Searching for Hope

Part 1

 

“How is he?” Sav rushed into the hospital waiting area where his mother and two older brothers were gathered.

“Stable,” Brian looked up at him. “For the moment.”

“It doesn’t look good son,” Sally wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly.

“Can we see him?” he cleared his throat in an attempt to push back his tears.

“They said…” John was interrupted by an approaching nurse.

“Mr. Savage is asking to see his sons,” she scanned the small group.

No one moved.

“Go on,” Sally pushed them on. “Go talk to ‘im.”

Sav hung his head as Brian led them toward the intensive care unit.

 

The room was dimly lit with the sound of monitors and machines filling the air. Each of the Savage lads took a side of their father’s bed, with Sav standing timidly at the foot. Then, they waited.

“How are you?” Brian patted his father’s arm.

“Only slightly bet’er than shit,” he huffed.

John laughed and patted his shoulder. “Then you’re back to normal.”

He smiled and then looked down at his youngest son. “I think I’ll be fine. This time.”

“Don’t talk like that, Dad,” Sav looked away.

“It’s true. I’ve had a lot of time to sit around and think these past few days. Life is too fragile to piss away.”

“You’re just tryin’ to get into ‘eaven now, old man,” Brian teased him.

“Maybe so. But there’s something’ I’d like for you lads to do for me.”

“What’s that, Dad?” John waited.

“Find your sister.”

Part 2

 

The three Savage lads sat in the cafeteria of the hospital and stared at the cups of tea before them. They had to let everything their father told them sink in.

John looked up and decided he’d be the one to start. “I can’t believe Dad cheated on Mum.”

“He said that Mum knows about it, so that’s not the issue,” Brian defended his father.

“Does she know about… the baby?” Sav nearly whispered.

“Baby?” Brian smiled. “She’s only 5 years younger than you.”

“C’mon, all we know is her first name and ‘er mother’s first and last. This isn’t gonna be easy,” John rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“I suppose that’s a start then,” Sav pushed back away from the table and rose to his feet.

“Where are you goin’?” Brian asked.

“Call me lawyer,” he walked off to the telephones.

John raised his eyebrows and looked across the table at his eldest brother. “I guess we’re searching for Hope?”

“Looks that way, doesn’t it?”

Part 3

 

“Holy shit,” Joe stared at his mate before taking a long drink of his beer. “No wonder you’ve been quiet. That’s quite the bombshell.”

“E said that Brenda kept up with ‘im until the baby… lady… me sister… whatever… was about 2. Then they moved to America.”

“What’s ‘er name?”

“Hope.”

“Does she ‘ave the Savage name?”

“I don’t know. Her mother’s name is Brenda Sue Harmony.”

“Hope Harmony?” Joe chuckled. “Cute.”

“I just… I don’t know where to start. We’ve hired an investigator, but we can’t offer very much information at all.”

“Well… leave it to them. That’s what they get paid for, right?” he gazed off into space.

“What?”

“Just… I wonder what she looks like.”

He smiled. “Me too.”

“I imagine… the curly hair is pretty unavoidable.”

“Absolutely.”

“And I suppose it depends on what color of eyes her mother has.”

“I guess,” he sighed. “I wonder if ‘er Mum ‘as told ‘er about me Dad?”

“Guess we’ll ‘ave to wait and find out…” he was interrupted by Sav’s cell phone.

“Savage,” he answered. “Yes, Stan. Yes… really… you’re kidding. Aw, geeze. Okay? Sure. Well… thanks for the update. That would be great. Thanks,” he turned off the phone and looked up to a waiting Joe. “Seems as though Brenda and Hope went to Ohio where they lived until Brenda passed away from cancer.”

“God, that’s awful. That would make Hope…”

“She was orphaned at six years old,” he shook his head. “They’re meeting with the foster parents that raised her in the morning.”

“Jesus, mate. She could be a drug dealer for all we know.”

“I can’t believe this,” he rubbed his face. “I already feel so… sorry for her. And I haven’t even met ‘er.”

“Well, way things are goin’… you may get your chance soon.”

He rolled his eyes. “Question is… does she want to meet us?”

Part 4

 

“Aye, Dad! How’re ya feelin’?” Sav hugged his father.

“Better, son,” he nodded before taking a sip of his soup. He then looked around. “Any news?”

He took a deep breath before speaking. “Her foster parents are Kyle and Jayne Myers. They adopted her when she was seven. Got a few photos,” he handed them to him.

One was from when Hope was 13. Ken had to smile. She had his blue eyes and curly, brown hair. Other than that, she looked like her mother, God bless her soul.

He then looked at a photo from when she was 18. Her high school graduation. “Such a lovely young woman.”

“You should see ‘er after college,” he smiled as he handed him a photo from when she was 24.

“She looks like you, Rick.”

“We found ‘er, Dad. She’s in Cincinnati.”

He closed his eyes as a tear ran down his cheek. He nodded his head and then looked up at his son. “Go to her, Rick. Please… let her know how… sorry I am.”

He patted his father’s shoulder. “We will, Dad. We’ll do everything we can.”

Part 5

They pulled into a gravel parking lot and turned off the engine. Ahead of them was an old, worn down stone building. To their left, a pitch.

“You sure this is the right address?” John adjusted his sunglasses.

“It’s Jayne’s handwriting,” Sav squinted as he read the paper.

“Guess we ask around?” Brian looked around as two women’s teams took the pitch.

“Rugby? Huh?” Sav chomped on a piece of gum as he opened the door. “Maybe she’s a coach?”

“Could be,” John led the way to the bleachers.

They sat and watched part of the match while scanning the crowd. Either they weren’t recognizing her, or she wasn’t there. Finally, Brian got up the nerve to ask someone.

“Excuse me, do you know Hope Myers?”

The young girl smiled. “She helps coach the collegiate team.”

“Could you point ‘er out for us?”

“Sure,” she slowly pointed out to the field. “Number 5.”

“No shit?” Sav smirked as he grinned.

“You mean the bird that just pummeled that poor blonde lass?” John’s mouth dropped open.

“That would be Doc.”

“She’s a doctor?” Brian’s chest swelled with pride.

“No, a Physical Therapist. But she’s the one that always doctors us up after matches.”

“Cool,” they returned to the match.

An hour later, they watched as both teams congratulated one another on a good game and proceeded to head toward two kegs of beer. Hope was one of the last to head over, opting to change into a pair of sandals and a sweatshirt.

“Good game, Doc!” one of the younger girls patted her shoulder.

“I’m getting to old for this,” she sighed as she untaped her two middle fingers on each hand.

“Nah, you’ll be ruggin’ ‘til you’re 80,” she giggled.

The lads looked at one another before making their move.

“Hope?” Brian called out.

“Yeah?” she looked up and met their eyes.

Everyone froze. She was definitely one of them. Part of their family. They shared the same blood.

She stared at them, not knowing who they were but… they had her eyes. “Can I help you?” she rose from her spot.

“Um…” Sav stuttered.

“We’re the sons of Ken Savage,” John started, hoping she knew who he was talking about.

“Excuse me?” she raised her eyebrows.

“These are Richard, Brian and I’m Jonathan.”

She scowled at them before turning to grab her bag. “What exactly do you want?”

“We just… want to know you,” Brian found his voice.

She huffed. “I’d say you’re about 32 years too late,” she pushed past them and stormed off to her car.

They were speechless as they watched her drive off. They had each imagined this day in their mind and in none of the scenarios did she walk off.

“That went well,” Sav rested his hands on his hips.

“So what now?” John looked at Brian.

“We try again,” he walked off toward the car.

Part 6

 

“Hope, there’s a doc on line 3,” the receptionist peeked into the treatment room.

“Thanks, Lynn,” she turned to her tech. “Got it?”

“Sure,” she nodded.

“This is Hope Myers,” she spoke into the phone.

“This is Dr. Brian Savage, Hope.”

“Are you stalking me or something?” she looked around.

“Your brothers would like to have dinner with you.”

“My brother’s name is Jonas Myers. Goodbye, Dr. Savage,” she hung up on him.

“Damn, she’s brutal!” Brian looked at his brothers.

“Plan C?” Sav looked between the two.

“Do we have a choice?” John huffed.

Part 7

 

That night, Hope sat in her house and went over patient charts. She was trying to keep her mind off of her ‘brothers‘. What a crock. How could they possibly think that they could just waltz in after 32 years and be friends?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She looked over to the clock to see that it was only 7:30. Why did it feel like it was so much later? Oh yeah, she didn’t get any sleep last night.

She took a deep breath before opening the door to see Sav standing on her front step. He was holding a dozen long-stemmed roses and smiling. “Hi.”

“Mr. Savage,” she crossed her arms, trying not to look down at the roses.

“Look, all we want to do is talk. We didn’t even know you existed until about six months ago.”

“Yeah… well I’ve known about you my whole life,” she continued to stare at him.

“There’s nothin’ any of us can do about that. We can’t make it right. And we can’t give you back the life that you deserved. But we can get to know one another.”

She finally looked down at the roses.

“C’mon, Hope. I’ve always wanted a little sister and now I’ve got one. Please, just one dinner.”

She sighed as she gave in. “Fine. Tomorrow night. I’ll cook.”

“You cook?” he raised his eyebrows.

“I guess you’ll be the judge of that,” she raised her eyebrows as she closed the door.

“Aye!” he stopped her and shoved the roses through the crack.

“Good night…”

“Rick.”

“Rick,” she nodded before closing the door.

Part 8

 

Hope looked up from cooking as the telephone rang. She sat the stir fry aside and walked to the counter to answer.

“Hello?”

“Hi, hon. How are you?”

She paused before answering. “I’m fine, Mom.”

“You don’t sound fine.”

She smiled as she returned to the dinner. “Okay, maybe I’m not. Why didn’t you tell me they had contacted you?”

“Because I knew that you’d conveniently go on vacation to some far off place,” she laughed. “You’ve always wanted to know about your father, Hope.”

“I know… but I can’t help but… why did it take so long? There have been so many times that I really needed him. And now that I’m doing very well on my own, his kids show up.”

“The Lord works in mysterious ways, dear.”

She sighed as someone knocked on the door. “I’ve gotta go, they’re here.”

“Be civil, be respectful and don’t lose your temper.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she smiled. “Give Dad kisses for me.”

“Back atcha, baby. Love you.”

“You too,” she hung up and sat the phone on the counter.

 

Dinner was very quiet. The lads were quite impressed at their sister’s culinary capabilities as they indulged themselves in yakisoba.

“Where did you learn to cook Japanese food?” John asked.

“I spent a year in Osaka as a foreign exchange student when I was in high school,” she took a sip of her tea.

“I’ve been to Osaka. It’s beautiful there,” Sav nodded.

She nodded as she stared at her food. “So, what else do you want to know?”

“Just… start from the beginning, I guess,” Brian suggested.

“The beginning? You mean like the first time I came home from preschool and asked my Mother why I was the only little girl without a Daddy?”

They all quieted.

“Or how about watching the pained look on my mother’s face the day she told me that my father didn’t want me.”

“How could you say that?” John gasped.

“What exactly did your Father tell you? Did he tell you that he was going to leave your Mother? But he changed his mind when he found out that mine was pregnant. Not only did he change his mind, he gave her the money for an abortion.”

They shook their heads. That sounded nothing like their father.

“Did he tell you that on my 2^nd birthday, he asked that my mother stop sending him photos of me? Because they upset your mother.”

“Our father is not like that. He’s a great father. He’s always been loving and supportive of whatever we’ve done,” Brian defended his father.

“He’s a great man, Hope. You just need to meet him and decide for yourself,” John followed.

“I already know everything I need to know,” she picked up her plate and carried it into the kitchen.

The lads looked at one another.

“So? What next?” John asked.

“We change the subject,” Sav sighed as she returned to her seat.

She looked around the table. “So, tell me about yourselves.”

“Well… Rick’s a rock musician…” Brian started.

“I’m sure he can tell me,” she turned to Rick.

Sav chuckled. He had always hated how Brian took over things too. “Well, I’m in a band called Def Leppard and I currently live in Dublin.”

“Any hobbies?”

“Soccer. Golf. TV.”

“I played soccer when I was little.”

John spoke next. “I’m a chef in London.”

“What’s your specialty?”

“Japanese,” he winked.

She laughed as she turned to Brian. “So, Dr. Savage. What have you got to tell me?”

“Not much. I play as much golf as I possibly can and sing in the church choir every Sunday.”

“Really?” her eyes lit up. “My Dad’s the Minister of Music at our church. I’m the assistant youth choir director.”

“Wow,” all three of them replied.

 

They went on to talk for hours, but finally decided that it was time to call it a night.

“Thank you for dinner, it was great,” John gave her a hug.

“Thanks for talking me into it,” she smiled at Sav.

“It was well worth it,” he kissed her cheek.

“Will you give some thought into coming to Sheffield?” Brian hugged her.

“I don’t think I’m ready for that,” she sighed.

“That’s fine,” Sav reassured her. “I think we’ve all got a lot of things we need to digest at the moment.”

She nodded her head.

“Take all the time you need.”

“Thanks,” she watched them walk out to their car.

Part 9

 

Hope sat at her desk and stared at a photo of her mother. She couldn’t help but think of the perplexed looks on her brothers’ faces when she told them her mother’s version of the story. There was only one other person who was actually there. And only one person who could answer her questions. But was she ready to meet him? Confront him?

She took a deep breath and picked up the phone.

“Ello?” Sav answered.

“How long are you going to be in town?” she rubbed her face.

“Until we’re ready to go,” he answered plainly. “Why?”

“I think…” she sighed. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to live your entire life wondering why your father doesn’t want you? I mean… if he really cared about me, he could have found me a very long time ago,” tears streamed down her cheeks.

“I can’t answer that, luv. There’s a lot of questions I ‘ave for ‘im meself that I just don’t understand.”

“I’m so overwhelmed,” she sniffed.

“Don’t think about it, then. Why don’t we go out? You can show us around and we’ll just keep workin’ on getting to know one another?”

“I think I’d like that,” she smiled.

“Great. We’ll pick you up in an hour.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she hung up and sighed. She was startled when the phone rang. “Hello?”

“Hey, where’ve you been?”

“Hi, Grant.”

“I haven’t heard from you in days. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just… going through a family crisis at the moment.”

“Anything I can help with?”

“I don’t know if there’s anything you can do.”

“Well, I’m not on call tonight. Call me if you would like to talk. Or watch a movie. Or cuddle. Or drink wine and sit in the hot tub. Naked.”

She began to laugh. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Good. Talk to you later.”

“Bye,” she hung up.

 

The Savage boys spent the entire afternoon filling their sister in on stories about their father. She seemed as though she was coming around, but she was still distancing herself.

“You know, you could learn a lot more if you came back to Sheffield with us.”

“You’re probably right,” she avoided the question.

Sav looked at his brothers, raised his eyebrows and sighed.

 

 

Part 10

 

Hope tossed and turned for hours. There were a million questions running through her mind. Questions that only one man had the answer to. She sighed as she sat up and stared into the dark room.

“Hope?” Grant reached out for her. “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not,” she sighed as she rubbed her face.

“Wanna talk about it?” he rubbed her leg.

“Yeah, I do,” she reached for her robe and walked toward her office.

“Where are you going?” he sat up.

“I have a few phone calls to make,” she walked away.

 

Brian was awoken to the sound of knocking on the door. It took him a few minutes to realize that he needed to answer it. Slowly, he staggered across the room and opened it.

“Hope?” he squinted at her. “The sun’s barely up. What is it?”

She stepped to the side to reveal her suitcases. “I’m ready,” she waited.

It took a few moments before he realized what she was suggesting. “Oh! I’ll call the brothers!”

She nodded. “I’ll be in the restaurant downstairs.”

 

The announcement was made that they would be arriving at Heathrow within the hour.

“You okay?” Sav squeezed her hand.

“I feel like I’m going to puke,” she mumbled. “Other than that, I’m just dandy.”

“We ‘aven’t told ‘im, so you can take your time. Visit London for a few days if you like.”

“I’m afraid if I do that, I’ll change my mind,” she looked into his eyes.

“You’re a Savage. You can do anythin’,” he nodded, followed by a wink.

She smiled and sat back into her seat.

Part 11

 

They were standing in a line against the wall with their sunglasses on and their arms crossed, waiting. Hope was the first of the siblings to step off the plane and they knew immediately who she was. The resemblance was remarkable.

“My God, she’s a female version o’ Sav!” Phil spat.

“Ain’t she, though?” Joe peeked over the rim of his shades.

“Good new travels fast,” Sav mumbled as they caught his eye.

“What’s that?” Hope looked up.

“Come meet your welcoming party,” he took her hand and pulled her across the terminal.

Introductions were made as John and Brian went off to gather the luggage. Hope felt as though she were cattle up for auction as all eyes were on her.

“So, what’s the plan?” Rick asked.

“We’ll probably spend the night ‘ere and then head for Sheffield in the mornin’,” Sav looked at Hope.

“Sounds good to me,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“In that case, I know a fabulous pub we can go to…” Joe took Hope by the shoulders and led her toward the waiting car.

Sav raised his eyebrows and looked at Phil.

“We got’a fill ‘er in on the real you, right?” he grinned.

“Great,” he followed them.

 

“…So we walk in, an e’s tryin’ to look all innocent…” Phil could barely tell the story from laughing.

“But e’s got whipped cream in ‘is hair!” Joe finished for him as the entire table roared with laughter.

“Thanks, mates!” Sav smirked before taking a sip of his beer.

“Any time!” Rick patted his shoulder.

“Oh my God!” Hope squealed as she held her sides. “You are such a rock star!”

He had to smile. Get a few beers in her and she was quite a bit more talkative. Wonder who she took that after?

“Well, I hate to be the party pooper, but I’m exhausted,” Brian yawned as he stretched his arms.

“It is getting late,” John glanced at his watch.

Hope downed the rest of her beer before reaching for her purse. “Well, it’s been fun.”

“I know I’ve enjoyed it immensely,” Joe watched her.

“Good luck tomorrow,” Phil gave her a hug.

“Tomorrow,” she sighed. “Thanks.”

“How long will you be ‘ome?” Joe turned to Sav.

“Not sure, why?”

“Just thought maybe I’d stop by to see the folks while you’re there.”

“Who’s stoppin’ ya?” he smirked.

“Take care, Hope,” Joe gave her a quick squeeze.

“Thanks, Joe,” her blue eyes sparkled as she smiled at him. “And thanks again.”

“Anytime, luv,” he winked at her.

“Night!” they waved as they walked off.

Joe sighed as he turned around to see Phil and Rick staring at him.

“What?”

“Uh, huh,” Phil rolled his eyes.

Part 12

 

The ride to Sheffield was unbearably quiet. It was hard to believe that only 10 hours prior, Hope had been talking and laughing with everyone. But now, she was quiet… closed off.

“Got an ideer,” Sav spoke up.

“I’m all ears,” she looked at him.

“We check you into the hotel and then show you where the house is from there. That way you can go whenever you’re ready.”

“I think that’s a very good ideer,” she smiled shyly.

“Would ya like to meet somewhere for dinner t’night?” John asked from the passenger seat.

“Actually, I think I’d just like to be by myself for a bit. Take in everything.”

“That’s fine, Hope,” Brian spoke as he pulled into the hotel parking area. “Take all the time you need.”

“Don’t say that, it might be weeks,” she teased.

 

Ken looked up to see all three of his sons file into the house. “So?”

“She’s fabulous, Dad,” Brian grinned.

“It’s like all three of us in one person,” John followed.

“She’s musical…” Sav elaborated for him. “And athletic…”

“She’s a Physical Therapist…” Brian added.

“And she can cook!” John’s eyes widened.

Sally stood at the door and listened.

“You can tell right away that she’s one of us, Dad…” Sav began.

“She is NOT one of US,” Sally roared.

All eyes shot up to her.

“That lass will never be one of us!” she stormed into the kitchen.

Sav quickly ran after her. “I’m sorry, Mum. I didn’t mean to upset you. We’re just excited…”

“I know that, son,” she shook her head. “And I know it’s not her fault. She’s never ‘ad a choice in any of this. It just… doesn’t make it any easier.”

“C’mere,” he gave his mother a tight hug. “I love you, Mum.”

She smiled as she melted into him. “I love you too, son.”

 

Hope took a deep breath as she stepped out onto the street. She took in a few of the sights while slowly walking. Seeing a park, she decided to sit and do a bit of people watching for a while. At least until she decided what she was going to do with the rest of her day.

“Aye, stranger,” she heard a familiar voice and turned toward it.

“Hi, Joe,” she smiled. “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d take a spin around town and reminisce about me youth,” he raised his eyebrows as he sat beside her on the bench. “Which was much too long ago.”

She giggled. “Surely not.”

“Question is, what are you doin’ ‘ere? Don’t you ‘ave a father to meet?”

“I do,” she nodded. “I’m just not quite sure I’m ready.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“I’m thinking that you’d be a bit biased, being Rick’s friend and all. You know more about Ken than I do.”

“Then let’s talk about somethin’ else.”

“Such as?”

“Oh… your favorite color, what type of music you listen to, do you watch TV, are you single, married, divorced…”

She laughed. “Green, everything, not very often, dating but not attached.”

He sat quietly for a moment. “Hows about some fish n’ chips?”

Part 13

 

Sav walked into his parents’ house the next morning and looked around. John was making breakfast and Brian was watching the news.

“Where’s Mum and Dad?” he asked.

“Morning walk,” Brian looked up. “Why?”

“After last night’s outburst, I didn’t want to mention Hope’s name in front of Mum,” he sighed as he took a seat in the parlor. “You talk to ‘er?”

“Nope. You?”

“She didn’t answer the phone in her room,” he sighed.

“Surely she wouldn’t have come all this way to chicken out and leave?” John wiped his hands on a towel as he walked into the room.

“I don’t think so,” Brian frowned.

“Maybe she was just in the shower?” Sav offered. “It’s possible.”

“Still… I’m gonna try again,” Brian picked up the phone and dialed.

 

“Good morning!” Ken and Sally smiled to see their sons in their house.

“Breakfast is ready!” John called from the kitchen.

“Well then,” everyone headed in to eat.

There was a knock at the door and Sally turned to answer it. “I’ll get it!”

“No!” all three of her sons jumped at her.

She turned around and scowled at them. She knew exactly whom it was and she was going to answer the bloody door! After all, she had been waiting for over 30 years to lay her eyes upon this lass. “Did I stutter?”

“Uh…” they looked at one another as she walked to the front door.

 

Hope’s eyes widened as the woman opened the door. She was in such deep thought about meeting her father that she hadn’t thought about his wife. “M… Mrs. Savage?”

Sally couldn’t believe her eyes. All these years, she had hoped that everything was a mistake. Kenneth couldn’t possibly have had a child outside of their marriage. It just wasn’t possible. But there she stood, on her doorstep. And the resemblance was undeniable. She was speechless.

Hope took a deep breath. “I know you must hate me.”

“I don’t know you to hate you, child.”

“And all I know of you is from what my mother told me,” she answered.

“What exactly did Brenda tell you about me?”

She paused before she answered. “That you deserved someone much better than Ken Savage.”

Her heart nearly broke. Had this girl been raised to hate her father? This was going to be much more difficult than she thought.

“Why don’t you come in and judge for yourself?” she opened the door and stood aside.

As she stepped into the door, her brothers swarmed her.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Sav hugged her.

“I’ve made breakfast, why don’t we eat?” John followed.

“Or sit in the parlor, your choice,” Brian waited.

“What’s goin’ on?” Ken stepped out of the kitchen and looked around.

One by one, each of the lads stepped to the side, until she was the only one standing before him.

His mouth opened, but he couldn’t speak as he looked into his own eyes. Tears began to stream down his cheeks as he finally found his voice. “Hope!”

Part 14

 

Hope’s heart pounded against her chest as she stared at him. She had both longed for and dreaded this day her entire life. It didn’t seem real.

“My God, you’re so beautiful,” Ken sobbed as he rushed to pull her into his arms.

At first, her body stiffened. She hadn’t expected to receive a hug from him. But then, as he kissed her forehead and stroked her hair, she let go. She was in her Daddy’s arms. A place she longed to be for a very long time. It was then that she finally let lose and allowed the tears to flow.

“I’m so sorry, Hope. I’m so very, very sorry,” he repeated over and over. “Please forgive me.”

She pushed away and looked up at him. “I need to talk to you before I can do that.”

“Anything,” he showed her to the parlor.

 

The boys kept their mother busy and in the kitchen as they gave their father and sister time to speak. Get to know one another. Hopefully mend things.

Ken took a deep breath as he began. “The beginning…” he searched for the words on the tip of his tongue. “Shortly after Richard was born, Sally and I went through a rough spell. We weren’t getting on at all. We weren’t even sleeping in the same room anymore. It was unbearable and I began to go into a deep depression… until I met your mother.”

She watched closely as she tried to take everything in.

“We met at me favorite pub. Her friends brought her in to celebrate a new promotion she had just gotten at the music shop where she worked. We had so much in common and we hit it off immediately.”

She nodded.

“We were together on and off for three years without anyone knowing about it. I loved her, Hope. I swear I did. Brenda was the one person I could completely let loose around at that time. She made me feel alive. But when she told me she was pregnant, I panicked.”

“So it’s true? You paid her to have an abortion?”

“I gave her what I could and asked her to do what she felt was right. We never discussed the options specifically.”

“Then what did you discuss?”

“We talked about my responsibility in the situation. She had known all along that I was married and that I couldn’t leave my wife.”

“You’re sure she knew that?” she raised her eyebrows.

He sighed. “I thought she knew.”

Hope again quieted.

“Sally caught on very early that I was havin’ an affair, but never said anything. She was hurt, I won’t lie to you. But nothing prepared her for when I told her about you,” he tried to calm his shaking hands. “She didn’t believe me. She thought I was making it up as an excuse to file for divorce. It devastated her.”

“She stayed with you?”

“We began seeing a marriage counselor and I never mentioned the baby or your mother again.”

Hope shook her head. She was so confused. “You’re lying.”

“What?”

“If that’s true… what are these?” she pulled a stack of old letters from her coat pocket and threw them onto the table.

Ken’s mouth dropped. “Where did you get those?”

“Why don’t you read them to refresh your memory and then call me when you’re ready to tell me what really happened?”

She stormed out of the house, slamming the door after her.

 

“Hope!” Sav ran after her. “What happened?”

“Just leave me alone!” she yelled as she walked down the street.

“Not until you tell me what happened!” he grabbed her arm.

She looked up at him, anger evident in her eyes. “He’s exactly how my mother described him! A lying, manipulative, arrogant man!”

“What?” he spat. “What are you talkin’ about?”

She shook her head and pulled away. “Why don’t you go ask him?”

He sighed as she walked on down the street.

Part 15

 

Hope marched straight into her hotel room and changed into her running clothes: a tight-fitted tank and spandex leggings. The weather didn’t matter. The time of day didn’t matter. Nothing mattered; she just needed to let off steam.

She ran through street after street for hours, until she no longer knew where she was. And even that didn’t seem to matter.

She went over everything in her head as her feet pounded against the pavement. Ken lied about his contact with her mother. With her. But why? Nothing about that man made sense. If he wanted his daughter to be in his life so badly, why did he wait so long? And why the lies?

“Hope!”

She slowed down and turned toward the voice. “Joe?”

“What the hell are you doin’ on this side of town?” he walked down the steps of his parents’ house.

“I have no idea where I am,” she panted as she wiped across her forehead with her arm.

“You look like hell, luv. What’s wrong?”

“Everything,” she huffed. “It didn’t go well this morning.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he watched her. “Wanna talk about it?”

“I don’t know what I want at the moment,” she shook her head. “I’m sorry, just… I’ll be fine. Go on back to visiting with your parents.”

“No,” he reached for her arm. “I’m not leavin’ you alone.”

She half-laughed. “Then could you point in the direction of my hotel?”

“C’mon, I’ll walk back with you.”

She looked him over. Jeans and tennis shoes. “Thanks.”

 

Not only did she fill Joe in on the events of the previous morning on the way to her hotel, Hope told him his mother’s version of the events as well. By the time they reached her room, he knew probably more than her brothers did.

“Wow, Hope. I’m… speechless. He ‘as no reason to lie.”

“Yes he does,” she opened the door and stepped in. “His wife.”

“Why would he go through all this to get you ‘ere and then lie?”

“I wish I knew,” she sighed. “Thanks for the walk. And talk. And I feel like I’ve thanked you quite a bit since we met.”

“I wish I could do more.”

She watched him for a moment. “You can join me for dinner, then. I’ll just need to grab a quick shower.”

“It’ll give me enough time to walk back and grab a car.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she winked before stepping into the bathroom.

Part 16

 

Hope slipped her shoes on as someone knocked on her door. She opened it to see Sav standing in the hall.

“Hey,” she turned away and walked into her room.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine,” she lied. “At least I’m not disappointed, I got what I expected.”

He sighed as he though of what to say. “When you were younger, did you… Did you ever make something up and tell it over and over? So much that it really seemed like the truth?

“No, because my Foster Parents taught me that lying was wrong,” she spat.

“Hope…”

“Apparently it must be common in the Savage household.”

“No! Stop it!”

“What exactly do you want, Rick?” she crossed her arms.

“To say I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t think today would go the way it did. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” she sat on the edge of her bed. “But why did he lie?”

“Because, it’s what he’s been tellin’ Mum for the last 30 years. He was so afraid of losin’ her that he kept up the façade that he had nothin’ to do with you. And in the process, he lost you.”

“All I want to know is why? Why was I so unimportant that he could ship us off and not have anything to do with us again?”

“You should be askin’ him that.”

“He had his chance! And he blew it!”

There was another knock at the door. She composed herself and opened it. “Hi, Joe,” she gave him a pitiful smile.

Sav frowned as his best mate walked through the door. “What are you doin’ ‘ere?”

“We’re goin’ to supper,” he smiled.

“We’ve run into one another so much I figured we’d probably end up at the same restaurant anyway,” she giggled.

“Yeah, I bet,” Sav stared at Joe.

“Would you like to join us?” Joe asked innocently.

“That would be lovely, thanks,” he smirked.

Hope looked between them, picking up on the tension. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Nothing,” they both turned to her and smiled.

“Shall we then?”

“We shall,” Joe took her hand and flashed a smile at Sav.

“Back off, Elliott,” he mumbled loud enough for him to hear.

 

Dinner was short and sweet, as was the conversation. One their way back to her room, she stopped in the lobby and checked her messages. Sav took the opportunity to pull Joe aside.

“What the fuck are you doin’?”

“Can’t I be a friend with the sis?”

“You’ve got cologne on Joe! C’mon!”

“Knock it off, Sav!”

“Look, I need for you to leave so I can talk her into comin’ back to the house tomorrow and talkin’ to Dad.”

“And what makes you think that I can’t do that?”

“Excuse me?”

“We’ve really gotten to know one another. Let me talk to ‘er.”

He rolled his eyes.

“I promise, she’ll be there.”

He shook his head. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on ‘er!”

“Calm down, mate.”

“You hurt her, an I’ll kill you,” he said point blank. “Am I makin’ meself clear?”

Joe’s eyes widened. “Crystal.”

“Looks like I need to call the office in the morning,” Hope rejoined them.

“Thanks for supper,” Sav kissed her cheek. “Call us tomorrow?”

“I’m not making any promises,” she watched him walk toward his car. “But I’ll try.”

“That’s all I can ask,” he gave Joe one final look before leaving.

Part 17

 

“So?” Joe asked as Hope sat on the edge of her bed.

“So,” she raised her eyebrows and smiled. “There’s an All Black’s game on, do you watch rugby?”

“Here and there. Can’t say that I follow it, though.”

“I used to date a former player and he brainwashed me,” she grinned. “Do you mind?”

“No, not at all,” his kicked his shoes off and joined her on the bed.

They watched for a while.

“Okay, now what was that call for?” he asked.

“Number 2 was reaching into the ruck. You can get your fingers broken by doing that,” she pointed to the television.

“And a ruck is…”

“When the ball hits the ground and everyone goes after it.”

They watched for a while longer.

“Are they kicking one another for the ball?”

“No,” she grinned. “They’re hookers.”

“Really?” he growled.

“No!” she slapped his arm playfully. “Their job is to hook the ball back through their forwards in the scrum and get it out to their backs.”

“Do I even want to ask what a scrum is?” he grinned at her.

“The huddle of forwards,” she looked up at him. “Smart ass.”

“I try,” he stared at her. “And you play this? What position?”

“Lock,” she pointed to the second row in the scrum. “I’m a forward.”

“Very cool,” he turned back to the match. “You know… Sav really wants you to give your Dad a second chance.”

“I can handle just about anything in the world except lying. It’s going to be very hard for me to give him a second chance.”

“But… was he lying to you?”

She looked up at him, clearly confused. “Excuse me?”

“He didn’t mean to lie to you. He was just trying to hide the truth from Sally.”

She stared at his chest as she thought about it. “Your reasoning is pretty fucked up, Joe.”

“No it’s not!” he laughed.

“Seriously, what would you do if you were in my position?”

He sighed. “That’s tough, Hope. Because I know Ken. And I would definitely give ‘im the benefit of the doubt.”

“You would?”

“I would,” he nodded.

She sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Fine, I’ll call. In the morning.”

“Great,” he wrapped his arms around her as they cuddled into the pillows. It didn’t take long before they were both asleep.

Part 18-1

 

“Thanks for meeting me,” Hope gave Sav a brief hug before taking their seats at a restaurant the next morning.

“How’d it go last night?” he watched her.

“We had a nice talk,” she smiled. “Joe’s really a sweet guy.”

“Sweet?” he laughed. “I’ve known the man for nearly 20 years and I’ve never heard that word used to describe him!”

“Oh, stop! He is!”

“And how long did ‘e stay?” he crossed his arms.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but this morning,” she watched as his face reddened. “After we realized that we fell asleep watching a rugby match last night.”

He frowned as he looked at her. “You and Joe… talked and watched the telly? And that’s it?”

“Yes, you nosy little shit,” she huffed before taking a drink of her water. “I’ve only known you a week and you’re already acting like an overprotective ogre.”

“Ain’t that what big brothers are s’posed to do?” he grinned.

“If you say so,” she rolled her eyes. “Where are the other two, by the way?”

“Brian went back to work t’day and John’s at Mum and Dad’s. Why?”

“Just wondering,” she sighed. “You know, everyone I’ve talked to tells me what a good man your… our father is. What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothin’s wrong with you. You just don’t know ‘im like we do. You’ve got’a give ‘im a chance. Forget what you know and what you’ve believed for the last 30 years and start fresh.”

She shook her head and looked down at her hands. “That’s easier said than done.”

“No one said that it all ‘ad to be done in a day,” he reached across the table and took her hands. “It will take time.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

“So? You comin’ with me?”

“Yes.”

 

18-2

Sav stepped into his parents’ house with Hope following. Sally met them in the parlor. “Good mornin’,” she hugged and kissed her youngest son.

“Mornin’, Mum,” he smiled.

“Mornin’, Hope,” she gave her a nod.

“Good morning, Mrs. Savage.”

She looked between them for a moment. “Dad’ll be down in a bit. Why don’t I make us some tea?”

“That would be lovely, Mum.”

She nodded before heading to the kitchen.

Hope looked at her brother. “How is she taking all of this?”

He raised his eyebrows. “It’s not been easy. To her, you’re a living, breathing reminder that Dad was with another woman.”

She looked out the window. “My mother wrote a letter that she never sent. She said that she should have never gotten involved with a married man. She deserved a lot more out of life than she got.”

“Yes, she did,” Ken spoke from the doorway.

Hope quickly looked over at him.

“I’m sorry about last night, Hope. I had a lot of things runnin’ through me mind and what I wanted to say didn’t come out right.”

“That’s understandable, I suppose.”

“Can we start over?”

She nodded her head.

“I’ll go help Mum in the kitchen,” Sav quickly left the room.

 

The conversation flowed much smoother than the first. This time, they each took turns pulling out old photos and telling stories. With each passing hour, Hope realized that Ken wasn’t such a bad guy. She still didn’t like the things that had happened to her and her mother, and she didn’t have to like them. But that was in the past. And at that very moment, all that mattered was that her father did want her in his life.

“What are you plans for tomorrow?” John asked.

“Packing, probably. I’ve got a line of patients I need to get back to.”

“So soon?” Ken frowned.

“When do you think you could make it back?” Sav asked.

“I’m not sure,” she smiled. “I’ll have to get things worked out with the office when I get back.”

“Well, all you can do is try, I suppose. Can you ‘ave dinner with us tomorrow, then?” Ken asked.

“Sure, what time?”

“I’ll just come by and get you when we’re ready,” Sav nodded.

“That’s fine.”

Ken wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “Thank you.”

“For what?” she closed her eyes.

“For givin’ an old man a second chance.”

She sighed. “I’m glad I did.”

“So am I.”

Part 19

 

Once she returned to her hotel room, Hope sat on her bed and stared at the phone, contemplating what to do. She knew what she wanted to do. And she knew what she needed to do. The wants won out and she quickly dialed.

“Hello, Mrs. Elliott. Is Joe there?”

 

“You’re leaving? But you just got ‘ere,” Joe whined as he drove.

“I have responsibilities, Joe. My patients need me.”

He pouted as he turned a corner. “When will you be back?”

“I’m not sure, why?” she watched him.

“Just… wonderin’. That’s all.”

“Un, huh,” she giggled.

 

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me.”

“You’re just so damned cute, that’s all.”

“Excuse me? I’m cute?” he pulled up to the movie theatre.

“As a button,” she winked before stepping out of the car.

 

After the movie, they drove around for a while and talked.  It was getting late, but neither wanted to call it a night. Finally, around 2:00 AM, he pulled up to her hotel.

“Shall I walk you up?” he stared at her.

She smiled. “I don’t think I trust myself enough to let you do that.”

“And why’s that?” he took her hand.

“Because I wouldn’t let you leave.”

“And this is a bad thing?” he growled.

“I’m not sure when I’ll see you again,” she whispered.

“I can always come see you.”

She grinned. “You can.”

“So?”

She quickly reached over to him in the car and planted a very hot, very passionate kiss on him. His mind was whirling as he melted into her, and she into him.

She suddenly pushed away and smiled. “I’ll see you soon,” she whispered.

“H…” he couldn’t breathe and his heart was racing.

“Bye,” she gave him one last kiss before hopping out and rushing into the hotel.

He lay back into his seat and looked up into the top of the car. “Bloody ‘ell!” he panted.

Part 20

 

“Hope Myers.”

“You really should change your name to Savage, it would be much easier to track you down.”

“And just how did you get my number at work, Joe?” she sat back in her chair and grinned.

“Broke down and asked your brother, which was a real joy.”

She laughed. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Well ya see… I’ve got this back problem and I really think I need a full time therapist.”

“Wow. Ireland’s an awfully far way to go for a contract job.”

“I want the best.”

“I have to warn you, I’m not cheap.”

He chuckled. “Or easy.”

“Now that was just rude!” she covered her mouth to stifle a laugh as her techs looked over at her.

“So? Whatcha think?”

“I can’t just up and leave, Joe. I wish I could.”

“I know. Worth a try though, right?”

“I’m glad you called,” she sighed. “I miss you.”

“I know. Me too,” he kicked his feet up onto his coffee table. “So what’s Christmas lookin’ like for ya?”

“Booked. We’re working on the Cantata.”

“You singin’?”

“And directing the youth choir. And playing a piano solo.”

“Really? Cool.”

“Hope, line 3!” her receptionist yelled into the office.

“Thanks, Lynn. Joe, I’ve got another call. Duty calls.”

“All right. Talk to you soon.”

“You bet,” she smiled. “Bye.”

“Bye.”

She switched to line 3. “Hope Myers.”

“Hiya, sis! What’s up?” Sav belted.

“Great,” she decided to be ornery. “Just got off the line with Joe.”

He let out a long sigh. “And?”

“We just had a nice conversation. So what’s new?”

“Wonderin’ what your plans were for Christmas?”

She felt like a broken record. “I’m in the Cantata at my church.”

“That’s very cool.”

“I might be able to swing a trip between Christmas and New Years.”

“That would be awesome!”

“I thought maybe I could visit Ireland and you could show me around.”

“I think that is an excellent idea, Hope. I’ll get a few things t’gether and call you back t’morrow, right?”

“Great. I’ll be here.”

“Okay, talk to you later.”

“Bye, Rick,” she sighed as she placed the phone in it’s cradle.

“You ready?” Grant asked from the doorway.

“Hey, you’re early,” she looked at her watch.

“Do you have another patient?”

“No, but tons of paperwork. I’ll just be a minute.”

“Good deal,” he looked around the office.

“Excuse me, Dr. Alexander,” one of the techs pushed past him into the office.

“Sure,” he winked at her.

The college student blushed as she slid into her desk to finish up charts.

“I’m ready,” Hope closed and locked her desk.

“Let’s go,” he held his arm out and escorted her out the door.

 

They were half way through dinner when Grant noticed that Hope was no longer listening to him.

“Hopie? You there?”

“Ugh, don’t call me that,” she spat.

“Had to get your attention somehow,” he watched her. “What’s goin’ on?”

She rolled her eyes as she thought of what to say.

“Did you meet someone in England?”

Her eyes shot back to his. Was he reading her mind? “Yes, I did.”

“And?”

“I can’t stop thinking about him, Grant. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

“Were you… with him?”

“No, Grant. I didn’t cheat on you. You can leave with your pride intact,” she huffed as she threw her napkin onto the table.

“Hope…”

“We aren’t even committed.”

“I know.”

“So there’s nothing else to talk about, is there?”

“That’s it? I can’t see you anymore because of some guy in England?”

She sighed as she thought it over. “No Grant, I can’t see you.”

Part 21

 

Phil walked into Sav’s house and slammed the door. “Savage! You ‘ome?”

“No!” he huffed as he walked out of his music room.

“Good!” he walked into the kitchen and helped himself to a cup of coffee.

“What’s up, mate?”

“What the bloody ‘ell is goin’ on with Joe?” he reached into the refrigerator and smelled the carton of milk.

“Why?” he growled.

“He’s a total fucking space cadet! He doesn’t remember shit we talked about yesterday! Times he promises to be in the studio, he’s on the phone! What is up?”

Sav shook his head. “Me sister.”

“Hope?” he frowned. “Please tell me you’re kiddin’.”

“I wish,” he pulled the Bailey’s out and added it to his own cup of coffee. “She thinks he’s sweet,” he batted his eyes.

“Sweet?” his mouth dropped. “Bloody ‘ell!”

“Tell me ‘bout it.”

“This isn’t good, Sav. E’s on the rebound.”

“I know that. Hell, he isn’t even divorced yet.”

“She knows about Karla, right?”

Sav was quiet as he thought about it.

“Sav? She knows?”

“I don’t know.”

“You need to tell ‘er.”

“No, it’s not my place to. Joe needs to tell ‘er.”

“I know you probably don’t wanna get in the middle, but please. For me. For the band. Talk to ‘im.”

“Bit dramatic, aren’t you?”

“You tell me. What’s it gonna be like when they break up an ‘e breaks your little sister’s heart?”

“No big deal. We’ll just need a new lead singer,” he crossed his arms.

 

“What are you wearing?” Joe growled.

“A towel,” Hope giggled. “I just got out of the shower. Again. You always call while I’m in the shower.”

“I try,” he sighed playfully. “Had a dream about you last night.”

“Really? What was it about?”

“You came to Ireland and stayed with me,” he closed his eyes.

“Sounds like a great dream,” she dropped her towel and dressed as they talked.

“Think it’s possible?”

“To stay with you while I’m there?” she smiled. “Very possible.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

“I know, Joe. Just be patient, we’ve only got another week.”

“One week,” he grinned. If she only knew.

 

“Joe!” Sav walked into his house and looked around. “Joe?”

“Went on holiday,” Nuala, his housekeeper, walked in from the laundry room.

“Holiday? Do you know where?”

“E didn’t say,” she thought about it. “But ‘e was wearin’ cologne.”

Sav’s face fell. “Thanks.”

Part 22

 

Joe sat in the last pew, in the very back of the church and looked around. Never in a million years did he think he’d ever be in that very spot! And for a woman, no less. But she wasn’t just any woman. She was Hope. And she was wonderful.

The lights died down as the last few people packed into the completely full sanctuary. As the organ music began, the choirs took their places. There she was, right beside a man he had guessed to be Kyle Myers. The only father she had ever known until a few months earlier.

She looked like an angel in her burgundy choir robe. Her curly hair was pulled up loosely onto her head and she had on a pair of cute little dangly earrings. He was so glad that he decided to sneak away to see her.

“Aunt Hope!” a little girl squealed from the front row.

She looked down and grinned at the blonde-headed little girl. “Hi, Brenna!” she whispered before blowing her a kiss.

The organist cleared her throat as Hope looked down to her father and nodded her head.

And thus began 90 minutes of the most beautiful music Joe had ever witnessed. Hope was an absolute angel. What the hell was he thinking? She deserved someone so much better than he. She was perfect in absolutely every way. And he… he was just a rock star.

He snapped back to reality when he noticed that the people around him were leaving. The concert was over. He looked up and noticed that the choir had left. He slowly followed the flow of traffic toward the exit and headed out toward his rental car.

 

Hope walked out into the parking lot while carrying her niece.

“You sang pretty, Aunt Hope,” she kissed her cheek.

“Thank you, Brenna,” she squeezed her.

“Wow, he’s new,” her brother Jonas laughed as he pointed to a man walking to his car.

“Huh?” Hope followed his gaze.

“Never saw a person wear black leather pants to church before,” he chuckled.

“Oh my…” her eyes widened as she handed Brenna to him. “I’ll see you later!” she ran off toward him. “Joe!”

“Hope?” Kyle and Jayne watched as she ran off.

“Joe!” she ran into his arms as he laughed.

“Hi.”

“What are you doing here?” she hugged him tightly.

“I came to see you sing,” he pulled her back to look into her eyes.

“I told you I’d be there in a week,” she smiled.

“I couldn’t wait,” he brushed his fingers across her cheek as he kissed her.

She smiled as pulled away. “Have you eaten?”

“Not yet.”

“C’mon, then.”

 

“I can’t believe you came to church,” she laughed as they walked through her front door.

“Yeah well… neither can I,” he dropped his bags.

She dropped her keys onto the console and stared at him.

He caught her eyes and smiled. “What?”

“I’m really glad you’re here.”

“So am I,” he crossed the room and took her into his arms. “God, I can’t stop thinkin’ about you.”

“I know the feeling,” she closed her eyes as he brushed his lips across hers.

Part 23

 

“Well lookie what I found!” Joe pulled Hope through the front door of the Savage house a few days later.

“You’re early!” Ken gave her a huge hug.

“I didn’t think you’d mind,” she grinned before John stepped in for his own hug.

“Where’ve you been?” Sav smiled at Joe.

“Lookin’ at Christmas lights, mate,” he winked before moving in to give Sally a squeeze.

“Where are you stayin’?” Brian kissed Hope on the cheek.

“My favorite hotel,” she grinned. “They know me by name now.”

“This is very cool, sis,” Sav gave her a hug. “Thanks.”

“Thank Joe. He talked me into it,” she looked over her shoulder and winked at him.

He rolled his eyes as he looked over at Joe.

“Well, I’m gonna go see the folks. Ave fun!” Joe waved as he walked to the door.

“Bye,” Hope waved at him before walking in to visit with her brothers.

 

Sav woke up the next morning and stared at the ceiling. Joe’s relationship with Hope seemed innocent enough, but he was still concerned. The last thing he wanted was his long lost sister being scorned by his best mate. She needed to know that he was still married. And he didn’t want to look like an ass by talking to her about it.

Slowly, he made his way to the shower. The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. He had to do it, no matter how mad Joe got.

After dressing, he jumped into his car and drove to the Elliott house.

“Merry Christmas, Rick,” Cindy answered the door.

“Aye, Mum. Joe up yet?”

“I wouldn’t know, luv. He’s at the hotel.”

“Hotel?” he frowned. “You ‘ave guests?”

“No,” she laughed. “He stayed with Hope last night.”

He froze as she continued to talk.

“She’s lovely, Rick. And looks so much like you boys.”

“So they were ‘ere?”

“Are you all right, lad?”

“Just fine,” he nodded. “Thanks for the visit.”

“Give the family my love, sweetheart.”

“I will, Mum,” he winked before he rushed back to his car.

Cindy had just closed the door when she heard his car speed off.

Part 24-1

 

“Mmm,” Hope moaned as she woke up.

“Merry Christmas,” Joe whispered against her skin before kissing her neck.

She smiled as she lifted her chin to give him easier access to her neck. “Merry Christmas.”

“I think Santa stopped by while we were asleep,” he ran his hand the length of her bare body.

“But I’ve already gotten my present,” she whispered before pulling his earlobe into her mouth.

“There’s much more where that came from, luv,” he moved down to concentrate on the soft flesh of her breasts.

She moaned as she combed her fingers through his hair.

“God, I love your body,” he breathed between kisses and nips.

She grinned as he made his way up her neck. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

He kissed her gently. “And I love your kisses.”

She looked into his eyes before they again brought their lips together, their tongues entwined in a deep, seductive dance. He pushed his hips into hers as she fought to catch her breath.

He rubbed his nose gently against hers. “And I love you.”

Her fabulous blue eyes sparkled at him. “I love you too.”

He gently pushed his way inside her as she tilted her hips up in order to meet him. They paused to look in one another’s eyes just as a knock on the door caught their attention.

 

24-2

“You’ve got’a be kiddin’ me,” he growled.

“Open the bloody door, Joe!” Sav pounded.

“You think he’ll go away if we ignore him?” she sat up as he grabbed his pants from the floor.

“You obviously ‘aven’t known ‘im as long as I ‘ave,” he adjusted himself before zipping up.

“Ugh!” she grabbed her clothes and walked into the bathroom.

Joe took a deep breath and stepped aside as he opened the door.

“I thought we ‘ad an agreement?” Sav stormed into the room.

“And what would that be?”

“You stay away from Hope and I don’t kill you!”

He rolled his eyes. “She’s a big girl, Sav. And perfectly capable of makin’ ‘er own decisions.”

The door to the bathroom flew open and Hope stormed out. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Attempting to save you from makin’ a huge mistake!” he rested his hands on his hips.

“And how do you imagine I’m doing that?” she rested her hands on her hips.

Sav turned on Joe. “That’s somethin’ for you an Joe to discuss.”

She raised her eyebrows and looked at Joe.

“Merry Christmas, Sav,” Joe sighed as he grabbed his shirt and stormed out of the room.

Hope turned to her brother. “What the hell was that about?”

“That’s somethin’ that he’ll ‘ave to tell you,” he sighed. “Look, I’m sorry for…”

“For ruining my Christmas? Thanks,” she walked back into the bathroom and slammed the door.