The Hopeful Heart

by Jaclyn Hardy

  This is a work of fiction, and the views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author. Likewise, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are represented fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Book design and layout copyright © 2019 Dragons & Fairy Tales Press

  Cover design copyright © 2019 Dragons & Fairy Tales Press

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Copyright © 2019 by Jaclyn Hardy

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  EPILOGUE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  MORE BY JACLYN

  Brianna dropped her pen on the desk and gave a silent cheer. Another term’s worth of AP history grades were done. One more term, and she would be done with the school year. She dropped her books and pen into her bag and stood to stretch. The sooner she could go home, the better. Things were rough that year, and she had received one too many complaints about how she graded and what she taught. How she didn’t understand what it was like to have a family in the city. That one hurt the most. It wasn’t like she wanted to be single in the middle of New York City.

  She checked and double checked the locks on her door—too many supplies had been stolen over the years—and walked down the empty hallway. It was nice to have a little silence after the noise of hundreds of kids running up and down, banging lockers.

  But now it was her time to relax, and she knew exactly what she was going to do. Her favorite book club was meeting the next morning and nothing sounded better than snuggling up with a good western so she could talk about it in the morning. Not that it mattered. She’d already read this one five times before and had it almost memorized.

  The weird thing about this book club was that they never chose the same book to read together. Everyone in the group liked something a little different, so they just went to talk about whatever they’d read since the last time they met. It was a little strange, but it was the kind of crazy she needed right now.

  “Hey, Brianna, all done?” Mrs. Sharp asked. She was principal of the school and one of the sweetest people Brianna knew.

  “Yep, the grades are up on the site and I’m heading home. I hope you’re not going to be too far behind.”

  Mrs. Sharp laughed. “I’ll be right behind you. Have fun at your book club in the morning.”

  “You know I will.” Brianna waved and pushed the doors open. This had to be what it felt like for kids at the end of the school year. Freedom.

  Spring Break had officially started and she planned to do nothing but watch westerns and dream of living on a ranch of her own. She smiled to herself. Most of the others in the book club group thought she was odd. After all, what could a ranch give her that New York City didn’t already have? Brianna could name several.

  The weather was nice enough she decided she’d walk home. Traffic would be a nightmare at this time anyway. She pulled her jacket closer and enjoyed the light breeze on her face. After a quick stop at her favorite deli, Brianna walked the four blocks to her apartment.

  Her small studio greeted her. It was tiny, but it was home. She quickly changed, then grabbed her book and her dinner and settled in for the night.

  ***

  Brianna cursed her alarm clock as she threw on a pair of leggings and a dress. She’d overslept after staying up to read the ending of the book, and her alarm hadn’t gone off. She took the elevator and ran outside to catch a cab, knowing she had to hurry to the book shop because the others would already be arriving.

  By the time she actually made it to the shop, most of the other ladies had arrived—including the newest member, Dr. Lachele. She was sweet, and Brianna envied her purple hair. One of these days, Brianna was going to ignore the school rules and color her own hair the same shade.

  “Ah, Brianna, we wondered if you were going to show.” Dr. Lachele smiled up at her from the overstuffed couch.

  “Sorry, overslept.” Brianna dropped onto one of the bean bags in the corner and leaned her head back. Maybe she should have chosen one of the folding chairs. Those wouldn’t allow her to fall asleep.

  “I was just telling the others about a new idea I had. Now that I have my fairy godmother powers.”

  Brianna held in a sigh. Not the powers again. While she’d heard great things about Dr. Lachele and her matchmaking abilities, the whole fairy godmother thing might be pushing it a little.

  “Oh yeah? What idea was that?”

  Dr. Lachele pointed at the book in Brianna’s hand—an old, worn out western that was one of Brianna’s favorites. “Each of you love a different type of romance, and I think I can give it to you. Find you a match in those series you love the most.”

  Brianna blinked. She should have laughed it off, thought it was a prank. And maybe it was because she’d had to grade one too many papers, but Brianna actually hoped Dr. Lachele was right. “How in the world would you do that?”

  “Magic.” Dr. Lachele smiled.

  “Right.” Brianna glanced at the others to see if any of them would admit to the joke. “So how does it work?”

  Dr. Lachele leaned back in her chair. “It’s very simple. But let’s not get into that right now. We should probably get started with book club. Why don’t we grab some lunch when this is all done?

  Brianna hesitated before nodding. It would be fun to get to know Dr. Lachele a little more, and besides, Brianna was starving because she had to leave the house before breakfast. “Okay, sounds good. So, what are we talking about for the group this morning?”

  ***

  Brianna stood and stretched her legs after book club was over. It was another chaotic meeting of talking about books, and she felt rejuvenated after her long week.

  “Hold up, Brianna. We’re going to lunch, remember?” Dr. Lachele picked up her purse and smiled.

  “Right. I know of a good little diner a block away if you want to go there.”

  Dr. Lachele shook her head. “I was thinking of the Indian place next door. I really like the ambiance there.”

  Brianna shrugged. “That sounds good too.”

  “Ooh, Indian. I’d like to come.” Taylor smiled and brushed a loose hair back behind her ear. Taylor and Brianna had been good friends ever since they met at the book club. The fact that they both had nightmare classes probably helped.

  Dr. Lachele nodded. “That would be great. I think you’ll both enjoy it.”

  Brianna raised an eyebrow at Taylor, then followed Dr. Lachele out of the shop and to the restaurant next door. The spicy aroma of curry welcomed Brianna, and she could see immediately why Dr. Lachele would like it. Even at noon, it was darker inside, and the Indian decor was fascinating. One of the servers led them to a table, but Dr. Lachele shook her head. “We’d like something closer to the back if possible.”

  The server rolled her eyes and went to the back table. “Better?”

  “Much. Thank you.” Dr. Lachele sat and opened her menu.

  Brianna scanned the specials, looking for the lamb coconut korma. There it was. She grinned. “Do you come here often?”

  “No, but I’ve enjoyed the few dishes I’ve had.” Dr. Lachele closed her menu. “Now, back to what I was saying earlier.”

  “Sh
ouldn’t we order first?” Brianna nodded at the waiter who was headed in their direction.

  “Very well.” After each of them ordered their food, Dr. Lachele leaned her arms on the table. “I told you what I can do is simple, but I didn’t get to explain. I have the ability to send you into the book worlds of your choosing to find your perfect match.”

  “Yes, but how? It doesn’t make any sense. Those worlds aren’t real. They’re just figments of the author’s imagination.”

  Dr. Lachele laughed. “But what if we could make them real? Haven’t you always wanted to see the ranch you read about in those books?”

  Brianna blinked. Of course she had. “But wishing and having it happen are two different things.”

  “And that’s where my magic comes in. I can make that happen. You simply wish, and I grant it.”

  “But that’s impossible.” Brianna glanced over at Taylor for help.

  Taylor shrugged. “I don’t know. I think it sounds pretty exciting.”

  “Just look at it this way. If it’s so impossible, then it’s worth trying, right? Either I’m mistaken and can’t do magic, or you get everything you’ve ever wanted. What’s the worst that could happen?”

  Brianna didn’t want to know the answer to that question. She sighed. “Fine. So, I just say ‘I wish I could go into my novel?’”

  “Yep.” Dr. Lachele smiled and wiggled her nose, the twinkle in her eye making Brianna’s stomach twist.

  No, something else was making her stomach twist. The world grew black.

  ***

  Brianna groaned and rolled over. What in the world just happened? The last thing she remembered was sitting at lunch with Dr. Lachele, and now suddenly she was assaulted by the smell of freshly cut hay, and the sound of a horse whinny in the background.

  Wait, what?

  She jerked upright and held her head. Whatever had just happened left one whopper of a headache behind. When the world finally stopped spinning, Brianna opened her eyes to find herself in the middle of a field. In what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. She stood and turned in a circle, her eyes wide.

  Whatever Dr. Lachele had done, it worked. Except that Brianna had no idea where she was. Or even the day of the week. And she was seriously craving Indian food. Lachele could have at least waited until after lunch.

  Off in the distance was a small town that couldn’t have more than a thousand people in it. A small school was straight in front of her and the rest of the town was off to the right. This was insane.

  She brushed off her jeans—which was not what she’d been wearing just moments before—and clomped through the field in muddy cowboy boots. Which she had definitely not been wearing. Those would change pretty fast. Maybe. They were actually more comfortable than she’d expected.

  She finally found the road that led into town and made her way to the school. Hopefully someone was still there, or she’d have to knock on random doors until she could figure out where she was. Although, maybe that was a better idea. Having a stranger show up in a high school probably wasn’t the best idea. But then . . . she’d left on a Saturday. Was it the weekend here too? If so, school wouldn’t even be in session.

  As she got closer to the school, people flowed out of the door and went to their cars. So not Saturday, then. Brianna sighed and broke into a jog, wincing at the pain in her feet with each step. Her boots might be comfortable, but she wasn’t used to running in them.

  She made it to the corner and crossed the street where the edge of the football field began. A few cars were left, and she sighed with relief. Well, she tried to, but she was already breathing too hard.

  A few students still stood talking on the front lawn and instead of the strange looks Brianna expected, she was met with smiles and questioning looks. It was a step up at least. She walked inside and was surprised at the lack of security. Everything was open, bright, welcoming.

  “Can I help you?” A woman beamed at her from an open window that had to be the principal’s office.

  “Uh, hi. I . . . got lost and I was just trying to figure out where I am.” That sounded lame even to her own ears. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be arrested.

  The woman frowned. “How in the world do you get lost in this town?”

  She had a point. “Well, I’m a teacher, and I figured—”

  “Oh! Are you Brianna Nielson? We were just wondering when you would show up. We’ve heard so many good things about you.” The woman stood and went around a small wall so she could exit the office. She held out a hand. “I’m Beth Dean, the secretary here at the school.”

  “How’d you know . . .? Never mind. I’m just happy to be here.” Wherever here was. Brianna searched for anything that would indicate where they were.

  Beth waved at someone behind them. “Thomas, she’s here.”

  Brianna turned and found a guy dressed in jeans and a T-shirt coming toward her. He was cute, but a glance at his hand told her he was married. Of course she’d end up where the guys were already married off.

  “Thomas here will take you to the ranch where you’ll be staying.” Beth beamed at Brianna.

  “Uh, ranch?” Well, at least that made sense for this whole magic thing. Sort of.

  Thomas grinned. “You didn’t think you’d be staying at a five-star hotel did you? Because we don’t have one of those. We do have a hotel near the ranch, but it’s all booked with family reunions and weddings right now.”

  Brianna’s head pounded with all the information being thrown at her. “Could you take me there now, then?”

  “Don’t you want to see your classroom?” Beth gestured down one of the hallways.

  “Oh, right. Yes, please.” She might as well play along with it until she figured out what was going on.

  The room was just as bright and cheery as the rest of the school. The walls were covered in history facts and posters with clever sayings on them. There were maybe twenty chairs in the room, which was nice compared to the overfilled rooms where she’d left. Which made sense, considering the size of the town.

  “If you have any other questions, just ask. We really appreciate you filling in for Macey. She was supposed to be back, but with all the complications . . .” Beth cleared her throat. “Anyway, she left her planner on the desk so you can go through it and see where she left off.”

  “Thank you.” Brianna took the planner and thumbed through. This class was a few sections ahead of where she was in New York, but there was nothing here about what to do with the students who needed extra help.

  Thomas appeared a moment later. “I’m ready when you are. If you want to throw your bags in the truck, I can take you now.”

  “Uh, the bags were lost. On the flight.” Man, she was lying left and right. But how else was she supposed to explain why she didn’t have bags?

  Beth gasped. “Oh, that’s a shame. I’m sure Angela will have something for you to wear until you get your bags.”

  Brianna had no idea who Angela was, but hopefully Mrs. Dean was right. “Thank you.”

  “We’ll see you tomorrow,” Beth said as they left the room.

  They went by the school office and continued out the door to a large black truck. Brianna wasn’t short by any means, but it was still quite a step up to climb in. Thomas pulled out of the parking lot moments later and headed out of town.

  “So, we don’t know much about you except that you’re taking over for Macey. Where’d you come from?”

  “New York City. But I’m originally from Boston. I went to school at Columbia and stayed to teach.”

  Thomas grinned. “It’s a lot different here, isn’t it?”

  She nodded. “It’s so open. And green. Are those potatoes?”

  “No, that’s wheat.” Thomas pointed to an empty field where a tractor moved slowly down the rows. “Potatoes are still being planted so you won’t see them for a bit.”

  Brianna blushed. “Oh. I guess my city is showing a little.”

  “Hey, we all have to
learn sometime.” Thomas turned a corner and took a dirt road toward a ranch in the distance. “So what made you decide to leave the big city?”

  “Teaching. I wanted to try a smaller school for a while, and I thought this was a great place to do that.” Brianna stared out at the wide open fields in front of her. She’d been surrounded by buildings for so long and here she felt . . . alone. But not in a bad way. She could actually breathe.

  “Well, you picked the right small school. You’ll love it here.” Thomas pulled up. “I need to do a few chores before I head home, so I can’t stay and chat. You can go inside and Angela will get you all set up.”

  Brianna pulled the truck door open. “Thanks, Thomas. It was nice to meet you.”

  He tipped his hat and headed toward the barn where several other guys stood around a tractor. One of the guys glanced up and met Brianna’s eyes. Her breath caught.

  It was that moment.

  The one where time stood still.

  Brianna figured that was just in books and movies—but that’s where she was, right? Mr. Tall Guy’s hair ruffled in the wind and his grin was enough to send her heart racing. He slapped Thomas on the back and laughed about something.

  The screen door to the house slammed, making Brianna jump and whirl around. A tall woman with gray streaks in her brown hair stood there holding a watering can.

  “Can I help you?” Her smile was friendly, and Brianna relaxed.

  “I’m Brianna. I’ll be . . . staying here. I think.” That sounded great. She really needed to get her bearings if she was going to make this work.

  “Ah, Brianna. I’d wondered when you would show up. I’m Angela. Come on in.” Angela set her watering can down and opened the door. “I know this is a ways away from the school, but the house they wanted to have for you isn’t quite ready. I hope you don’t mind living on the ranch with a bunch of lively ranch hands.”

  Mr. Tall Guy came to mind. She smiled. “It’s no problem at all. I’m used to the craziness of the city, so this will be nice.”