Island Hope (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 4)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Hello.”

  “It’s Hope. Did you tell your dad the tattoos are henna and only temporary?”

  “I didn’t have a chance. He rushed out of here so fast. He’s been gone a long time. I’m worried.” Her voice caught. “What if something happened to him?”

  “Sweetie, I know your mom died in a car crash, but you can’t live in fear that the same thing will happen to your dad.”

  “But he’s been gone too long.”

  “He left here a minute ago. I’m sure he’ll be riding up to your house soon.”

  “Oh. Okay. Thanks.” She sniffled. “I’m sorry for crying like a baby, but I don’t want to lose my dad in a wreck too. Aunt Jill is great, but she’s not my mom, you know?”

  Maybe if she kept Alyssa on the phone long enough, the teen would feel more composed by the time her dad got home. “I can’t say I know how you’re feeling right now because I haven’t lost a parent, at least not to death, but I did lose my grandma. We were very close. She died seven years ago, and I still miss her.”

  “My mom’s been gone four, but I miss her every day. Especially when my dad goes all dictator on me. He didn’t say anything, but I could tell he was angry when he left. I wanted to go after him, but I thought it’d be best to let him cool off a little. Was he awful to you?”

  Hope chuckled, relieved to hear Alyssa sounding more like herself. “Not as bad as my dad would have been if he thought someone had given me a permanent tattoo. Girl, you need to tell him it’s only henna when he gets there.”

  “Or not.”

  Hope groaned but quickly recovered. She never imagined Alyssa wouldn’t want to set the record straight. “Why would you want to keep the truth from him?” It hurt that Derrick assumed the worst. Did she really want to be with a man who didn’t trust her? Maybe staying away from both Derrick and his daughter would be best.

  “He didn’t give me a chance to explain. He should’ve known they weren’t real. He’s being a hothead. If he’s going to be so ridiculous then let him figure it out for himself that they’re fake.” She giggled. “I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he discovers the truth. My way is much more fun.”

  “For whom?” She didn’t like Alyssa’s plan—at all. “It’s kind of mean, no matter how inappropriate his response, to let him believe something that’s not true. If we all received the kind of treatment we deserved, we would be very unhappy. Let’s show him some grace. He’s pretty mad at me, and I feel badly about that.”

  “Don’t worry, Hope. He never stays angry long. He’s going to think this is super funny once he realizes the tattoos are only temporary.”

  Or not. Unease gripped her. After the kiss they’d shared earlier she’d been convinced he was the one. But now, she wasn’t so sure. She had tossed around Zoe’s idea to stay on the island all afternoon, but after the tattoo fiasco she wasn’t so sure she’d be welcome. If Derrick could push her aside so easily, maybe he wasn’t the one after all.

  “You still there, Hope?”

  “I’m here. Just thinking.”

  “Good. Stop worrying and trust me. I know my dad, and he will find this funny in the end. It’ll all be okay.”

  Maybe she was right. Jill had said the same thing, and she’d been right. Derrick didn’t hold onto anger. Hopefully this time wouldn’t be an exception. “Okay, but for the record, I don’t like this, Alyssa. If it was me, I’d want to know the truth.”

  “You won’t tell him, will you?” Concern edged her voice.

  She wanted to connect with this girl. Then again what was the point since Derrick had told her to stay away. Was all of this really worth the emotional toll? She sighed. “If it comes up, I won’t lie to your dad, but based on what he said when he left here today, I won’t be seeing him anytime soon.” The fact that Derrick had dropped her like a hot wire, over something like this, hurt. She really needed to rethink things regarding him.

  “Thank you! You’re the best!” She squealed into the phone. “Dad’s here. Gotta go. Bye.”

  Her heart warmed toward the teen, but she still felt uneasy about the entire situation. Especially since Derrick was seriously angry with her. How could he be so dense? He had to know those tattoos weren’t the real deal. Was there more going on here than she realized?

  CHAPTER TEN

  Derrick stalked into his house filled with regret after his encounter with Hope. But still he’d been watching out for and protecting his daughter her entire life, and Hope needed to understand that some things had to be run by him first. Period. In spite of that, he never should have talked to her like that. He could have handled his anger and frustration so much better and explained why he was upset.

  “Dad!” Alyssa rushed into the entryway. “You were gone forever.”

  He glanced at his watch. “It was less than an hour.” He noted her red-rimmed eyes, and his heart rate picked up. “Is everything okay here?”

  “Yes. I was worried. I’m glad you’re home.”

  He patted her shoulder as he passed by her on his way to the kitchen. “Do you care to discuss your tattoos?”

  “Not really.” She followed after him.

  He pulled out a kitchen table chair. “Take a seat.”

  Alyssa frowned and plopped down. She crossed her arms and wouldn’t make eye contact.

  Maybe right now wasn’t the best time to confront her on the dangers of allowing someone to put ink on her skin. He only wanted her to be safe and healthy, but clearly she was upset, so it would keep. “Have you had dinner?”

  She shook her head. “I’m not hungry. I sampled what I made at the B&B.”

  “Fine. I’ll be in my office.” He strode to the small room and closed the door. Now what was he going to do? It wouldn’t be right for Alyssa to think she got away with this, but at the same time, he wanted her to be honest with him—tell him that the tattoos weren’t real and understand she should run things like this by him first.

  She had to know at first glance he believed they were the real deal. Why didn’t she say anything?

  He sat at his desk. He needed to deal with Hope too, but he’d made such a mess of things with her. He winced at the memory of his harsh words. Maybe it would be best to steer clear of her for a day or two and give them both time to regroup and then in a few days clear the air—if that was possible. He’d allowed years of built up fear that he was inadequate as a single parent to come to a head and combust today. It might be too late to repair the damage, even if he gave Hope a little space.

  ***

  Hope worried her bottom lip while sitting on the porch swing at the bed and breakfast. Derrick hadn’t spoken one word to her since Saturday, four whole days ago, when she’d painted the tattoo on Alyssa. She and her crew took a job off the island yesterday since they were waiting for some of the cabins to be dry-walled.

  The front door of the B&B door opened, and Jill stepped outside with a broom. “Oh, hi. I didn’t realize you were out here. I can sweep later.” She turned to go.

  “Don’t mind me.”

  Jill glanced her way then did a double take. Her face softened. “Why so glum?”

  Hope shrugged.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  She shifted to one side of the swing.

  “I’ve heard what you’ve been dealing with. I’m sorry about your house. Has any progress been made on rebuilding it?”

  She shook her head. “Not really. I have an old friend drawing up the design for the new house, but these things take time. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Once this job is up, I’ll have no place to live until my house is finished. I considered rebuilding and selling my home in Tacoma so I could get a place here instead, but now I’m not sure what I want to do. I’ve come to love this island and the community here in spite of the problems I’ve encountered.”

  “You don’t have to buy a place to live on the island. We have rentals.” Jill’s face lit. “I happen to know of one that would be perfect for you while you wait for your
house to be rebuilt. Rachel and her husband Chris have a rental unit at their house.”

  “I don’t know, Jill. It’s a big decision to stay here. I have a lot to consider. I thought it was what I wanted, but things have changed.” She desired to stay more than anything, but what if Alyssa was wrong and Derrick never forgave her for the tattoos?

  On top of that, she obviously cared more about him than he did for her if he could so easily cut her from his life. If she stayed, would it hurt too much to see Derrick?

  “If by things changing, you’re talking about my brother and Alyssa, stop worrying. He’s a stubborn man, but he’ll eventually realize he was wrong to get so angry, and he’ll come to his senses.”

  “Alyssa told you about the henna.”

  “She didn’t have to. I could tell by looking at them. I’m pretty sure Derrick knows the tattoos aren’t real, but he’s too prideful to admit he messed up and overreacted—at least he hasn’t said anything to me.” She shook her head. “This is so unlike him to behave this way. He’s normally very levelheaded. I guess when it comes to his daughter the papa bear comes out in him.” She lowered her voice. “Don’t you tell a soul, but I once gave myself a henna tattoo. I was twelve and had a crush on a boy at school. I put our initials in a heart on my thigh where no one would see it.”

  “You’re kidding!”

  “I’m not. To this day, it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done. I know she doesn’t want her dad to know they’re temporary, so I’m avoiding the topic whenever I see him.”

  “He blames me,” Hope said softly. “He actually thinks I would give his daughter a permanent tattoo. As if I would or even could do something like that.” If she didn’t feel so badly about it all, she’d be angry with him for his assumption—it was insulting. But all she felt was sad.

  “I won’t make excuses for my brother, but I hope you will decide to stay on in Wildflower.”

  “Your brother has made it very clear I am not welcome here.” Well, at least she was not welcome in his life.

  “My brother is one person among several hundred. Are you really going to allow a stubborn man to dictate where you live?” She sighed. “I thought you were stronger than that.”

  “Apparently I’m not.”

  “Why do you care what Derrick thinks anyway? My niece adores you. She raced into my room to show me the tattoos you gave her right after you did them. You’re quite the artist. In fact, your style reminds me of a metal artist whose work I love. H.L.”

  “You’re a fan of H.L.?”

  “You know his work?” Excitement lit Jill’s voice. “His designs are timeless. There are a couple of his pieces at the resort. The motion he creates is amazing. I only wish I had discovered his work before he dropped off the planet.”

  “You keep referring to H.L. as a he, but the artist is a she.”

  Jill’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding. I have no idea why I assumed she was a he. I feel silly for not knowing, considering I’m such a fan. But I detest research, so I guess that explains my mistake. Anyway, I don’t know what it is exactly about Alyssa’s tattoos that reminds me of H.L.”

  Clearly, Jill was trying to make her feel better, but it wasn’t working. By choosing to honor Alyssa’s request she’d ruined whatever hope she and Derrick had. Work today was tense to say the least when their paths crossed. Goose flesh broke out on her arms. She ran her hands up and down them.

  “These spring evenings can be cool. The house is nice and comfy if you want to go inside and warm up.”

  “Thanks, Jill, but I think I’ll go for a drive instead.” She’d heard the coffee at The General Store was excellent, and the change of scenery would be nice.

  ***

  Derrick pushed the lawnmower back and forth across his backyard. He’d left Alyssa and Gabe inside working on homework. He ought to ground her from seeing him, but since they were studying, it didn’t seem like an appropriate punishment. He could easily check on them through the large window in the kitchen, to make sure they stayed on task.

  Alyssa stood and pulled open the door. She ran her finger across her throat.

  He cut the engine. “What’s up?”

  “Can we go get ice cream at The General Store?”

  He frowned. “No. There’s ice cream in the freezer. Help yourselves.”

  “But, Dad—”

  He pulled the chord on the mower, and it roared back to life. Alyssa had to learn that actions had consequences. His thoughts drifted to Hope. Regret still churned in his gut. Even though emotions had been high, he probably should have talked to her days ago, so she understood why he was upset. He’d even had an opportunity at work two days ago, but couldn’t find the words. He’d determined yesterday to get it over with, but couldn’t find her. Now bringing it up felt even harder.

  He killed the engine then pushed the mower inside the shed. A rustling from the corner of the shed alerted his senses. His adrenaline spiked. What if it was a skunk? A skunk had sprayed him once, and it was not an experience he cared to repeat.

  “Dad?”

  “Stay back! There’s something in here.” He grabbed a shovel and prayed whatever was there wasn’t a skunk or an opossum.

  Gabe stepped up beside her. “I saw a cat in the yard earlier.”

  Derrick shook his head. “We don’t have a cat.” Soft mewing sounded from the corner. “Then again maybe we do.” He pushed aside a few boxes and sure enough a momma cat and her kittens lay snuggled into the corner. “Come see.”

  Alyssa squatted in front of the little family. “They’re so cute. Can we keep them?” She looked at him with eyes that were virtually impossible to say no to.

  “Those kittens will grow up into cats. We can’t have three cats.”

  “Don’t forget the momma. That’d make four,” Gabe said. “We could probably take one.”

  “Hold on a minute. That cat probably belongs to someone.” Derrick peered closer in the dimly lit shed but couldn’t spot a collar.

  “We could take pictures, make a flier and hang it in town.” Alyssa reached her hand out and ran it down the cat’s back then reached for one of the kittens. “He’s so soft.”

  The last thing they needed was a kitten, but he had to admit the little thing was pretty cute. The solid white Momma cat was pretty too. The island didn’t have an animal shelter so that wasn’t an option. “I wonder how momma is getting food. She looks healthy.”

  “Could be a mouser,” Gabe said. “Or maybe the cat lives nearby and came here to have her kittens.”

  “Maybe. I like your sign idea, Alyssa. Why don’t you and Gabe get right on that?”

  She beamed a smile up at him, put the kitten back, then pulled out her cell phone from her jeans pocket. “Look at the camera, kitty.” A light flashed, and the cat hissed. Alyssa yelped and hopped back. “Sorry ol’ girl. Didn’t mean to startle you.” She stood and showed him and Gabe the picture. “Looks good. Right?”

  Gabe nodded. “Her pure white coloring is nice. Someone is bound to know where she belongs.”

  “Unless she was left here by a tourist.” Not that pet abandonment had been much of an issue, but Derrick had heard about a dog that had been left behind a while back.

  Alyssa pushed up her sleeves revealing her tattoos. Derrick winced. Would those things ever wash off? At least he didn’t have to worry about an allergic reaction any longer. She would have had a rash by now if she had an allergy to the ink. Jenna had had very sensitive skin, and even after her death he continued to buy the same scent free products she’d purchased.

  Later that afternoon, Derrick handed Jill a glass of water then eased down onto the couch in his family room. His sister had dropped by unexpectedly, and from the storm brewing on her face he knew he was in trouble. But what had he done?

  Jill sipped the water then placed it on the end table beside the chair she occupied. “I heard you found kittens?”

  He nodded.

  “What are you going to do with them?”

&n
bsp; “Alyssa and Gabe are trying to find the cat’s owner. They went to town to hang up signs.”

  “Good.” She folded her hands in her lap.

  “Out with it. You’re wearing your stern schoolteacher face. What’s going on?”

  She chuckled. “You, dear brother, are an idiot.”

  “Excuse me?” He leaned forward. “What did I do to deserve that?”

  “I’m talking about Hope.”

  His jaw tensed. “Oh. She’s not open for discussion.”

  “Good, because I only need you to listen. She’s going through a rough time right now. Did it ever occur to you that by doing something nice for someone else it makes her feel better?”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I’m lost. I think you’d better start over.”

  “Hope is a caring woman who only wanted to make your daughter happy.”

  “I know, but—”

  “No buts! Now you listen and listen well. Those tattoos are henna.”

  “I know.”

  “It’s a temporary ink that lasts a week or two.” She suddenly stopped talking and stared at him. “Wait. You know? Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “I was angry that she’d tattoo my daughter without at least asking my permission. What if Alyssa had been allergic and had a reaction? Her actions could have hurt my daughter.” His stomach knotted and his face heated. “I wanted to give it a few days and let emotions settle down. I tried to find Hope yesterday to clear the air, but she wasn’t around. I’ve been otherwise occupied today.”

  “Of all the stupid ideas you’ve had, this has got to be on top.” She shook her head. “For a smart man you can be dense at times. Hope would never do anything to harm you or your daughter. Where is this coming from?”

  “I know that Hope wouldn’t deliberately hurt Alyssa, and it doesn’t matter why I temporarily showed poor judgment.” His sister didn’t need to know the root of his insecurity. He thought back to the women he’d overheard talking about his inadequate skills as a dad shortly after his wife had died. It still hurt that he’d been the topic of the gossips, but they’d been right. He wasn’t a good mom, but he’d worked hard to fill the gap and felt like he’d done an adequate job too, at least until recently. Now everything was messed up.