Love & Hope: Mother's Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 5) Read online

  Love & Hope

  Holidays in Hallbrook, Book 5

  Elsie Davis

  © 2020, Elsie Davis

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Cover Design by RockSolidBookDesign.com

  Edited by Heidi Shoham

  Proofread by Alice Shepherd

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  No part of this work may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.

  Sweet Promise Press

  PO Box 72

  Brighton, MI 48116

  To Mom

  Thanks for all the love and support

  you’ve given to guide me through life,

  and for helping me to believe in myself and my dream of writing.

  I’m thrilled you enjoy my sweet and always happily-ever-after stories

  and appreciate all your efforts to make them perfect!

  Happy Mother’s Day!

  Romans 12:12

  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

  Contents

  Publisher’s Note

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Epilogue

  What’s Next?

  You May Also Like

  More from Sweet Promise Press

  More from Elsie Davis

  About the Author

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  Chapter One

  Grace stood back to look at the three outfits she’d picked out for her first day at her new job tomorrow. One of them had to be just right, but which one? When she’d interviewed with one of the partners for the administrative assistant position at World Sport Inc., she’d been as impressed with his approachable attitude and appearance as he’d been with her resume and overall marketing experience. He’d made it clear that as Mr. Walker’s assistant, she would not only oversee the office, but also their marketing.

  Essentially, during the startup of a company, people typically wore many hats. She’d be one of those people. Grace understood completely and had been thrilled when the man had practically hired her on the spot. And she’d accepted without a second’s hesitation.

  It was a stroke of luck that the new online sporting goods retailer was opening a warehouse in Lancaster and that Grace had come across the job posting. Not to mention, a welcome relief after months of searching for new employment and just in time for her to catch up on bills and a past-due mortgage payment.

  Lancaster was a bit of a drive from Hallbrook, but something she’d done frequently when she visited her mom and sister. Twenty-five minutes tops, which was doable. Winter always had its own set of issues with the roads, but Grace would deal with that situation after she was established and had proven herself as an asset to the company. By then, she hoped to have a little wiggle room.

  She’d moved to Hallbrook for the quiet life five years ago after she graduated college and never regretted it until she got laid off from work. It gave her the space she sometimes needed from her family, the pair of them a bit overwhelming at times. Now, she loved the town and didn’t want to leave.

  Not being able to work from home anymore was the biggest disappointment in losing her previous employment. The job itself hadn’t been all that exciting. But then, how could you glamorize over-the-counter medication like antacids and hemorrhoid cream. And then there was the flood of prescription drug commercials that required every disclaimer in the book for all the awful side effects as compared to what the drug was intended for. Her ads had been creative, even if borderline ridiculous at times. They were also mentally draining. The downsizing had been met with mixed emotions.

  Lucky moseyed into the bedroom and jumped on the bed. “No, girl. Get off my clothes, please.” Blue-gray dog hair wasn’t the professional image she was striving for.

  Grace moved the outfits out of the dog’s way. It was easier than making Lucky get down, not to mention she rarely told Lucky no for anything. Her dog was not only her best friend, but she was her confidant, so it was a good thing she could only bark and not talk. Grace shook her head and grinned as Lucky laid her head down on the comforter, her big eyes and oversized gray floppy ears too cute for words.

  Grace picked up the light-blue blouse and dark-navy skirt and held them up in front of herself, checking out her reflection in the mirror. The outfit was professional, but it didn’t reflect much of her personality. “What do you think, girl?”

  Lucky raised her head and almost immediately laid it back down.

  “I agree. Not very noteworthy for a first-day appearance.” She tossed them back to the bed and eyed the black pants and white blouse. Again, professional but not individual. First impressions were huge, and since she hadn’t met the man who would be her new boss, she wanted to get the look just right. Jordan Tate had reassured her that his partner was a great guy and would be easy to work with, but that hadn’t lessened her tension.

  Grace looked at the last outfit she’d chosen as a possibility. She shed her clothes and pulled on the white knee-length pencil skirt and then slid the satiny taupe blouse over her head and tucked it in for a cleaner line. The outfit looked good but still needed something. She glanced in her closet, her gaze landing on a pair of taupe above-the-knee boots she’d splurged on a year ago and only worn once since.

  Working from home had its limitations when it came to opportunities to get dressed up and go out on the town, especially in Hallbrook, New Hampshire—a place where country living, church, and old-fashioned traditions came together.

  She slid the boots on before grabbing the
pink long sweater wrap hanging in the closet. Grace stepped back and checked out her image in the mirror, liking what she saw. This was perfect. Professional and yet creative. Exactly what her new boss would expect from her.

  “Does this meet with your approval?” she asked Lucky. The dog rolled over, bored with the conversation and wanting a belly rub. Grace couldn’t resist, and she paused to sit next to her canine bestie. Three minutes was all she could give this time, no matter how much Lucky rolled around on her back, begging for more.

  “All done, and back to work for me. You’re the most spoiled dog I know.” But she was also the sweetest dog Grace knew. She’d gotten Lucky from a rescue shelter for springer spaniels. It had turned out to be the best decision Grace had ever made. The dog was loyal, obedient, and a great companion. Exactly what Grace had needed a few years ago.

  Grace hung the other outfits back up in the closet, placing the one she’d picked on a hanger to keep it from wrinkling. She hung it up on the bathroom door, out of Lucky’s reach. She moved to the dresser and opened her jewelry box, picking out a pair of earrings and laying them on the nightstand.

  The doorbell rang, and Lucky raised her head, one ear cocked toward the door.

  Woof. Dog speak for someone’s at the door, in case Grace didn’t already know. Lucky jumped off the bed, raced ahead of Grace, and planted herself at the front door. Early on, Lucky had appointed herself as guard dog over the house and owner.

  Not expecting anyone, Grace peered through the peephole. Living alone, you could never be too careful. She was surprised to see her cousin standing there with her baby daughter, Holly, firmly planted on her hip.

  She pulled the door open, happy to see them. “This is a nice surprise. Come on in and let me take this cutie pie from you.” Grace reached for Holly. The little girl was happily holding out her arms, just as eager to see her. Karen’s rocker look hadn’t lessened in the months since she’d become a mom. If anything, she’d ramped up the facial jewelry, leather clothing, and tie-dyed hair. It wasn’t a look Grace could go for, but to each his own as far as she was concerned.

  “Thanks. Sorry I didn’t call first, but I wanted to surprise you.” Karen smiled as Lucky nudged her leg, looking for attention. She quickly gave the dog a pat on the head and then retrieved the bags sitting on the front doorstep.

  “You certainly managed that. Can you stay long enough for dinner?” Grace hugged Holly and kissed the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of baby shampoo and innocence. Holly had just turned a year old last month, and Grace had been at the party, completely smitten with her cherub face and bubbly personality.

  Her cousin was one of those footloose free-spirited women who didn’t plan much in life, letting life come to them. Including Holly. At nineteen, Karen hadn’t accepted her new role as a mother. But then Karen’s mother, Grace’s aunt, made it easy for her to ignore those responsibilities. Aunt Helen watched Holly every day while Karen went off to do whatever it was that Karen liked to do all day. Which pretty much amounted to nothing, unless it had something to do with her rock band. She’d been out of school eleven months, and so far, she only had a part-time job to show for it.

  “Umm, unfortunately, I really don’t have time.” Karen had moved into the living room and set her things down. That was when Grace noticed how many bags Karen had brought in. Grace knew a baby required a diaper bag when they went places, but this was a bit overboard.

  “That’s a shame. So, what brings you to my neck of the woods? This is quite a way from Concord for a surprise visit.” Grace held Holly up in the air and pretended like she was flying, then lowered her down slowly and blew bubbles on her stomach. The little girl giggled every time Grace repeated the motion.

  She glanced at Karen when she didn’t answer right away.

  Her cousin was staring back at her, looking uncomfortable. She looked down at the diaper bag and began fumbling with the zipper, neither opening nor closing it. “I have a favor to ask of you.” Karen let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t have anyone else to ask.”

  “You can ask me anything. Let me guess, you need a babysitter. You know I’d love to keep Holly. Just say the word.” Grace loved it when Karen dropped her off for a few hours, relishing the time she could spend with the baby.

  “Well, it’s something like that. I’m sure you’ve heard Mama broke her hip.” Her cousin looked up at Grace.

  “Oh, no, I hadn’t heard. When did that happen? How is she?” Holly reached for a lock of Grace’s hair and pulled, trying to get her attention. Grace covered her tiny hand with her own to still the motion, not relishing the feeling of having her hair ripped out.

  “It was last week. I was sure your mother would’ve called and told you. But here’s the thing, she can’t watch Holly anymore, and it could be a while before she’s fully recovered and mobile enough to keep up with the baby, and I need a sitter.”

  Grace immediately saw where this was going. She moved to sit down in the armchair, setting Holly on her knees for a horsey ride, but far enough away the baby couldn’t reach Grace’s hair. For the past two months, while she’d been unemployed, she would’ve loved the opportunity to watch Holly. It just wasn’t possible now. “I see. Unfortunately, I got a new job with World Sport Inc., the new online sporting goods retailer that opened a warehouse in Lancaster. I start tomorrow morning. There’s no way I can help you out. I’m truly sorry. You know how much I love spending time with Holly.”

  Karen sat back on the sofa, her mouth in a childish pout, her arms folded across her chest. “I should’ve known better.” She shook her head, visibly upset. “This isn’t fair. One mistake. And I’m supposed to pay for it with the rest of my life.”

  “What do you mean? What’s going on?” Grace knew Karen had been having a tough time, but this sounded more desperate and more self-absorbed. Not the direction she’d hoped her cousin would go as she adjusted to parenthood. It was time for Karen to step up—not step back.

  “The baby. It’s no secret. She was a mistake. The father’s out of the picture and I’m the one who’s stuck. I have an opportunity of a lifetime to travel with the band to California. We were offered a gig, and as the lead singer, the future of the band has been laid at my feet. I can’t very well take a baby with me.”

  The age-old battle between youth and adulthood was at war in her cousin. By the sounds of it, her youth was still winning. “Holly’s a sweet baby. Maybe you need to focus on her, and new doors will open for you.”

  The petulant look on Karen’s face showed her immaturity. “I don’t want a new door. I worked hard getting this one. Please, isn’t there anything you can do to help me out? You’re the only one I can trust to take good care of Holly. I’m not a horrible person. I just don’t want to be tied down and miss out on my own dreams.”

  Grace didn’t know what to say. The timing was terrible. “How long are you expecting to be gone?” She shouldn’t even be considering it, but she was. The temptation to have Holly around was calling upon the maternal instincts that had been in overdrive lately.

  “Three weeks tops. You won’t regret it, I promise. Holly loves you.” Karen stood, hope in her eyes.

  Other people managed full-time jobs and children all the time. Something she’d tried to convince the adoption agency of, except they’d turned down her application anyway. Her dream of adopting ripped away. Grace was still dealing with the heartache of rejection. In a way, she could relate to how Karen felt about having to give up her dream. Sometimes, life wasn’t fair.

  It wasn’t Grace’s fault that as a teenager she’d had polycystic problems that left her unable to have her own children. And it didn’t change her ability to provide love, support, a roof over a child’s head, and extended family. Being single shouldn’t have excluded her from the happiness she could bring to a child’s life. Unfortunately, the agency disagreed.

  She was single and would remain that way. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out men reacted differently to the news of her inf
ertility. One, they left. Two, they lied and said it was okay. Or to be fair, they might have changed their minds. Three, they stuck around longer because they never wanted marriage or a family. Either way, the first two groups left her, and the third, she dumped them.

  Grace would have been okay remaining single if only her prayers were answered for a child of her own. Maybe God was giving her the opportunity to prove to the agency they were wrong about her.

  It was crazy to even consider watching Holly, given the fact she started a new job in the morning. There was no way around it. She had to report to work. The answer, of course, was for the babysitter to find a babysitter. Easier said than done, but it was worth a shot. Tiny waves of excitement rippled through Grace as hope blossomed.

  “I’ve got an idea. Let me make a phone call to Faith and see if she can watch Holly when I’m working. I’m not making any promises. Are you sure you want to be away from the baby that long?” Grace wanted to make sure Karen understood the implications of her choices. There were always consequences to every decision one made.

  “Thank you for trying. And, yes, I have thought about it, more than you can possibly imagine. But this is my big chance to do something with my career, and I want to take it.”