Forever in Good Hope Read online

  “Liam flew back to LA tonight.”

  “What about you?”

  “My flight leaves tomorrow, but not until late afternoon. I’d like you to come to Milwaukee tomorrow and have lunch with me.”

  Fin blinked. “You’re flying back tomorrow? What about me? I mean, did you book me on the same flight?”

  “I thought you were enjoying reconnecting with family and friends.”

  “I was. I mean, I am.”

  “That’s good.” He paused, shifted gears. “I’m staying at the Pfister. Do you know the hotel?”

  “Of course. It’s lovely.” Fin had seen pictures of wedding receptions held in the hotel’s Imperial Ballroom. “It’s one of the finest in Milwaukee.”

  “My flight doesn’t leave until four.” Xander’s voice remained warm. “I’m in the Presidential Suite. Plan to arrive at the hotel by eleven thirty. I’ll ask the concierge for restaurant recommendations.”

  Fin had a couple of favorite restaurants in the city, but they were ultracasual, and she doubted they’d be up to his standards. “I’ll leave Good Hope around eight. That will give me plenty of time to drive and park the car.”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing you, Fin. We have a lot to discuss.”

  As Fin clicked off, excitement began to build. While eager to see Xander tomorrow, it was the possibility of being able to spend more time in Good Hope that had her pulling out her phone, hoping Ami hadn’t already gone to bed so she could tell her sister the good news.

  Chapter Three

  Aware of Xander’s lofty expectations, Fin dressed carefully for her lunch in Milwaukee. Thanks to its leather belt, the casual sheath dress emphasized her curves. Though black worked for almost any venue and any occasion, she coupled it with ankle boots with silver buckles, not wanting to overdress.

  After pulling her hair back into a sleek, low knot, she added a thin silver ring to each ear, then gave a satisfied nod.

  Traffic moved fast, and the magnificent hotel, located in downtown Milwaukee, was easy to find. Seeing the imposing twenty-some-story Pfister brought back memories. She recalled all the times she’d begged her mom to let them stay here—just once—during their annual back-to-school shopping trip.

  Now she was finally here. Not for a shopping trip but for lunch with a handsome, accomplished man. Fin had barely stepped out of the Roadster and handed her keys to the valet when Xander appeared and crossed to her. She didn’t know what to think when he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss.

  Surprised at the display of open affection, she didn’t have a chance to respond before he stepped back, studied her. “Beautiful as always.”

  Fin flushed with pleasure. Compliments from Xander had recently been few and far between. While she’d blamed his lack of interest on the stress of this new film, she’d begun to wonder if he’d found someone else.

  Their relationship, which had started out like fireworks exploding over Green Bay during the Fourth of July, had started to fizzle. For months she’d been considering ending it and moving on.

  Xander nodded his thanks to the bellman who hurried to open the door for them. Fin was surprised Xander continued to hold her hand. Had she underestimated the depths of his feelings for her?

  When they stepped into the lobby, Fin paused for a moment, not sure where to look first. At the priceless Victorian art collection on the walls? At the ceiling mural with its cherubs and gold leaf?

  Xander seemed amused by her awe but said nothing as she soaked it all in.

  “I’ve never been inside.” Fin gave a little laugh. “I’ve seen pictures, of course, but they don’t do this justice.”

  She swept the area with her hand.

  “It’s surprisingly nice,” Xander conceded. “There’s a club lounge on the twenty-third floor that rivals other hotels where I’ve stayed.”

  Since he had a four o’clock flight, she doubted he’d have a chance to show it to her. “Did the concierge have any recommendations for lunch?”

  “A few, but I decided we’d have lunch in my suite. It’s more private.”

  Fin hid her disappointment behind an agreeable smile, reminding herself this was probably her only chance to see the Presidential Suite.

  Everything about the expanse of rooms amazed and delighted, from the marble entry to the gold-plated chandelier over the table where a waiter stood at rigid attention, dressed in perfectly creased black pants and a crisp white shirt.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of ordering.” He lifted her purse from her shoulder and placed it on the seat of a white brocade chair. “We don’t have much time together today, and I want to make the most of it.”

  “We haven’t had a lot of time the past three months.”

  “I know, and that’s my fault.” With one easy movement, he stepped to a side table and picked up a white florist box. “I’m sorry.”

  Pleasure ran through her at the sight of the pretty red ribbon wrapped artfully around the box. “For me?”

  “Do you see anyone else in the room?”

  He’d obviously forgotten about the waiter, but Fin saw no need to mention the fact. Sliding off the ribbon, she carefully removed the lid to find two dozen long-stemmed red roses nestled inside.

  Their sweet scent teased her nostrils. While she’d never been particularly fond of roses—she’d mentioned that fact to Xander on several occasions—the flowers were lovely.

  She smiled at Xander, leaned forward, and kissed him on the lips. “Thank you. They’re beautiful. I hope there’s a vase around here.”

  “He’ll take care of that.” Xander motioned to the waiter, or maybe he was a butler.

  Silently the man moved to Fin. “May I?”

  She placed the box into his outstretched hands. “Thank you.”

  The flowers heralded the start of a perfect luncheon. The meal started with a Roquefort tart with caramelized onion before moving on to a black cod entrée with soba noodles and concluded with a blackberry clafouti with lemon sorbet.

  Xander was witty, charming, and attentive. The waiter, quiet and adept at anticipating their every need, only added to the experience. But as soon as the dessert plates were removed, Xander dismissed the man.

  “Alone at last.” Instead of resuming his seat, Xander held out his hand. “Come with me.”

  Curious what he had planned next, Fin rose. With his palm against the flat of her back, he guided her to the parlor, with inviting sofas and large windows looking out over the city.

  Fin sat, fully expecting him to sit beside her, or at least nearby. Instead he began to pace. He was nervous, she realized. Nervous enough that it showed, as it so rarely did.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked, growing concerned.

  “No. No. Nothing is wrong.” He dropped down on the sofa beside her, took her hand, gazed into her eyes. “You and I have been seeing each other for almost a year now. We’ve had our ups and downs.”

  Fin stilled. Was all this his way of telling her they should start seeing other people? It was strange for such an announcement to come after a fabulous lunch, but Xander continually surprised her.

  She searched her emotions, wondering how she felt about them going their separate ways. The fact that she’d considered breaking up with him many times in the past six months made the thought more palatable. Though it would be nice if they could remain friends . . .

  “I’m in love with you, Fin.” His brown eyes never left hers. “When I met you, I knew you were the one. It was only a matter of time until we arrived at this moment. My future happiness is in your hands.”

  Fin’s mind reeled. She was still processing the unexpected declaration when he dropped to one knee and pulled a jeweler’s box from his pocket. Her breath caught as she saw the H over W on top. Harry Winston.

  “You’re everything I want, everything I need. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Will you marry me?”

  The sweet words, so unlike anything she’d ever hea
rd come out of Xander’s mouth, startled her. Despite knowing there were so many practical reasons she should say yes, Fin hesitated.

  Without waiting for her response, Xander took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger.

  Panic spurted. “Wait, I didn’t say—”

  “Leave it on.” Still holding her hand in a firm grip, he leaned close and gently kissed her lips. “Try it out. Get used to how it feels. I’m betting, in time, you won’t want to take it off.”

  Fin gazed down at the platinum-set pear-shaped diamond sparkling like fire on her left hand. “It’s gorgeous. But I—”

  He closed her lips with his finger. “Give it a chance. Give us a chance. Can you do that for me?”

  They had so much in common. They were part of the same industry. Would she ever find a man better suited to her LA lifestyle?

  “Okay.” Fin blew out a breath. “Yes.”

  Now that the words had been spoken, Fin waited for the rush of excitement she’d always envisioned when she’d thought of this moment. When it didn’t come, she told herself it was because she wasn’t young like Prim or Marigold or romantic like Ami. “I know you planned to fly out today, but I’d love it if you could stay one more day. We could go back to Good Hope together, tell my family and—”

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” His tone gentled, obviously sensing her disappointment. “I would stay if I could, but I have a meeting with Harvey first thing tomorrow.”

  Fin’s hopes deflated like an untied balloon. Arguing would be pointless. Harvey Atherton was a brilliant director who Xander worshipped. Xander would never reschedule a meeting with him. Not even for her.

  “I understand.” She kept her voice light. “Business first. Once I get back to Good Hope, I’ll pack and get an early flight to LA.”

  “Not so fast.” He squeezed her hand. “I want you to stay in Good Hope awhile longer.”

  Genuinely puzzled, Fin furrowed her brow. “Why?”

  “You have contacts in the community. I want you to stay and get Jeremy Rakes and the town board to reconsider my proposition. I want a revote. If that vote should once again end in a tie, I want your friend, Mayor Rakes, to vote in my favor. Keep in mind I need a site locked in by no later than the twentieth of September.”

  “It’d be very unusual for the board to revisit a topic so soon after a vote.”

  “I have every confidence in you and your connections.” Xander cupped her cheek, gazed into her eyes. “You have my blessing to do whatever it takes to make this happen.”

  It was an odd thing to say. Fin let it go. She had more pressing matters on her mind. “Shirleen won’t like me taking that much time away from the office.”

  “I’ll handle Shirleen.” A buzz sounded at his wrist and he glanced down. “The car service I ordered is here.”

  Fin frowned. “I can take you to the airport.”

  “Thank you for the thought.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Everything is arranged.”

  Fin slowly rose to her feet. “Well, have a good flight.”

  He gave her a wink. “You drive safe.”

  “I’ll grab my purse and walk out with you.”

  Xander waved a dismissive hand. “There’s no need for you to rush off. I have the suite until three. Stay. Relax. Enjoy.”

  One more swift kiss and he was gone.

  Restless and unsettled, Fin roamed the suite. In the kitchen area she discovered an ice bucket with an unopened bottle of Cristal.

  Red roses.

  A romantic meal.

  A Harry Winston diamond.

  Champagne.

  He’d staged the scene perfectly.

  Fin shoved the troubling thought aside. If Xander had staged the scene, it was because of what she meant to him. He said he loved her.

  Only now, as she gazed down at the bottle of champagne with its distinctive gold label and clear, flat bottom, did Fin realize something else.

  She’d accepted his proposal without ever saying the words back to him.

  Bright and early Monday morning Fin drove the few blocks to the courthouse. She was going to be straight with Jeremy about what Xander wanted. She wouldn’t use him or anyone else.

  Still, she knew her boss would not be happy if she came back without getting the agreement Xander so desperately wanted from the town board. Especially after giving her this time off. From several things Shirleen had said, Fin knew her job might hang in the balance.

  And then there was Xander. While she didn’t appreciate him asking her to pressure Jeremy, Fin understood a successful adaptation of the best-selling book could be his ticket to the top.

  She only hoped if the worst happened and she returned without the approval, both he and Shirleen would understand she’d done her best. A weight settled in Fin’s chest, and she resisted the urge to sigh.

  Stepping from the BMW, she gave herself a mental shake and lifted her face to the sun. As the rays warmed her face and she breathed in the clean, fresh air, Fin realized she’d been given a gift. The gift of time with her family and friends. What Xander asked, what Shirleen expected, was a small price to pay for such a gift.

  Fin was nearly at Jeremy’s office when she realized she was humming. Odd, she couldn’t recall the last time she’d hummed a song, even one as catchy as “Tomorrow.”

  She pushed open the door marked “Office of the Mayor” and crossed the inside reception area with long, confident steps.

  “I’m here to see Jeremy,” she told the receptionist, not breaking stride. “We’re old friends.”

  “Ma’am, wait. You can’t go in there.” Like a clown springing from an old-fashioned jack-in-the-box, the petite blonde popped up from behind the desk and scurried forward. “He’s busy.”

  Fin wasn’t sure what irritated her more: the attempt to deny her entry or being called ma’am.

  Dear God, she was barely past thirty.

  Ignoring the blonde’s grasping hands, Fin pushed open the heavy oak door. Before she could step inside, the girl—she couldn’t be more than eighteen—shoved through the doorway ahead of Fin.

  “I’m sorry, sir.” The girl’s chin jutted up. “She wouldn’t listen when I told her you were busy.”

  The way she said the words reminded Fin of her little sister Marigold and how she’d loved to tattle on her siblings.

  “Not listening is a bad habit of Ms. Bloom’s.” As he rounded the massive wooden desk, Jeremy pocketed the phone in his hand. Shifting his gaze from Fin, he offered the blonde—who still appeared worried—a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Chelsea. You did your best. A seasoned bodyguard couldn’t keep this woman out.”

  “I assured her you and I were old friends.” Fin spoke in a breezy tone. “I don’t think she believed me.”

  The girl opened her mouth, then shut it when Fin crossed the room in confident strides, hands outstretched.

  Jeremy took her hands and gave them a squeeze. “This is a nice surprise on a Monday morning.”

  He turned toward the receptionist. “Thanks, Chelsea. I’ll take it from here.”

  Casting one last curious glance at Fin, the girl slipped from the room.

  “Do you have a moment?” The question was mostly for form. Fin had no doubt he’d make time for her.

  “Actually, I don’t.” The regret in his voice was too real to be faked. “Ruby went for her checkup this morning and somehow ended up being admitted to the hospital. I was just speaking with the nurse.”

  Fin’s heart rose to her throat. She gripped the sleeve of Jeremy’s suit coat. “What’s wrong? Is it serious?”

  “I don’t think so.” He blew out a breath. “I hope not.”

  Fin found no comfort in the words. Her concern rose as Jeremy moved to the outer office.

  “Cancel my three o’clock with Sheriff Rallis. See if he has any time free tomorrow morning.” Jeremy tossed out instructions to Chelsea with each step. “Fit Ms. Bloom in . . . somewhere.”

  With that final directive, he st
rode out the office door, covering ground in long, determined strides.

  He’d forgotten about her, Fin realized as she rushed after him, heels clicking on the marble flooring. Hoping to impress, she’d worn her favorite green jersey dress and a pair of Louboutin pumps. Fin couldn’t help thinking a pair of sneakers would have been a better choice.

  Jeremy moved swiftly, weaving through people in the crowded hallway like a running back with a goalpost in sight. By the time she caught up to him, he’d reached the parking lot.

  The expletive that burst from his lips as he skidded to an abrupt stop startled her.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I loaned my car to my receptionist.” Jeremy blew out a breath and raked a hand through his hair. “Hers is in the shop and there was some business she needed to take care of for her mother.”

  “But she’s back. I met her.” At Jeremy’s blank look, Fin continued. “The scrappy terrier guarding your office door? Blonde hair? Passionate Pink fingernails?”

  Recognition dawned. A ghost of a smile briefly touched his lips.

  “Chelsea is summer help. She was sent over from Public Records to fill in while Dee Ann is out of the office. I doubt she’d appreciate being compared to a dog.” Jeremy spoke absently, his attention returning to the lot.

  Fin could almost see his mind rapidly considering—and discarding—options.

  Undoubtedly he had any number of friends who would happily lend him their vehicles, but those friends weren’t here. Fin gestured to the red BMW sports car. “You need transportation. I have a car.”

  Without waiting for him to respond, Fin reached into her black leather satchel and located the fob. “Heads up.”

  He caught the keys with an effortless move that took her back to their high school days and his clever hands.

  Jeremy, who’d already opened his door, raised an eyebrow when she slipped inside the vehicle. “What are you doing?”

  “Coming with you, of course.” Fin settled into the plush leather seat and fastened her seat belt. “You’re not the only one worried about Grandma Ruby.”