“So she doesn’t take any of your crap. Sounds like she’s got you pegged already.”
Raymond looked at his cousin in warning then shook his head smiling. “In a New York minute.”
“So why hasn’t Mamma Lou tried to match you up with her.”
“I told her that I wasn’t interested, so she’s been pulling every available bachelor out of her bag out to meet her. She pinpointed her focus on Dennis for a while, but he was more interested in Hope’s sister Faith. So, she talked Madison’s brother, J.T., into coming to New York to meet her.
“Did he meet her?”
“No, I called him and asked him to cancel.”
“Oh really, and why was that?”
“I don’t know.”
“Yes you do.”
“Yeah, I do. Sometime, somewhere, somehow, I changed my mind. Okay? Are you happy?”
Tony nodded his head. I think the question is, are you happy?”
“No,” Raymond said.
“So, do something about it, tell her.”
Raymond shrugged and looked out into the Chesapeake Bay. The crystal water sparkled like fine jewels tossed across the water’s surface. Raymond bent down, picked up another small smooth stone and tossed it as far as he could. The stone hopped, skipped across the surface a few times before plopping in with a splash. Raymond stared out at the troubled water. “How did you know that Madison was the only woman for you?”
“I didn’t, at least not for a while.” Tony bent down and picked up a stone and mirrored Raymond’s actions. “I didn’t want to admit it to myself. But, I guess I always knew.”
“Can you get any more cryptic?”
Tony smiled at the remark. “Love is cryptic.”
“Oh this keeps getting better.”
Tony laughed. “You’re attracted to her, that’s obvious. The question is will she hold your interest. You know, when it comes to women, you don’t have the greatest attention span.”
Raymond smiled thinking of his last evening with Hope. “She is well worth the effort. I can’t stop thinking about her. Sometimes she drives me crazy. Other times,” he paused for reflection, “I can’t imagine my life without her."
Tony smiled knowingly, "that sounds about right." He smiled remembering his early rocky relationship with Madison. They’d had a tumultuous beginning but now he was in heaven. He looked over to see Madison waving at him. He waved back with a smile as wide and broad as the state of Texas. "But it’s worth it in the long run."
Raymond looked over to Tony understanding the smile on his face. "It’s not the same like with you and Madison, Hope despises me."
"You think Madison didn’t detest me.” Tony laughed openly. “They all say that, they don’t mean it"
Raymond laughed, "believe me, this one means it. She hates everything I am and everything I stand for the money, the prestige, everything."
"So you gotta ask yourself, is she worth it?"
Raymond looked back out over the bay. A slow easy smile spread across his face that matched Tony’s exactly. Tony began laughing, "I take that as a yes," Tony said.
"Hell yes."
"So, what are you doing here, go get her."
"How?" Raymond asked.
"Surely this can’t be the great and powerful Dr. Raymond Gates, healer of the sick, defender of the weak, champion to the underdog. Man, I thought you could leap tall buildings with a single bound and was able to bend every woman to your will."
"As I said before, not this one. She’s different."
"So you be different. Be everything she wants in a man."
Raymond looked over to his cousin, "you mean change who I am?" The bitter taste of disdain soured his mouth.
“No, of course not. Just let her see the real you. The you that we see every day.”
“Easier said than done.”
"How badly do you want to be with her?"
“Badly enough to propose marriage.”
Tony smiled accepting the news with a hearty slap on Raymond’s back and an exuberant handshake and bear-like hug. “That’s great man. So she’s really the one. When are you going to pop the question?”
“Don’t congratulate me yet. I already asked her to marry me.”
“You what?”
“You heard me, I proposed.”
Tony grabbed Raymond and whooped loudly. “That’s fantastic.”
“It would have been, if she’d have accepted.”
“She didn’t accept?”
Raymond looked out over the water and shook his head. The once troubled surface had now stilled to its original facade. Raymond smiled reflecting on the turbulent relationship. Although his calm demeanor portrayed his control, inwardly he toiled. “It’s over.”
“Maybe not.”
Raymond half smiled. “The funny thing is that Mamma Lou once said once I find hope, I should make sure to never lose it. Looks like I did. For once in my life I found the perfect woman for me and I lost her.”
“You know what, I’ve always found that hope is never very far from our hearts and that when you need it it’s always there.”
The two men remained silent each pondering distant thoughts.
“I need to get back.”
“To Haven House?”
“Eventually. But, I need to stop at the apartment first. I promised Kennedy I’d give her a ride since she’s staying at J.T.’s place.”
“That’s right. I forgot you two were neighbors.”
“Yeah, he’s on the next floor up. Kennedy’s staying at his place for a few days. She has a meeting at the Metropolitan tomorrow.”
“How’s the new building look?”
“It’s coming along nicely. Are you and Madison still coming to the opening?”
“We wouldn’t miss it. Kennedy plans to come as well. Also, J.T. said that he might stop by. He’s still in Europe working on some new software deal. He’s supposed to be back in the states by then.”
“That man had better learn to relax.”
“He said it’s on his schedule. Since he’s right in New York, he promised Madison to find the time to stop by.”
“Great. The more the merrier.” Raymond said then took one last look around. He held out his hand to shake then the two grabbed each other in a brotherly embrace.
“Drive carefully,” Tony said.
Raymond nodded and walked back up the winding path to the house. “Mamma Lou!” He called out as soon as he reached the sliding glass door off the veranda. He looked around the large open styled kitchen. “Mamma Lou! Mamma Lou!” He called out louder.
“Boy, if you don’t stop that yelling in my house, I’m going to put you over my knee and take a switch to you.”
Taken off guard, Raymond burst with laughter. His day had instantly just brightened. The sternness of her expression increased his laughter. After a minute or two of more laughter, Raymond finally calmed down.
He looked into the sweet serenity of his grandmother’s eyes. There he found the strength of century old valiance. The same determination that drove those first freed men and woman to call Crescent Island their home was the same fortitude that flowed through his veins. He was a descendent of their dauntless intrepidness and their strength.
“Hope and I…” he began until she interrupted.
“I know dear,” she gently stroked his face as he bent down to kiss her cheek. “Kennedy’s already waiting out front, drive safely.”
He kissed her cheek and walked out.
Chapter Twenty-four
“New life.” Hope smiled as she and Faith stood side by side at the shielded glass window. She pressed her hand against the glass then drew a happy face. She couldn’t help but smile. The nursery was filled with bundles swaddled in pink and blue. One infant, dawning a blue cap and blanket, wailed at the top of his lungs. Eventually he incited a riot of random cries joined in by the entire brood. Hope laughed joyfully. “They’re so precious,” she added then turned to look at her sister.
&nbs
p; “Yes, they are. Life is so fragile.” Faith lamented woefully. They turned and slowly began walking down the corridor.
Hope nodded. “Life is a continuous circle a time to be born and a time to die.”
Faith took a deep breath and walked away slowly. Hope followed. “How sick was she?”
“Very. Her mother is a drug addict. She was premature and born addicted to crack.” A tear slid solemnly down her cheek. “She was only seventeen days old. We tried everything but there was nothing anyone could do. I only knew her for a few weeks but she was a remarkable little girl. I just wish she had more time. She should have had more time.”
They entered the chapel.
“Faith, listen to me. We’re only human, we’re not God. We can’t give life and the best we can to is to ease suffering. That was the oath we took, do no harm. Our purpose is clear.”
“Yes, yes, I know all that. It doesn’t make it any easier.” Faith said, as tears slowly drifted downward.
Hope reached out to her sister and pulled her into her loving embrace. “I know. The death of an innocent is always insufferable,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Life is too short.”
Fully weeping, Faith laid her head on her older sister’s shoulder. “She died without even being loved. Her mother is still in detox. She has no idea what a precious gift she lost.”
“That will be her cross to bear. When she recovers, she’s going to have to live with this for the rest of her life.”
“She died alone.” Faith looked up at Hope, her face damp with emotion. “All alone and unloved.”
“No she didn’t Faith. She died with you at her side. She died with Faith, right?”
“Right. Okay.” Faith sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m okay now. Thank you sis. I guess we all need a shoulder to lean on from time to time.” She took Hopes hands, “I’m glad I have you.”
“Me too.”
“Did I ever say thank you?”
“For what?” Hope asked.
“You divorced Nolan and used your settlement money to pay for my education.”
“Yes, you thanked me about a thousand times.”
“I’m a registered nurse because of you. What would I have done without you? You saved my life,” Faith said.
“No I didn’t.”
“I was so small. He would have killed me if you hadn’t jumped on his back.”
“Some cavalry I turned out to be. I went flying through the plate glass window.”
“It stopped him.”
“But it was too late.” The sisters looked at each other. The memories they shared would always be there. In time the pain would diminish.
“How’s Dennis?”
“Perfect, I love him.”
“I’m happy for you Faith.”
“What, no lecture, no sermon on the evils of falling in love? What’s wrong with you?”
Hope had to smile, Faith knew her too well. “No lectures, no sermons. Only my best wishes for your happiness.” She hugged her sister. “Be happy.”
“I will.” Faith took a deep breath and stood. “I have to get back to work.”
Hope smiled. “I’m going to stay in here a bit. I’m not technically on duty until eight. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Faith nodded and quietly walked out.
“Excuse me, is Dr. Wescott available?”
His assistant looked up. “I’m sorry, Dr. Wescott’s been in a meeting all day.”
“Do you know if Dr. Adams is in yet?”
“Hope Adams?”
The woman opened a computer window and scanned the screen. “Yes, she’s here. She checked in an hour ago. You might want to try ER.”
“I already have, she’s not on duty yet.”
“Then you might want to ask her sister. She might know. She in the pediatric ward on four.”
“Thanks.”
Raymond took the elevator to the fourth floor. He entered the pediatric ward within minutes and looked around. “Excuse me,” he stopped a man passing with a hospital nametag attached to his shirt. “Have you seen Doctor Adams?” The technician shook his head then pointed in the direction of the nurses’ desk. Raymond stepped up to the counter. “Doctor Adams?”
“Yeah, I just saw her. She’s with Faith. I think they went to the chapel down the hall, fourth down on the left. There’s a plaque on the wall.”
“Thanks.” Raymond walked down the hall and followed the signs to the hospital chapel. When he arrived at the door, he pushed it open slightly.
He entered. The room was shrouded darkness. He allowed his eyes to adjust to the lighting then he looked around. The front was a backlit stained glass window depicting a peaceful sunrise over a meadow. He saw them sitting near the front altar. They were talking softly but he could hear every word.
He took a seat on the last pew and waited patiently. Mamma Lou went to church every Sunday and then twice during the week. Looking back, he realized that he hadn’t been to church in years. Maybe it was time to renew his faith and hope in the world.
He watched as the sisters embraced then Faith stood to leave. He stood as she passed his pew. They smiled at each other as he held out his hand. Faith took it as she passed. They squeezed affectionately as she eyed him knowingly. Raymond nodded. He’d understood perfectly.
Hope focused on the colored glass as her mind flashed back to her unannounced trip to Raymond’s apartment. She went over to apologize for her behavior and confess her feelings. But as soon as she walked up the street she saw them together. She couldn’t believe her eyes. He was there with another woman—a beautiful woman. He helped her carry in several bags as if she was staying with him for a while.
First anger, then rage, now only sadness was left. She had scolded herself over and over again. She never should have fallen in love. Love was painful. Love hurt. She vowed never again.
“I missed you.” She remained silent, her eyes still focused at the sunrise glass panes. “Have I done something wrong?”
Hope looked up at him. “What?”
“Have I upset you?”
“No.”
“I call, I leave messages and nothing. Silence.”
“I’ve been busy.”
He smiled, his dimple deepened. “Liar.”
Hope looked away. The memory of their night of passion was always just a blink away. She loved him and it hurt.
“I think we moved too fast.”
“Too fast for what?”
“We had a fling, now it’s over. You’re seeing someone else.”
“What?”
“I went to your apartment building the other day. I saw you with another woman. She suits you perfectly. She is beautiful.”
“When? What woman?” Raymond began to think back. The only woman who had been to his apartment building lately was, “Kennedy?” Hope looked away. “Hope, you saw me with Kennedy, she’d like a sister to me. She wasn’t staying with me. She was staying at her brother’s apartment. We live in the same building. I gave her a ride home. Is that why you haven’t returned my phone calls?”
“Raymond, please understand. I’m not ready for you, for this, for us.”
“I love you. What are you afraid of?”
“…Winding up with a man like my father. He left and divorced my mother because he said he fell in love with someone else. Just like that. He has four sons now.”
“That would never happen.”
“How do I know that?”
“I know that.”
“We both know this isn’t going to last.”
“Why wouldn’t it last.”
“Oh, for two to three weeks it’ll be great. But after that reality will set in. It always does. What happens after that?”
He produced a beautifully squared cut diamond the size of a toaster. Even in the dimly lit room it sparkled radiantly. “This is what happens.” He got down on one knee and took her hand in his. “Hope Adams, I love you with all of my heart. Will you do me the honor of be
coming my wife? Will you marry me?”
Hope sat in shock. Her eyes blinked like flashing lights at a train stop. “I have to go.” She got up and left.
Raymond smiled. “At least you didn’t say no this time.”
He looked up at the ceiling and gave thanks to an answered prayer.
He immediately went back to Hugh’s office. The door was open and Hugh was sitting talking to his son. Raymond frowned as he knocked on the door and entered.
“Come in my boy,” Hugh said as he leaped from the desk and hurried to open the door wider. Nolan stood and followed in his dad’s footsteps.
“I got your message. I don’t have a lot of time. You said it was urgent.”
“Yes,” Hugh motioned for Raymond to sit, he did. Nolan sat beside him as Hugh took his place behind his desk. “Raymond, I feel like I must give you some fatherly advice. I know if my son were in your place, as he was not too long ago, I would have prayed that someone talk to him before he had made the worst mistake of his life.”
“What are you talking about?”
Hugh took a deep exhausted breath, “I’m talking about Hope Adams.” Raymond’s brow furrow as a menacing scowl appeared. “You see my son here, was once married to Hope. And, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure she’s a nice person in her circle. But she has a history of throwing herself at wealthy men. She did the same to my son while they were in med school together.”
“I see, and you’re warning me, sort of like my father would do if he were aware of the situation.”
“Exactly.” Hugh nodded. Nolan nodded.
“Thank you for this interesting development,” Raymond said. Hugh glanced over to his son and smiled with an, I told you he’d be grateful, expression on his face. “But,” Raymond stood, “my father already knows everything there is to know about Hope, as do I.” Hugh’s mouth gaped open. “Yes, we are well aware of Hope and Nolan’s marriage as well as his recent medical malpractice court proceedings.
Raymond reached into his pocket and pulled out the enormous diamond ring and showed it to father and son. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’ve asked Hope to marry me several times already. She’s turned me down each time. I love her and I’m not giving up. So, in the future when you speak about Hope, be mindful that you’re talking about the future Mrs. Raymond Gates Jr., with all the perks and privileges that come with it.” He sighed heavily. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my future wife is waiting.” He walked out of the door leaving Hugh and Nolan to stare after him.
One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series) Page 21
