Forever in Good Hope Read online

Fin paused at the silver bucket on a table by the mantel. “What’s that?”

  “I don’t know.” Jeremy strode past her and pulled out a bottle of Dom Perignon.

  “Nice.” Fin loved the taste of expensive champagne. “Who’s it from?”

  “There’s a note.” Jeremy lifted the card tucked under one of the flutes as Fin crossed to him.

  She stared at the elegant script. “That looks like your grandmother’s handwriting.”

  While Jeremy scanned the note, Fin realized it was just like Ruby to go to the extra effort to make an already wonderful evening even more special.

  Without saying a word, Jeremy handed the ivory vellum card to her. She’d been wrong. The champagne wasn’t from Ruby but from Jeremy’s parents. Her throat tightened as she read the words Ruby had written: Ed and Cheryl couldn’t be with you tonight, but they want you to know how pleased they are with the engagement.

  His grandmother’s flowery script continued. To you, Jeremy, they say, “We knew when you were sixteen that Fin was the only woman for you. We view this engagement as love and destiny joining hands and coming together.” To you, Delphinium, they say, “As you take this next step on life’s journey with our son, remember love is best when shared with a partner who is not only your true love, but your best friend.” Love and best wishes to you both as you begin this beautiful journey. Mom and Dad.

  Tears stung the backs of Fin’s eyes. She couldn’t believe Jeremy’s parents had given their blessing.

  “Wow.” She was the one to finally break the silence. “That was unexpected.”

  Jeremy moved behind her and began gently kneading her shoulders, his voice even deeper than normal. “Not so unexpected.”

  “Sure it is. They always hoped you’d end up with Eliza.”

  “My dad always referred to that as Cheryl and Patricia’s plan.” His voice held a touch of humor. “They’re both smart enough to realize I need to choose my own wife. Marriage can be challenging, even when you marry your best friend.”

  She wondered if he was thinking about his parents. “Yours went through that rough patch when you were in high school.”

  “They did.” Jeremy’s hands stilled on her shoulders. “My dad confided they made it through that time because, when all was said and done, the love he felt for my mother was stronger than what life tossed at them.”

  Fin thought of Xander. His parents had split when he was ten. During their time together he’d made a couple of remarks about sometimes needing to cut your losses and move on. Of course, they’d been discussing a situation where an actor had been physically abusive to his wife.

  She’d agreed, but realized now that they’d never discussed couples staying together when love wasn’t fresh and new anymore.

  Fin thought of the words Jeremy’s parents had written. Was Xander her best friend?

  The feel of Jeremy’s lips on the back of her neck had Fin inhaling sharply, and thoughts of Xander fled.

  If she’d been thinking, Fin might have whirled around and asked what he was doing. But at the moment, her mind was focused on the sweet sensations traveling all the way to the tips of her toes.

  “You smell so good.” Those treacherous lips were on the move, stopping at the sensitive area behind her ear. “I need to see if you taste as good as you smell.”

  Fin tilted her head to one side, giving him greater access to that side of her neck. When guilt threatened to rear its ugly head, she reminded herself Xander had said kissing Jeremy was okay with him.

  Right now, it was okay with her, too.

  With hands on her shoulders, Jeremy spun her around to face him. The eyes that bored into hers were dark and almost feral. For a second Fin thought he was going to say something. Instead his mouth closed over hers.

  This kiss bore little resemblance to the ones they’d shared since she’d returned to Good Hope. This was a kiss of possession, one that said more clearly than any words this woman is mine.

  Fin wound her arms around his neck and let herself sink into the exquisite sensation. After all these years, after everything that had happened between them, how could being in his arms still feel so darn right?

  Only when his fingers moved to the zipper at the back of her dress, only when she felt the cool air on her bare skin, did alarm bells sound. It was time—past time, really—to call a stop to this madness.

  Yet the feel of his warm palms sliding up her bare skin brought an ache of longing so intense it took all her strength to utter a single word. “Stop.”

  His hands stilled on her now-burning flesh, and the lips that had been planting kisses along the underside of her jaw froze.

  Jeremy raised his head, and his hands dropped to his sides. He didn’t say a word, only stared.

  Fin felt her face warm. “I-I’m engaged.” Then before he could speak, she added so there would be no confusion, “To another man. My word means something.”

  His mouth tightened and he stepped back. “That’s convenient.”

  The mocking tone had irritation taking the place of the passion that had burned so hot seconds earlier. She pulled her dress up, settling it back into place with quick, jerky movements. “What do you mean by that?”

  He whirled, then turned back just as abruptly, a belligerent look in his brilliant blue eyes. “I seem to recall you once promising to love me forever. You didn’t have any problem breaking that promise.”

  Beneath the cold expression, the icy tone, Fin saw the hurt. For a second she was tempted to come clean. To break down the wall she’d erected between them for her own self-preservation. To tell him what had happened all those years ago on the show choir trip to Milwaukee.

  Would he understand how scared and alone she’d felt? How guilty? She hadn’t even confided in her sisters. She’d kept the shame all to herself.

  But she feared if she told him, even now, he might blame her as she blamed herself. Plus, he had a lot on his mind right now. She didn’t need to add to that overflowing plate something that had happened a lifetime ago.

  “I was a child when I made that promise, Jeremy.”

  He stared at her for a long moment, and she watched the fury fade. “You’ve always known your own mind, Finley.”

  Relief flooded her at his pet name for her. She exhaled a ragged breath.

  “Back then, you may have decided you no longer wanted me. But we both know you wanted me tonight.” His gaze dropped to the front of the dress she hugged against her chest. “You made a promise to Xander, but your actions tonight prove you haven’t given him your heart. I suggest you think long and hard before you marry a man you don’t love.”

  “Do you think God wants to see you pay for the things you’ve done?”

  The pastor’s voice, deep and passionate, filled the nearly full sanctuary.

  The last place Fin wanted to be this morning was church. But Ruby had suggested the three of them attend together, and Fin couldn’t disappoint her.

  So after a night filled with visions from the past, Fin had drenched her eyes with Visine and covered the dark shadows with expertly applied concealer. Thankfully, Jeremy had already left the suite by the time she’d rolled out of bed.

  Fin had found him and Ruby in the kitchen, laughing about something over a cup of coffee. For Ruby’s sake, she pretended everything was fine between her and Jeremy. By the time they reached the church, Fin felt confident she had her emotions firmly under control.

  That is, until Dan had launched into his sermon. For several minutes it felt as if he were speaking directly to her. Which was why she tuned him out.

  “Such a wonderful message about forgiveness and grace,” Ruby whispered.

  The minister was a good orator, Fin would give him that, but she wasn’t buying what he was selling. She was still reeling from last night’s turmoil.

  After their conversation, she and Jeremy had gotten ready for bed in silence. When he called good night to her from the sofa bed—in an obviously conciliatory gesture—she’d wanted to w
eep.

  Actually, at that moment, she’d wanted nothing more than to pack her bags, get in the rental car, and drive back to California. Only the promise she’d made to Xander, and yes, to Jeremy, kept her head on the pillow. Regardless of what Mr. Jeremy Rakes might think of her, she kept her promises. Even one made long ago to a boy under the light of the moon.

  Being back in Good Hope was turning out to be more of a challenge than she’d anticipated. But she was strong. She’d get through this just like she’d gotten through all the other difficult times in her life, one step at a time.

  “God does not keep a record of your sins.”

  Fin fought a sudden urge to put her hands over her ears to more fully block Dan’s voice. She had enough to handle without letting the past mess with her head.

  Finally, thankfully, Dan stopped preaching. Soon after, the service ended. As was their habit during nice weather, the parishioners gathered on the front lawn. Jeremy remained by her side, playing the role of the devoted fiancé to perfection.

  Ruby took off with several friends for an impromptu brunch celebrating her return to good health while Fin’s family left for Muddy Boots. Ever since Beck had taken over the café several years earlier, it had become the place to gather on Sunday mornings. Apparently this was especially the case for singles.

  How had Marigold referred to it? Ah yes, the postchurch Sunday meat market.

  Fin listened as Jeremy got an earful from Floyd Lawson. The portly rotarian with the snow-white beard played Santa Claus every Christmas. Though he appeared currently up in arms about some water pollution issue, Fin found herself wondering what Floyd’s stand was on delaying the Christmas celebration until January. She decided it best not to ask Santa.

  “Fin.” Lynn Chapin strode up, hands outstretched. “Such a lovely party last night.”

  Fin smiled warmly, grateful for the distraction. “I’m happy you could make it. Is my father with you?”

  “I haven’t seen him.” Though her voice remained casual, two bright spots of pink dotted Lynn’s cheeks. “Not since he dropped me off at my house a little after midnight.”

  “Oh.” Fin couldn’t hide her surprise. “I assumed the two of you . . .”

  Catching sight of the minister out of her peripheral vision, Fin let her voice trail off.

  “Your father and I are taking things slow.” Lynn’s bright smile dimmed slightly. “The breakup with Anita was difficult for him. Though Steve came to realize she wasn’t the one for him, he still cares for her.”

  “It’s not easy to let go of the safe and secure.” Fin stopped, not sure where her thoughts had been headed. “But I’m glad he did.”

  “Me too.” Lynn flashed a quick smile, then lowered her voice. “I can tell Floyd is winding down, so I wanted to make sure of the time.”

  “Time?”

  “Decorating the barn for Mindy.”

  Fin nearly groaned. She’d forgotten all about that activity. Good Hope might appear to be a sleepy little community, but Fin swore there was more going on here than in LA. “Eliza said noon, but come whenever works for you.”

  Floyd, dapper in his three-piece suit, shook Jeremy’s hand, nodded to Fin and Lynn before striding off.

  Jeremy turned to Fin. “Sorry. Floyd can be a bit long-winded.”

  “No worries.” Fin let her gaze linger on her fake fiancé. During the service her wandering gaze had observed men wearing everything from shorts and flip-flops to suits. Jeremy’s khakis and cotton shirt fell somewhere in between.

  The thin blue stripes in the shirt made his eyes look extra blue, and the way the fabric stretched across his broad shoulders had her mouth going dry. He looked absolutely yummy. And he smelled just as terrific, like hot buttered rum.

  While Jeremy couldn’t have gotten much more sleep than she had, he looked surprisingly well rested. He offered Lynn a warm smile. “How are you this morning?”

  “I’m doing well.” Lynn settled a hand on Fin’s arm. “I was just telling your fiancée that Steve and I plan to come out and help decorate the barn.”

  For the first time that morning, Jeremy gave Fin his entire attention. “Glad to hear it.”

  Then Jeremy surprised her by slinging a warm arm around her shoulders. If it wasn’t an apology, it felt like one. Any remaining tension slid from Fin’s body into the soft grass at her feet.

  As the three of them chatted, Fin leaned against Jeremy in her own gesture of apology. When she looked up at him and he smiled back, she knew they were back on solid footing.

  At least for now.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I can’t believe it all got done.” Fin stood next to Jeremy in front of the barn, now festooned with brightly colored strings of lights and evergreen wreaths with big red velvet bows.

  Volunteers had shown up in such numbers it had taken all of Fin’s organizational skills to keep everyone productive. Jeremy and a few other men, including her brothers-in-law and father, had taken on the task of putting the lights on the barn. Kyle Kendrick had surprised everyone when he’d shown up, bringing scaffolding and some of his crew to assist in the effort.

  Once the men had finished, they’d moved to string miles of pink fairy lights—pink being Mindy’s favorite color—inside billowing pale pink glittering tulle from the barn’s rafters. Once again, Kyle’s equipment had proved invaluable.

  A life-size reindeer stood at the entrance to the corn maze. A large wreath had been placed around his neck, and his antlers held candles with tips that lit up at the flick of a switch. He wore a pink tulle skirt and sparkly pink ballet shoes had his hoofs en pointe. The plan was for Santa—also known as Floyd Lawson—to be waiting with treat bags and a big ho-ho-ho for the children as they exited the maze.

  Izzie Deshler, a local painter whose artistic eye extended to photography, would be there to capture the memories.

  Inside the barn, a photo booth had been set up with a variety of props including fluffy Santa beards and oversize red-and-green glasses. Eliza had told Fin that they wanted to make sure that Mindy and her parents had plenty of pictures of this event.

  Tables that would be used as cake-decorating stations, then for writing letters to Santa, stood ready.

  “If we wouldn’t have had all the volunteers, and Kyle’s equipment, it would have taken all day instead of a couple of hours.” Jeremy’s smile widened. “Thanks for helping, Dan.”

  “It was my pleasure.” The minister glanced around. “Mindy is going to love this.”

  “How’s she doing?” Fin thought Your Wish Fulfilled events were only for terminally ill children, but Katie Ruth had clarified it was also for kids with life-threatening illnesses.

  “Her last scan showed some tumor shrinkage. Owen is hopeful.” Dan lifted a hand when Lindsay stepped from the barn. “Thanks for lending your barn. I know it’s much appreciated.”

  “It’s the Good Hope way,” Fin found herself saying. “Neighbors helping neighbors.”

  “Any word from Tessa?” Jeremy asked in a too-casual tone that had Fin’s ears pricking up.

  Dan’s warm smile faded. “Not a word.”

  Fin frowned. “Who’s Tessa?”

  “Mindy’s mother. She left shortly after Mindy was diagnosed.” Dan’s voice held no judgment. “She said it was too much for her. She and Owen are divorced.”

  “Poor, sweet girl.” Fin knew what it was like to lose a mother.

  “She’s a sweetheart,” Dan agreed, then glanced around. “Ah, there’s Lindsay. If you’ll excuse me . . .”

  As the minister strolled off, Fin caught Jeremy staring.

  Jeremy slung an arm around Fin’s shoulder and gave her a one-armed hug. “You’ve got such a big heart.”

  Fin brushed aside what sounded like a compliment with the flick of one hand. “I still wish we could have had snow.”

  “The Your Wish Fulfilled coordinator told Katie Ruth there was some screwup with the scheduling.” Jeremy’s gaze slid back to the barn. “It looks like Ch
ristmas.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  All the volunteers appeared in high spirits, including nine high school girls, who composed Good Hope High’s Triple Trio. They would be back on the big day to serenade Mindy and her friends.

  Without realizing what was happening, Fin found herself harmonizing to a version of “Sleigh Ride.” She flushed when she caught Jeremy staring. “What?”

  “Nothing.” As if to divert her attention, he lifted his hand and motioned to Lynn and her father.

  The gesture appeared totally unnecessary, as the two were already headed their way.

  “This was so much fun.” Lynn’s cheeks were flushed and her blue eyes sparkled.

  Even dressed casually in jeans and a simple, sleeveless top, Fin thought she looked exceedingly pretty this afternoon. From the way her father was gazing at her, he agreed.

  “Having all my girls, including this one”—Steve bumped Lynn’s shoulder with his—“here and working together . . .” Her father paused to clear his throat. “Well, I can’t imagine a better day.”

  “I know it’s been a busy one.” Lynn hesitated. “Steve and I were wondering if you and Jeremy would join us in a round of miniature golf this afternoon. We’ve been wanting to play but hadn’t found a time.”

  “Since we got through with the decorating so quickly . . .” Steve slanted Fin a hopeful glance.

  Fin considered. Hadn’t she promised herself she was going to make the most of her time here?

  When she glanced in Jeremy’s direction and got a nod, Fin smiled. “What time do you want to meet?”

  Xander’s laughter boomed through the phone. Fin tightened her fingers around it, grateful she’d put him on speaker once she’d stepped outside.

  “I don’t see what’s so amusing.” Despite her irritation, Fin kept her tone pleasant as she strolled down the garden path. Still feeling a little guilty over what had almost happened with Jeremy in the bedroom Saturday night, she’d called her fiancé.

  To her surprise, Xander answered on the first ring. As this was the first time they’d had a chance to speak in several days, she kept a smile on her lips and in her voice.