Hunter and Hope

by

Lenora Worth

Chapter One

"I should be back in Atlanta by the end of the week."

Hunter McCord held the cell phone close, then glanced over at his twenty-six-year-old brother, Chad. The kid seemed to enjoy riding in a BMW sports car instead of a tractor for a change. Chad slapped his hands against the dashboard as he sang along with the classic rock tune on the radio.

Hunter watched his brother mouth the words, "Good to have you home."

Nodding, Hunter agreed. For the first time in a long time, it was good to be home, but this trip wasn't for pleasure. Their father, Jared McCord, had died a few months earlier and Hunter, being the oldest son, had come back to help Chad settle their father's affairs. It would be a monumental task, considering Jared McCord had died a very wealthy man. The small town of McCord, Georgia, three hours south of Atlanta, had been founded by his family over a century ago. And Jared McCord had carried on the family tradition of owning almost every building and piece of prime real estate in sight. His father had worked hard building the family assets, but he'd died hard-hearted and bitter, Hunter thought, regrets clouding his weary mind.

Shaking off the dark memories, Hunter continued his conversation with his secretary. "Just tell Mr. Singleton that his investments are solid and he has nothing to worry about. And set up a meeting for the first of next week."

Hunter turned the steering wheel with one hand, while shifting the phone with the other. Chad laughed and kept on singing off tune.

"Okay, Mandy, I'll see you —" Hunter looked up to find a car stalled on the road ahead. Slamming his foot on the brakes, he braced himself for impact. Throwing the phone down, he grabbed the wheel with both hands and managed to steer the small car to a skidding halt about a foot away from the other vehicle.

"That was close," Chad said, prying his white-knuckled hands away from the dashboard. Then he glanced at the other car. "Hey, that's Hope Lewis. She must be having car trouble again." Chad opened his door, preparing to get out. "You coming, big brother?"

Hunter nodded, but sat there for a minute. "Hope? What's she doing back in McCord?"

Chad glanced over at him, his manner hesitant. "She moved back about a month ago. I didn't mention it because…well, you know."

Yes, he knew. Hope was a forbidden topic.

Hope Lewis. Hunter stared at the late model economy car parked at an odd angle just off the shoulder of the road. Through his dark sunglasses, he studied the woman sitting at the wheel. Although she had her head turned away, he recognized Hope immediately. Shoulder-length, sun-streaked light brown hair gleamed against the springtime sunshine. He remembered that hair, remembered how soft it was, how it curled in natural waves, how she used to fuss with it. How he used to muss it on purpose just to see her blue-green eyes go all soft and teasing.

But that was twelve years ago. A lifetime ago, he reminded himself as he opened the door and climbed out. Besides, he'd thought Hope didn't even live in McCord anymore. She lived about an hour away in another small farming town. Or at least, she had, last he'd heard. Although they'd been high school sweethearts, Hope was happily married now.

And he was happily single. Still.

Hunter got out of the car, dread making his steps slow. "Let's see if she needs any help," he said to Chad as they rounded the car and came up to Hope's vehicle.

Chad didn't waste any time. He rushed up to her, calling through the open window. "Hey, Hope. You okay?"

Hunter took off his shades as she turned to face them. Their eyes met briefly, then she glanced away. She looked upset. Was that because of her car problems, or because of him?

"Chad," she said, sounding breathless. "Am I glad to see you."

Hunter moved toward the car, wondering why she looked so flushed. It was a warm day even if it was early spring. Maybe she'd become overheated, sitting there in the bright sun. Once again, she glanced from his brother to him, her eyes filled with…worry? Fear? Was she afraid of him?

"Hi, Hope," he finally managed to say. "Looks like you need help."

She let out a deep breath, as if collecting herself. "Hunter. I heard you were coming back…to settle things. I'm so sorry about your father. I only learned recently that he'd died."

"Thanks." Still puzzled, he leaned closer. "Want us to give you a ride?"

She managed a chuckle, then glanced at his two-seater. "In that tiny thing? I doubt I can fit in it."

He wondered why she'd say that. She looked as slim and pretty as ever in her loose floral dress, even if she was breaking out in a sheen of sweat.

Chapter One

"You can take her to town and I'll stay here with her car," Chad said, a meaningful look crossing his boyish face.

My brother, ever the romantic, Hunter thought. Then he reminded himself Hope was a married woman.

"Did your car break down?" he asked her. "Want us to check under the hood?"

She suddenly went pale and clutched at her stomach. "It's not just the car," she said between gritting her teeth.

Chad started fidgeting then, his sky blue eyes going wide. "Oh, boy. Hope, is…is it time?"

"Time for what?" Hunter asked, completely confused by the way she was acting and the way his brother seemed to be dancing a nervous jig right there on the road.

Hope didn't answer. Instead she slowly opened the car door. Then with a look of pure pain etched on her face, she got out of the car.

Hunter's heart tripped double time. "Are you hurt? Did you have an accident?"

Again Hope didn't answer. She slowly slipped out of the seat, then stood up, her hands on her rounded stomach. "Not an accident, Hunter. Just a baby. I think this little one is ready to come into the world." She moaned, her eyes widening as she bent double and clutched her stomach. "You've got to help me. I think I've gone into labor!"

Hunter sat in the hospital waiting room, thinking how fast life could change. He'd returned to McCord to help his little brother deal with their father's estate, and instead, he'd run right smack into the past he'd tried to forget. And the woman he'd once loved. His high school sweetheart, Hope Stanton, now Hope Lewis, was married to someone else and she was about to have a baby.

It shouldn't matter so much. He shouldn't feel so lonely and confused right now. And he shouldn't be sitting here worried. He wanted to be in there with Hope. But they wouldn't let him. He wasn't the father, after all.

The father. In the mad rush to get Hope from her stalled car to the hospital, he didn't even bother to ask her if she wanted him to call her husband. They didn't talk much on the short trip across town. Hope was in too much pain, and being crunched down inside his tiny sports car didn't help matters.

Hunter got up to once again question the stern woman at the nurses' station, but before he could say a word Chad came rushing up the hall.

"I got the car cranked," his brother said. "How's Hope?"

"I don't know," Hunter replied, running a hand through his hair. "They took her right in and…I can't seem to find out anything. I was about to call her husband. Do you know how to reach him?"

Chad looked surprised, then shook his head. "Oh, man, you don't knbbbbow, do you?"

Hunter stared over at his brother, wondering what else he was behind on. He hated admitting it, but since he'd lived in Atlanta for the past eight years, he hadn't made much effort to keep up with the small-town happenings in McCord, Georgia. When he talked to Chad, it was usually regarding business. "Know what?" he asked.

"About Hope's husband, Roy. He was killed in a car accident last fall. Hope had just found out she was going to have a baby and then…" Chad stopped, shrugged. "That's why she moved back here. She's living with her mom and dad."

Hunter actually took a step back. "Hope is a widow?" At his brother's nod, he continued. "All alone and pregnant?" Then he lowered his voice. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

Chad gave him a harsh look. "Because each time I mentioned her in the past, you got mad, remember? I decided you didn't care."

He cared. He'd always cared. He just couldn't bear to think about her before. "Is she okay? I mean financially? How's she doing?"

Chad kept his own voice low. "Not too well. Roy was a hard worker, but you know how it goes with farming. They had a couple of bad years, cropwise. After he died, Hope found out just how in debt they really were. She had to auction off everything and move in with her parents — just until after she has the baby. She's got a little money tucked away, and she says she's going to find a job when the baby gets a little older."

Hunter couldn't believe Hope's picture-perfect life had turned so tragic. Or that his brother had kept in touch with her, while Hunter had tried to forget her. He glanced at Chad. "Should we call her parents?"

"I'll do that," Chad said, nodding. "They worry about her — I know they'll want to be here. It'll be rough without Roy. From what Hope's told me, he was really excited about this baby."

Hunter could only imagine how Hope's husband must have felt. What man wouldn't be excited about having a child with a woman like Hope? He wondered if Hope was all right, how she was handling the birth of her child without her husband there to share the joy. When a nurse came hurrying through the delivery room doors, he stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Mrs. Lewis? How is she doing?"

The nurse gave him an indulgent smile. "Are you the father?"

"No," Hunter said, a shred of regret moving through his mind. "I'm a friend. But…I'd like to see her. Her husband died a few months ago and, well —"

The nurse's eyes filled with compassion. "Oh, how sad. She could probably use a friend right now. Why don't you go in for just a few minutes?"

"Thanks." Hunter hurried through the doors, moving in the direction the nurse indicated. He knocked on the partially closed door, then after hearing Hope's voice, entered the room. "It's me," he said, slowly moving through the semidarkness. "How you doing?"

Hope looked up, a feeble smile shining through her pale skin. "I'm okay right now. Just had a major contraction."

Hunter stared at all the monitors and gadgets. "I never knew having a baby involved so much equipment."

Hope managed a chuckle, but it quickly turned into a grimace of pain. "Having a baby involves a lot of things." She waited a couple of breaths, then asked, "What about you? No children?"

Hunter shook his head, then grinned. "Don't I need a wife first?"

"No wife yet either? I guess Chad has mentioned that to me a couple of times." She smiled then glanced away. "So you never married?"

"Nope. Came close once, but the woman involved wised up to me before it was too late. Work — that's what I do. That's my life. Just work." The words sounded hollow to Hunter. He'd always thought work was important. Since getting away from the yoke of his father's overbearing control, he'd vowed to make his own money, on his own terms. Now that he had done exactly that, he had to wonder why he'd put work ahead of everything else. Standing here, looking at Hope, made him wonder about a lot of things. "I've taken some time off, though. To get things settled here."

Hope nodded, then gripped the bed railing. "Oh! Here comes another one." She gritted her teeth, her hand flailing in the air.

Hunter caught her hand in his. "What can I do?"

"Just let me hold on," she replied, her words coming between breaths. "But don't let me break your fingers."

"Don't worry about that," Hunter replied, thinking he would let her break his arm if it would help the pain. "I won't let go."

Hope looked up at him then, her blue-green eyes brimming with tears of pain and…sorrow? Did she question that promise, since he'd let her down all those years ago?

She held his hand, her breathing coming in great little puffs. When the contraction was over, he saw tears streaming down her face.

"Hope, are you all right?"

Hope wiped a tear away, frustration etching her face. "I thought I could do this," she whispered. "I thought I could get through this, you know? But…it's so hard without Roy here. We tried for so long to have children. I never dreamed I'd be all alone when my baby came."

Hunter's heart went out to the woman he'd once loved. Once? Truth be told, he probably still loved Hope. He'd loved her and lost her. So he'd tried to stay away, for her sake. But now he was back, and Hope was single again. Which changed everything.

"You're not alone anymore," he said.

Chapter Three

Hope couldn't believe what had happened in the past twenty-four hours. She'd given birth to a beautiful baby girl. And Hunter McCord had been her birth partner.

Hunter McCord. The man who'd left her alone all those years ago. We were so young, she thought, memories of high school proms and long walks by the lake clouding her mind. Yes, but they'd also been in love. Until Hunter had chosen college and a career far away from the small town of McCord, Georgia, over his love for her. "Maybe he never really loved me at all," she whispered.

And yet, he was back now and he'd stayed right here by her side, holding her hand during the long hours of labor. Once he'd decided he wasn't leaving, he'd asked a nurse for a childbirth instruction book. In about thirty minutes, he'd skimmed the whole thing, and had managed to do exactly what an expectant father should do. She could still hear Hunter telling her to breathe, breathe. She could still remember Hunter's hand holding her head as he fed her ice chips and encouraged her to rest up between contractions.

She shouldn't be surprised. Hunter had a photographic memory — he'd breezed through high school and from what she'd heard, graduated at the top of his class in college. He was a brilliant man, good with numbers, and obviously very successful at managing other people's money.

And obviously, he'd only stayed because he felt sorry for her.

Still marveling at how he'd managed to sweet-talk the doctor and nurses, Hope smiled down at the tiny child in her arms. "Rachel, your mother has a big problem."

Rachel kept on sleeping, content now that she'd been fed. "Your father would be so proud of you."

The door opened to reveal a huge tan teddy bear wearing a pink ribbon. "Hello," came an animated voice. "Is this the room of Princess Rachel Lewis?"

Hope had to laugh. "Please come in, Mr. Bear."

Hunter peeked around the two-foot-tall bear, his grin only reminding her of how devastating his smile could be. "How are my girls?"

Hope swallowed the lump in her throat. They weren't really his girls. But the term of endearment made her miss her husband and served to clear her mind and heart of any lingering feelings she might have for Hunter. This was not Hunter's child and she couldn't let him get caught up in her life. She had a new daughter, which meant new responsibilities. And she had a long road ahead of her.

"We're fine," she said, her voice strained. "Thanks for the teddy bear, Hunter. He's adorable, even if he will take up most of the bedroom at home."

Hunter eased the big bear onto a nearby chair. "I talked to your mom outside. She was beaming with pride."

Hope rubbed a hand over her daughter's soft cheek. "My parents have been wonderful since Roy died. Their church helped me through the rough spots with prayers and support, then gave me a baby shower and brought over food to help Mom and Dad out." She stopped, took a deep breath. "I don't want to be a burden to them, though. As soon as Rachel is older, we're going to get our own place and I'm going to find a job."

"I heard," he said as he settled on the foot of the bed, his gaze moving over her face. "And I wanted to talk to you about that."

Hope could see him calculating. The serious look brought back memories. Hunter had always tried to protect her, and in doing so, he'd often overstepped his bounds. Used to having money and power, he'd never given her a chance to prove she could do things on her own. Perhaps that, along with his need to prove himself to his father, had been their downfall. The very thing Hunter hated in his father had been the very thing Hope had disapproved of in Hunter. Both father and son could be a bit overbearing at times.

"There's nothing to talk about," she replied. "I have a little money tucked away. And once I find work —"

"Hope, you know how bad things are around here. Unemployment is at an all-time high. And what about the baby?"

Feeling the sting of his less-than-optimistic words, she replied, "Look, Hunter, I appreciate what you did for me. I don't think I could have made it through last night without you. But Rachel is my child and my responsibility. We'll manage."

He scowled. "On minimum wage, working at some fast-food joint or the nearest truck stop out on the interstate?"

Hope flushed, but kept her tone low so she wouldn't wake little Rachel. "I don't have much choice. I need a job. And you really don't need to concern yourself with this."

"So you just want me to back off," he asked, hands in the air. "Just like that, after…after witnessing this child being born? You want me to walk away and forget that I was ever a part of this?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I want you to do. You came home to settle your own affairs. Your father left Chad and you a lot of money and assets — everybody in town knows that — and Chad only wants to farm the land. He doesn't want the trappings of that kind of wealth — that's your department. So deal with that and let me get on with my life."

He stood, his expression rigid. "I had no idea everyone around here had such a handle on my business, but then that's one of the reasons I left this place. How do you know what Chad wants anyway?"

She leaned back on the pillows. "Chad has been a good friend to me since I came home. We've talked a lot — Roy was also a farmer, so I understand what Chad's been going through, trying to juggle the farm and the finances. You don't know much about the land, Hunter. But farming is hard on a man, hard on a family. To you, it's all about numbers, the bottom line, the money."

"You don't know a thing about me," he said. "But you're right. Chad can't do this on his own and I don't expect him to. I came back to McCord to make some decisions and see where things stand. And that's why I'm in a position to offer you help, Hope. I can loan you some money — just to get you on your feet, or find you a position at one of our companies."

"No," she replied, the one word stunning him. "Thank you again for helping me, but I think it'd be best if you just do what you came to do, and stop worrying about Rachel and me."

He came close, his eyes so blue-black they reminded her of a sky at dawn. "I can't do that, Hope," he said, all traces of anger now replaced with a kind of frustrated longing that confused her and thrilled her at the same time. "I can't just walk away."

"You did walk away," she reminded him, bitterness easing the ache in her heart. "You made your choice a long time ago, Hunter. And so did I."

He brushed a hand down his face. "I had my reasons for what I did. But things have changed. My father's gone now and so is your husband."

"So you think we can just pick up where we left off?"

"I think we should consider our options, maybe get to know each other again."

"That can't happen. I have to think of Rachel now."

"I am thinking of Rachel," he said, reaching out to grasp her daughter's tiny finger. "I just want to help you, Hope."

"I appreciate that," Hope told him, sincerely thankful. "But I need to do things my way. I can't depend on you."

"Why? Because you depended on me once and I let you down?"

She realized he was probably right. If she caved in and let Hunter take care of her, the way he'd always done before, she'd only resent him all over again. And it had taken her so long to let go of the pain and bitterness of his departure. Roy had filled that void, but he was gone now. She had to stand on her own. "No, because Rachel and I are not your responsibility. We have plans. And I have to be the one to see those plans to fruition."

Looking defeated, Hunter turned toward the door. Then he glanced back at her. "You know if you ever need anything —"

"I know," she said with a soft smile. "I'll never forget you being here to bring Rachel into the world, Hunter."

"Neither will I," he said. "And I'll give you fair warning. I don't intend to walk away this time. I'll be here through Easter at least, so you'll be seeing a lot of me."

Hope watched him leave, her heart pounding an alert. Hunter had always been determined. And he was used to getting his way. "Not this time," she said, sending up a prayer for strength. "No matter how tempting he is."

Chapter Four

"Hunter, it's so good to see you again."

Hunter stepped into the living room of the Stanton farmhouse, memories pouring over him. "It's good to be back, Mrs. Stanton. This place hasn't changed at all."

"Oh, everything's a bit older, I'm afraid," Hope's mother said, chuckling. "Including me."

He was older, too, Hunter thought. And wiser. Since finding out his high-school sweetheart was now a widow, and then helping her deliver a beautiful baby girl just a few days ago, Hunter had wised up about a lot of things. Which was why he'd come to see Hope.

"Well, both you and the house look lovely," he told Hope's mother as he shifted the bag he was carrying. In her sixties, Audrey Stanton was still a pretty woman with soft features and clipped brown hair. Hope looked a lot like her mother.

"And you're still a charmer," Audrey said, urging him down the two steps into the den where a spring breeze drifted through the screened windows. "I'll tell Hope you're here." She turned at the hallway. "Want to stay for supper?"

"If that's fried chicken I smell, then yes," he said, grinning.

She left, giving Hunter time to glance around the cozy room. He'd always loved this old house. The furnishings were mismatched and outdated, but somehow this seemed more like a home than his father's Georgian mansion sitting on a grassy knoll a mile down the road. This house was where he and Hope had shared so many dreams.

But none of those dreams ever came true, he reminded himself with a bitter edge. And now, it seemed Hope had other dreams.

But she needs you.

He wanted to believe that. He intended to convince Hope of that. It wouldn't be easy.

Hope came up the hall, her eyes wide with surprise. "Hunter?"

Hunter got up, feeling as awkward as he had the first time he'd come to pick her up for a date. "I…I brought you some stuff. Things you and Rachel might need." He shoved the bag at her, then glanced past her at her mother. Audrey Stanton gave him a reassuring smile then headed to the kitchen.

Hope looked inside the bag. "Oh, how thoughtful. Diapers, baby powder, shampoo, and…what's this?" She pulled out a bottle of scented lotion. "Rachel is a bit young for something so extravagant, don't you think?"

"That's not for Rachel," Hunter said, his hands in the pockets of his khaki pants. "The sales clerk said you might appreciate something nice — to pamper you while you're adjusting to motherhood."

Chapter Four

Hope stared at the bottle for so long, he felt compelled to speak again. "It's loaded with Vitamin E and aloe…and cocoa butter, too. All the things you women think you have to have to look beautiful."

Hope sat down, then placed the lotion on the table. When she looked up, tears misted her eyes.

"If you don't like it —"

She lifted a hand. "No, I love it." She indicated a chair and waited for Hunter to sit. "It's just that…oh, I guess my hormones are going crazy right now and the doctor says I'm probably suffering from postpartum blues. Everything makes me cry these days."

"Especially me," he said, wishing he had gone with his first instinct, which was to stay away.

"It's not you either," Hope said, sniffing. "It's just that… Hunter, this is so sweet. So very sweet. I haven't been pampered in so long." She stopped, looked out the window.

Hunter crossed the space between them, sinking to his knees. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"I'm okay. I miss Roy."

She missed her husband. Hunter felt the stab of that admission deep in his heart. "You two…were happy?"

Hope bobbed her head. "We were." She took a breath, then looked into Hunter's eyes. "It took me a long time to get over you. I went to the community college, took business courses. I started working at the farmer's co-op — doing bookkeeping and secretarial work. That's when I met Roy. He came in with his loads — peanuts and corn. We were the nearest market. He had to drive a long way just to get here, so we'd chat with each other while he waited around for his loads to be weighed. One thing led to another —"

"And you fell in love with him." Hunter didn't want confirmation. It was obvious Hope had loved her husband.

"Yes. Roy was a good Christian man who tried to be fair. But the world pushed him down so many times. Yet he never let it show. He had such a great attitude about life, about the land."

Not like me Hunter wanted to say. His attitude had always been bitter and hostile. And he'd never cared about the land or the town his family had built.

"It was a freak accident," Hope said. "He was on his way home from helping a neighbor and another car just pulled right out in front of him on the county-line road. He died instantly."

"I'm so sorry," Hunter said, taking her hand. "If there was any way I could make things easier, you know I would."

"I know that," she said. "And you've helped me so much already."

"But you don't want my help any more," he said, stating what he could see in her eyes.

"It's not about what I want. It's about what I have to do. Roy didn't leave me a lot of money, but he left me a beautiful daughter. And I have to do what's right for her. Even though I lost everything we had together, I still have to take care of her — I owe Roy that much."

"I understand that, Hope. But there's no shame in letting others help out when times are tough."

"I have a good support system," she replied, waving a hand in the air. "Mom and Dad are great. And our church members have stepped in, offering me everything from a house to all sorts of jobs. I'm going to enjoy a couple of months with Rachel, then I'll decide."

Hunter saw the brave front. Hope had always been brave. And independent. Some of their worst fights had happened when he tried to convince her to do things his way. Hope had resented his interference, his insistence that she listen to his advice. She'd always wanted to stay in McCord and have a simple life. While he'd wanted to move away. But he'd always intended to come back for her. Only now that he was here, she still didn't want his advice or help.

"Any ideas about your future?" he asked, raising a hand. "I promise I won't interfere. Just asking."

She relaxed. "Mom and I love crafts — you know — making things like door wreaths and pillows, quilts, and pottery."

"You always were talented," he said, nodding. "You won first place at the state fair for one of your quilts, if I remember correctly."

"Yes, I did," she said, her eyes going dark with memories. "I still have that quilt, too. Remember, I said one day I'd make a quilt for our baby?"

Hunter went still. And so did she. For a minute, they just stared at each other, lost in what might have been. "I remember," he said, his voice husky as he lifted her chin with one finger. "How could I ever forget?"

The sound of the screen door flapping open pulled them apart.

"Well, if it isn't Hunter McCord." Hope's father walked into the room, his gaze anything but cordial. "Come to dinner, McCord? Or come to break my little girl's heart all over again?"

Chapter Five

Hope looked from her father to Hunter, wondering if they'd get into a fistfight. Her father had never forgiven Hunter for jilting Hope after high school, and he wasn't happy that Hunter was back in town — and back in her life.

"Charles Stanton, mind your manners," Audrey said, a dish towel in her hands. Giving her husband a warning look, Audrey took him by the arm.

"Well, I'm just surprised to see him standing here," Charles said. "I mean, all things considered. And I'm still trying to figure out why she let him in the delivery room."

"Daddy, it's all right," Hope said, embarrassed. Her father and Hunter had never been on the best of terms anyway. "Hunter brought some things by for the baby and he was just leaving, right, Hunter?" She got up, hoping he would take the hint.

But her mother's next words stopped Hope from pushing Hunter out the door.

"Actually, I invited Hunter to dinner. And it's just about ready. Who wants iced tea?"

"Dinner?" Both Hope and her father said in unison.

Hope looked from her father's frowning face to Hunter's questioning one.

"I don't have to stay," he said, his eyes centered on her. "If I make you uncomfortable —"

"You do," Charles said, ignoring his wife's hand on his arm. "You make all of us uncomfortable with your fancy ways and that expensive sports car parked beside my old pickup. We don't know how to act around a city fellow."

"I'm not…a city fellow," Hunter said, defeat in the statement. "Look, I'll just leave."

"No," Hope said, shooting her father an imploring look. "If Mom asked you to stay for dinner, then you can stay. We'd love to have you."

"Speak for yourself," Charles said, shaking his head as he turned toward the kitchen. "But don't say I didn't warn you, girl."

Hope pivoted back to Hunter. "I'd like you to stay."

She felt the heat of his gaze washing over her. Why hadn't she combed her hair and put on a fresh shirt and jeans, at least. She was tired and seriously sleep-deprived and she hadn't worn makeup in months. Suddenly, Hope wished she'd taken better care of her appearance. Not that it mattered. She was just being polite by asking him to stay. And in the meantime, she should heed her father's advice and be forewarned.

"Are you just being polite?" he asked, echoing her thoughts so closely she almost jumped. "I'll only stay if you say so."

"I want you to stay," she said. "To thank you for everything — helping me in the hospital, the supplies." She reached for the expensive lotion. "And especially for this."

"It reminded me of you," he said simply and with a shrug.

She could only nod. "Speaking of this, I should at least freshen up before we eat. I wasn't expecting company. You'll have to excuse my appearance."

"You look fine to me," he said, that heated gaze never wavering. "But I don't want to impose."

"No imposition," she said, backing toward her bedroom. "I'm going to check on Rachel and do a quick change."

"Do I make you uncomfortable, Hope?"

His words caught her off guard. But she owed him an honest answer. "Yes," she finally said. At his hurt look, she added, "You make me feel…unsettled. But then, you always did make me feel that way."

"And I still have that effect on you? Even after all this time?"

Hope wanted to deny it, but she couldn't. "Hunter, this is awkward. We used to be as close as two people can be…but that was a long time ago and we were a lot younger. I'm different now. I've changed. And yes, having you back in my life at a time when my emotions are already in turmoil — it does make me uncomfortable."

He stalked to her, one hand reaching out to push back a wayward strand of her hair. His fingers brushed over her cheek, making her long for another time. "Maybe I've changed, too. Maybe I need a second chance."

Hope backed away from his touch. "I don't have the energy for this right now. I…I have to concentrate on Rachel."

"Rachel will be fine. You'll be a great mother."

She lowered her head. "Yeah, living with my parents, unemployed. I don't have a whole lot of qualifications."

Hunter forced her head up. "You have the most important qualification of all. You have so much love to give. You always did."

Hope refused to listen to the soft, coaxing sound of his endearing words. "Well, right now, I only have enough for that little girl in there. I hope you can understand that. I can't…I can't get caught up in something I'll regret."

"Do you regret us?"

Again, she had to be honest. "I did, after waiting for so long. I held out hope —"

"And then you gave up on me."

"Yes."

"And my being back is confusing?" He didn't wait for her to answer. "Well, I'm confused, too. But Hope, since the day Chad and I found you there on the road, I can't seem to think about anything else. I'm here and you need me. That's all I know."

"I don't need you," she said, angry that he would automatically assume she was a helpless ninny. "Just because you have money and power, doesn't mean you can make me happy, Hunter. I don't need that kind of attention." She saw the pain in his eyes at her remarks and instantly regretted her cruel words. "I'm sorry —"

But he only held up a hand. "Your father is right. I shouldn't be here. I never belonged here and it's wrong of me to think I can just pick up where I left off."

Hope watched as he walked toward the door. "Tell your mother thanks for the offer, but I just remembered…I need to be someplace else."

"Hunter?"

She followed him out onto the porch, but he kept on walking.

"Hunter, I'm sorry. Really, I didn't mean —"

He turned, his hand on the door of the sports car. "I know exactly what you meant. It's too late for us. I was crazy to even think I could make amends, that I could actually explain the past. Crazy to think we might be friends, at least."

Her heart hurting, Hope watched him drive away. "We could never be just friends, Hunter," she said into the afternoon wind. "That would be crazy."

But she could still feel the touch of Hunter's fingers brushing her cheek. She held the bottle of lotion to her nose, sniffing the delicate scent of vanilla and honeysuckle.

Some things a woman could never forget. And some things a man always remembered. Hunter had remembered this was her favorite scent. Even after all this time.

Did that mean he still cared about her? She knew that she still had feelings for him. But was it too late for them? Did he have a good reason for leaving her, after all? A sweet torment tearing through her heart, Hope went inside to her daughter. And wondered if she should give Hunter a chance to explain.

Chapter Six

A few days later, Hunter found Chad in the backyard with his girlfriend, Amanda. Chad leaned close to give the pretty blonde a sweet peck on the cheek.

It reminded Hunter of Hope and him all those years ago. It also reminded him of how they'd left things last time he'd visited her. Hope wanted nothing to do with him.

What had happened to their love? His father had successfully driven a wedge between them, but Jared McCord hadn't always been bitter and distant. After their mother's death, he'd turned into a cold, unyielding man. The family physician attributed it to depression. Hunter attributed it to his father not having his wife's calming influence. Ellen McCord had been a pillar of strength and faith. Once she was gone, they'd all drifted away from their faith. And each other.

Hunter missed the good times. Now that he was back in McCord and near Hope, he realized he'd missed out on being married and having a family.

Hunter pushed thoughts of Hope away as he opened the glass-paneled door to the terrace. "What are y'all up to so early on a Saturday?"

Amanda smiled and waved. "The Easter egg hunt at church."

Chad elbowed his brother. "Hope's gonna be there."

"Oh, really?"

Chad had been very verbal about his belief that Hunter and Hope should be together. Hunter was surprised his younger brother even remembered them being sweethearts, but then Chad probably did remember the terrible fights between Hunter and their father. Marcus McCord had deemed Hope unfit for a McCord. He could still hear his father's words.

"You will go to college and return here to take over the business, then you will marry someone deserving of your status in this community. That doesn't include Hope Stanton."

Hunter had gone to college, but he'd purposely defied his father by making a career in Atlanta. And Chad had turned to the land for solace, all the while having to endure their father's disappointment.

What's stopping me this time, Hunter wondered. He'd run out of excuses.

"Okay, I'll go. Just tell me when and where."

Chad slapped him on the back. "The church — you do remember it, right?"

"I'll be there," Hunter promised.

* * *

An hour later, Hunter stood by the craft booth. Hope was wearing a pretty floral dress and a big straw hat. When she looked up from face-painting the last child, her eyes locked with Hunter's. "What are you doing here?"

"Don't sound so shocked. Maybe I want a daisy painted on my cheek."

"Sure," she said, reaching toward him with a wet brush.

Hunter caught her hand. "How are you?"

"I'm great." She put the brush down. "So why are you really here, Hunter?"

"I wanted to find the prize egg."

"One of the Tatum girls beat you to it. She's sampling her treasures even as we speak."

"Guess I'll have to settle for lunch with the prettiest girl here then. Want to share a picnic blanket and some potato salad with me?"

Hope hesitated, glancing away.

"I'm only asking you to share lunch, Hope. Just some chicken and coleslaw."

She gave him a knowing look. "I do need to eat."

"What are we waiting for, then?" He pulled her toward the long table underneath the trees.

"I don't know," Hope said, her hand gripping his.

Hunter thought he saw a spark of realization in her eyes. He took that as a very good sign.

* * *

Much later, they sat stuffed and content with Chad and Amanda. It was nice to sit and enjoy the spring afternoon. But while Hunter wanted to be alone with Hope, he had other things on his mind, too.

"Chad, have you thought about what we discussed yesterday?"

Chad's blue-eyed grin turned to a frown. "Yeah, I've thought about it. And you know how I feel. I'm a farmer. Daddy didn't like it, but he lived with it, because I brought in money. And now you don't like it, but that's tough. I'm sticking to the land. You can deal with the rest."

Hunter let out a frustrated sigh. "The rest helps finance your farming."

Chad's face turned red. "I've never asked for a dime I didn't return twofold. If you'd been around, you might have noticed that."

Wishing he hadn't brought it up, Hunter nodded. "We'll talk later. But I want you to think about this — it's your inheritance, too."

"Fine," Chad replied on a flat note. "I'm going to put up tables."

"I'll help."

Chad raised a hand. "No, you stay with Hope. We'll manage."

Amanda waited until Chad walked away. "He misses you, you know. And he's still grieving for your father."

"Aren't we all," Hunter replied, thinking they'd lost their father long before he'd died of a sudden heart attack.

"Just…cut him some slack."

Hunter saw the love and concern in the girl's eyes.

"You two are getting pretty serious," Hunter said, changing the subject.

"We want to get married," Amanda admitted. "But if I'm going to teach, I have to finish college first."

That statement sounded with a haunting clarity as Hunter's eyes locked with Hope's. He'd wanted to finish college, then come back to Hope. As the years had gone by, he'd drifted further away from that goal, simply because he didn't want to live under his father's rule. Or put Hope through his father's wrath.

He'd waited too long.

Smiling at Amanda, he said, "Well, I hope you make it."

"We will. We love each other."

Hunter wanted to tell her that sometimes love wasn't enough, but he couldn't say that in front of Hope.

"She makes it sound so simple," he said after Amanda left.

"It is simple, for some people," Hope said. She was clearly frustrated with him.

"But things are complicated between us, right?"

She got up. "Not really. We've just chosen different paths. You chose college and a career. I chose the simple life. I intend to keep it that way."

"What would it take to change your mind?"

She looked baffled. "You can ask that, after you sounded just like your father, badgering Chad? You tell me what it would take to change things and make them right between us." Then she turned and walked away.

Her words were like a slap in the face. An awakening slap.

What would it take for him to return here and run the business end of things while Chad farmed the land? It would take winning Hope back. And in order to do that, he'd have to keep things simple and uncomplicated, the way she'd always wanted them. Maybe love could be enough, if he'd listen to his heart, for once, instead of his head.

He looked up at the church steeple. It had been a long time since he'd lived by faith. Maybe it was time to change that, too.

Chapter Seven

Hunter was in church the morning after the egg hunt. He waved to Hope's scowling father and pleasantly surprised mother. Hope gave him a shocked look, obviously still perturbed at him. She didn't know he was trying to change, but Hunter intended to show her.

After church, he found her outside. Glancing down at the baby, he said, "Can I hold her?"

Hope hesitated, while he caught the scent of the lotion he'd given her.

"Of course," she finally said.

Hunter took the tiny girl, the pink ruffles of her blanket contrasting sharply with the dark fabric of his suit. "She's so beautiful."

"Yes." Hope looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "I never knew I could love this way. It's so fierce. I want to protect her and cherish her, but I also want her to be strong and independent."

"She will be strong and independent. And beautiful. Just like her mother."

Hope blushed. "I don't know about that. But I do have some good news."

"What's that?" he said as he gently rocked the baby back and forth in his arms.

"Mom and I found the perfect place to open a shop. You know that tiny Victorian house just around the corner from the bank on Front Street?"

"Sure I do. A widow lived there for years, right?"

"Right. She died about two years ago. It's been vacant since, but now her children want to sell it. It's affordable and Daddy's going to help us secure a loan to buy it. I think we have a good chance, since the city council and the chamber of commerce are both trying to revitalize those old buildings downtown. Our plan is to sell antiques and crafts."

"I could help," Hunter said. "My family does own the bank, remember?"

"No." Hope reached for Rachel. "I didn't mean to imply — I wasn't asking for any favors."

"Hope, this would be a business deal. Trust me, my family didn't build that bank on favors. We could work out the details in a legitimate contract."

She gave him a pleading look. "You have to understand what this means to me, Hunter. I want to do this on my own."

He held up a hand. "Let's not get into this here. Will you have dinner with me tonight? Just to talk. We need to get things straight between us."

She looked down at Rachel, then at him. "All right. Dinner. As friends."

"As friends."

But as he watched her walk away, Hunter knew he wanted so much more. Now he just had to convince Hope of that.

* * *

Hope took another sip of water, then studied the man sitting across from her. Hunter McCord wasn't the same boy she'd fallen in love with. He was a grown man. He'd changed. They'd had a good discussion about her business venture and he had offered solid advice on what she needed to do, without actually telling her what to do. She appreciated that.

Hope glanced out over the lake beyond the window. "I haven't been back here since our senior prom."

That brought a smile. "You wore that yellow dress with the ruffles."

She put her head in her hands. "It was so awful."

"You were so pretty." Hunter finished his coffee, then took her hand. "Do you ever wish we could go back?"

"Sometimes. But we can't."

He held her hand tightly, his eyes as blue-black as the water. "Will you let me explain?"

Hope looked at him. "What did I do wrong, Hunter?"

"It wasn't you." He glanced around. "Let's go walk by the lake like we used to do."

Hope followed him, her heart doing a double beat. But it was a lovely spring night and she needed to listen to him. She owed him that, at least.

They found a spot on the water's edge, then Hunter turned to her. "I loved you so much. You have to know that."

She didn't say anything, so he continued. "But my father was determined to send me to college. I only agreed because I thought I could give you more if I had an education. I planned on coming back."

"But you stopped writing me. You turned away from me."

He nodded. "Once I was away, I felt so free. I had to learn how to handle things without my father's domineering advice. I realized that I'd been overbearing — treating you the way I did."

"You mean, always telling me what was best?"

"Yes — and you're right. I did — I do sound just like him." He pulled her into his arms. "I missed you so much, but I didn't want to come back here. And I didn't want to hurt you."

"So you stayed away for my sake?"

"I stayed away…to give you space. You always wanted to stay in McCord. I realized I couldn't do that. If we lived here, my father would never give us any peace. If I forced you to move away, you'd resent me. I was torn, but in the end I decided to…just let you go."

"Well, you did that. And you left me wondering and waiting. And I'm still wondering and waiting, Hunter."

"I never stopped loving you."

"No? If you'd loved me, you would have found a way."

"I thought I was doing what was best for you. And…you were happy with Roy, right?"

"Yes. I loved him."

"Well, I thought I was happy. My last year of college, I realized I still loved you, so I decided I would come back here to ask you to forgive me. But on the day I graduated, my father told me you were engaged. He took great pleasure in letting me know. After that, I couldn't come back — that would have torn your life apart. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing you married to someone else. I waited too long, so I…just stayed away."

Hope felt her heart breaking bit by bit. "Why did you wait so long? We stood in this very spot and pledged our hearts to each other. Then you left and I waited and hoped. I finally gave up. And now you're telling me you never stopped loving me?"

"You were engaged to another man. I thought I was doing the right thing."

She pulled away. "I don't regret marrying Roy. I have a beautiful daughter because of him and I will always love him in my heart, but Hunter…" She stopped, bringing a hand to her mouth. "We should have been together."

He tugged her closer. "I know that now. But maybe we didn't belong together back then. Maybe we had to go through all that pain and separation to bring us back to this spot."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…now, Hope. We missed out the first time around, but now…we've been given another chance. And after witnessing Rachel's delivery, I feel as if I've been reborn. Can't you see that?"

Before she could answer, he kissed her. His touch brought everything rushing back — all their dreams, the sweet memories of being in this spot on a special night, and all the hurt and pain of losing him. She loved his kisses, loved him still. But she couldn't let him hurt her again.

Pushing him away, she searched for her next breath. "I can't do this, Hunter. Not now, when I'm so mixed-up and lonely. You have to get back to your life in Atlanta. And I can't…I won't watch you walk out of my life again."

"I'm not leaving this time," he said, his hand on her arm. "I don't have a life in Atlanta. My life is here now, with you and Rachel."

Hope held her arms wrapped against her waist. She wanted to believe what he was telling her. But before she could give in to these frightening, wonderful feelings, she had to be sure.

"What if you change your mind? What if you realize you're just caught up in the past?"

"This isn't about the past. It's about the future. Our future."

She reached out a hand to touch his face. "Before we can have a future, Hunter, I think you need to make peace with the past."

"I'm trying to do that."

"Then there's something else you need to do. You need to forgive your father. And you need to forgive yourself."

Chapter Eight

"So you're leaving tomorrow?" Hunter turned to find his brother all dressed up for the Sunday church services. "Yes. I'll be back though. Until I relocate here permanently, I'll take care of most of the paperwork via the computer, but I've talked with the bank and the lawyers, so if anything comes up, they'll call me instead of you." "So you don't mind me sticking to the farm?" Hunter admired the quiet strength in his brother's eyes. "You've turned a profit when most farms around here are going under. I'd be crazy to make you give that up." "It's all about the money, then? Is that why you're coming home?" Hunter put down the toast he'd just buttered. "No. It used to be. But Hope said something to me last weekend that made me do a lot of soul-searching. She said I sounded just like our father, badgering you about becoming more involved in business." "Hope's a smart woman, even if she is in love with you." "And my little brother's even smarter. How do you know she's in love with me?" Chad grabbed the toast Hunter had planned on eating. "I don't think she was, before — she loved her husband. But you showing up now, after she's been alone, then helping her with Rachel's birth — you, birthing a baby —" His grin said it all. "Pretty amazing," Hunter admitted. "You didn't think I had it in me?" "I never pegged you for a family man. You seemed to run from that kind of responsibility." "So you thought all I cared about was money?" "I know better now," Chad said, chewing on the toast. "You and me, we've always been different. But we can complement each other. I appreciate that you're willing to work with me, to do what's best, businesswise, that is. Now if we can just get you on the right road lovewise." "And what's that supposed to mean?" Chad clasped Hunter by the arm, then urged him toward the stairs. "Just that you should go upstairs, get dressed, and find the woman you love. She'll be there at church." He glanced out the window. "And man, look at that sunrise. Have you ever seen a prettier morning?" Hunter looked outside. The big sprawling backyard was filled with a brilliant arc of beaming yellow-tinged sun rays parting the morning mist. And suddenly, the mist clouding Hunter's head and heart parted, too. "You're right. I've waited too long to be with Hope. Not many men get a second chance like this." "Seize the day," Chad said, laughing. Then he pointed up toward the heavens. "With Him, you always have a second chance, brother." Hunter prayed Hope would see things that way, too.

* * *

Hope came out of church filled with an inner peace. After a week's worth of sleepless nights, she'd decided to put her troubles back in God's hands. Her daughter was healthy and safe, and it was a beautiful spring day, filled with vividly blooming azaleas and dogwoods and an earthy green beauty that spoke of new beginnings. Maybe God would give her a new beginning, too. Hunter stood at the bottom of the church steps, waiting for her.

"Hi," she said, her heart opening up like a blossoming flower. "I saw you in church."

"I'm sure," she said. "I love you, Hunter. And I want you to know — I don't love the boy who left here confused and miserable. I love the man you've become. It's almost like falling in love for the first time, all over again."

She saw the relief and the love in his eyes. "So you like the new Hunter McCord?"

"Even better than I loved the old one," she said, kissing him.

Hunter inched away to whisper, "Well, I sure like the new Hope Stanton Lewis, soon to be Hope McCord, maybe?"

She nodded. "I'm here to stay." She kissed him again, just to seal the deal.

When they heard laughing and clapping, Hope broke the kiss to find half the congregation gathered around them. "I take it the town approves."

"Everyone except your father," Hunter said, shooting an eyebrow toward the scowling Charles Stanton.

"I'll work on him," Hope whispered, "while you work on getting back here as fast as you can."

His eyes lit up. "Then that's a yes?"

"Yes, but…I do need to take this slow, Hunter. I want to enjoy being courted again."

"To relive the past?"

She ran her fingers through his hair. "No, to start our future."

Hunter lifted her in his arms, spinning her around in a tight hug. "Isn't it a beautiful morning?" Hope nodded, grabbing her hat. "Like being born again."

"Or starting over," Hunter said. "Let's go get Rachel. I want to tell her that one day soon, I'm going to be her new daddy."

"I think she already knows that," Hope said. Then she looked up toward the sky, silently sending Roy a final smile.

From a nearby tree, a creamy dogwood blossom floated down toward her, and catching it, Hope held it to her heart. She had another chance at happiness. This time she didn't intend to let it get away.

The End