The doctor informed Hope that she would finally be able to go home after two weeks in the hospital. Sean was determined for her to go back to his condo for the remainder of her recovery. Would it be awkward? Her stomach knotted. She gripped the prayer shawl and prayed for God to calm her spirit and her nerves.
“Hey, Sunshine, you ready to blow this joint?” Sean called as he burst into her room.
“Yep, I believe so.”
“Grace is absolutely beside herself with excitement.” He shook his head and chuckled. “She had me up this morning before six, ordering me to come get you.”
Hope’s chest warmed. She studied Sean’s face. Did he share Grace’s enthusiasm? Or, was this a temporary arrangement until she fully recovered? She bit her bottom lip to stop a sudden rush of moisture in her eyes. Why couldn’t it be different? Why couldn’t it be as it appeared to everyone else? A family of three.
The ride to the condo was quiet. Sean pulled into the parking space, jumped out, and met her as she struggled to stand up. “Here, let me help you.”
“The doctor said I should be able to get rid of the crutches soon.”
“Yeah, but right now you need them.” He narrowed his gaze at her as if scolding her.
He steadied her with a hand on her waist. Warmth spread through her. Stop. She met his gaze again. “Look, I’m sorry to be so much trouble. I should be out of your hair in a few weeks.”
He gazed into her eyes with a pained expression on his face. “Let’s get something clear. As far as I’m concerned, I want you to stay in my hair.” He chuckled.
“What?”
He stepped closer and took her hand in his. “I hate the thought of you leaving, because…I love you.”
Hope’s eyes widened, and her free hand covered her mouth.
Sean rubbed the back of his neck. “I know. It’s crazy.”
She shook her head. “It’s not crazy.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “Somewhere in the midst of all of this, I fell in love with you, but…”
Sean put a finger to her lips and stopped her. “No but.” He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to hers. She allowed her body to relax into his, then slid her head to his chest. He stroked her back.
Hope’s pulse pounded, her heart nearly burst. Sean had actually declared his love for her.
* * *
Sean’s eyes misted over. Relief spread through his body like a tonic. Hope loved him.
She pushed back, looking him in the eyes. “What do we do now?”
“Well, Mrs. Holland, this is where I carry you over the threshold right proper like.” He scooped her into his arms. She squealed and placed her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
This is right, Son.
The hairs on his neck perked.
* * *
Six weeks later, Hope, minus the crutches, met her groom and Grace in the front of the church filled with family and friends. God was too good. Hope had a family and a home.
They each recited vows they had made in the pastor’s office, yet this time both knew the other’s heart. Just when Hope thought the ceremony was over, the pastor asked Sean to share a few words.
Her groom held both of her hands and gazed into her eyes. “I had strayed from God, but He pursued me, giving me Hope and Grace.” He chuckled. “Puns intended.” He reached down, picking up Grace in his left arm. He grasped Hope’s hand again with his right, planting a kiss on her lips. “Now, let’s eat dessert, because it’s a special ’casion.”
Grace pumped her fist in the air. “Yessss!”