
The way her kids relied on each other was one good thing to come out of her messy divorce. They weren’t just siblings anymore. They were best friends. Best friends who had no idea what was happening. It was possible Matt’s replacement family was here—in the waiting room—families did that when things like this happened.
Coming face-to-face with his fiancée, Amber; her megawatt smile; and her killer legs wasn’t going to make this any easier. Neither was meeting Matt’s son, Jack—the baby Nick blamed for destroying their happy family. As much as she’d like to think Nick could keep it together, there were no guarantees. When it came to his father, Nick was equal parts hostility and resentment. The potential for reality-television drama in the hospital waiting room was a real concern.
But if the last two years had taught her anything, it was that a smile was normally the best accessory. Even when the last thing she felt like doing was smiling. Like now.
“Is that Dr. Murphy?” Nick asked.
Felicity glanced at the man at the nurses’ station. At well over six feet, Graham Murphy stood out. Seeing his tall, broad back encased in green hospital scrubs wa
s a relief. While the two of them hadn’t been close the last few years, Graham and Matt had been best friends through med school and partners when Matt still had his OB/GYN practice here in Pecan Valley. “Graham?”
“Yes?” Graham Murphy turned to face them, instant recognition easing his features—briefly. His brown gaze searched hers. “Felicity.” That was all. Her name, without a hint of emotion.
But he was having a hard time making eye contact with the kids, and that said so much. If Matt was okay, he’d say so. Wouldn’t he? He’d offer some sort of reassurance. A smile. Something. The shock of the phone call was quickly turning into something substantial—and cold.
“I got a phone call? About Matt.” Maybe he didn’t know anything. Maybe—
“I’ll take you to him.” He cleared his throat, drew in a deep breath, and spoke. “He’s going to surgery. His jaw is broken, so talking isn’t comfortable. He’s in bad shape, a lot of pain, but he held on to see you. Keep it positive—good thoughts, that sort of thing, okay?”
Honor was nodding, tears streaming down her face. Felicity wiped them away, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Nick. Poor Nick. She hugged him close, his tall frame rigid and unyielding in her arms. Since the divorce, Nick’s anger had grown every time Matt missed a game, concert, birthday, or holiday. While she understood, she worried Nick’s fury would consume whatever affection he still felt for his father.
Graham looked at her, then nodded, leading them past the nurses’ station and into the emergency room. He stopped beside the last door off the hall.
“What’s best for him? One at a time? All together?” Honor asked.
“Together.” The word was all Nick could manage.
Graham squeezed Nick’s shoulder and went inside. “They’re here, Matt.”
Felicity went first, doing her best not to react to her ex-husband’s appearance. But it was hard. His face was swollen and misshapen, a white gauze ice pack taped to his jaw. He was covered with several blankets, one looked like an inflated packing sheet, and each breath he took was labored and watery. He looked wrecked, in every sense of the word.
