Their mom was doing great, too, as were all the Albrights, who’d generously forgiven Hope and Jackie for their deception, because they were good people with very big hearts. In Hope’s eyes, the biggest heart of all belonged to Brent. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.
“Thank you for doing this,” she said. “Planning this fab honeymoon. Everything.”
A pretty solitaire sparkled on her ring finger next to the gold wedding band Brent had placed on it. When they’d exchanged vows in the courthouse during their private ceremony, her heart had brimmed with joy. She couldn’t wait to get started on their new life together and see where it led.
“I’m so glad that you’re happy.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m happy, too.”
“I love you, Brent.”
His eyes sparkled. “Not half as much as I love you.”
“Oh yeah?” she challenged. “Wanna bet?”
He laughed warmly and kissed her. “How about we call it even?”
“All right.” She grinned and laid her head on his shoulder, feeling peaceful and adored. Of all the potential husbands in the world she might have landed, she only wanted him, and she was happier than ever to be his one and only bride. Even if things had started out a little rough, they’d turned out okay in the end.
“So you’re kind of into me, huh?” she asked in a flirty way.
“One hundred percent.”
“That’s good.” She held him closer. “I’m glad that it’s mutual.”
“Yeah.” He shot her a loving smile that spoke volumes. “Me, too.”
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About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary romance, mostly at the sweeter end of the spectrum. She’s published more than twenty-five novels and novellas, both independently and with traditional publishers, and is a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists, Inc. When she’s not writing, Ginny enjoys cooking, biking, and taking long walks in the woods with her Labrador retriever. She lives with her own personal hero in Virginia, where the couple has created a welcoming nest for their blended family of six children and significant others. Ginny invites you to visit her website to learn more about her and her books:
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Chapter One
Today was always going to be a life changer, Felicity knew that. Watching her firstborn walk across the graduation stage, smiling ear to ear, was one of those slow-motion moments, a blur of happy times, milestones, and pride. Her daughter, Honor, was done. Eighteen. A high-school graduate, ready to spend the night celebrating with her friends.
Which was exactly as it should be.
This, now, leading her two kids into the emergency room, was not.
“How serious was the accident?” Honor asked, holding tightly to her hand.
“Honor,” Nick, her sixteen-year-old, snapped. “You heard as much as she did.”
It had been one of those times she’d wished her phone wasn’t synced to her car. How could she have known the hospital was calling? How could she have known Matt, her ex—the kids’ father—had been in an accident? A serious accident. They’d all just assumed Matt had ditched, as was the trend.
“Hold my hand, Nickie,” Honor mumbled thickly, reaching for her little brother’s hand.
Nick didn’t say a word, but Honor didn’t have to ask again.
The way her kids relied on each other was one good thing to come out of her messy divorce. They weren’t just siblings anymore. They were best friends. Best friends who had no idea what was happening. It was possible Matt’s replacement family was here—in the waiting room—families did that when things like this happened.
Coming face-to-face with his fiancée, Amber; her megawatt smile; and her killer legs wasn’t going to make this any easier. Neither was meeting Matt’s son, Jack—the baby Nick blamed for destroying their happy family. As much as she’d like to think Nick could keep it together, there were no guarantees. When it came to his father, Nick was equal parts hostility and resentment. The potential for reality-television drama in the hospital waiting room was a real concern.
But if the last two years had taught her anything, it was that a smile was normally the best accessory. Even when the last thing she felt like doing was smiling. Like now.
“Is that Dr. Murphy?” Nick asked.
Felicity glanced at the man at the nurses’ station. At well over six feet, Graham Murphy stood out. Seeing his tall, broad back encased in green hospital scrubs was a relief. While the two of them hadn’t been close the last few years, Graham and Matt had been best friends through med school and partners when Matt still had his OB/GYN practice here in Pecan Valley. “Graham?”
“Yes?” Graham Murphy turned to face them, instant recognition easing his features—briefly. His brown gaze searched hers. “Felicity.” That was all. Her name, without a hint of emotion.
But he was having a hard time making eye contact with the kids, and that said so much. If Matt was okay, he’d say so. Wouldn’t he? He’d offer some sort of reassurance. A smile. Something. The shock of the phone call was quickly turning into something substantial—and cold.
“I got a phone call? About Matt.” Maybe he didn’t know anything. Maybe—
“I’ll take you to him.” He cleared his throat, drew in a deep breath, and spoke. “He’s going to surgery. His jaw is broken, so talking isn’t comfortable. He’s in bad shape, a lot of pain, but he held on to see you. Keep it positive—good thoughts, that sort of thing, okay?”
Honor was nodding, tears streaming down her face. Felicity wiped them away, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Nick. Poor Nick. She hugged him close, his tall frame rigid and unyielding in her arms. Since the divorce, Nick’s anger had grown every time Matt missed a game, concert, birthday, or holiday. While she understood, she worried Nick’s fury would consume whatever affection he still felt for his father.
Graham looked at her, then nodded, leading them past the nurses’ station and into the emergency room. He stopped beside the last door off the hall.
“What’s best for him? One at a time? All together?” Honor asked.
“Together.” The word was all Nick could manage.