He ran his hand down his face and stood, pacing to the window then back to the couch. He never should have waited to clear the air between them. Hope must hate him. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
“What are you going to do?”
“I need to find Hope and talk to her. This is not the kind of conversation I want to have over the phone.”
She smiled. “Good. Then my work here is done. Oh, and don’t forget about Easter dinner at the B&B on Sunday.”
“I won’t. And thanks.” Somehow he needed to get Hope to forgive him.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Hope pulled up to The General Store and hopped out of her SUV. She’d spent scant time in the heart of Wildflower, which needed to change if she was going to seriously consider living here.
Alyssa and Gabe stepped outside, each holding a small stack of paper.
“Hi, you two. What’re you doing?”
“We found a stray cat with kittens in our shed so we made fliers to hang up around town.” She handed Hope the flier.
“Oh, they look so sweet.”
Alyssa sighed. “They are. If we don’t find the mama cat’s owner, we’ll need to find good homes for the kittens. Would you like one if it comes to that?”
Hope shook her head. “I don’t have a home right now. I can’t have a kitten, no matter how adorable.”
Alyssa’s face fell. “I forgot about your house burning down.” She raised the stack of fliers. “We should get these put up.”
“Sure. See you.” Hope moved aside then went into the shop. She stopped in the entryway too surprised to enter further. She’d heard this place was like stepping back in time, but she hadn’t truly believed it until this moment.
Wood flooring that had seen better days creaked as she stepped forward and off to the right where the café was situated. She walked up to the register and studied the board listing the kind of coffee drinks available.
A teenage girl walked up to the counter. “What can I get for you?”
“I’m a latte person. What do you recommend?”
“Our vanilla latte is good. Or maybe you’d like our chai tea latte. It’s pretty popular.” She described it.
Hope glanced at the menu board once more. “I’m normally not a tea person, but that sounds delicious. I’ll take a small one please.” She paid then stepped aside to check out the rest of the area as her drink was prepared.
The other side of the store was a grocery of sorts, but probably only had the basics considering it was no larger than a mini-mart. And this side, though rustic, wasn’t as old fashioned as she’d first thought. She noted the jukebox against the wall and grinned—then again, it was like stepping back in time.
“Here’s your chai tea latte.” The teen slid her drink across the counter.
“Thanks. Does the jukebox work?”
“Yep. We’ve only had it a few months. It’s pretty popular with the weekend crowds.”
Hope stifled a laugh. She hadn’t seen any crowds since she’d been on the island, but Wildflower had a reputation for being a summer destination. “Maybe I’ll stop in on a weekend sometime.” She raised her drink. “Thanks.”
Her cell phone rang, and she pulled it from her pocket. “Hi, Duncan. How are things?”
“Not bad. I have the plans for your house ready for your approval. When can we meet?”
“How about tomorrow morning? I can sneak away, but we’d have to meet someplace near the ferry.”
“You’re still doing that job on Wildflower Island?”
“Yep.”
“Okay. Let’s meet at Cuppa Beans at ten.” He had farther to travel than she did, so even though that messed up her morning, she’d roll with it.
“Sounds good. See you tomorrow.” She moved her thumb to disconnect the call but was momentarily distracted.
“Are you doing okay, Hope?” His voice filled with concern.
“I’ve been better, but you’re making this a lot easier. I’ll see you.”
“Okay. Bye.”
Duncan knew her too well. They’d been friends for a long time.
She’d wanted to explore this island since arriving. Today was the day, and no one would interrupt. She powered off her phone and headed to her SUV. Going off grid for the rest of the day would keep anyone and everyone from disturbing her, which was exactly what she needed. A day to herself to think and soak in the island.
***
The following day Hope drove off the ferry onto the mainland. Her heart wasn’t into dealing with the plans for her house, but regardless, decisions had to be made.
A short time later, she pulled into the Cuppa Beans lot, parked and wandered inside. The rich scent of coffee greeted her. A low hum of voices filled the air. Looking around the open space, she spotted Duncan at a corner table with his laptop and a cylinder that probably contained the paper plans.
She waved and wove her way through scattered wood tables and chairs and stopped beside the one where her longtime friend waited. “’Good morning, Duncan. Thanks for agreeing to meet me here. I know it was a bit of a drive for you.”
Well-dressed in a tailored suit, Duncan stood and hugged her. “No problem. Did you want to order a drink?”
“Good idea. Can I get you something?”
He pointed to a mug on the table.
“I missed that. Be right back.” She pivoted and moved to the register. “I’d like a chai tea latte, please.” Hopefully this place would make it as delicious as the one she’d had yesterday. She paid and waited for it. A few minutes later she returned to the table, pulled up a chair beside Duncan, and sat so she could see the computer.
He woke up the screen and immediately went through his design plan.
“I like it.” She knew he was the one for the job. He got her and that made working with him a breeze.
“Great. Once the city approves the plan, things can get rolling.”
“Sounds good. How’ve you been?”
“Not bad. Keeping busy. I appreciate you asking me to design your home.”
“Of course. You know I’m a fan of your work.”
“I’m a fan of yours as well. Anything new on the horizon?”
She shook her head and tried to ignore the look of dismay on his face as she took a long drink of her tea.
“I heard a rumor you might move to Wildflower Island.”
She nearly spewed out her drink but stopped herself in time. “Who told you that?”
“I saw Chase Grayson the other day.”
Duncan had gone to school with her and Piper, so it made sense he’d know Piper’s husband. They’d all stayed close through the years. “Piper wants me to, but I’m not yet sure it’s a good idea.”
“Why’s that?”
She shrugged and took another long drink from her cup.
He raised a brow, clearly not willing to let her off the hook.
“It’s complicated.”
“Complicated?” He frowned, and then his face cleared. “You’re involved with someone!” His blue eyes twinkled. “It’s about time you trusted someone enough to fall for him.”
“Oh, stop. I don’t have a boyfriend. And I don’t have trust issues.”
He raised a brow. “Yeah right. You might be able to fool yourself, but I know differently.” He finished off his coffee then stood. “When you figure out if you are staying or selling let me know. We don’t want the finishes to be too taste specific if you’re going to put it on the market.”
She stood and gathered her belongings. “Good point. You have my contractor’s contact information, and you’ll stay on top of everything for me?”
“Of course. That’s what friends are for.”
“Thank you. It’s a relief knowing someone I trust has everything handled for me.”
He stood and dropped a peck on her cheek. “I know you said you aren’t involved with anyone, but I have a feeling you’re in denial about your feelings for someone. Follow your heart. I’d hate to see you miss out
on your Mr. Right.”
“You’re being silly.” Hope resisted squirming in her seat.
“Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. You’re the one that got away, and I kick myself at least once a month.”
She chuckled as her face heated. Duncan liked to exaggerate. They’d had exactly three dates in college, then decided they’d make better friends than a couple. They walked side by side to the parking lot.
He pressed a button on his key fob and pulled open his door. “I’ll be in touch.”
She nodded and strode to her SUV. If she hurried, she’d make the ferry and not have to wait for the next one. Her thoughts drifted to Duncan’s exclamation that she was involved with a man. If he’d said that before the henna incident she might have agreed. But now . . . she couldn’t entertain the idea. Not if Derrick could so easily shut her out of his life. Besides, she’d always said she’d never get involved with a man with children. Alyssa wasn’t exactly a child, but it was clear having another person involved complicated things. She should have stuck with her resolve to never get involved with a dad and spared herself the heartache of rejection.
The ferry line ahead only had two cars. She pulled up behind a sports car. The ferry docked and a few cars drove off. She followed the car in front of her, then parked and walked to the railing. A light breeze lifted the hair off her neck and cooled her cheeks. Seagulls soared overhead fishing for food.
Duncan would do his best to make sure everything moved along smoothly with her house until she finished her job on the island, but then what? Although she managed to get along with her mother, there was no way she could live under the same roof with her while her house was being built.
She had a few friends who might let her crash at their place, but she didn’t like being a burden. Renting was an option, but what a pain to set up house only to move again once her home was finished.
Lord, what do I do?
***
Derrick finished helping a guest then turned to his right-hand man. “I’m going to grab lunch and take a drive out to the cabins to check on things. Call if you need me.”
“Sounds good, boss. I can handle this.”
“I’m counting on it.” Noon was generally a slow time of day. He’d tried several times over the past two days to locate Hope. Had even stopped by the cabins yesterday to see her, and discovered she’d gone to an appointment off the island. Then in the evening he’d had to work late, and when he’d gotten home Alyssa needed homework help. He’d not had another opportunity to talk with Hope. He could call, but he wanted to have their conversation face-to-face.
He hopped into his pickup and headed the short distance up to the cabins. The cul-de-sac where the cabins were situated was quiet today. It must be because of the holiday weekend. He frowned. Where was Hope’s SUV?
Disappointment washed over him. He owed her an apology, but maybe it was better if he didn’t try to pick up where they’d left off. He had Alyssa to consider, even though she’d given her blessing. And work was demanding on his time. In addition, Hope would be leaving soon. He didn’t have the energy or time to work at a long distance relationship.
With a sigh, he parked in front of the cabin her crew had been working on yesterday. As long as he was here he might as well check out their progress. He unlocked the door, stepped into the eight-hundred square foot unit and quickly looked over the electrical work.
A shadow in the doorway blocked the sunshine from filtering in. He turned. “Hope.” His heart raced. “I was looking for you.”
“Here I am.” She stood tall. “What can I do for you?”
“Forgive me?”
“Come again?”
“We need to talk. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Okay.”
“I overreacted about the tattoos. I’m sorry.”
She crossed her arms. “You finally realized they weren’t permanent, huh?”
He nodded. “Actually I only believed they were real to begin with. About halfway here it occurred to me, there was no way you could have given her a real tattoo. It didn’t take long to realize they weren’t. Fear spurred my anger when I confronted you, and I regret that. I’ve been looking out for my daughter her whole life, and what you did scared me. Her mother had extremely sensitive skin, and I didn’t know if Alyssa would have a reaction. I’ve heard horror stories about some ink and I was scared.”
“Oh. I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry. I should have checked with you first, but an allergy never crossed my mind.”
“I know. Please forgive me for overreacting.”
“Okay.”
That’s it? “All right, then. I guess I’ll see you Sunday at the B&B’s Easter meal.”
She nodded and stepped aside so he could leave.
Why had he thought apologizing would make everything okay between them? Clearly he’d hurt her more than he’d realized. How was he supposed to fix it?
CHAPTER TWELVE
Hope sat beside her bedroom window with her Bible in hand staring out over Puget Sound. To her way of thinking, Easter was a day to contemplate what Jesus had done. That he would suffer so much for her and everyone else still boggled her mind. That was true love—love like no other.
Per her Easter tradition, she opened her Bible to the book of Luke and began reading in chapter 22, verse 39 through the first part of chapter 24. Anguish for Jesus gripped her, and her throat thickened from unshed tears. No matter how many times she read this passage it affected her the same way.
Jesus’ love was almost unfathomable. How He could suffer so that imperfect people like herself, her mother, and Derrick could go to heaven amazed her. The words to the song Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin filled her mind for a few moments. The Lord’s amazing love overwhelmed her. The tears streamed freely. That song perfectly summed up what Jesus had done.
She dried her eyes then finished reading the passage. After a few moments of quiet, she allowed her mind to drift to the events of the day ahead. First she’d attend church and then the Easter meal here at the bed-and-breakfast. Her stomach fluttered. Derrick would be there. She’d done her best to avoid him, but she’d have no choice today.
A knock at her door drew her attention. “Who is it?”
“Jill. May I let myself in?”
“Sure.” What could Derrick’s sister want? She faced the door, and her eyes widened as Jill came into view holding a tray complete with delicious smelling food and a small vase holding tulips. “What’s this?”
“The flowers are from my brother, but the meal in your room was my idea. It’s a madhouse downstairs, and I figured you’d prefer to eat in here.”
Derrick sent flowers? Now that she thought about it, the B&B did seem noisier than usual. A family of five checked in yesterday and sadly the children were less than well behaved. “That was thoughtful of you.” She noted a coffee carafe, two mugs, and a platter piled high with scrambled eggs, bacon and some kind of a potato dish. Another plate held two cinnamon rolls. “There is no way I will be able to eat all of this.”
Jill chuckled. “I was counting on that. Do you mind if I join you?” She pulled a second plate from under the first.
“Not at all. I take it you need a break from the racket downstairs?”
Jill nodded and served herself. “It’s my day off. Most of the time eating breakfast in the dining room isn’t a big deal. I often eat in the kitchen, too, but today . . . let’s just say I needed some peace. I figured you wouldn’t mind.”
Hope grinned. “Not at all. Who can complain about room service?”
“Don’t forget the flowers.” Jill forked a bite of scrambled eggs into her mouth.
She was trying not to think about the flowers.
“Derrick never gives anyone flowers. No one has ever made him work hard enough that he felt the need.”
“What about his wife?” Hope dug into the eggs too.
Jill shook her head. “Maybe on Valentine’s Day. It was love at first sight for them.” J
ill poured coffee into their mugs, then added cream and sugar to her own.
“Oh.” She’d never believed in love at first sight, but respected Derrick enough to give him the benefit of the doubt. Too bad she couldn’t have been so blessed in the love department.
Jill stirred her coffee then set the spoon on a saucer. “May I ask you a personal question?”
She stilled. “I suppose so. But I may choose not to answer.” She sipped the coffee hoping to hide how nervous Jill’s request made her.
“Fair enough. I’m not normally such a busy body, but I love my brother, imperfections and all, and I’m concerned that the two of you are missing out on something wonderful because of the henna incident.” Her face shone a pretty pink that complemented her dark hair, which hung in soft waves down her back.
Hope took another sip then slowly set the mug on the table. “You certainly speak your mind.” She had no desire to get into this with Derrick’s sister, but maybe it would help. Ever since he apologized, she’d been struggling with letting go of the hurt she was holding onto. “I always told myself that I’d never get involved with a dad. That kids complicate relationships.”
“It would seem that way in this case.” Jill gave her a sad smile.
“You’re right, but when it came to Derrick, I broke my rule and fell for him.”
Her face lit. “That’s great!”
Hope shook her head. “When Derrick chose to believe the worst about me, it brought up past pain that I’m still dealing with.” She realized he’d reacted out of fear for his daughter, but if he hadn’t been so angry to begin with thinking she’d actually given Alyssa a real tattoo, she believed a calmer head would have prevailed.
“I’m so sorry, Hope. I had no idea.”
She shrugged. “It’s not that I don’t care for him, because I do. But I already have one person in my life that I love who has hurt me so deeply it changed me to my core. I don’t want to get involved with a man who can’t trust me and believe the best in me as his first instinct.” Maybe she desired the impossible, but one thing was certain—she would not settle. She wanted unconditional love.
Island Hope (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 4) Page 10
