Finding Hope (Love's Compass Book 2)

by Snitker, Melanie D.

  She climbed into her car and leaned her head back against the head rest. It had been a great evening — she’d needed that more than she had realized. She’d needed to be surrounded by family.

  It would have been a perfect evening if Lance had been there.

  The thought came out of left field and struck Lexi with such force that she sat up straight.

  She missed Lance.

  ~

  Lance’s phone buzzed and he picked it up to see a text from Lexi. He had hoped she might let him know how the family dinner went. All evening, he’d tried to keep busy watching television or doing anything else he could to pass the time. He tossed the remote control on the couch beside him and opened the text message.

  “I just got home from dinner. It went pretty well. Thanks again for giving Tuck a heads up.”

  “You’re welcome. I saw the picture of you and Grams. That was awesome. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  There was a pause and then another text from her.

  “I missed you.”

  He tapped on the green symbol next to her name and waited as the phone rang. He leaned back into the cushions and let her voice wash over him. “Hey, you.”

  Lance smiled. “I missed you, too.”

  “How was your night?”

  “Long.” He hadn’t been able to take his mind off Lexi, wondering how things were going. “But I got a lot of work done today and that always feels good.”

  “Do you still miss being a cop?”

  “During the day sometimes. But I don’t miss the late-night call outs.” He laid down on his couch, propping his head on the arm. “You have a shift tomorrow, right?”

  “Yes. My schedule has been all over the place lately. I’m going to check and see what I can do about this weekend.”

  “We probably won’t see each other much this week, then.”

  Lexi was silent for a moment and he checked the screen to make sure their call hadn’t disconnected. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. You know, if you wanted to come by for lunch one day, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

  He chuckled, a smile on his face and anticipation welling up in his chest. “I bet we can arrange that. How about Wednesday?”

  “Wednesday sounds great. Can I text you about the time that morning?”

  “Absolutely. You know you can call me whenever you want, right?”

  “I do. Thanks, Lance. The same goes for you.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “Have a good night.”

  “You, too.”

  He waited for her to hang up before turning his screen off.

  Lexi had missed him and suggested they have lunch together that week. Oh, yeah. Life was good.

  ~

  “Okay. What happened?”

  Lance barely had the chance to slide into the booth across from Tuck Monday morning before the words had left his best friend’s mouth.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I can tell something’s changed and you know you want to tell me. Come on, out with it.”

  Lance shook his head. “You’re scary sometimes. Seriously. Have you thought about a career with the FBI? Or maybe the secret service?”

  “I’ve considered it. But I’ve heard their vacation packages are terrible.” Tuck gave him his best guise of innocence.

  Lance wadded up a napkin and tossed it at him.

  The waitress arrived with their drinks and they placed their breakfast orders.

  As soon as she walked away, Tuck was pinning him down with that look of his, the one that almost always got suspects to crack under pressure.

  Lance crossed his arms.

  His friend stared at him, looking for clues. His eyes widened. “Lexi was acting differently at dinner. You kissed her, didn’t you?”

  Schooling his features, Lance reached nonchalantly for his glass of orange juice.

  Tuck threw his head back and laughed. “It’s about time, man.”

  ~

  Lexi had promised to stop by Laurie’s photography studio before starting her afternoon shift at the hospital on Monday. She’d loved how the photos from the first session turned out and felt more relaxed this time around.

  Laurie was a gifted photographer and had a way of making the subjects of her photos be themselves. She believed there was a time and place for posed photos. But an image showing the true personality of the person in it said so much more.

  A bell above the door announced her presence. Laurie peeked at her from the other side of a backdrop she was raising back into position.

  “Hey, Lexi! Right on time!” She finished her task and brushed some dust off of her pants. “How’s your day going?”

  “My shift starts in an hour, but I’m off to a good start.”

  “I don’t know how you deal with the different schedules. It would drive me insane. Does your body ever have a hard time figuring out when it should sleep?”

  Lexi helped her move two larger props out of the middle of the floor and to a space against one wall.

  “In the beginning it did. But now, unless something major is going on, I’m tired by the time I get home and my body has no choice but to sleep.”

  Laurie got a beautiful wooden chair and placed it near a window at the front of the studio. Lexi remembered seeing a cabinet or a bookshelf near there but the space was empty now.

  “Tell me where you want me.”

  She watched as Laurie got everything set up. She brought out a couple of different lengths of cloth, expertly draping a brown one around Lexi’s body until it resembled a dress.

  With a satisfied smile she gave a nod. “Perfect. It’s almost the exact same color as your eyes.”

  Lexi thought the session went well. Laurie coached her and suggested different things to her, but none of it felt unnatural. Twenty minutes later, the session was finished.

  “I can’t wait to see what you do with this.”

  Laurie smiled at her. “I’ll process them and try to get some back to you by the end of the week.”

  “That sounds perfect. I know you have a lot of sessions this week. Don’t feel rushed.” She reached out to hug her sister-in-law. “I’m very thankful for you.”

  “I feel the same way about you.”

  They said their goodbyes and Lexi headed to the hospital.

  She was feeling pretty off today. Not only did she feel tired, but dizzy and a little euphoric. She’d read that the reduction in white blood cell counts could cause her body’s responses. She wasn’t overly concerned. Still, it was distracting.

  Once she got to the hospital, she changed into her scrubs and headed to the break room.

  By now, all of her coworkers knew about her fight with ovarian cancer. Most treated her normally. She had two coworkers come up to share their own experiences. A few of the others had looked at her as though they expected her to keel over at any moment.

  Finnegan hadn’t spoken with her since she’d confronted him with the truth last week. When she ran into him, she got the polite hello. They went their separate ways, which suited Lexi just fine. Because if a man was going to be the focus of her thoughts, there was no doubt it was Lance.

  His name brought a smile to her face and a bounce to her step as she left the coffee brewing in the break room and headed for the nurse’s station.

  It was time to get to work.

  ~

  Lance had his cell phone to one ear, his microwaved meal forgotten in front of him as he chatted with Lexi.

  “I went over my schedule at the hospital. I had to pull a few strings and trade shifts with a couple of people, but I’m free to go to the renaissance fair.”

  Thinking about spending the weekend with her made Lance’s day. “That’s great! I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”

  “No, it’ll be fine. I’ll work a double shift so I can get off at 6 a.m. Friday morning and won’t go back to work again until 6 Sunday night.”

&nbs
p; He was glad they would have all day at the fair. But he hated it when she worked double shifts. “You’ll be exhausted.”

  “Nah. I’ll go home and sleep a few hours. Then, as long as you don’t mind if I sleep a couple more on the way there, I’ll be fine.”

  “I get to drive you down to Magnolia?” The thought put a smile on his face.

  “I should have asked if you were going with your parents or your sisters. I didn’t even…”

  “Lex.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I was hoping to drive with you.”

  “Okay. I’m glad.”

  Lance could imagine the blush creeping into her cheeks and wished he could see it for himself.

  They worked out a few more details. Lexi was hesitant to go in a full renaissance outfit and Lance didn’t even have one anymore. They decided to dress normally and go to enjoy the shows and demonstrations.

  By the time they said their goodnights, Lance’s heart was light.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lance helped Lexi put her rolling suitcase in the back of his Jeep and opened the door for her. She put on her seat belt, excited for the weekend. It’d been a while since she’d gone out of town for anything fun. She didn’t realize how much she needed this until now.

  She kicked her shoes off for the long drive. “I’ve got almost forty-eight hours before I have to work again. I’m more than ready for this.”

  “Me, too.” He looked at her, a grin on his face.

  “Tell me about the sisters I’m going to meet today.”

  They spent the majority of the drive talking about family, funny things that happened at previous renaissance fairs Lance had been to, and eating sandwiches along the way. By the time they got to the hotel, it was almost nine. He had booked hotel rooms down the same hall making it easy for them to all connect. The other members of his family were already at a restaurant next door and had texted to let Lance know. He and Lexi deposited their things in their rooms and walked back down the hall to the elevator.

  The door closed. Lance took one of her hands in his and rested his other on the rail against the wall behind her. “I may not get the chance to do this again before we leave.” His voice was husky, his intentions clear.

  Lexi took in a deep breath. When she didn’t object, he kissed her. Every other thought drifted away as she relished the feel of his lips against hers in a kiss she wouldn’t forget for a long time to come.

  The chime of the elevator announced their arrival. Lance moved back, but he moved his arm to encircle her waist as they stepped into the lobby.

  Lexi’s legs felt weak as she worked to even her breathing. She tried to get her thoughts in order before they reached the restaurant.

  As soon as they entered, Lexi spotted the Davenports waving them over. The feel of Lance’s hand on her lower back reassured her, relieving an onslaught of nerves.

  “Hey, everyone!” Lance gave hugs all the way around the table. Then he turned and made introductions.

  Lexi greeted Peter and Vera again with a wave and a smile. His sister, Gwen, was a younger version of Vera. She was holding hands with Zane, her husband of a few months. Beth, the youngest Davenport sibling, resembled Lance in some ways. His family seemed friendly and Lexi was happy to join them at the table, sitting between Lance and Vera.

  “We’re happy you could join us, Lexi,” Vera said, a sincere smile on her face. “We remember meeting you a few times, but never had much opportunity to visit.”

  “I remember, ma’am. It was at Lance’s high school graduation and then again, when he and Tuck graduated from the police academy. I’m sure we’ve run into each other at least a time or two since.”

  “Yes, I think you’re right. And those events are always busy, it’s hard to visit with too many people. Have you ever been to a renaissance fair before?”

  “No, ma’am. I sure haven’t.”

  “Please, call me Vera.” She took a drink of her lemonade. “And I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Who knows, maybe you’ll be a new fan and can go with us every year to the one in Oklahoma.”

  Lexi glanced at Lance and back to his mom. “I’m sure I’ll have fun. I think my sister-in-law, Laurie, was a little jealous. She’s a photographer and said she would love to take photos of all the different costumes people wear.”

  Zane spoke from across the table. “This will be my first renaissance fair, too. The good news, is they have alcohol there if we need that to get through the day.”

  He winked and Gwen elbowed him hard in the ribs. “No one knows you well enough yet for you to joke like that,” she chided, blushing all the way to the roots of her hair. “He’s kidding.”

  Lexi chuckled. Most of the dinner, she listened to the discussions that floated around her. How they had all intended to bring costumes and everything and dress up like they used to, but they hadn’t had enough time to prepare. They would have to go and not worry about blending in this year. Then they would have months to put together their costumes for the Oklahoma fair in May.

  Secretly, Lexi was just as glad. For her first renaissance fair, she would rather play it safe.

  Dinner wound down and people headed back to the hotel. The plan was to meet in the lobby for the continental breakfast at half past seven, that way they could be at the fair when doors opened at nine.

  Everyone intended to stay the entire day until it closed with fireworks at nine that evening.

  Lance walked her to her hotel room door. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like I’d better be.” She gave him a teasing smile. “It’ll be fun.”

  “Definitely.” He gave her an all-too-brief kiss. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  ~

  There was already a crowd when they arrived at the fairgrounds the next morning. Lance held onto Lexi’s hand as they got their tickets and headed through the gates. With this many people, it would be easy to get separated.

  “Wow, you can rent costumes?” Lexi’s voice was incredulous as they walked down a street with storefronts on either side. Each one designed and decorated to fit the period. He noted the one she was referring to with fancy dresses hanging in the window.

  “Dressing up in costume is a big thing at fairs like this,” Vera said. “We always did. It makes you feel like you’re part of it.”

  Lance watched as his dad maneuvered his walker through the crowd.

  He knew Peter had hesitated in taking it, but with all the walking they would do today, Vera had insisted. It helped him move, but it also provided a chair for him to sit on when they stopped or when he needed a rest.

  That Peter Davenport needed a walker at all bothered Lance.

  His mind shifted to the woman walking beside him. She was dressed in capris and a blouse that flowed over her hips. She had chosen a scarf that went well with the blouse and brought out the color in her cheeks. They’d all brought jackets in case they needed them, but left them in the vehicles since warm weather was predicted. He gently squeezed her hand and took in a deep breath. She smelled like lavender and summer.

  Lance enjoyed the day, seeing a renaissance fair through the eyes of someone who was there for the first time. Lexi seemed to have the most fun watching the jousting and sword fights.

  That evening, Peter was getting tired. He and Vera found a spot to sit and listen to some entertainment. The rest of them perused the shops.

  “Check these out, Lance!”

  Lexi tugged on his hand to stop him in front of the glass blowing display. There was a man who was creating a vase as they watched, with many other pieces set up on tables and shelves.

  “They are beautiful,” he commented. The way the guy was creating the vase with such precise and delicate movements was mesmerizing.

  Lexi reached out and touched a glass ball the size of her palm. The shades of blue and white swirled inside in infinite patterns. “It reminds me of the ocean.”

  A woman in period clothing walked up to the table.
“You can pick it up if you’d like.”

  Letting go of Lance’s hand, Lexi lifted the ball and cupped it in her hands. “It’s much lighter than I thought it would be. It’s amazing how detailed it is.” She set it back down again. She watched the man working with the glass. “You are talented.”

  He gave a short nod. “Thank you, My Lady.”

  Beth, Gwen, and Zane joined them. “Is anyone else getting hungry?” Gwen asked.

  They decided they were.

  Beth took hold of both Gwen and Lexi’s arms. “I think we girls should go powder our noses and meet you guys over by Mom and Dad.”

  Lance watched as the women disappeared into the crowd. He turned to Zane. “Gwen seems happy. I’m glad for both of you.”

  “I appreciate that. Lexi seems great,” Zane commented as they made their way back to where they’d left Peter and Vera.

  “She is. I thank God every day she’s in my life.”

  ~

  Lexi liked Lance’s sisters. They were both carefree and walked through the fair liked they owned the place. Which was good, because Lexi still felt very much like a tourist, and a lost one at that if they hadn’t been there to steer her in the right direction.

  “I’m glad you came with us this weekend,” Gwen said as they picked their way through the crowd. “Mom and Dad appreciate it when the significant others join in family events.”

  Lexi wanted to object about the significant other comment, but Beth was already talking. “It’s true. They weren’t sure about Zane until he fixed Mom’s car right after Christmas.”

  “That was sweet of him,” Lexi agreed.

  Gwen chuckled. “You’re the first woman Lance has ever brought home.” Her face became more serious. “This year has been rough for Dad with his stroke and all. There have been two good things that have come out of it, though. Lance took over the carpentry shop and he’s interested in you.”

  “I imagine Peter was relieved to see the carpentry shop remain open.”