Finding Hope (A Chance and a Hope Book 2)

by SJ McCoy

  Hope sighed. She could hardly blame him for that, could she? She’d done the same thing.

  “Sorry.” Matt looked apologetic now.

  She smiled. “That’s okay. I’m doing the same thing right now. I invited you over to tell me whatever you could about him. How he’s doing, what he’s up to. But it seems we both know him, but neither of us knows him that well.”

  Matt nodded. “Yeah. I know he’s a great guy. I can tell you that without hesitation.”

  “I know that much.”

  “Isn’t it funny how a guy like that, a badass, a man of few words, can prove to both of us without ever even trying, that’s he’s one of the most decent human beings either of us has ever known?”

  She gave a little laugh. “It is. I’d just like to see him again.”

  Matt raised an eyebrow. “Tell me it’s none of my business if you want. Was the media attention too much for him? Is that why you’re not together?”

  “No.” She hesitated. “At least, I don’t think so.”

  Matt looked puzzled.

  How could she explain to him—and why would she want to explain to him, stranger that he was?

  “Like I said, it’s none of my business, and I know it.”

  She smiled. “I just feel so stupid. He dumped me, and now I’m going around harassing his friends.”

  Matt laughed. “I don’t think that’s the case.”

  Hope laughed with him. “But you don’t know, do you? I could be. The trouble is, even I don’t know.”

  “Can I ask why? What happened between the two of you, I mean. Why did you break up?”

  Hope shrugged. “I’d tell you if I knew, but I don’t. He left without telling me. Perhaps I really am a crazy stalker lady who can’t take the hint. Perhaps it’s as simple as that, but I don’t think so. I think if it were just a case of not wanting to see me anymore, he would have told me, made it clear, you know? I feel as though he thinks he’s doing me a favor somehow by not being in my life.”

  Matt nodded. “And you haven’t asked him?”

  “No.” Hope rolled her eyes. “I’m sounding crazier by the minute, right? At first, I was too upset. Then I hoped that he would change his mind. Then I decided I had to respect his decision. Then I started thinking maybe I should just call him and put myself out of my misery. And then …”

  “Then what?”

  “Then I met you at Sirena’s party and decided to wait until I’d spoken to you, to see if you could shed any light on things.”

  Matt smirked.

  “What?” Her heart was racing thinking maybe he knew something she didn’t. “Are you laughing at me? Am I being stupid? Is there some man-code you’ve spotted, and I don’t know about, that means he dumped me and never wants to see me again?”

  Matt chuckled. “Okay, now you are starting to sound a little crazy. Slow down. I was smiling because I was thinking that he’s probably going through all the same things you are. I was smiling because when it comes to love, we can all be pretty dumb, no matter how smart we are.”

  Hope nodded sadly. “But what do you think?” She couldn’t help asking.

  He met her gaze and nodded solemnly. “You really want to know?”

  She nodded eagerly.

  “I think you should call the guy. I think that’s the quickest, easiest way to put yourself out of your misery. Pick up the phone and call him. He’ll either want to talk to you, or he won’t. Either way, you’ll know.”

  Hope nodded and gave him a rueful smile. “Thanks. Sorry I got you to come over here to tell me what common sense should have told me in the first place.”

  “That’s okay. I get a free lunch and a new friend out of the deal.”

  She smiled and turned to the fridge for the sandwiches she’d prepared earlier. “You do, and if you want to eat outside, you get to enjoy one of the best views in town, too.”

  Chapter Six

  Chance rode back into the yard and slid down from Rio. It had been a long, hard day. Much longer than he’d expected. He’d found a stretch of broken fence and had to round up three cows who’d managed to get out and roam onto the neighboring property. That particular stretch where they’d breached the fence, adjoined the Davenport land. Between them Johnny and Seymour must own several thousand acres. To think their houses were way back up the valley, near town, and yet the southernmost reaches of their land were all the way down here. Of course, it wasn’t really their property that was on his mind. It was Hope. As soon as he’d taken care of Rio and put him away for the night, Chance was going to take a shower and call Johnny; then he was going to call Hope.

  He untacked Rio and brushed him down, then led him through the barn to turn him out in the little pasture at the back.

  “Evening.” Mason was leaning against Storm’s stall.

  “What’s up?”

  Mason shook his head. The gesture seemed to say nothing was up, but the look on his face said something was. Chance walked on by leading Rio out through the gate at the back and closing it behind him before he returned. If something was up, Mason would no doubt tell him when he got there. “It’s been a long day, and I want a shower and a beer. If you’ve got something to say, say it now, or come back to the cabin with me.”

  Mason nodded and fell into step beside him. Shit. That meant it was bad news, Chance just knew it.

  “Okay. What is it?” asked Chance, as they started up the path to the cabin and Mason still hadn’t spoken.

  “I don’t know yet, and it might be nothing. I’ve got Summer checking it out.”

  Chance stopped walking and turned to face him. “I don’t do riddles. What the fuck are you talking about?”

  Mason sighed. “Little Ruby saw Matt McConnell on TV today.”

  “And?” Chance had no idea what that could have to do with him.

  “She remembered him from the weddings. He was here with Summer’s sister, remember?”

  “Yeah, he works with her. I think the two of them were together or wanted to be.”

  “We all thought that, but he was on TV today because they’re saying he’s got a new girlfriend.”

  Chance shook his head. “Why would I care? I mean, I like the guy. He helped us out big time with getting Guy Preston locked up, but why do you need to walk me home to tell me that he’s got a new … Oh.” It hit him. There was only one reason. He met Mason’s gaze. “Hope?”

  Mason nodded. “But you of all people know how wrong the press can get things.”

  Chance nodded. He did. Still, he felt like he’d had all the air knocked out of him. Just when he’d been planning to call her. When he’d finally gotten over his stupidity. It was too late. He’d missed his chance.

  They got to the cabin and went inside. “What are you going to do?” asked Mason.

  He shrugged. “Not a lot I can do, is there?”

  “Coward!” They both spun around to see Shane sitting in the armchair, arms folded across his chest.

  Chance glowered at him, but Shane got to his feet. Normally he was like a big puppy—at six feet four, make that a very big puppy—but right now he seemed intimidating, even to Chance as he towered over him and glared down at him. “Yes, I let myself in. Yes, I’m calling you a coward again. I came here to make damned sure you call her tonight, just like you said you were going to. Nothing has changed since we talked. Well, the only thing you know for sure is that the press has run a story on her. So, you call her, and you ask her yourself. Okay?”

  Chance stared up at him for a long moment. He was wrestling with sadness that Hope had moved on, with anger that Shane dared to try to intimidate him like that, and with gratitude that both Mason and Shane cared enough to be here right now. Eventually, he laughed. “Okay! Yes sir, Shane, sir. Would you mind if I have a shower first, though?”

  Shane stepped back looking a little stunned. “Sure. You’re not going to yell at me? Or argue with me or anything?”

  Chance shook his head. “Nah. I don’t see the point. You’re
right. I can’t let this knock me off track, can I?”

  “No,” said Mason. “You can’t.” He grinned at Shane. “Thanks, little brother, you made this a damned sight easier than I thought it was going to be.”

  Chance laughed. “You have no idea. Little brother here gave me a good talking to last night and set me straight about a few things.”

  Shane ginned. “I wasn’t sure if any of it had stuck and when I heard about the story on Hope and Matt, I had to come check on you. I can’t see there being anything between them. Matt seemed pretty stuck on Summer’s sister, but you need to call her and talk to her yourself. You can’t use this as another excuse.”

  Chance nodded. “I agree.”

  Mason and Shane exchanged a glance before Mason turned back to Chance. “Do you want us to stick around?”

  “No.” Chance smirked at him. “Like I told you other day, we’re not a bunch of girlies. I’ve got this.” He sucked in a deep breath then blew it out slowly before adding, “Seriously. I’m not going to chicken out. I just want to take that shower and gather my thoughts. I need to do this by myself.”

  Mason nodded. “Okay.” He started herding Shane toward the door.

  Shane stopped and looked back. “You going to call me later?”

  Chance chuckled. “Maybe.”

  Once they’d gone, his smile faded. Would he want to call Shane later? How would he feel if he talked to Hope and she was with Matt—if she’d moved on so quickly and easily? He headed for the shower. He couldn’t waste time wondering. He needed to just get on and do it. Half an hour later, he was dried and dressed and sitting on the back porch with his phone in one hand and a beer in the other. The first call would be the easier of the two, but he still wasn’t looking forward to making it. He took a swig of his beer then hit the button and waited while it rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Dr. Johnny. Hi, it’s Chance Malone.”

  “Oh, hello Chance, what can I do for you?” Johnny sounded distracted.

  “I … err … I wondered.” Jeez! He needed to get a grip. “Could you give me Hope’s number?”

  “Of course. Do you have a pen?”

  “I do.” Chance picked up the pad and pen he’d brought out with him, though he had a feeling that once he heard her number, he wouldn’t forget it in a hurry. He jotted down the numbers as Johnny said them, remembering as he did the first time he’d written his own number down for Hope. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Is there anything else?”

  “No, sir, that was all, thank you.”

  “Okay, goodbye.”

  Chance was surprised to hear the line go dead. He’d expected at least some questions over why he wanted Hope’s number, and why he didn’t have it. He shook his head. Oh well, he had what he wanted. Now it was time to make the call that mattered.

  He didn’t allow himself to hesitate, knowing that if he did, he could waste all kinds of time wondering what he should say, and what she might say. He tapped in the number and listened to it ring.

  “You’ve reached Hope Davenport. I’ll be unavailable for the next few days. Please contact Davenport Athleticwear with any urgent matters.”

  Chance hit the end call button and blew out a sigh. Even though he hadn’t spent any time building up to it, his heart was racing in his chest. He’d been prepared for one of the most important calls of his life. Reaching the message had been anti-climactic, to say the least. There wasn’t even a way to leave her a voicemail. He sure as hell wasn’t going to call her office and try to run her down that way. What was he going to do? He could call Johnny back and ask if he knew what was going on. He took another swig of his beer. No. He shouldn’t do that. Asking for her number had been one thing, but involving her uncle was another. He shrugged and stared out at the mountains. He’d wait a couple of days and try again. In the meantime, he’d just have to try not to drive himself crazy wondering if she was hiding from the press because of Matt—or with Matt.

  ~ ~ ~

  Hope looked around her as she made her way down the steps from the jet. The sky was as big and blue as she remembered it. The mountains were much greener, though still topped with snow. Montana still felt like home. She got on the golf cart that was waiting to take her to the general aviation building. She was fairly certain there would be no press waiting for her here.

  When the doors slid open and she stepped inside she was relieved to see that she was right. There were two girls sitting at the reception desk. A couple was sitting on the big sofas by the window, watching a commercial jet coming in to land. A pilot stood by the coffee machine, but that was all. She let out a sigh of relief.

  “There you are!”

  She smiled when she saw Aunt Jean hurrying toward her with Uncle Johnny in her wake. “It’s so good to see you,” she said as her aunt wrapped her in a hug.

  “It’s even better to see you, dear. I’m sorry the press is hounding you again, but I can’t say I’m sorry it’s brought you up here to visit. It’s been far too long.”

  Hope nodded and turned to Uncle Johnny. “Thanks for coming to get me.”

  He nodded. “Of course.” She sensed there was something not right with him, but he smiled brightly. “Let’s get you home then. You’re coming for dinner with us this evening.”

  “Thanks.” Aunt Jean had invited her to stay with them, but she’d declined, preferring instead to stay at Oscar’s place. She didn’t want to be any trouble, but she also wanted to be by herself. Who was she kidding? What she really wanted was to see Chance, and to be able to invite him over to see her. She wouldn’t be able to do that if she stayed with her aunt and uncle.

  It was a forty-minute drive from the Bozeman airport to their house in Paradise Valley, just south of Livingston. Hope smiled as they drove up the tree-lined driveway to the house. Their house held so many happy memories for her. Memories of her childhood and her cousins. She drew in a deep breath—memories of her mom.

  “Come on inside,” said Aunt Jean when they pulled up. “Brody will take your bags over to Oscar’s place for you.”

  Hope smiled. Brody had managed the place for them ever since she could remember. She felt a little guilty, though, having him take care of her bags. Last time she’d been here, she’d been shocked by how old he seemed.

  As her aunt led her up the steps to the front door, she was puzzled by the sight of a man in his thirties, a very good-looking man in butt hugging Wranglers, getting into the car.

  Uncle Johnny laughed. “That’s Brody Junior. You probably don’t recognize him.”

  “Oh!” she certainly hadn’t recognized him. Her memory of Brody Jr. was a shy kid who hung around the horses and would watch her and her cousins play, but never joined in.

  Aunt Jean smiled. “Don’t look so shocked; you’re not the only one who went and grew up on us.”

  Hope nodded. Of course she wasn’t.

  She enjoyed dinner with her aunt and uncle. She always enjoyed any time she got to spend with them. Nonetheless, she was glad when it was over. She couldn’t wait to excuse herself and be allowed to go down to Oscar’s house and get settled in. She’d called him after the story about her and Matt had hit the news. It was crazy; they were all over the papers and TV. There was all kinds of speculation about the two of them. When the crowds of reporters had gathered outside her front gate for the second time in less than two months, she’d decided it was time to leave town again. She’d considered going back to Oregon, but there was no point. She’d only be going there to feel close to Chance again, and he wasn’t there. He was here. She didn’t know if he’d want to see her—especially if he’d seen the stories about her and Matt—but at least she’d be in the same valley as him. She’d be here when she made her grand gesture. And if he wanted to see her, she’d be just a few miles up the road.

  “Shall I take you down to Oscar’s?” asked Uncle Johnny. “You look tired.”

  She smiled gratefully. “That’d be wonderful, thank you. I’ll come see
you tomorrow, Aunt Jean.”

  “You come if you want to, don’t if you don’t. You’re here for a break. You know how things work around here. We don’t stand on ceremony, and there are no expectations. If you want some company, come up and say hello. If you want your peace and quiet, you hang out down there by the river and enjoy your own company.”

  Hope hugged her tight. “Thanks.”

  “Of course. Goodnight, dear.”

  “Do you want to drive down or walk?” asked Uncle Johnny when they got outside.

  “I’d love to walk if you don’t mind walking back up.”

  Johnny chuckled. “You know me better than that. You’re my excuse to get out for a stroll on a perfect evening.”

  Hope slipped her arm through his, and they set out down the lane that led to Oscar’s place.

  They walked in silence for a while. Enjoying the peace and quiet, the only sounds were the rushing of the river and birdsong. Hope could feel herself beginning to relax as they went.

  “Are you okay?” asked Uncle Johnny after a while.

  She nodded. “I am. I just didn’t need to be at the center of another media circus.”

  “I know. And what about Chance?”

  She met his gaze. “What about him?”

  “Isn’t he why you’re here?”

  “No! Well, partly. Okay. Yes. But I don’t even know if he wants to talk to me, let alone see me.”

  “Damn!”

  She was shocked, Uncle Johnny rarely ever cursed. “What? What’s wrong?”

  “I’m sorry Hope. It completely slipped my mind. He called me, last night.”

  “Chance did?”

  “Yes. Asking for your number. I’d swear I’m starting to lose my mind. I was busy when he called. I was going to call you and tell you, but then Jean called me outside, and I forgot.”

  “When you called this morning, I assumed that the two of you must have spoken and that was why you wanted to come.”

  Hope shook her head. Her mind was racing. “He hasn’t called me. Did he say what he wanted?”

  “Just your number.”