From Roses to Thorns

Kate Hopkins

From Roses To Thorn

Kate HopkinsCopyright © 2010 Kate Hopkins. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Chapter 1

From the balcony of the hotel room Hope watched as the sun set.The Eiffel Tower stood out against the orange-golden hue of thesky. As she stood at the railing, she thought back over the pastweek. The first day of their vacation it rained. Instead of stayinginside Ryan bought an umbrella and they spent the day sightseeing

and scolding Zoe every time she hopped into a puddle of water.The rest of the week was spent visiting museums, an amusementpark, and a twelve thousand acre park that contained one hundredand fifty miniature French landscapes and monuments, and theNotre Dame Cathedral. Hope had read in a brochure that thecathedral had been the inspiration for Victor Hugo's book, TheHunchback of Notre Dame. There was one more place shewanted to visit before she, Ryan and Zoe went home and that wasthe Eiffel Tower. She had saved it for the last because she wantedtheir last day in Paris to be as memorable as their first.A pair of strong arms wrapping around her waist brought Hope outof her thoughts. Smiling, she leaned back in Ryan's embrace. "Hello,my love. Is the little one asleep?""Yes. I glanced up from the third page and she was out like a light."Ryan brushed aside Hope's long blonde hair and pressed a kiss toher neck. "What were you thinking about when I came out here?""Oh, just the places we've been to." Hope turned her head andkissed Ryan's jaw. "Thank you for a wonderful week.""You're welcome," Ryan said.Hope sighed contently. "I'm going to miss this place.""I will bring you back next year." Ryan nuzzled her ear. "We willleave the young one home with Maggie."Hope brought a hand up and touched his face. "It's a date then.Who were you talking to on the phone earlier? I got out my Englishand French translator and tried to figure out what you were saying,but you were talking too fast for me to keep up."

"I was talking to the front desk, you little eavesdropper," Ryan saidamused. "I asked them to send a car for us in the morning. After weare done with the Eiffel Tower we need to head for the airport."Hope turned in his arms and gazed at him. "I like listening to youtalk in French. Who taught you the language?""I met with a lady for an hour every day. I learned for businesspurposes. I wanted to learn Spanish, but I never found the time todo it.""Say something to me," Hope said.Ryan glanced off into the distance for a moment as he thought aboutwhat to say. "Vos lèvres sont aussi molles que les pétales roses.Votre coeur aussi pur que l'or. Je suis perdu dans vos yeux. Vousavez capturé mon âme même. Mes battements de coeur plusrapidement chaque fois que vous êtes près. Je marcherais auxextrémités de la terre ne fût-ce que svp à vous cher. Ne m'ayezjamais a senti cette manière au sujet de n'importe qui avant. Jet'aime avec tout mon coeur. Vous êtes tous que j'ai besoin et plus.""What did you say?" Hope muttered."Your lips are as soft as rose petals. Your heart as pure as gold. Iam lost in your eyes. You have captured my very soul. My heartbeats faster every time you are near. I would walk to the ends ofthe earth if only to please you dear. Never have I felt this way aboutanyone before. I love you with all my heart. You are all I need andmore.""Ryan," Hope whispered. "It's a beautiful poem.""You are beautiful." Ryan kissed Hope on the lips. "Let's go see if

we can find a movie to watch.""The movies are in French," Hope said."They have English subtitles," Ryan explained. "I will let you pick itout.""Will you cuddle with me?" Hope asked."If I have to," Ryan said, sighing.Hope swatted him on the arm. "For that remark you can stay onyour side of the bed when we go to sleep." She swept past him andinto the room.Ryan followed her inside and closed the French doors. "You knowyou can't keep your hands to yourself."Laughing, Hope slipped off her robe and got into bed. She pickedup the remote control and turned on the television. "What kind ofmovie are you in the mood for?""Surprise me," Ryan said, joining her on the bed.Hope flipped through the channels and finally settled on a comedydrama. She snuggled under the covers just as the movie started."Don't think about it," she said when Ryan moved closer. "You hadyour chance to cuddle and blew it."His blue eyes shining with laughter Ryan pulled her close. "You can'tresist me and you know it."Hope opened her mouth to disagree with him and then quickly shutit. There was nothing she could say. He was right. "Just watch thedamn movie."The next morning Hope rose early and dressed. Once she finished

she stepped into the adjoining bedroom to check on Zoe and foundthe little girl watching cartoons. "Good morning, little one.""Good morning," Zoe murmured. She pointed at the television."What are they saying?"Hope smiled. "I don't know, sweetheart. I can't understand themeither. Maybe we should've brought some of your cartoons." Shecrossed the room and switched off the television. "We're goinghome today. Do you want to help me pack your suitcase?""Okay." Zoe scrambled off the bed and ran to Hope's side.Together they removed the clothes from the dresser and placedthem in the suitcase. "Let's pack Kenny so we don't forget him,"Hope suggested, referring to the stuffed turtle she had bought forZoe when she and Ryan were in Las Vegas on their honeymoon."Kenny doesn't like the dark," Zoe said."I have an idea. Can I hold Kenny?"Zoe held out the turtle."Thank you." Hope put the toy on top of the clothes and zipped upthe suitcase. She left a small opening and showed it to Zoe. "NowKenny won't be in the dark. When we get on Daddy's plane I'll givehim back to you.""Give what back to her?" Ryan asked, appearing the doorway,running a hand through his tousled hair."Kenny," Hope said. "He's in the suitcase, so don't zip it up all theway. He's afraid of the dark.""Right," Ryan said. "Get to moving, ladies. I ordered breakfast.

Hope, don't forget to take your pill an hour before take off.""I haven't forgotten," Hope told him.Breakfast was eaten on the balcony. Ryan ordered omelets for him,Hope, scrambled eggs, and toast for Zoe. While they ate, theyenjoyed the warm sun on their face. It was such a pleasant morningthat Hope hated for it to come to an end. She leaned her headback, closed her eyes, and breathed in the fresh air. Ryan squeezedher hand and she opened her eyes."I don't want to rush you, but we need to leave in ten minutes," hesaid. "Are you all packed?""Of course."A car pulled up in front of the hotel shortly after nine. As theluggage was loaded into the trunk Hope, Ryan and Zoe got in. Ryantold the driver where to go and sat back, checking his watch. Thecar moved away from the curb and Hope took one last look at thehotel before facing forward. Ryan's promise to bring her back in thefuture was the only thing keeping her from being sad about leavingParis.On the way to the Eiffel Tower Hope read aloud from the brochure,she had received from the concierge. "The tower is made ofnineteenth century iron lattice. It's the tallest building in Paris and thesingle most visited paid monument in the world. Millions of peoplevisit a year. The tower was built as the entrance for the 1889world's fair. It's 1,062 feet and has three levels.""I guess it's a good thing I'm not afraid of heights," Ryan said dryly.On the ground floor of the tower, Ryan purchased tickets and they

entered the lift. The operator slid the door shut, pushed a button onthe control panel, and the lift slowly began to ascend. At the top,the operator opened the door and they walked out. The view wasbreathtaking, from the River Seine, to Les Invalides, a complex ofbuildings containing museums and monuments, all connecting to themilitary history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirementhome for war veterans, to The Champ de Mars, a large park thatHope recalled visiting a few days ago.Hope looped an arm through Ryan's and laid her hand on Zoe'sshoulder. Standing there with the two of them, she suddenly thoughtof her ex-husband Luke and how they had always planned to go toParis but never did. She turned her head and said softly in Ryan'sear, "I'm so glad I never came here with Luke. I'm glad my first timehere was with you and Zoe.""So am I," Ryan said. "We are going to have a lot of firsts."An hour later, the small group was airborne. It was going to be along flight from Paris to Newark. Seven hours and twenty-fiveminutes it would take to reach their destination. If all went well theywould be home before six that evening. Hope had called Maggieearlier to let her know what time to expect them. The housekeeperassured her everything would be ready for their return home."How are you feeling?"Hope who was trying to stay awake jerked her head in Ryan'sdirection. "Sleepy. Did you slip me a sleeping pill?""No," Ryan said with a crooked smile. "The only thing you tookwas a sedative. Why don't you take a nap?"

"I don't want to sleep," Hope croaked. "I need to be alert in casesomething goes wrong." It was known to those close to her that shehad a fear of flying. After the plane crash that had taken the lives ofher family, twenty years ago, she swore she would never fly again.It was only since knowing Ryan that she had taken to the sky in thehopes of overcoming her fear."Nothing is going to go wrong with the plane," Ryan uttered in a lowvoice. "You know before we fly this plane is put through a thoroughinspection. It was inspected inside and out. Everything is fine." Hereached into an overhead compartment and took down a blanketand a pillow."What are you going to do with those?" Hope asked, eyeing theblanket and pillow.Ryan put the pillow behind Hope's head and covered her with ablanket. "Will you flip out on me if I were to recline your chair?"Hope glared at him. "What the hell do you think?"Ryan grinned. "I think I better leave your chair alone.""Smart man," Hope snapped.Ryan gave her a quick peck on the forehead. "Try to relax,sweetheart. I'm right here if you need me."Hope gazed out the window and felt her eyes grow heavy. Sheblinked several times and gave her head a shake, but nothing wouldwork. Try as she might she just could not keep her eyes open anylonger. The last thing she was aware of before sleep claimed herwas Ryan reclining her chair.

Chapter 2The alarm clock going off woke Ryan the next morning. Groaning,he rolled over and quickly silenced it. He turned onto his back andran a hand over his stubble face. Beside him, Hope let out awhimper and moved closer to him. She snuggled up against him anddraped an arm across his chest. An unhurried kiss was pressed tohis unshaven jaw and she squeezed him tightly."Good morning," she muttered."Morning," Ryan said.

"We have to get up," Hope said. "The vacation is over. No morelying in bed.""You get up first," Ryan told her.Hope sighed. "You're a cruel man, Ryan Kendall. A cruel man."In one swift motion Ryan had Hope trapped beneath him. "I can begood." He lowered his head. "Let me show you." No sooner hadhis lips touched hers and the cell phone on his bedside table rang.Hope moaned. "The vacation is definitely over.""I'm sorry," Ryan whispered.Hope touched his face. "Don't be sorry. It's all right. Answer yourphone."Ryan rolled off Hope and reached for his phone. He flipped it open."Hello?" he snarled."Hello, Ryan.""What the hell do you want?" he demanded to know of Laura."Who is it?" Hope mumbled.Ryan placed his hand over the phone. "Laura.""What is she doing calling you?" Hope asked her smoky gray eyesflashing with anger."Why are you calling me?" Ryan asked."Zoe's birthday is on Saturday," Laura said. "I want to spend sometime with her.""No." Ryan threw the covers back and swung his legs over the sideof the bed.

"Please," Laura said softly. "It's her birthday. I just want to give hera present and spend a few minutes with her.""After everything you have done you have some nerve asking me ifyou can see Zoe," Ryan said coldly. "As far as I'm concerned youhave no daughter." He closed the phone and dropped it on thebedside table."Are you all right?" Hope inquired."No," Ryan growled. "She makes me so angry."Hope crawled across the bed on her hands and knees. She rose toher knees behind Ryan and wrapped her arms around his shoulders."Take a deep breath and try to calm down, love."Ryan did as Hope suggested and took a deep breath. Slowly hisstomach unclenched. "She wants to see Zoe and give her a birthdaypresent. Should I let Laura see her? Did I do the right thing bytelling her no?""I can't answer your questions, honey," Hope said."How do you feel?" Ryan said. "If you were in my shoes whatwould you do?""I would never let Laura near Zoe," Hope stated. "Laura has allready shown that she's not fit enough to be a mother. Look at whatshe did to her own sister's child. She hit the poor child just becausehe broke a vase. I would do everything in my power to keep Zoefrom getting hurt." She caressed his ear with her lips. "I know whyyou're second guessing yourself. Laura is Zoe's mother and eventhough she's not a good one you don't want to deprive Zoe ofknowing her."

"I want what is best for Zoe," Ryan said. "I don't want her growingup hating me because I kept her from her mother.""That little girl would never hate you," Hope said. "She thinks you'vehung the moon and stars. I have an idea. Why don't we talk to her?Ask her what she wants."The door opened at that moment and Zoe ran into the room."Perfect timing, little one," Hope said. "We were just talking aboutyou.""Come here, baby girl," Ryan said. "Daddy needs to talk to you."He scooped Zoe up and set her on his lap. She laid her headagainst his chest. "Your Mommy wants to see you. Do you want tosee her?"Hope tucked a strand of Zoe's long brown hair behind her ear."Daddy and I won't be mad if you say no and we won't be mad ifyou say yes. Do you want to see her?""No," Zoe murmured."That's okay." Ryan kissed her temple. "You don't have to.""Let's go find out what Gordon is making for breakfast," Hope saidto Zoe as she got off the bed. "Let Daddy get dressed.""Okay," Zoe said.Ryan set Zoe on her feet. "Daddy will be down in a little while."Hope put on her robe and then held out her hand to Zoe. "I bet wecan talk Gordon into making us chocolate chip pancakes."Once breakfast was over Ryan kissed Hope and Zoe goodbye andleft for the office. Traffic was bumper to bumper. By the time he

pulled into his parking space he was ten minutes late and well on hisway toward a splitting headache. Killing the engine, he grabbed hisbriefcase and got out of the car. He shut the door and made his waytoward the entrance. When he entered the building the securityguard who was stationed near the doors nodded his head ingreeting."Jason," Ryan said to him. "How is your wife?"The security guard smiled. "She's well, sir. The baby is due any daynow.""Keep me posted," Ryan said."Will do, sir."Ryan stepped out of the elevator a few minutes later to find Pamand Harvey kissing. He quickly looked away. "Break it up, youtwo."Pam shoved Harvey away. "S-sir, I-I-" She broke off, blushingfuriously.Ryan turned his head and glanced at his lawyer of ten years. HarveyFinch was a bald slightly over weight man in his early forties. Hewore glasses and had brown eyes. A reputation for being a ruthlesslawyer, he saved Ryan on more than one occasion. "This is neitherthe time nor the place for such behavior. Harvey, do we have ameeting this morning?""No," Harvey said."I didn't think so." Ryan walked toward his office. "Say goodbye toPam and then leave. Pam, please bring me a cup of coffee and aTylenol."

"Yes, sir," Pam squeaked.Ryan moved into his office and placed his briefcase on his desk. Heunbuttoned his suit coat and sat down. Just then the phone on hisdesk rang. He snatched up the receiver. "Hello?""I forgot to tell you to have a nice day."Ryan closed his eyes and let Hope's words wash over him. "It's notlikely to happen, sweetheart. This day is starting out crappy. I don'tlook for it to get any better.""I'm sorry, love. Is there anything I can do?""Yes," Ryan said. "Be there when I get home.""You can count on it.""I will call you later," Ryan promised."I'm taking Zoe to the park, so call my cell phone.""I will do that," Ryan said. "Bye, sweetheart.""Bye."Ryan hung up the phone. "Pam!" he called out."I'm coming, sir." Pam hurried into the office. "I had a difficult timefinding the Tylenol." She set a cup of coffee and the Tylenol in frontof Ryan.Ryan's eyes went to her left hand and the rings she wore. "Whendid you do it?""Do what, sir?" Pam asked her light blue eyes filled with confusion."When did you marry Harvey?"

Pam began to fidget. "I…we flew to Las Vegas last weekend. Itwas one of those spur of the moment kind of things. We wanted toinvite you and Hope, but you were in Paris. How-how did youknow?""I saw your rings," Ryan explained. "I know you and Harvey havebeen on a few dates, but I did not know you were this serious." Heremoved the cap from the bottle of Tylenol and shook two pills intothe palm of his hand."I love him, sir.""I don't doubt that." Ryan downed the pills with a drink of coffee. "Ijust wonder if you know what you're getting yourself into.""With all do respect, Mr. Kendall, my personal life is none of yourbusiness," Pam told him."It's not, as long as it doesn't interfere with my business.""It won't," she vowed.Ryan nodded. "Good. Then let's get to work."Hope sat on a park bench and watched as Zoe played on the slidewith other children. It was a perfect day to be outside. The sky wasa baby blue and there was not a cloud in sight. A light breeze madethe warm temperatures bearable. While Hope kept an eye on thelittle girl she thought ahead to the upcoming weekend. On SaturdayZoe would turn four. A party was being planned by Hope andMaggie. They had decided on inviting everybody to the house for acookout followed by cake and ice cream."Hope."

She turned on the bench and saw Jenny approaching with her threechildren. "Hi you guys.""Kids go play with Zoe," Jenny said. "I'll be right here keeping aneye on you. Kenny, no throwing rocks." She sat down next toHope. "The kids were driving me crazy. I had to get them out of thehouse before I snapped."Hope smiled at Maggie's daughter. "I brought Zoe so she couldplay with the other kids.""You should have called me and we could have gotten themtogether for a play date.""I'll remember that next time." Hope checked on Zoe and spottedher on the swing."Mom tells me you're having a party for Zoe," Jenny said."I am," Hope said. "You should be receiving your invitation in themail today.""I'll keep an eye out for it." Jenny scanned the playground andcaught her four-year-old son throwing a rock. "Kenny!" she yelled."You throw one more rock and I'll paddle your behind." She sighedheavily. "I swear that boy is going to grow up to be a troublemaker.""He'll grow out of his rebellious stage.""I hope so. I'd like to enroll him in pre-school, but I don't think he'sbehaved enough for a classroom." Jenny shrugged. "I might give it atry and see how he does.""You never know. It might be good for him," Hope said. "I- uh-oh.

He has another rock."Jenny rose from the bench. "I'm going to tie his hands behind hisback.""Good luck," Hope said with a grin."Thanks. I'm going to need it."Hope and Zoe spent the rest of the morning at the park. They leftshortly before twelve-thirty and headed home. Gordon had lunchready and they ate it outside on the patio while watching Bob playwith a chew toy. After lunch they went inside to find something thatwould occupy them for the rest of the afternoon. They settled oncoloring in a new coloring book and then putting together a puzzle.That evening found Hope in the kitchen preparing dinner. She wasstirring the sauce for the spaghetti when Ryan strolled into the room."Something smells delicious," he said."I made spaghetti," Hope informed him.Ryan kissed her. "Where is everybody?""I gave Maggie, Gordon and William the night off. Zoe ate a littlewhile ago and then took her bath. She's in the family room watchinga Disney movie." Hope smiled. "I wouldn't be afraid to bet she'sasleep. She's had a long day.""She's not the only one." Ryan rubbed the back of his neck."Sit down," Hope said. "Dinner's ready.""Do you need any help?" Ryan asked."No. I have everything under control."

Hope carried the pot of noodles to the sink and drained them in acolander. She shook the excess water from the cooked pasta anddumped it back into the pot. She poured some of the sauce in thepot and tossed the noodles in it. Taking the pot to the table, she putit down in the center and went to fetch the garlic bread from theoven. She transferred it to a breadbasket and carried it to the table.After a trip to the refrigerator to get the ice tea she joined Ryan andsaw he had prepared a plate for her."Anything interesting happen today?" she asked, picking up herfork.Ryan poured him a glass of tea. "Pam and Harvey are married.They flew to Vegas last weekend."Hope arched a brow. "That was rather sudden. I hope they don'tlive to regret it.""If anyone will have regrets it will be Pam." Ryan reached for apiece of bread. "Harvey doesn't stay married long.""How many times has he been married?" Hope took a sip of tea."Five times. Pam will be his sixth."Shocked Hope gaped at him. "You're pulling my leg."Ryan smirked. "Afraid not, sweetheart.""My God. What was Pam thinking marrying him?""She claims she loves him," Ryan said.Hope loaded her fork with spaghetti. "I hope he feels the sameway.""That makes two of us," Ryan muttered. "Anything interesting

happen to you today?"Hope grinned widely. "Jenny showed up at the park with her kids.Remind me to make sure we don't have any rocks in the backyardon Saturday.""Kenny?" Ryan guessed."Yes," Hope said."That kid breaks one of my windows and I swear I will stickHarvey on him," Ryan declared.Hope laughed.

Chapter 3"I want to go," Zoe said."No.""I want to go," Zoe repeated, stamping her foot.Hope gazed down into the little girl's moss green eyes and tried notto smile. The expression on Zoe's face was one of defiance. It wasat times like these when she reminded Hope of Ryan. Father anddaughter hated being told no. "You can't go, sweetheart.""Why not?" Zoe demanded to know.Hope held back a sigh. "You know why. Your Daddy and I aregoing to buy your birthday present.""I can help you," Zoe muttered.Hope knelt down in front of the child. "I'm sure you can, but Daddyand I want to surprise you. You stay here with Maggie.""No!" Zoe thrust out her bottom lip."Don't tell me no," Hope said calmly despite the anger rising in her."No!" Zoe said.Hope straightened up and placed her hands on her hips. "Go toyour room, little one.""I don't want to."Her patience wearing thin Hope gritted her teeth. "You will go toyour room and stay there until you can behave."

Chin quivering Zoe shook her head. "I won't. You can't make me."Hope arched a brow. "You want to bet?" She grabbed Zoe's handand started to lead her from the family room."No!" Zoe dug in her heels and refused to budge."We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Hope said her eyesflashing. "Either way you are going to your room."Screaming, Zoe hauled off and kicked Hope in the shin.It was then that Ryan entered the room. When he saw what Zoewas doing, he rushed to Hope's rescue. "What do you think you aredoing?" he snarled at his daughter, pulling her away. "You don'tkick people, especially Hope. I want you to say you're sorry.""No!"Ryan gently grasped Zoe's chin in his hand and tilted her head back."What did you say to me, young lady?" he growled."I'm sorry," Zoe whispered."Say that to Hope and then go to your room," Ryan told her.Her head hung in shame Zoe walked to Hope. "I'm sorry."Hope caressed the little girl's cheek. "I forgive you, sweetheart. Runalong now."Ryan waited until Zoe was gone before he spoke. "Are you allright?"Hope smiled weakly. "I'm fine.""Tell me what happened.""All right. " Hope told Ryan what happened between her and Zoe.

"She's never acted out like this before," Ryan said once Hope grewquite."Its normal behavior," Hope assured him. "Children like to test theirboundaries. She would not have pulled a stunt like that if you hadbeen here. She thought I was a pushover that I would give in and lether have her way."Ryan kissed her on the lips. "You're only a pushover with me.""Don't tell anyone," Hope said. "It's supposed to be our secret."Ryan smirked. "My lips are sealed."Hope rested her forehead against Ryan's. "We need to go talk withZoe. The poor thing is probably scared.""She ever kicks you again and I will give her something to be scaredof," Ryan declared.Hope led the way through the large foyer, up the stairs, and downthe hallway. In Zoe's bedroom they found her curled up on the bedwith the dog lying at her feet. She had a doll in her arms and wasstroking its golden hair. The sight brought a lump to Hope's throat.Zoe looked small and vulnerable. It was very different from thestubborn child she had been earlier."Sit up, baby girl," Ryan said, crossing the bedroom. "Daddy wantsto talk to you." He settled on the side of the bed as Zoe scrambledinto a sitting position. "It's okay. I'm not mad at you." He brushedthe bangs out of her eyes. "You know what you did was wrong.We do not kick or hit. It is not nice. You wouldn't like it if someonekicked you, would you?""No," Zoe murmured.

"I didn't think so. When Hope tells you no she is not doing it to bemean. She loves you, so when she tells you to do something you doit. Okay?""Okay," Zoe mumbled.Hope moved toward the bed. "Can I have a hug?"Zoe nodded and held out her arms.Hope gathered her close and kissed the top of her head. "I loveyou, little one.""I love you, too," Zoe said.Hope released her. "Now you can leave your room. Daddy and Iare going to be gone for a little while. We want you to be a goodgirl for Maggie."Ryan rose from the bed. "If you give her any trouble there will be noparty for you tomorrow.""I'll be good," Zoe promised.Ryan turned to Hope the minute they were in the car. "I'm drawinga blank. What do we get her for her birthday?"Hope smiled. "I know just the thing. When I turned four my parentsbought me one of those gumball machine aquariums. I would sit forhours and watch Mr. Fishy.""Mr. Fishy?""That's what I named the fish." Hope grinned. "I know it's not veryoriginally, but it was all I could come up with at the time.""Where do you suggest we hide the thing?" Ryan asked. "Zoe's

birthday isn't until tomorrow.""I thought we would keep it in our room for tonight and then move itto her room in the morning.""Fish it is." Ryan started the car, put it in reverse, and backed out ofthe driveway and onto the street.Reaching for her seatbelt, Hope fastened it. "What did you do forZoe's birthday last year?""I took her to the zoo," Ryan answered."I haven't been to the zoo in years," Hope confessed."Then Zoe and I will take you."Hope reached out and squeezed Ryan's leg. "I'd like that."Fifteen minutes later, Ryan pulled up in front of J & A Aquariumand shut off the car. He and Hope got out and made their waytoward the entrance. The first thing that caught Hope's attentionwhen they stepped into the small shop was the odor of fish andchlorine. Wrinkling her nose, she gazed in Ryan's direction and sawhe was eyeing their surroundings with interest."Let's find the aquariums first," she said in a low voice."Lead the way," Ryan said.Hope walked from one aisle to the next until she located theaquariums that looked like gumball machines. She picked a box upand opened the top to make sure the globe was not cracked.Satisfied that it was in perfect condition she closed the box andhanded it to Ryan. Scanning the shelves, she spotted the rock thatresembled gumballs and snatched up a bag.

"What else do we need?" Ryan inquired."Besides the fish, a testing kit to check the PH levels in the water,and fish food," Hope said, turning around. "Ah, here's the testingkits." She removed a small plastic box from the shelf. "Mr. Fishywas a Betta and that's what I would like to get Zoe. So let's go lookat them and then we'll get the food.""May I help you?" a young woman asked.Hope turned to acknowledge her presence. "Yes, please. We'd liketo look at the Betta fish.""Come this way," the woman said. She took them to the back of theshop where she stopped in front of a shelf that contained smallplastic see through cups filled with water and covered with a lid.Each cup housed a fish.Ryan frowned. "Why are they in separate cups?""You can't put a Betta fish with other Betta's. Another name forthem is Siamese fighting fish because they are, in fact, fighting fish.They will tear at one another, often causing the death of at least onefish before they stop," the woman explained."How can you tell the difference between males and females?"Hope asked."The male Betta is the one with longer flowing fins. He will flarethem in the presence of most other fish. The male also has a longerand larger body. Now the female is usually smaller and much lessaggressive. They also have a small white dot on their stomachbehind their ventral fins, or the shorter fins on their stomachs.Another difference between male and females is their color. Males

tend to be more vibrant in color.""The red one is beautiful," Hope commented.The woman picked up the cup and looked closely at the fish. "It's amale.""We'll take it," Hope said. "Would you show us what kind of foodto feed it?""Of course."After paying for everything Hope and Ryan left the shop.

Chapter 4While everybody was eating breakfast, the next morning Hopemoved the gumball machine aquarium from her and Ryan's room toZoe's room. She placed the aquarium carefully on the bedside tablenext to the lamp and stepped back to look at it. Imagining Zoe'seyes lighting up at the sight of it brought a smile to her face. Shepicked a stuffed toy up off the floor, put it on the bed, and then leftthe room. Hope went downstairs to join the others for breakfast.As she entered the kitchen, she noticed Gordon was not sitting atthe table with everybody else."Where is Gordon?""He had to go to the store to pick up a few things for the cookout,"Ryan answered. "Sit down and have some breakfast."Hope pulled out a chair and sat down beside Maggie. She reachedfor the platter of scrambled eggs and spooned some onto her plate,a piece of sausage and a slice of toast soon followed. "Afterbreakfast, I'm going to need some help getting the backyard readyfor the party.""Just tell us what you need done and we'll do it," William said

without looking up from the newspaper he was reading."I had the gardener remove all the rocks from the yard," Ryan said."That was a wise decision considering Kenny is coming," Maggiesaid, smiling."That's why I did it." Ryan picked up his coffee cup and took a sip."Kenny is a good boy at heart," Maggie said. "He just has a hardtime following the rules. It doesn't help that his father spends a lot oftime on the road working. Jenny does most of the disciplining.""If he doesn't behave today I will be more than happy to helpdiscipline him," Ryan declared.Hope swallowed a forkful of eggs. "You will do no such thing." Sheglanced at Zoe and saw the child was playing with her food. "Don'tplay with your food, sweetheart. If you're done eating, go washyour hands. When you're done come back.""Okay." Zoe slid off her chair and ran from the kitchen."How many people are coming to the party?" Maggie asked,pushing back her chair and standing."Including all of us, twelve," Ryan told her. "I'm going to needTylenol and a stiff drink."After breakfast, Hope and Ryan escorted Zoe upstairs to her roomwhere they showed her the aquarium. She dropped to her knees infront of it and pressed her face to the glass globe. Hope kneltbeside her and kissed her head."Do you like him?"Zoe nodded.

"I haven't fed him yet. Would you like to feed him?""Yeah," Zoe said.Hope leaned her head back and gazed up at Ryan. "The fish food ison my dresser. Will you get it for me?""Sure," Ryan said."Thank you, love." Hope turned her attention to Zoe. "When I wasfour my Dad and Mom got me a fish. I named him Mr. Fishy. Whatshould we name your fish? Every fish has to have a name."Zoe cocked her head to one side. "Gill.""You've been watching Finding Nemo again, haven't you?" Hopesaid."Yup," Zoe said."That's what I thought," Hope muttered. "Gill it is."Ryan came back into the room. "This stuff stinks," he said, holdingout a plastic container of food."Don't sniff it," Hope said dryly, taking the container from him. Sheslid the small door open on top the aquarium and then removed thelid on the fish food. She instructed Zoe on how to feed the fish andwatched her do it. "Good job. We'll feed him again tomorrow.Now we need to go get ready for your party.""I want to stay with Gill," Zoe said.Ryan laid his hand on Hope's shoulder. "Go set things up. I willkeep an eye on her."Hope spent the morning decorating the backyard, with Maggie,

William and Gordon's assistance. They blew up balloons, tiedstrings to them, and affixed them in various places around the yard.A table and chairs were set up on the large patio, next to theexisting ones, for extra seating. Pink tablecloths covered the tables.Plastic cups, forks, and paper plates were placed at each setting.Hope had purchased party favors for the children. She had optednot to give them candy. The last thing she wanted was to have foursugar-crazed children on the loose. Cake and ice cream would takecare of everyone's sweet tooth.Guests started arriving around noon. Jenny and her children werethe first to show up, twenty minutes later, Harvey and Pam. Whilethe children played on the swings and the slide, the men gatheredaround the grill with a beer, and the women sat at one of the tablestalking."How's married life?" Jenny asked Pam. "Mom told me you gotmarried a couple weeks ago."Pam smiled. "It's wonderful being married.""The feeling will pass," Jenny said wryly. "Give it a few years."Hope turned her head and glanced at Ryan. He was busy flippingthe hamburgers and hot dogs. "Don't listen to her, Pam. Married lifeis wonderful.""You both are newlyweds," Jenny said. "When you've been marriedfor ten years get back to me.""Bob and I were married for forty-two years before he passed,"Maggie said. "Our marriage wasn't perfect, but we were in love.""Men like Dad are hard to find, Mom," Jenny said sadly. "Some

times I wish Chris were more like him." She jerked her head in thedirection of the men. "What do you think they are talking about?"Pam smirked. "Sports more than likely.""Ryan doesn't watch many sports," Hope explained. "He's too busyfor that.""Who wants to find out what they're yapping about?" Jenny said.Hope rose from her chair. "I'll do it. Wish me luck, ladies.""Good luck," Jenny, Maggie and Pam told her."Thanks. " Hope crossed the patio. As she drew near, she listenedto their conversation."Pam's been nagging me to have children," Harvey said. "We'veonly been married for two weeks and all ready she wants kids.When I asked her what the rush was she told me her biologicalclock is ticking.""I'm shocked you don't have a dozen kids by now," Ryan said.Harvey chuckled. "I might be a lot of things, Kendall, but stupid isnot one of them."Hope took a deep breath and made her presence known. "Hello,gentlemen.""Ah, if it isn't the beautiful Hope." Harvey leaned in and gave her apeck on the cheek. "You get prettier every time I see you."Hope stared at Harvey. "You're full of shit, Finch."Ryan grinned. "That's my girl."Hope winked at him. "So, gentlemen, what were you talking about

before I showed up?""Children," Gordon answered."I see," Hope mumbled."What were you ladies talking about?" Harvey inquired."Marriage," Hope informed him. "We were comparing husbands."Harvey arched a brow. "Who won?""Maggie's husband."Harvey downed the rest of his beer and crushed the can. "Bob'sdead. He doesn't count."Hope slipped an arm around Ryan's waist. "Are you afraid you lost,Harvey?""Of course not," Harvey murmured, averting his eyes, "but for thesake of the argument, how did I do?"Her eyes shining with laughter Hope said, "I'm going to let yousuffer a little. Well, gentlemen, it's been nice talking to you. Let usknow when it's time to eat."Ryan kissed her on the lips. "I'll do that.""You're a cold woman, Hope Kendall," Harvey said to Hope'sretreating figure.Shaking with laughter, Hope joined the women. "They were talkingabout children.""Children?" Jenny said surprised. "I would've guessed sports or sex,but not kids."Hope shrugged. "What can I say? With men you just never know."

Lunch was served shortly after one. Gordon had made potato saladand baked beans to go with the hamburgers and hot dogs. Kenny,who had behaved since arriving, was scolded by his mother forfeeding the dog a hot dog under the table. Hope looked at Zoe andsaw she was eating her hot dog. Satisfied that she was behaving,Hope went back to eating her hamburger.Once lunch had ended Hope and Gordon excused themselves andwent inside to get the cake and ice cream. While Gordon pulled theice cream out of the freezer Hope put a candle in the shape of anumber four on the Beauty and the Beast cake she had orderedfrom the bakery. She lit the candle and followed Gordon out to thepatio. Once everybody had sung happy birthday to Zoe, she blewout the candle and the cake was cut. Plates were filled with slices ofcake, scoops of ice cream, and passed around the table. Bob puthis front paws on the table next to Kenny, his tongue sticking outand his tail wagging."Now don't feed the dog cake, honey," Maggie told her grandson."Down, Bob!" Zoe said. Reluctantly the dog got down and trottedover to a corner of the patio. He flopped down and rested his headon his paws.Presents were opened after everybody had his or her fill of cakeand ice cream. Zoe received a box of jumbo chalk, an easel withpaints, several storybooks; a Barbie dressed like Belle, and aDisney Princess indoor tent. She thanked everybody and Maggiehelped her gather everything up and take it inside. With the childrengetting cranky Jenny thanked Hope and Ryan for inviting her, saidgoodbye to Maggie, and left. Pam and Harvey stuck around long

enough to help with the cleanup and then took their leave."I think it went well," Hope remarked to Ryan as he cleaned thegrate on the grill with a brush. "Kenny wasn't too much trouble.""Shocking," Ryan said. "Zoe had fun, didn't she?""She did," Hope said. "I'm going to go inside and help Gordon putthe leftovers away.""I won't be much longer," Ryan promised.Tired , but happy, Hope headed into the house.

Chapter 5"Sir, may I speak with you?"Ryan took his eyes off the computer screen and glanced at Pamwho stood in the doorway. "Of course."Pam moved farther into the room. "I need to take this afternoonoff."

Ryan arched a brow. "You're not giving me much of a notice. May Iask why you need to take time off?"Pam cleared her throat. "A friend of mine is going throughchemotherapy. She has an appointment at one-thirty and she wantsme to go with her. Her husband usually accompanies her, but he'saway on business." She bit her bottom lip. "She needs me, sir."Ryan sat back with a sigh. "What about me? I need you."Pam clasped her hands in front of her and stared at the carpet. "Willyou give me the afternoon off if I find someone to take my place?"she asked after a brief silence."Yes," Ryan said."Then I will find someone." Pam smiled. "Don't worry, sir. You willapprove of my choice.""I hope so," Ryan uttered. "Before you leave her in my hands, Iwant you to fill her in on what she needs to do.""I'll do that," Pam promised."All right, "Ryan said. "Now get back to work.""Yes, sir." Pam left closing the door behind her.Alone once more, Ryan returned his attention to the screen in frontof him. He tried to concentrate on the task, but found his mindwandering. Swearing under his breath, he propped his elbows onthe desktop and buried his face in his hands. Angry with Pam forinterrupting his work he had a strong urge to march out to thereception area and shout at her. Instead, he gritted his teeth andpushed ahead.

It was a quarter before one when Hope pulled into a parking spacein front of Kendall Industries and turned off the car. She reached forher purse in the passenger seat and got out. Shutting the car door,she smoothed her black skirt over her legs, adjusted her light bluesilk blouse, and made her way toward the entrance, her high heelsclicking on the pavement.Hope entered the building and crossed the large lobby to theelevator. She stepped inside and pushed the button for the topfloor. As the elevator ascended, she thought of Ryan and hoped shewould make him proud. It had been years since she worked in anoffice. The fear that she would do something wrong weighed heavilyon her mind. She told herself to get a grip and that it was only forthe afternoon.The elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. Hope walkedout into the reception area to discover Pam rummaging through herdesk. "Hi.""Hi," Pam said. "Thanks for coming. I owe you one.""Don't worry about it." Hope moved toward the desk. "I'm happyto help.""Let me explain some things and go over Mr. Kendall's schedulewith you."Hope listened intently to what Pam had to say. "I think I can handlethings," she said once her friend had finished.Pam squeezed Hope's arm. "I know you can. I will keep my cellphone with me. Call if you have any questions."The intercom on the desk came on and Ryan spoke. "Pam, has

your replacement arrived yet?""Yes, she has, sir.""Send her in," Ryan said."Yes, Mr. Kendall." Pam released the intercom button. "I'm goingto go now.""You didn't tell Ryan I would be filling in for you," Hope said."No," Pam muttered. "I thought I would let you tell him. You hadbetter get in there. You know he hates to be kept waiting.""I can keep him waiting all I want," Hope stated. "I'm his wife." Shebrushed past Pam and headed for the door to Ryan's office. "I prayeverything goes well for your friend.""Thank you," Pam said.Hope grasped the doorknob, turned it, and walked into the office."Hello, Mr. Kendall," she said her eyes twinkling.Ryan raised his head and gazed at her. "Don't tell me you're the onefilling in for Pam."Hope sashayed to the desk and stopped in front of it. She watchedRyan look her over from head to foot, his eyes lingering on her legs."I am. Do you have a problem with it?""No," Ryan murmured. "I'm just surprised, that's all."Hope smiled. "I've had experience working in an office. Before Ibecame a nanny, I was a secretary at a law firm. My boss was anelderly man who liked to drop things in my presence so he couldwatch me pick them up. He was a dirty old man."Ryan grinned. "If I drop something will you pick it up for me?"

Ryan grinned. "If I drop something will you pick it up for me?""Uh-no," Hope said. "I don't want you getting any ideas. This isstrictly professional, Mr. Kendall. No funny stuff." She winked athim. "Save it for after office hours. Now Pam brought me up tospeed on how things work around here. If you need anything justpush the intercom button.""Thank you, Mrs. Kendall," Ryan said.Hope went out to the reception area where she settled at the desk.The leather bound book Pam wrote down Ryan's appointments inwas open on the desktop. Curious she thumbed through it. Hereyes grew wide as she saw the number of appointments penciled in.She knew her husband was a busy man. She just had no idea howmany people he met with in a week. Hearing someone clear histhroat, she looked up to find a man standing there. "Ah, Mr. Adler,let me inform Mr. Kendall that you are here."The man raised an eyebrow. "I didn't give you my name.""It is written down in Mr. Kendall's schedule that he has a meetingat one-fifteen with a Drew Adler." Hope checked her watch. "It isone-sixteen. Either you are Drew Adler, or I just made a fool ofmyself. Please, tell me I didn't make a fool of myself."He smirked. "You didn't make a fool of yourself.""Good." Hope leaned across the desk and pressed the intercombutton. "Mr. Adler is here to see you.""Send him in," Ryan told her."Yes, sir." Hope smiled at the man. "Go right in.""Thank you."

Later that day, Hope waited until Ryan's last appointment had leftbefore she joined him in his office. He was standing at the longconference table, papers strewn all around him. "Would you likesome help?""Yes, please," Ryan said, running a hand through his disheveled hair."The damn papers are out of order.""Let me pick them up and then we'll see what we can do to putthem in order." Hope bent down and retrieved the papers scatteredon the floor. When she straightened up, she caught Ryan staring ather backside."Thank you for wearing that skirt," Ryan said huskily.Hope laughed. "Just put the papers-" She gasped as Ryan grabbedher and hauled her against him. The papers she picked up fell fromher hands.Ryan captured her mouth with his, stealing her breath. It was a kissfull of hunger and passion. Breaking apart a minute later, he studiedher with eyes full of desire. "I've wanted to do that all afternoon. It'sbeen torture having you close and not being able to act on myfeelings.""I know what you mean," Hope whispered. "It's been hard for me,too." She kissed him on the lips."Let's get these papers taken care of and get out of here," Ryansaid. "I'll take you to dinner.""Sounds lovely," Hope mumbled.An hour and a half later found Hope and Ryan talking over glassesof white wine, plates of chicken cacciatore, salads and a loaf of

crusty bread. It was nice to sit back and unwind after a busy day.There was no need to rush home to Zoe. Maggie had taken the littlegirl to Jenny's for dinner and to play with the children. By the timeHope and Ryan would return home she would be in bed.Ryan set his fork on his plate and pushed back his chair. "I will beback in a few minutes. I need to visit the restroom.""I'll try to be good while you're gone," Hope said. She waited untilhe was out of sight before she stole a mushroom from his salad.Just then, Laura paused next to the table. "How is your meal?"Hope sighed heavily. "It was nice until you showed up. Go away,Laura.""My husband is paying the check," Laura said. "I spotted Ryanleaving and I thought I would stop to chat for a few minutes. How isZoe?""Zoe is fine." Hope gritted her teeth. "Don't you have better thingsto do than harass people?""I don't see this as harassing," Laura said. "Just a friendly chat. Areyou and Ryan doing well?""We're fine," Hope snapped. "Not that it is any of your business.""Why must you always be so hostile?" Laura asked."Why must you always stick your nose into other people's personallives?" Hope shot back. "Is your life so dull that you have to getyour entertainment from other people?"At that moment Ryan reappeared. "Get away from her," he growledat Laura.

Laura took a step back. "Calm down, Ryan. I was just having afriendly conversation with your precious wife. There is no need tolose your temper."Ryan glared at her. "I want you to leave Hope alone. If you don't Iwill have a restraining order placed against you."Laura smiled coldly. "You wouldn't dare.""Try me," Ryan snarled.Laura looked into Ryan's eyes. "It's going to be soon." Her headheld high she walked away."I'm fine, love," Hope said to Ryan.He touched Hope's cheek with the back of his hand. "I was on myway to the restroom when I ran into Laura's husband. I didn't seeher with him. I had a funny feeling I would find her here with you.""Nothing happened. She was just being nosy, asking me how Zoewas doing and if you and I are well." Hope frowned. "What do youthink she meant when she said it's going to be soon?"Ryan scratched his jaw. "I don't know."Hope gave his arm a pat. "Forget about it. Let's not let her ruin ourevening. Go use the restroom. They're gone now. I'm perfectlysafe."

Chapter 6It was a quarter after seven on a Thursday evening, three days later.Hope had just put Zoe to bed and was on her way downstairs tothe family room when she heard the doorbell. Wondering whom itwas and what he or she wanted, she hurried down the stairs andreached the large foyer at the same time as William. She told himthat she would answer the door."Then I will go back to my chess game," William said."Who's winning?" Hope inquired."Gordon.""Sorry about that." Hope unlocked the door and opened it. Pamstood there with tears in her eyes. "What's wrong?""He lied to me," Pam croaked. "That son of a bitch lied to me."Hope reached for Pam's arm. "Come inside and talk to me.""You think you know a person and then something happens andyou realize you didn't know them at all." Pam dug a tissue out of herpurse and dabbed at her eyes.

Hope closed the door. "Let's go sit down." She led the way to thefamily room where they sat on the couch. "Now tell me whathappened."Pam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I was picking up afew things from the grocery store when I bumped into Harvey'ssister. We started chatting and she told me she was surprised whenshe learned I married Harvey. I asked her why she was surprised.She told me that given the number of times he had been married shedidn't think any woman would want him. I told her being marriedtwice wasn't such a bad thing. She said Harvey has five ex-wives,not two. He lied to me. How could he do that to me?"Wishing Harvey was in the room so she could punch him; Hopetook Pam's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Did you confronthim about it?""Yes," Pam muttered. "I demanded to know why he lied. He said ifhe had told me the truth he knew I wouldn't have married him.""Would you have married him?" Hope asked."I don't know." Pam rubbed her forehead. "I love him, but it takesmore than love to make a marriage work. How can I stay with himwhen I can't trust him?" She rose from the couch. "Maybe I deservethis. I rushed into this marriage with my eyes closed and my hearton my sleeve.""No one deserves to be lied to," Hope said."I remember telling you when you got involved with Ryan to becareful and not get hurt. I should've taken my own advice."Hope glanced up at her friend. "It's not too late to have the marriage

annulled. There are no children, nothing to keep you tied toHarvey.""I want-" Pam broke off as her cell phone started ringing. Shegrabbed her purse off the couch, took out her phone, and looked atthe small screen. "It's Harvey.""Are you going to answer it?" Hope asked."No," Pam said, dropping the ringing phone back into her purse."I'm going to let him suffer for awhile."Hope got to her feet. "You're welcome to stay the night."Pam embraced Hope. "I can't stay. I want to, but I can't. I have togo home soon and face Harvey.""I'm sorry I couldn't help you.""You helped me more than you know." Pam released her. "I neededsomeone to listen to me. Thank you.""I'm always here if you need me," Hope told her.Pam smiled weakly. "I know."Not long after Pam left, Hope headed upstairs to take a long bath.After gathering up her nightclothes, she moved into the bathroomand turned the water on in the tub. She added a capful of rosescented bubble bath, shed her clothes, secured her hair on top ofher head with a clip and stepped into the tub. Lying back, sheclosed her eyes and willed the tension to leave her body.Hope's thoughts turned toward Pam and Harvey. She tried to thinkabout something else and found she could not. "Damn it," shemumbled.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?"Hope peered up at Ryan and noticed he looked tired. "Nothing,love," she said not wanting to burden him with other people'sproblems.Ryan perched on the side of the tub. "Tell me what's on your mind.""All right." Hope cleared her throat. "Pam came to see me a littlewhile ago.""I thought I heard the doorbell." Ryan shut the water off. "What didshe have to say?""Harvey lied to her about how many times he has been married. Hetold her it was only twice. She learned the truth from his sister."Ryan grimaced. "Is she all right?""No." Hope licked her dry lips. "She's angry and hurt.""I wish I could say I'm shocked by what you just told me, but I'mnot," Ryan said. "Harvey's always had a difficult time with telling thetruth. Is Pam going to stay with him?""She doesn't know what she wants," Hope answered.Ryan massaged the back of his neck. "You and I both know it wasonly a matter of time until something happened between those two.They rushed into marriage too quickly."Hope arched a brow. "Honey, we rushed into marriage.""You can't compare us to Harvey and Pam," Ryan said. "We had toget married in a hurry. It was our only chance of keeping Laurafrom gaining custody of Zoe."Hope brought her hand out of the water and touched Ryan's hand.

Hope brought her hand out of the water and touched Ryan's hand."Did you love me when we got married?""I did." Ryan lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her wetskin. "I was in denial at the time. It wasn't until later that I stoppedlying to myself and faced the truth.""Do you think Harvey and Pam will stay together?""No." Ryan stood. "What about you? Do you think they will?""No," Hope confessed. "I will pray for them though.""You do that," Ryan said. "I'm going to go check the alarm andmake sure the doors are locked. I won't be long."Hope was sitting up in bed, twenty minutes later, waiting on Ryanwho was taking a shower. While she waited, she flipped through thechannels trying to find something to occupy her time. She cameacross an old movie that looked interesting and set the remotecontrol on the nightstand. Lying back against the paddedheadboard, she adjusted the covers around her. Just then, thephone rang. She leaned toward the phone and snatched up thereceiver."Hello?""Are you enjoying your evening?" a male voice asked."Who am I speaking to?" Hope asked not recognizing the voice.The man chuckled softly. "No questions please. Save them forwhen we're alone."Hope frowned. "You have the wrong number, sir.""No, I don't, Hope," he said. "I have the right number. Has anyoneever told you that you have a beautiful voice? I wonder what it will

sound like when you're begging me not to hurt you, not to tortureyou."The hair on the back of Hope's neck stood up on end.Goosebumps erupted on her skin and she shivered. "Who are you?What do you want from me?""I said no questions," he growled. "Now don't bother trying to findout who I am. I'm using a disposable cell phone. When I hang up itwill be thrown in the garbage. I can't take any chances, you see. Ihave plans for us and nothing is going to stop me from carrying outmy plans. I won't be calling anymore. The next time you hear myvoice it will be in person." The phone went dead."Who called?" Ryan queried, emerging from the bathroom with atowel wrapped around his waist.The receiver slipped from Hope's numb hand and hit the nightstandwith a loud thud. "Ryan," was all she could get past her tight throat.Ryan quickly crossed the bedroom and sank down onto the bed."What is it? What happened?"Hope swallowed hard. "I…I…oh, God…" She threw her armsaround Ryan and held on tight, her body trembling."Hope," Ryan said. "Sweetheart, talk to me. Who was that on thephone?""I d-don't k-know.""What did they say?" Ryan swept his hand up and down her back ina soothing caress. "You can tell me."Her heart beating wildly, Hope repeated what the man had said to

her. "Oh, Ryan. His voice gave me the creeps and what he said tome-" She took a shaky breath.Ryan drew back and tenderly cupped her face with his hands."You're safe, sweetheart. No one is going to hurt you.""He sounded so sure of himself," Hope whispered."Tomorrow I will make some calls," Ryan said. "I will do all I can tofind out who called you."Hope shook her head. "He said it was a disposable phone. There'sno way to trace the call." She sighed heavily. "I know you're tryingto help, love, but there's nothing you can do."Ryan kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't say that. Let me put someclothes on and then I will come to bed."Hope turned off the TV and lay down. She gazed up at the ceiling,the man's sinister words echoing in her head. Has anyone ever toldyou that you have a beautiful voice? I wonder what it willsound like when you're begging me not to hurt you, not totorture you. She squeezed her eyes closed as a tear leaked out ofthe corner of her eye. The covers moved and Ryan slid in besideher. Cold to the bone she rolled toward his warmth and curledagainst him. His strong arms encircled her and he brushed his lipsacross her temple."I love you," Hope breathed."I love you, too."

Chapter 7Ryan slammed the receiver in the cradle, swearing under his breath.He had just spoken to a woman from the phone company, who hadinformed him that there was no way she could trace a call comingfrom a disposable cell phone. The stranger that called Hope last

from a disposable cell phone. The stranger that called Hope lastnight knew what he was doing. Seething, he pounded his fist on thedesktop. Coffee sloshed over the rim of the cup and onto thedocument in front of him. He grabbed several tissues from the boxand dabbed at the piece of paper. If the sick bastard wanted toplay games, Ryan could play them too. His mind began to formulatea plan, one that would ensure Hope's safety."Mr. Kendall," Pam said, entering the office.Irritated at being interrupted, Ryan said shortly, "What?""I need to talk with you."Ryan tossed the tissues in the trash bin. "Every time you say youneed to talk with me it's because you want something. What is it?""I n-need-" Pam broke off.Ryan heard her sniff and quickly glanced up. A tear escaped onered-rimmed eye and ran down her pale cheek. The sight of that onedrop made him angrier. "Get a hold of yourself woman. I don't havethe time or the patience for your pity party.""I'm s-s-sorry," Pam stuttered her shoulders shaking. A sob brokefree and she clapped her hand over her mouth.Ryan's anger disappeared as swiftly as it had appeared. He rosefrom his chair and moved around the desk. Taking Pam by thearms, he sat her down and handed her a tissue. "I'm the one whoshould be apologizing. I'm in a foul mood this morning. I shouldn'tbe taking it out on you. I'm sorry. What do you need to talk to meabout?"Pam gave a shuddery sigh. "Tomorrow I'm going to need to leavean hour early. Harvey and I have an appointment with a marriage

counselor. We talked last night and decided to stay together and tryto make our marriage work."Ryan nodded. "An hour early is fine."Pam blew her nose. "You've known Harvey for many years."Ryan had a feeling he knew what she was about to say and hewanted no part of it. "Pam, don't ask me questions about Harvey. Idon't want to be put in the middle of your problems. I have enoughof my own.""I understand, sir," Pam murmured."Go wash your face," Ryan told her gently. "Then take a fewminutes to pull yourself together."Pam got to her feet and headed toward the door. She pausedbefore leaving the room and turned to look at Ryan. "Since youmarried Hope, you've changed. It's a good change. I'm glad shecame into your life."Ryan smiled. "So am I." He turned and picked up the receiver,dialing the number for home. It rang four times before someoneanswered."Kendall residence," William announced."Hello, William," Ryan said. "Will you please put Hope on thephone?""Of course, sir.""Thank you." Ryan perched on the desk and transferred thereceiver to his other ear. He raised his hand to eye level andchecked his watch.

"Hello, love.""How are you doing, sweetheart?" Ryan asked softly."Okay, except every time the phone rings I feel like my heart isgoing to jump out of my chest.""Hope, don't let this make you crazy," Ryan snarled, "because it willif you let it.""I can't help it," Hope snapped. "You get a call from a strangerwanting to torture you and then you tell me if it doesn't make youcrazy.""You're right," Ryan said. "I'm sorry." He heard her sigh."I'm sorry, too," she uttered. "I'm a little cranky."Ryan snorted. "You're not the only one. I caused Pam to cry.""Oh, Ryan," Hope said. "How could you? You know she's fragileright now.""I apologized to her," Ryan mumbled. "By the way, she and Harveyhave agreed to stay together and seek counseling.""Hopefully counseling will work," Hope said.Ryan wandered over to the window behind his desk and gazeddown at the busy street below. "I'm finding it difficult to concentrate,sweetheart. My mind is on you and not my work.""Come home," Hope told him. "The office will be fine without youfor one day."Ryan hesitated. "I don't know. I-""Please, Ryan," Hope cut in. "Come home."

"I'm on my way." Ryan hung up the phone and pressed the intercombutton. "Pam, will you please step into my office?" He grabbed hissuit coat and flung it over his arm."Yes, sir?" Pam said, appearing in the doorway.Ryan grasped the handle of his briefcase. "Let's call it a day."Pam frowned at her watch. "It's only five minutes after ten.""I can't concentrate," Ryan declared. "I know you can't either.Reschedule my appointments, then go home, and get some sleep.Let's try this again tomorrow."Pam breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir. I didn't know how Iwas going to make it through the day.""Sleep is what you need," Ryan stated. "I want you here in themorning ready to work.""I will be," Pam promised.Ryan walked in the front door shortly before ten-thirty. Hedeposited his briefcase and keys on the round table beneath thechandelier and went in search of Hope and Zoe. The sound ofbarking and laughter spilling in through the open kitchen windowdrew his attention. He opened the sliding glass door and walkedoutside. Hope and William were sitting at the patio table watchingBob chase Zoe around the yard."Hi, Daddy!" Zoe squealed."Hi, baby girl." Ryan bent down and kissed Hope on the lips. Hepulled out a chair and sat down. "So what were you two talkingabout before I showed up?"

"The phone call Hope got last night," William answered."I see." Ryan cleared his throat. "Since you brought it up I want todiscuss something with you both."Hope shifted in her chair. "What is it?""The sick bastard can't torture you if he can't get to you. I wassitting at my desk earlier thinking of some way to keep you safe. Ithink I know of a way." Ryan turned his attention to William. "Thisis where you come in. If you recall I had a background check ranon you before I hired you to work for me. I learned you used towork as a bodyguard for the government."Hope stared at William. "Did you really?""Yes," William said. "I can't go into details, so please don't ask meany questions."Ryan jerked his tie loose and undid a few buttons on his dress shirt."I want to hire you to protect Hope.""No." Hope began to shake her head. "Absolutely not. I will not letWilliam become a human shield for me."Ryan glared at her. "Then prepare yourself, sweetheart, becauseyou are never leaving this house."Hope glared back. "Don't tell me what I can and cannot do. I'm notone of your staff anymore. I'm your wife.""Damn it, Hope!" Ryan whispered harshly. "I'm not doing this justso I can order you around. I'm doing this because I want you to besafe.""Why William?" Hope asked.

"I don't want to bring in a stranger," Ryan explained. "I wantsomeone I know I can trust to take care of you."Hope lowered her head. "If something happened to Williambecause of me, I would never forgive myself." She smiled weakly atthe man across from her. "I've grown fond of you.""I've grown fond of you, too," William said.Hope raised her head and squared her shoulders. "If you insist onhiring a bodyguard for me, I want it to be someone I have noemotional connection with.""If that's what you want," Ryan said."It's not," Hope muttered. "I don't want this, but you're not givingme much of a choice.""Please, excuse me." William stood and disappeared into the house.Ryan reached for Hope's hand. "What do you want? I'm giving youa choice.""I want to wake up and discover that this is just a nightmare," Hopecroaked.Ryan gave her hand a firm squeeze. "I wish I could make thathappen, but I'm not that powerful.""I have some conditions regarding the bodyguard," Hope said,changing the subject."Of course you do." Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. "Youalways have conditions. Let me hear them.""He has to be single and no children." Hope stared at Ryan. "Ifheaven forbid the man died I don't want there to be a wife and

children left behind to grieve.""I will take your conditions into consideration." Ryan picked upHope's glass of tea and took a sip."I don't understand why this is happening to me," Hope said after abrief silence. "I didn't do anything to anyone." Suddenly her eyesgrew wide. "You don't think Laura had something to do with thatman calling me, do you?"A feeling of dread washed over Ryan. He had been so worriedabout Hope that he had not stopped to consider that his ex-wifecould be behind the phone call. "No," he said, lying to her. Truthwas he would not be one bit surprised if Laura did have somethingto do with it. The only problem was there was no way to prove shewas the mastermind behind the call.

Chapter 8Ryan was sitting at his desk, later that day, checking his email whenhe felt as if he were being watched. He glanced up from thecomputer screen to find Hope standing in the doorway. His eyesswept over her and a mixture of love and desire came over him. Helocked eyes with her and his heart skipped a beat. Breaking into asmile, he held out his hand to her and she crossed the room, placingher hand in his."How long have you been standing in the doorway?" he asked."Not long," Hope said.Ryan pushed back his chair and pulled Hope onto his lap. Hewrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to her jaw."What is our Zoe doing?""She's helping Gordon load the dishwasher," Hope answered."What were you doing on the computer?""Checking my email."

"I never get email," Hope murmured.Ryan nuzzled her ear and heard her sharp intake of breath. "I willsend you an email later," he whispered, his breath caressing hersensitive ear.Hope shivered. "I'm looking forward to it.""I did some research online and found a security agency in the area.I called and they are sending a man over for me to meet with. Heshould be here-" Ryan checked his watch, "any minute now."Hope frowned. "That was fast. We were just talking about hiring abodyguard this morning.""I explained to the lady I spoke with that it is urgent I find someoneas quickly as possible."Hope laid her head on Ryan's shoulder. "I still don't like the idea ofa bodyguard. If something happened to him-""Sweetheart," Ryan interrupted. "We've been through this before.Please, don't make me go through it again.""Fine," Hope sighed. "I'll be quiet about it.""Thank you.""I won't like it, but-""Hope," Ryan growled.She raised her head and gazed at him. "Yes, love?""You are making me crazy," he said.Hope smiled. "Good, because it's no fun being crazy all byyourself." She kissed him on the mouth and then got off his lap. "Am

I allowed to stay while you interview Mr. what's his name?""His name is Alex Crawford and yes you can stay." Ryan grinned."As long as you promise me you will behave.""I promise, I will behave," Hope said."That must be him," Ryan said, hearing the doorbell.William entered the room, a few minutes later. Ryan looked past thebutler to the man behind him. In his mid forties, Alex Crawford hadlight brown hair, deep brown eyes and a crooked nose. He was ofaverage height and broad shouldered."Thank you, William," Ryan said."You are welcome, sir." William left, closing the door behind him.Ryan rose from the chair, moved around the desk, and offered hishand to Alex. "Ryan Kendall.""Alex Crawford," he said, shaking Ryan's hand.Ryan put his hand on the small of Hope's back. "This is my wife,Hope.""Mrs. Kendall," Alex said, holding out his hand."Please, call me Hope." She grasped his hand and he shook itgently. "May I ask you a question, Mr. Crawford?""Yes and its Alex.""Do you have a wife and children?" she asked."I have a wife," he said."Thank you for coming. Let me walk you to the door.""Hope." Ryan gritted his teeth. "You promised."

Hope turned her head and stared at Alex. "When my husband toldme he was going to hire a bodyguard for me, one of my conditionswas that he could not have a wife and children. If God forbid hedied while protecting me, I do not want him to leave behind afamily. I don't want to be the reason his children don't have a daddyand his wife doesn't have a husband.""My wife knows the risks that come with my job," Alex told her."She supports me because she knows my job is important to me."Hope arched an eyebrow. "More important than her?""Of course not," Alex said calmly. "If she asked me to quit my job Iwould do it.""Yet you know she won't ask you, because she knows how much itmeans to you to be a human shield for people. I wonder-""You will have to forgive my wife," Ryan said, shooting Hope adirty look as he spoke to Alex. "She likes to speak her mind."Alex smirked. "I can see that.""I have a feeling you will be talking about things I don't want tohear, so I'm not going to stay after all." Hope made her way to thedoor.Ryan turned to Alex once Hope had left the room. "That is whatyou will be protecting should I decide to hire you. Do you think youcan handle her?""I've dealt with people far worse than your wife," Alex stated.Ryan nodded. "Then let's get down to business."Hope was standing in the foyer the next day, searching through her

purse for her cell phone when the doorbell rang. She set her pursedown and hurried to answer the door. Opening it, she saw it wasAlex. She moved aside to allow him to enter and then shut the door.Without saying a word, she retraced her steps, picked her purse upfrom the table, and started going through it once more."What are you looking for?" Alex asked."My cell phone," Hope muttered. "I could swear I put it in here lastnight."Alex unhooked his phone from his belt and flipped it open. "What'syour number?"Hope told him. "It might be on vibrate and-" She heard a faintringing coming from the family room."I'll let it ring until you locate it," Alex said.Hope rushed to the family room where she spotted her phone ontop of the entertainment center. She snatched it up and rejoinedAlex in the foyer. "I found it. Thank you."Alex closed his phone. "No problem.""Zoe!" Hope called up the stairs. "Come on, little one. It's time togo.""How old is your daughter?" Alex inquired.Hope tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "She's my step-daughter and she's four."At that moment, Zoe came running down the stairs. She was nearthe bottom when suddenly she lost her footing. Horrified, Hopewatched as the little girl's arms began to flail. Springing into action,

Alex raced toward Zoe and seized her around the waist just as shewas about to fall. Carefully he carried her down the stairs and sether on her feet. She gazed up at him wide eyed.Her heart racing, Hope knelt beside Zoe and took her by the arms."How many times do I have to tell you not to run on the stairs? Youscared me, sweetheart.""I'm sorry," Zoe mumbled."I know you are." Hope gave her a hug. "There's someone I wantyou to meet." She released Zoe. "His name is Alex. He's going tobe spending some time with us.""Hello, Zoe," Alex said, smiling down at the child."Hello," she said shyly.Hope touched the top of Zoe's head. "Are you ready to go?""Yes," Zoe said.Hope was aware of Alex's presence as she and Zoe went abouttheir day. He was like a shadow, following her closely everywhereshe would go. He seldom uttered a word, only speaking whenspoken to. His eyes were constantly moving, observing theirsurroundings. Hope found the way in which he did things a littleunnerving. It made her realize just how dangerous her situationreally was."I never thanked you for rescuing Zoe on the stairs," Hope utteredin a low voice while she kept an eye on Zoe, who was playing witha small group of children in a corner of the large library.Alex shifted on the hard plastic chair. "No thanks necessary."

Hope studied him for a moment. "You must be bored following mearound.""I don't get bored," Alex declared. His dark eyes made a quicksweep of the room."We are perfectly safe in the library," Hope said amused. "You canlet your guard down. I think it's safe to say the children aren't goingto hurt me."Alex's penetrating gaze settled on Hope. "Your husband is notpaying me to let my guard down. He's paying me to keep you andyour little girl safe. Nothing and I mean nothing is going to keep mefrom doing my job. There are no second chances in my line ofwork, Mrs. Kendall. One minute, one second of letting my guarddown can get someone killed." He looked into Hope's eyes. "Thesick bastard that is playing games with you just met his match."Hope believed every word he said.

Chapter 9"He hired a bodyguard."Laura smiled coldly. "Same predictable Ryan." She placed themagazine she had been flipping through on the end table next to herand rose from the sofa. Moving toward the small bar in the corner,she picked up a bottle of Cognac and turned to face her husband,Seth. "It doesn't change a thing."Seth arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that?""Yes, " Laura snapped. She poured her a glass of the amber liquid

and took a sip. "If you have to take out the bodyguard then that'swhat you'll do.""I'll have to get a silencer for the gun," Seth muttered."Then get one," Laura said. "I don't care how much it costs. I wantthis done right.""It will be, darling," Seth assured her. "Everything is in place. I'mjust waiting for the right moment to make my move."Her green eyes sparkling with malice, Laura said, "Make sure youtape the whole thing so I can watch it."Seth made his way to the bar and took the drink out of Laura'shand. He set the glass down and wrapped his arms around herwaist. "We'll watch it together."Laura ran her hand through his hair. "Make her suffer."Seth grinned. "I will and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."When Ryan walked in the door, after a long day at the office, hefound Hope waiting for him. She took his briefcase out of his hand,put it down, and slipped her arms around his neck."Hello, love. How was your day?""It was long." Ryan kissed her on the mouth, lingering for momentbefore breaking the contact. "What did I do to deserve a welcomesuch as this?"Hope smiled as she rubbed her nose against his. "You came home.""I'll always come home to you, sweetheart." Ryan brushed his lipsacross her cheek. "How did it go with Alex? Were you a goodgirl?"

"Of course," Hope answered. "Aren't I always?"Ryan smirked. "No.""You like it when I'm bad," Hope whispered. "You just won't admitit.""That's right," Ryan said."Thank you for not listening to me and for hiring Alex," Hope said."I'm glad you did."Ryan frowned. "What made you change your mind about him?""He saved Zoe from taking a nasty tumble down the stairs. She wasrunning on the stairs and lost her footing. He caught her before shefell. I'm so thankful that he was here. There was no way I couldhave reached her in time.""I had planned on it being a trial period, but given what you just toldme, I think I will keep ole' Alex around," Ryan said. "Where isZoe?""She's washing her hands," Hope told him. "Dinner will be readyany minute.""Good, because I'm hungry," Ryan said. "I didn't have time forlunch.""Now you know you shouldn't skip a meal." Hope sighed as shelooped her arm through Ryan's. "Let's go get you something to eat.""You're always looking after me," Ryan said softly.Hope squeezed his arm. "I'm your wife. It's part of my wifelyduties."

Ryan leaned in close and said in a low voice, "There are somewifely duties I'd like to bring to your attention when we turn inlater.""Oh, really?" Hope mumbled. "Well, I-""Daddy!" Zoe screamed, running toward her father.Ryan scooped her up into his arms and planted a kiss on herforehead. "Hi, baby girl. Did you miss me?""Yep," Zoe said, nodding her head enthusiastically. "Guess what meand Hope did?""What did you and Hope do?" Ryan asked."We made cupcakes," Zoe said."Do I get a cupcake?" Ryan asked."She made one especially for you," Hope informed him."Then I know it will be the best cupcake ever," Ryan said to Zoe.Later that evening, Ryan made a quick check to make sure thedoors were locked and the alarm was activated. Once he wassatisfied that the house was secure he headed upstairs. He pausedon his way to the bedroom to peek in on Zoe. She was lying on herside with her arms around her stuffed turtle, sound asleep. Ryanmoved on down the hallway and entered the bedroom. Hope wasperched on the side of the bed, removing her jewelry."Everything locked up tight?" she inquired."Yes." Ryan held out his hand. "I have an idea, Mrs. Kendall."Hope placed her hand in Ryan's and stood. "I'm listening. What doyou have in mind?"

you have in mind?""Let's fill up that big tub and soak our troubles away.""Ooh, I like that idea."Ryan tugged on her hand. "I thought you might. Come this way,sweetheart." He led her into the bathroom and closed the door.

Chapter 10

From the passenger seat, Hope gazed at the passing scenery. It wasgrowing dark, the last signs of sunset fading from the sky. A coolbreeze came in through the open window, bringing with it the scentof freshly mowed grass. Closing her eyes, she breathed in deeplyand smiled. She enjoyed summer nights. Next to her, Alex sneezed,not once, but twice and she asked him if he needed a tissue."Thank you, but no," he said. "I have bad allergies this time of year.""Why didn't you say something?" Hope pressed a button on thedoor and the window went up. "Here I was making your allergiesworse."Alex braked for a dog darting across the road. "Are you always thisaccommodating?""No, not always," Hope said. "I can be-" She broke off when hesneezed. "Bless you.""Thank you." Alex sniffed loudly."You should take something for that," Hope said."I'll stop on the way home and get something.""You can stop on the way to my house," Hope told him. "I'm not ina rush to get home. Ryan is working late at the office and Zoe's inbed, or she should be.""I want to get you home." Alex switched on his turn signal andchanged lanes. "I don't like being on duty after dark. It's moredifficult to see everything that's going on around me.""If I had known that I wouldn't have asked you to take me to thegrocery store," Hope said. "I promised Zoe I would make her

chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Gordon usually does theshopping, but he's been feeling under the weather. I didn't have theheart to ask him to make a trip to the store for chocolate chips andmilk.""It's all right," Alex assured her. "No need to explain."Hope shifted in her seat and adjusted her seat belt. "What did yourwife say when you told her I called?""Carol is out of town. She won't be back until Sunday."Before Hope could say anything, her phone was ringing. Shegrabbed her purse from the floorboard, opened it, and took out herphone. "Hello?""Hello, sweetheart," Ryan said. "I wanted to let you know I will behome around ten-thirty.""I'll wait up for you," Hope said."I'd appreciate it," Ryan said. "You know I can't sleep without agood night kiss.""Or two," Hope muttered. "I'll see you later, love.""I will see you later."Hope closed her phone and dropped it back into her purse."How long have you two been married?" Alex asked."Seven months," Hope answered. "We were married the day afterThanksgiving. It was I have to say, the happiest day of my life."Alex pulled into the driveway, several minutes later, and shut off thecar. "Your husband needs to have a security light installed."

Hope eyed the dark yard with apprehension. "We have a securitylight. There must be a loose wire or something. I'll let Ryan knowabout it."Alex removed his keys from the ignition. "I'll walk you to the door.""That's not necessary," Hope said, gathering up her purse and aplastic grocery bag."I'm walking you to the door," Alex stated. "So don't argue withme."Hope nodded. "Have it your way then."Hope and Alex stepped out of the car and carefully made their wayin the dark to the door. They were half way across the yard whenHope noticed from the corner of her eye Alex collapse. Alarmed,she dropped to her knees beside him."What happened? Are you all right?""Get in the house," Alex ordered in a harsh whisper. "Go now andrun."Panic began to grip Hope. "I don't understand.""I've been shot," Alex rasped. "Get in the house, lock the door, andcall 911."Hope's eyes adjusted to the inky blackness and saw a dark stain onhis shirt. "Oh, God!" she cried out. Her hands shaking she reachedout and touched him."Damn it, Hope." Alex groaned. "It's not safe out here. Go now.""I can't leave you," Hope said bright eyed. "You need me."In one swift motion, Alex pulled his gun out of its holster, rose to his

In one swift motion, Alex pulled his gun out of its holster, rose to hisknees, and fired off a shot. He staggered to his feet and movedtoward the figure lying face down on the ground. With his foot, henudged the stranger in the arm. Frozen with fear Hope watchedwith horror as the figure kicked Alex's legs out from under him anddelivered a blow to his head, knocking him unconscious. It was thenthat she turned and started to run."Not so fast, sweetheart." The figure seized Hope around the waistand hauled her backwards. His arms closed around her. "I haveplans for us."Desperate to get away from him, Hope struggled against him."Please, don't do this.""We have to go," he said, ignoring her plea. "That shot yourbodyguard fired had to have drawn someone's attention. Now let'swalk to my van.""No," Hope croaked, trying to break free."Then you leave me no choice." He brought the butt of his gundown on the back of Hope's head. She saw white flash before hereyes and then everything went black. The figure scooped her upinto his arms and hurried to the van parked down the street. Thesound of sirens in the distance shattering the silence.When Hope came to, she found herself in a dimly lit room. Therewere no windows and the only furniture in the small space was thebed she was lying on. Her head throbbing, she attempted to sit upand realized she was tied to the bed. One end of the rope encircledher wrists; the other end was tied to the headboard. Fear racedthrough her and she struggled to break free.

"It won't work, Hope," a male voice said. "I've made sure you can'tescape."Hope glanced up at the man. He was dressed in black from the skimask he had on his head to the clothes he wore. "Who are you?"she asked."I can't answer that," he said, moving closer. "I'm sorry, but youcan't know my name."Hope took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "He shot you. Whyaren't you hurt?"He grinned. "I wore a bullet proof vest. I've thought of everything,Hope.""How- how do you know my name?"He sighed. "Again, I can't answer that."Hope felt a moment of anger. "You can't answer anything. Whydon't you take that mask off and face me like a man? You coward."Anger flashing in his eyes, he struck Hope on the cheek. "You'regoing to pay for that."Tears sprang to Hope's eyes. "You won't get away with this," shesaid coldly.The figure cocked his head to one side. "Oh, but I will.""Why are you doing this?" Hope demanded to know. "I haven'tdone anything to deserve this."He leaned down and caressed Hope's face with the back of hishand. "He has to pay for what he has done.""Who are you-"

"Who are you-""No more questions. I've put it off long enough." His hands went toHope's blouse. He grabbed handfuls of the material and ripped itopen, buttons went flying.Fear such as she had never known before came over Hope. Shetried moving away from him and found she could not. The roperestricted her movement. "N-no, p-please don't.""I'm not going to rape you, sweetheart." He smiled cruelly. "I'mgoing to torture you. Don't bother fighting. It won't do you anygood. Now I'm going to go out into the hallway and get the things Ineed. Wait until you see what I have. You're going to go crazy."Hope pulled at the rope, the rough cord digging into her wrists.Sweat coated her skin and her heart pounded in her ears. Shethought of Ryan and Zoe and knew she would never see themagain…never hold them and kiss them…never tell them how muchshe loved them. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over. She closedthem and prayed to God that her death would be quick."Open your eyes, Hope. I want you to see what I'm going to do toyou.""Go to hell," Hope snarled, refusing to obey his command.He chuckled softly. "You're full of fire and spirit. I wonder how longit will take me to break you. Tell me, Hope. Have you ever heard ofa branding iron? They're generally used to brand cattle."Hope's breath caught in her throat. She opened her eyes to find himstanding over her. In his hands was an iron rod with the letter "R" onthe tip. The letter was glowing bright red."Where shall I mark you?" he asked. "I'm thinking the lower left side

of your belly. It would look nice there, don't you think?"As the red-hot iron drew closer to her, Hope's breath began tocome in shallow pants. "D-d-don't. I'm begg-""I'm sorry."Hope screamed in agony as the iron met her belly. The scent ofburning flesh caused bile to rise in her throat. Her quivering bodyarched off the bed, the rope creaking in protest. She fought hardnot to pass out."How does it feel, Hope? Does it feel like a thousand fire antsstinging you?"Hope grew weak and fell back onto the bed. Pain rolled over her inwaves. "If you're going to kill me, then do it now," she whisperedbrokenly. "Please, do it now.""I'm not going to kill you," he told her. "After I'm through with you,I'm going to drop you off at the hospital. For the plan to work youhave to live. Should it be your left or right leg that I break? Wait, Ihave a better idea." He held up a knife for her to see. The longblade glinted in the light. "You have lovely skin. It's a shame I haveto ruin it."Two hours later, the van pulled up in a dark corner of the hospital.The figure got out and slid the side door of the automobile open. Hepicked an unconscious Hope up, moved around the front of thevan, and gently laid her bloody and broken body on a bench wheresomeone would be sure to find her. Thrilled that he had pulled theplan off without a hitch, he walked back to the driver's side door,whistling. Grinning, he closed the back door, and got behind the

wheel. After one last glance at Hope, he put the van in drive anddrove away.

Chapter 11Ryan sat alone in the waiting room, waiting for the doctor to come

out and speak with him. He was leaning forward on the chair, hiselbows on his knees and his head in his hands. Every fiber of hisbeing screamed for him to find the doctor and demand answers tothe questions that were eating away at him. Tired of sitting there anddoing nothing he stood and moved toward the window.While Ryan glanced out into the darkness, he thought back over thepast several hours. As long as he lived, he will never forget thephone call from Maggie telling him that Alex had been shot andHope kidnapped. He had hung up the phone and rushed home tofind police cars in the driveway and police walking around the yard.It had been like a scene from a horror film."Mr. Kendall."Ryan quickly turned to face the doctor. "Tell me about my wife," hedemanded."Please, sit down."Ryan took a seat and looked at the man in the white coat. "Whencan I see her?""After we talk, you may see her." The doctor settled in the chairacross from Ryan. "Mr. Kendall, there is no easy way to tell youthis, but your wife was tortured.""What do you mean she was tortured?" Ryan growled.The doctor pinched the bridge of his nose. "She has a concussion.Her arms and legs are covered with cuts. Some are shallow whileothers are deep. Her right leg is broken in two places. From theway her wrists look, I believe she was tied up. There are no signs ofassault." He paused for a moment. "Have you ever heard of a

branding iron?"Ryan's heart skipped a beat. "Yes.""Hope has a burn in the shape of the letter "R" on the lower left sideof her abdomen. I asked her how she got it and she told me it wasfrom a branding iron."Ryan's face turned deathly pale as sickening images popped into hishead. His stomach churned and he took a deep calming breath. "Isshe experiencing any pain?""Yes," the doctor answered. "I had the nurse give her something toease her discomfort.""When can I take her home?" Ryan asked."I would like to keep her for a few days for observation. I want tokeep an eye on her burn. If it starts showing signs of infection I'llneed to get her started on an antibiotic."Ryan cleared his dry throat. "Can you tell me anything about a manthat was brought in earlier with a gunshot wound? His name is AlexCrawford and he's Hope's bodyguard. I know she will want toknow how he's doing.""I checked on Mr. Crawford a little while ago. He is in stablecondition. Tell Hope he will be fine. I'll let you go see her now. Ifyou have any more questions don't hesitate to ask me."Ryan nodded. "Thank you."The doctor got to his feet. "You're welcome. Turn right at thenurse's station, go down the hall, through the double doors at theend and then turn left. Hope's room is the second one on the right."

Ryan followed the doctor's directions and found a man in a rumbledsuit standing outside Hope's room. The man showed his badge,identification, and said he wanted to ask Hope some questions."Can't it wait?" Ryan snapped. "My wife was just tortured.""I know, Mr. Kendall," the detective said. "That's why I'm here. Iwant to know what happened. The sooner your wife tells me whatthe sick son of a bitch did to her the sooner I can catch him."Ryan ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Let me talk to her andsee if she is up for it.""Thank you."Ryan opened the door and stepped into the room. Making his wayto the bed, he saw Hope's eyes were closed. His gaze roamed overher body and noticed the rope burns on her wrists. Gently hepicked up her hand and pressed a kiss to the tender skin. Hopeopened her eyes. Without saying a word he bent down and brushedhis lips across hers, warming her cold lips. Drawing back slightly, hestared at her."I love you," Hope whispered hoarsely. "I thought I was going todie and that I would never see you again…never hold you or kissyou."Ryan caressed her cheek with his fingertips, his eyes bright withemotion. "I love you, too. If I had lost you life wouldn't have beenworth living."Hope blinked back a sudden rush of tears. "Is Alex-""He's going to be fine," Ryan assured her. "The doctor said he's instable condition."

"Thank God," Hope croaked."Sweetheart, there's a detective waiting in the hallway," Ryan said."He wants to ask you some questions. Do you want me to tell himto go away?""I'll t-talk to h-him.""Are you sure?" Ryan asked."Yes," Hope mumbled. "Will you stay with me?""I'm not going anywhere," Ryan declared, moving toward the door."I plan on staying with you all night." He opened the door andlooked out at the detective. "She's willing to talk."The detective moved past Ryan and strolled toward the bed."Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mrs. Kendall.""It's Hope," she told him."All right," he said, removing a pen and a small notebook from theinside pocket of his suit coat. "Call me Joe.""Have a seat, Joe," Hope said."Before you get started." Ryan glanced down at Hope. "Do youneed anything?""No," she said softly. "I just want to get this over with.""I'll try to make it as brief as possible," Joe said, sitting down on thechair next to the bed.Hope turned her head on the pillow and gazed at the detective."Where do you want me to start?""Let's start where your bodyguard was shot."

"It was dark out," Hope said. "The security light wasn't working, sowe had to walk to the door in darkness. We were halfway acrossthe yard when Alex fell to the ground. Alarmed, I dropped to myknees beside him and asked him if he was all right. He told me toget in the house…to run. I didn't understand. He said he had beenshot. I didn't hear the gun go off. He wanted me to get in the house,lock the door, and call 911.""The perpetrator more than likely used a silencer," Joe said. "That'swhy you didn't hear the gun. Please continue.""I looked down at Alex and saw a dark stain on his shirt. That'swhen I knew it was real. I couldn't leave him there on the ground tobleed to death. He needed me. I didn't see the man creeping up onme, but Alex did. He pulled his gun out, rose to his knees, and firedthe gun. He got to his feet and moved toward the man lying facedown on the ground. Alex nudged him with his foot and that's whenit happened. The man kicked Alex's feet out from under him and hithim in the head, knocking him unconscious. I need some water."Ryan picked up the water pitcher from the bedside table and filled acup with the cold liquid. He helped Hope raise her head off thepillow and placed the cup to her lips. Once she was finished, he putthe cup down and lowered her head back to the pillow."Thank you, love," Hope muttered. "Where was I?"Joe consulted his notes. "Alex was knocked unconscious.""I tried to run to the house, but he grabbed me. I struggled againsthim. It was no use. He was too strong for me. When I wouldn'tcooperate, he hit me in the head with his gun. I lost consciousness.When I came to, I found myself tied to a bed. I was so afraid and I

tried so hard to get loose. He said it wouldn't work and that hemade sure I couldn't escape.""Describe him for me," Joe said."He was wearing all black," Hope said. "He had on one of those skimasks so I couldn't see his face. The sleeve of his shirt rolled upand I could see he had a small tattoo of a snake on the inside of hiswrist. He had brown eyes. I can't tell you anything else.""That's all right," Joe said. "What happened next?"Ryan stood there with his hands balled into fists, wantingdesperately to punch something. He tried not to let his anger showas he listened to Hope talk."I started asking him questions," Hope said. "Like who was he…why wasn't he hurt after Alex shot him. He said he was wearing abulletproof vest. He wouldn't answer all of my questions and I gotangry. I told him to take off his mask and face me like a man andthen I called him a coward. He slapped me on the cheek and toldme I was going to pay for that. I told him he wouldn't get away withit and he said he would. I demanded to know why he was doingthis. I hadn't done anything to deserve what was happening.""What did he say to that?" Joe inquired."He said, 'he has to pay for what he has done'. He wouldn't tell mewho he was talking about.""He was talking about me." Ryan closed his eyes and swore underhis breath. "It has to be Laura doing all of this. When we woncustody of Zoe, she was seething with rage. She said I would getwhat I deserve. I shrugged it off at the time. We were out to dinner

one evening when she came up to Hope and started harassing her. Itold her to leave and she said something to me that didn't makesense. She said, 'it's going to be soon'. She must have been talkingabout Hope's kidnapping. Laura wanted to get back at me, so sheused Hope to do it. I wouldn't be afraid to bet that she bullied herspineless husband into doing the dirty work so she could keep herhands clean.""It makes sense," Hope rasped."I'll look into it," Joe promised. "Hope, will you please finish."Hope went on to finish the rest of her story. She told how he hadused a branding iron on her and how the pain had beenexcruciating…how he had told her that in order for his plan to workshe had to live. She told Ryan and Joe how he had taken a knifeand cut into her arms and legs before breaking her right leg. "I don'tremember what happened after he broke my leg," she said. "Ipassed out. When I woke up I was in the hospital.""Before or after he branded you did he tell you what the "R" stoodfor?" Joe asked."No," Hope murmured.Joe left not long after that. He promised Ryan and Hope he wouldpay Laura and Seth a visit and then let them know what was said.He gave Hope his card and told her if she had any questions orremembered anything to give him a call."Love," Hope whispered to Ryan. "I have a few questions."Ryan perched on the side of the bed and took her hand. "I will tryto answer them."

"How did you find out I was kidnapped and Alex was shot?""Maggie called me and told me," Ryan said. "She said she wastaking the dog out to use the bathroom when she heard the policesirens. She ran outside and saw Alex lying on the ground and youwere no where in sight. She knew then you had been kidnapped. Ihurried home to find the front yard full of chaos. It was a horriblesight, sweetheart and the fear that I might never see you again-" Hebroke off. "I had been home for little over two hours, pacing thefloor and going out of my mind, when the hospital called and said aman had found you lying on a bench in the hospital parking lot.""How long do I have to stay here?" Hope asked."For a few days." Ryan stroked her hair. "I will be right here withyou."Hope's eyes drifted shut. "I'm so tired, but I'm afraid to go tosleep.""Don't be afraid," Ryan said quietly. "You're safe now. No one isgoing to step foot in this room without me knowing about it. Sleep,sweetheart."

Chapter 12Ryan awoke the next morning with an aching back and a stiff neck.

Groaning, he slowly rose from the chair beside the bed and rubbedhis lower back. After kissing Hope, who was still asleep, he slippedout of the room and made his way down the hallway to the nurse'sstation. Once there he asked a nurse where he could go to get acup of coffee. She gave him directions and he walked away,massaging the back of his neck.Across from the elevator was a small room that contained arefrigerator, vending machine, microwave and a coffee pot. Ryanpicked up a Styrofoam cup and poured him some coffee. He took acautious sip of the steaming liquid, added a packet of sugar, andthen left the room. On the way back to Hope, he called home tocheck on Zoe and learned from William that she was eatingbreakfast.When Ryan entered the room, a few minutes later, he found a nurseredressing Hope's burn. Not ready to face the proof of her torturehe quietly returned to the hallway to wait for the nurse to finish.While he stood there, drinking his coffee, his thoughts turned to lastnight and anger sprang to life inside of him. The urge for revengeswept over him and he fought for control of his emotions. The timefor pay back would come soon."Ryan."Hearing Pam's voice, he turned and saw her and Harveyapproaching."Maggie told us what happened," Harvey said. "How is Hopedoing?""She's doing okay," Ryan said. "The nurse is with her right now."

"Have the police caught the one responsible?" Pam asked."Not yet," Ryan said. "I have a good idea it was Laura and herhusband though. I'm just waiting to hear back from the detectiveworking on the case.""I hope you hear something soon," Pam told him.Ryan looked at her. "Why don't you go in and sit with Hope forawhile?""All right." Pam kissed Harvey and then went in to see Hope.Ryan took a drink of coffee. "How are things between you two?""Good," Harvey said. "We're taking it one day at a time. So tell me,what have you got in mind in the way of revenge?"Ryan arched a brow. "What makes you think I'm planningsomething?"Harvey smirked. "Please, Kendall. You're talking to me, not somestranger. I know how you think. You're not about to stand byquietly and do nothing. Let me know if you need any help."Ryan nodded. "I will."At that moment, the nurse emerged from Hope's room. "Goodmorning, Mr. Kendall.""Good morning," Ryan said. "How is my wife doing?""Not very well right now," she answered. "She's experiencing somepain. I gave her something for it. If she needs anything please let meknow.""Thank you," Ryan told her. He and Harvey moved past her andinto the room.

into the room.Hope turned her head on the pillow and stared up at Ryan throughpain-filled eyes. "Where did you go?""I went to get a cup of coffee." Ryan walked to the bed and bentdown. He gently kissed her on the lips."You look tired," Hope whispered. "Go home and get some sleep.""I will later," Ryan said. "Do you need anything?""No." Hope glanced past him. "Hello, Harvey."Harvey reached out and touched her cheek. "Hello, Hope. I-"Just then, there was a knock at the door."Come in!" Ryan called out.The door opened and Joe entered the room. "Is this a bad time?" heasked."No," Hope told him. "Please, come in.""Well if it isn't the good detective," Harvey said. "How have youbeen, Joe?""Fine." Joe nodded at Pam. "Nice to see you again."Pam smiled. "You too."Ryan cleared his throat. "What brings you by?" he asked thedetective."I have some news to share with you.""Would you like Harvey and me to step out?" Pam asked Ryan."That's not necessary. Please, tell us the news, Joe.""Laura is dead," Joe stated. "I went to see her and her husband

early this morning. The door was unlocked so I let myself in. I foundher in the living room with a gunshot wound to the chest. SethAndrews was nowhere to be found. A quick sweep of the houseand I discovered evidence that leads me to believe Seth is theperson who kidnapped and tortured Hope.""What evidence did you find?" Harvey asked."I found a garbage bag that contained a ski mask, a pair of gloves,pants and a shirt. All articles of clothing are black. Hope told melast night that the man was wearing all black. In addition to theclothes there was a video tape.""What was on the tape?" Pam inquired."Hope being tortured," Joe uttered. "The sick bastard taped thewhole thing.""You watched it?" Hope croaked her face as pale as the sheets shewas lying on.Joe shifted from one foot to the other. "I'm sorry, but I had to knowwhat was on it.""Who else saw it?" Hope demanded to know. "Did you pass itaround to all your friends at the station? Why don't you just post iton the internet for everyone to see?""Sweetheart," Ryan muttered. "He had to watch it.""No one has the right to watch it." Tears streamed down Hope'sface. "It was humiliating."Joe moved closer to the bed. "I promise you, Hope the tape willonly be viewed by a few people. When the case is closed, the tape

will be destroyed. Believe me when I say, I did not want to watchit."Hope sniffed loudly. "I'm sorry for snapping at you.""No need to apologize."Ryan grabbed a tissue from the bedside table and gave it to Hope."Is there anything else you want to tell us, Joe?""Just that we're going to do all we can to locate Seth.""Keep us posted," Ryan said."I'll do that. I have-" Joe broke off as his cell phone started ringing."I better answer that.""Well that was shocking news," Pam remarked once Joe left theroom. "I wonder what happened to make Seth kill Laura. I hopeJoe finds him."Not if I can help it, Ryan thought. "Harvey, may I have a wordwith you?"His eyes twinkling behind his glasses, Harvey said, "Sure."Ryan led the way out into the hallway. He waited until the doorclosed behind Harvey before he spoke. "You said if I needed anyhelp to let you know. I need help."Harvey grinned. "I had a feeling you were bringing me out here forthis. What do you want?""I want Seth Andrews," Ryan snarled. "In order for me to get myhands on him, I have to find him before the police do. Do you knowof any good private investigators?""Yes." Harvey crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned

"Yes." Harvey crossed his arms in front of his chest and leanedback against the wall. "Do you want me to recommend one?"Ryan shook his head. "You're going to hire one. I will pay foreverything. I want this kept quiet, Harvey. That means no papertrails. When money exchanges hands it will be cash only."Harvey tilted his head slightly. "Let's say the investigator findsAndrews, what then?"His eyes as cold as ice, Ryan smiled. "I'm going to do a littlebranding of my own. We'll talk more later. Take your wife and getout of here. I want to spend some time with Hope.""I'll get started right away," Harvey vowed.Not long after Harvey and Pam departed, a nurse brought Hope abreakfast tray. While she ate, Ryan pretended to watch the news.In reality, he was thinking of what he wanted to do to Seth when hegot his hands on him. He knew that what he was planning waswrong, but he didn't give a damn. What happened to Hope waswrong. No one messed with his family and got away with it."Ryan," Hope said."Yes, sweetheart?""Are - are you going to tell Zoe that Laura is d-dead?"Ryan took his eyes off the TV and gazed at Hope. "I don't know. Ican't think about that right now. Eat your breakfast."Hope fiddled with her fork. "I'd like to go and visit with Alex.""Not today." Ryan pointed the remote at the TV and turned it off."We'll work something out tomorrow.""What were you and Harvey talking about in the hallway?"

Ryan got to his feet, stepped to the bed, and leaned over Hope."You ask a lot of questions, Mrs. Kendall.""I'm sorry." Hope brought her hand up and cupped Ryan's cheek."Go home, get something to eat, and then get some sleep."Ryan grimaced. "I don't want to leave you.""I'll be fine," Hope assured him. "Go home. Come back later.""All right," Ryan sighed.Hope kissed him on the jaw. "I love you.""I love you, too." Reluctantly Ryan left.

Chapter 13Hope was released from the hospital on Sunday evening. Beforeshe left she insisted on seeing Alex."Let's make this brief," Ryan said, pushing the wheelchair down thelong hallway. "I want to get you home.""I'll try not to take too long." Hope adjusted the shawl she worearound her shoulders and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, thecuts on her arms throbbing as she moved.Halfway down the hall, Ryan stopped and knocked on the door onhis left. He heard Alex say enter and opened the door. Careful notto bump Hope's broken leg against the door he wheeled her into theroom and parked the chair next to the bed."I was wondering if you were going to come and see me," Alex saidto Hope."I will leave you two to talk." Ryan kissed the top of Hope's headand then left the room.Hope gazed up at Alex. His face was pale and he looked tired,dark circles were under his eyes. Her heart ached for him. "There'sso much I want to say, but I don't know where to start. How areyou?"

"I'm fine." Alex reached for his cup of water and took a drink. "Italked to your doctor. He told me what happened to you. I'm sorry,Hope. I failed you. I should've protected you better than-""No." Hope shook her head. "Don't you blame yourself. You did allthat you could to keep me safe. I should've listened to you whenyou told me to run into the house. I don't blame you, Alex. Youwere just as much of a victim as I was.""All the same, I'm sorry.""So am I." Hope cleared her throat and then told him about Laura'sdeath and how Seth was responsible for everything."The police better catch the son of a bitch," Alex growled."I pray they do and soon," Hope said. "I'm going home. When arethey releasing you?""On Friday," Alex answered.Hope nodded. "Promise me that you'll keep in touch.""I promise," Alex said. "You're not getting rid of me that easily.""Good. I-"The door opened and Ryan stuck his head into the room. "Sorry tointerrupt, but we need to go, sweetheart.""All right," Hope said.Ryan crossed the room and offered his hand to Alex. "If there isever anything you need don't hesitate to call me.""Thank you," Alex said, shaking his hand. "Take care of Hope.""I will," Ryan vowed.

The ride home was an uncomfortable one for Hope. Every time thecar hit a bump in the road, she would grit her teeth and try not to letit show that she was in pain. It wasn't an easy thing to do with herleg and the burn on her belly aching. She had a strong urge to snapat Ryan and fought hard not to lose control of her temper. Hecouldn't help how the roads were."We're almost home," Ryan said. "Hold on, I know you're feelingmiserable.""You don't know how I feel," Hope snapped. "No one does." Sheclosed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. "I'm sorry, love.""It's all right." Ryan removed a hand from the wheel and gaveHope's hand a squeeze. "You can lose your temper all you want.I'm a big boy. I can take it.""It's not right taking my anger out on you," Hope said. "You haven'tdone anything to deserve it.""I wouldn't say that." Ryan turned onto their street. "I feelresponsible for what happened. Laura used you to get back at me.If I had done things differently where she was concerned maybe shewouldn't have hurt you.""It doesn't matter what you did or didn't do, honey. You were notresponsible for Laura's actions." Hope's eyes swept over the yardas Ryan pulled into the driveway. Images of what took place twonights ago came back to haunt her and she began to tremble. Shesaw in her mind Alex fall to the ground…saw the blood staining hisshirt… The security light coming on brought her out of her thoughts."William must have called someone to come and fix the light," Ryan

said, shutting the car off."Please hurry and take me inside," Hope croaked her heartpounding in her ears. "I can't be out here."Ryan quickly got out and hurried around to the passenger side. Heopened the door and gently lifted Hope out. Closing the door withhis hip, he strolled toward the house. As he reached the front door,it opened and William ushered them inside."Welcome home, Hope," he said.Hope smiled weakly. "Thank you, William. Where is everybody?""Maggie is putting Zoe to bed and Gordon is cleaning the kitchen.""I will take you in to say goodnight to Zoe and then it's off to bedfor you," Ryan told Hope, heading up the stairs.Hope didn't argue with him. The visit with Alex and the car ridehome had worn her down. She laid her head on Ryan's shoulderand released a weary sigh. It had been a long day and all shewanted was to get beneath the covers and sleep. In the hospital ithad been difficult for her to sleep. She was in a strange place,feeling frightened and alone. Now she was home with Ryan whereshe knew she was safe."Zoe," Ryan said, entering the child's bedroom. "Look who'shome.""Hope," Zoe said, scrambling out from under the covers. She roseto her knees on the bed and then to her feet. Maggie stood closeready to catch the little girl should she lose her balance.Love surged within Hope as she touched Zoe's cheek. "I missed

you, little one. Were you a good girl for Maggie?""Yep," Zoe said. "Will you read me a story?""Not tonight, baby girl," Ryan answered before Hope could speak."It's bedtime.""I'll read to you tomorrow," Hope promised. "I love you.""I love you," Zoe repeated.Ryan moved in close so Hope could kiss Zoe goodnight. "Okay, liedown and let Maggie tuck you in. Daddy will see you in themorning.""If either of you need anything," Maggie said. "Please let me know.""We will," Hope said. "Good night, Maggie.""Good night, dear. Sleep well."Ryan carried Hope to their room where he laid her on the bed.After he switched on the bedside lamp he grabbed a pillow andplaced it under her leg. He crossed the room, took a nightgown outof the top drawer of the dresser, and returned to the bed. He wentto work removing Hope's sweatshirt and sweatpants. Once herclothing was removed he slipped the nightgown over her head."I'm going to need my bandage changed," Hope said quietly. Justbefore Ryan turned away she saw him grimace. "You don't have todo it. You can go and get Maggie."Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. "I will do it.""Are you sure?" Hope asked. "I don't want you to feel like you haveto do it. You won't hurt my feeling if you were to say no.""Sweetheart, I-" Ryan stared at the floor for a moment. "I'm afraid

"Sweetheart, I-" Ryan stared at the floor for a moment. "I'm afraidto look at the burn. I know if I look at it I'm going to think of whatthat sick bastard did to you and I can't bear to think of that.""You don't have to explain, love," Hope whispered. "Go and getMaggie.""No," Ryan said firmly. "I'm going to do it. I won't let you gothrough this alone. Now Maggie told me she picked up theantibiotic ointment and bandages for you while she was doing hererrands. I think she said she left them in the bathroom. Let me gowash my hands first.""Okay," Hope said.Ryan came back a minute later and perched on the side of the bed.Hope eyed him through lowered lashes as he gently peeled thebandage off. The look of horror that crossed his face when he sawthe burn made her want to cover herself up. Feeling vulnerable, sheclosed her eyes and prayed for it to be over soon. She felt the coldointment touch her warm skin and shivered."Are you cold?" Ryan asked softly."Yes," Hope muttered."I'm sorry," Ryan said hoarsely. "I'm trying to hurry."Hope heard Ryan take a shaky breath and she gazed up at him. Hiseyes were bright with emotion. Shocked she watched a tear escapeand slide down his cheek. She tried to say something and found shewas speechless. She had witnessed him angry, happy and sad, butnever had she seen him cry. A lump formed in her throat and shefought back her own tears.Ryan finished re-dressing the burn. He stood, covered Hope with

the blankets, and turned out the light. "I'm going to take a shower. Iwon't be long."Hope wanted to call Ryan back and comfort him. Instead she heldher tongue. She knew what he wanted was some time alone, time topull himself together and get control of his emotions. Now all shehad to do was get control of hers. Swiping a tear away with theback of her hand, she sniffed and told herself that she needed to bestrong for Ryan and for Zoe.Ryan slipped beneath the covers, ten minutes later. Hope, who wasstill awake, turned her head on the pillow. The scent of his shampoosurrounded her and a calm feeling came over her."I missed lying next to you.""I missed it, too," Ryan said. "The bed felt empty without you." Hekissed her on the temple. "You need your rest, sweetheart. Go tosleep."Hope did not need to be told twice.

Chapter 14"Daddy."Ryan glanced up from the book he was reading and gazed at Zoe.She was standing in the doorway with Bob at her feet; a sad look

was on her face. He closed the book and placed it on the end tablenext to him. "Come here, baby girl."Zoe ran to Ryan and climbed onto his lap. She settled in the crookof his arm."What's wrong?" he asked."Hope's crying," Zoe muttered.Ryan pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "She's sad. Whenyou're sad, don't you cry?""Yeah.""Something really bad happened to her and its going to take a littlewhile for her to feel better," Ryan explained. "Don't worry.Everything is going to be all right."Zoe laid her on head on his shoulder. "I'll color her a picture.""I think she will like that." Ryan cleared his throat. "Baby girl, there'ssomething Daddy needs to tell you. Look at me."Zoe raised her head and looked at him. A curious expression wason her face.Ryan saw a little of Laura in the child. It made what he had to tellher even more difficult. Knowing it needed to be done, he took adeep breath and let it out. "Mommy is dead. That means her bodystopped working. She's not breathing anymore and she can't feel, orhear, or eat, or do any of the things we can do. She had a severeaccident and her body just couldn't work anymore.""Will I die?" Zoe asked wide-eyed."No, baby girl," Ryan quickly assured her. "People normally don't

die until they are very old. We're going to be here for a very longtime. Is there anything you want to ask Daddy?""No," Zoe whispered."It's okay to be sad about Mommy and it's okay if you're not sad."Ryan reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I loveyou. Hope loves you. We're here to take care of you. If you haveany questions, you can come to us. Okay?""Okay," Zoe said.Ryan gave her a gentle squeeze. "Why don't you go work on thatpicture for Hope?""Can I use my paint?" she asked.An image of Zoe covered in paint from head to toe came to mindand Ryan hesitated. "Sure," he finally said, setting her on her feet."Run along now.""Come on, Bob," Zoe said to the dog as she raced to the door.Ryan rose to his feet and followed her from the office and down thehallway. She went into her room and he entered his and Hope'sbedroom. Hope was sitting up in bed, dabbing at her eyes with atissue. The sight of her crying tugged at his heartstrings and madehim feel useless. He made his way to the bed, sat down, leanedforward and kissed her on the jaw."I had a nightmare," Hope croaked. "I was back in that tiny room,feeling helpless and afraid.""Oh, sweetheart." Ryan placed his hand over hers. "What can I do?Tell me what to do."

Hope brought a hand up and touched Ryan's cheek. "I know this isdifficult for you, love. You're used to fixing things, but this issomething you can't fix.""I would give everything I have to trade places with you," Ryanstated."I know you would," Hope said. "Let's talk about something else."Ryan nodded. "I told Zoe about Laura's death.""Good," Hope uttered. "She needed to know.""I told her Laura had an accident." Ryan grimaced. "I couldn't tellher what really happened.""You did the right thing." Hope fussed with the blanket. "Do youknow when the funeral is?""No," Ryan told her."Honey-" Hope paused. "Maybe you should go out of respect for-""No," Ryan growled. He got to his feet and moved away from thebed. "I want no part of it.""Ryan, she used to be your wife," Hope pointed out. "She was themother of your child."Ryan whirled around and glared at Hope. "Giving birth to a childdoes not make you a mother. A mother is someone who loves andtakes care of her children. You are Zoe's mother. Laura was just adonor. I know it seems like I'm being cold, but it's hard to feelanything more than anger for a woman who planned for anotherwoman to be kidnapped and tortured.""I won't mention the funeral again," Hope told him.

"Thank you. I-""Mr. Kendall," William said, knocking on the open door. "I'm sorryto interrupt, but a Michelle Hilton is here to see you.""Laura's sister," Ryan told Hope."She's waiting in the foyer.""Thank you, William.""You're welcome, sir.""Go talk to her," Hope urged him."I won't be gone long," Ryan promised."Take your time," Hope said. "I'll just watch some TV until you getback."Ryan left the bedroom and hurried downstairs to the foyer. Oncethere, he found Michelle standing beneath the chandelier, staring upat it. She appeared deep in thought and he took the opportunity tostudy her. She was dressed in a black pantsuit and high heels, herblack hair was in a bun. There was an air of sadness about her thathe knew stemmed from Laura's death. Sympathy welled up withinhim."You have a lovely home, Kendall," Michelle said, shifting her eyesto Ryan."Thank you." Ryan clasped his hands behind his back and took astep toward her. "What brings you by?"Michelle gestured to the box on the table in front of her. "I broughtthat for Zoe. It's some of Laura's things. There's jewelry, pictures,stuff I thought Zoe should have."

"I will put the jewelry away until she's older," Ryan said."That would probably be for the best." Michelle checked her watch."I should go. The funeral is at two."Ryan reached out and gave her arm a squeeze. "I'm sorry for yourloss.""Thank you," Michelle said. "I'm sorry for all the hell Laura put youthrough. How is your wife?""Not well, I'm afraid." Ryan sighed heavily. "She's having a difficulttime right now. How did you know about Hope?""The police," Michelle said. "I was questioned by a detective JoeTucker. He told me that Seth kidnapped and tortured your wife andthat more than likely Laura was the mastermind behind it. I need togo. I have some things to take care of."Ryan walked Michelle to the door. "I want you to know that you'realways welcome to come and visit with Zoe."Michelle frowned. "Why are you being so nice to me? My sistermade your life a living hell."Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not going to hold a grudgeagainst you for something your sister did. That wouldn't be right.You haven't done anything to me. Besides your testimony in court iswhat helped me keep Zoe. I never thanked you for that. It took alot of courage and guts to do what you did. I will never forget it andif there is ever any way that I can help you please let me know.""My sister sure didn't deserve you," Michelle declared. "Take careof yourself, Ryan."

"You, too." Ryan opened the door and moved aside. "Give mycondolences to your family.""I'll do that." Michelle slipped on her sunglasses and steppedoutside.Ryan closed the door and retraced his steps. He picked up the boxof Laura's possessions and headed back upstairs to Hope. On theway to the bedroom he peeked in on Zoe and saw she wasstanding at her easel, a paintbrush was in her hand and she wasbusy painting what looked like a flower. Smiling, he strolled downthe hallway to the bedroom."What's in the box?" Hope asked."Some of Laura's things," Ryan said. "Michelle wanted Zoe to havethem.""That was sweet of her," Hope said. "I cherished my Mom's thingsafter I lost her."Ryan set the box on top the dresser and joined Hope on the bed."You know, I don't think Zoe will take Laura's death too hard. Shehardly ever saw Laura and they certainly weren't close.""No they weren't," Hope said sadly. "What's Zoe doing?""She's in her room," Ryan said. "I just checked on her. She'spainting you a picture."Hope smiled softly. "Is she covered in paint?""Not yet," Ryan said. "It's still early. Give her time.""Maggie's going to be furious with you," Hope said. "She's the onewho's going to have to clean up Zoe."

Ryan smirked. "I will take her out back and hose her off."

Chapter 15A week later found Hope sitting alone in the family room, gazing outthe window. Rain was coming down and beating against thewindowpane. While she watched it, she thought about her lifebefore the kidnapping and torture. God, she had been so happy.Now she was depressed and frightened. The only thing that got herout of bed every morning was Zoe and Ryan."Mind if I sit with you?" William asked from the doorway.Hope gave the cushion beside her a pat.William crossed the room and sat down. "How are you doing?""Okay, I guess," Hope said.William reached for Hope's hand and held it between both of his. "Itwill get easier. I promise you it will."

"You don't know what I'm going through," Hope said angrily. "Sodon't tell me it will get easier."William squeezed her hand gently and looked into her eyes. "I knowwhat you're going through. I don't like to talk about this, but for youI will. I wasn't kidnapped, but I was tortured. It's the reason why Istopped being a bodyguard."Hope gaped at him. "You were t-tortured?""That's right." William released her hand. "I was protecting agovernment official. I can't tell you why I was protecting her, but Iwill tell you what happened.""Is it painful to talk about?" Hope asked."Not anymore," William answered. "It happened so long ago that itfeels like another lifetime. Now give me a minute to think.""Take your time." Hope picked up the glass of water from the endtable next to her and took a drink."Since I can't tell you her real name I'll call her Cora," William said."Cora was placed in a safe house and given two bodyguards, meand another man. We took shifts watching her. Anyway, I showedup at the safe house one night to take his place and found the dooropen. I knew something was wrong when I saw the open door, so Igrabbed my gun and entered the house. The first thing that caughtmy eye was a bloodstain on the carpet. I started searching thehouse and found the other bodyguard in the guest room. He wasdead, shot in the chest.""Did he have a family?" Hope asked.William nodded. "A wife and a son. I found Cora in her room tied

to a chair. There were two men wearing ski masks standing overher. Her face was bloody and starting to swell. Only God knowshow long they tortured her."Hope swallowed hard. "Poor Cora.""I managed to shoot one of them in the head. The other one shot mebefore I could turn my gun on him. So there we were, Cora and I.We were in a bad situation with no way out. The man who shot metook my gun from me. I didn't want to give it up, but I was in noshape to fight him. He kept his gun trained on me while hequestioned Cora and me. I can't tell you what he wanted to know.""Why can't you tell me what he wanted to know?" Hope asked,frowning. "Why can't I know the reason why you had to protectCora and what her real name was?"William ran a hand across his face and sighed. "Before thegovernment would let me resign from my job, I had to sign papersstating that I wasn't allowed to share any information about thepeople I protected with anyone." He smiled at Hope. "I know youwould never tell anyone, but a man is only as good as his word.Where was I?""The sick bastard was questioning you and Cora," Hope remindedhim."Thank you," William said. "Cora refused to tell him what he wantedto know. If she gave away what she knew people's lives would bein danger. She was willing to die so others could live. He shot her inthe temple.""What happened next?" Hope asked afraid to hear his response.

"He wanted me to answer his questions," William said. "Like Cora,I refused to give him the information he wanted. He took a hammerout of a backpack and broke my leg."His words made Hope flinch and touch the cast on her leg."When I still wouldn't cooperate he broke my other leg," Williamsaid. "I ended up with broken legs, cracked ribs, a gunshot woundand cigarette burns. No matter what he did to me, I was not goingto break. Cora's death was not going to be in vain. He finally gaveup and left me lying there in a pool of blood. I don't know why hedidn't kill me. I guess he thought I would bleed to death beforesomeone found me. I tried to drag myself to the phone using myupper body and passed out before I could reach it. When I wokeup, I was in the hospital. Later I learned that the neighbor had calledthe police claiming she saw a masked man climbing out the windowwith a bag. I imagine the police were shocked as hell. They thoughtthey were showing up to investigate a burglary and instead foundme and a double homicide.""Did they ever find the man who tortured you?" Hope asked brighteyed."Yes," William said. "They found the bastard.""I wish someone would find Seth Andrews," Hope muttered."The police will find him," William stated. "Everything will be allright, Hope. You have to believe that."Hope lowered her head and gazed at her hands. "I want to, buteverything feels like its falling apart.""I know it's difficult to have faith when you've just been through

hell," William said."How did you put it all behind you and move on?" Hope asked,raising her head."I surrounded myself with family," William said. "Their love andsupport gave me the strength to keep fighting…to face another day.Don't stop fighting, Hope. Don't ever give up, because if you do theones who did this to you won. Don't let them win. Now the firststep to getting your life back is to get off this damn couch and out ofthe house.""What would I do?" Hope said. "Where would I go?""You'll figure it out," William said, standing."Thank you," Hope said softly. "Thank you for everything."William smiled. "You're welcome."Ryan was searching through the file cabinet for a folder when thephone rang. He leaned across the desk and snatched up thereceiver. "Hello?""I have some excellent news regarding Seth Andrews," Harvey said."Can you talk?""Yes." Ryan shifted the receiver to his other ear. "What have yougot for me?""The investigator you hired found Andrews last night. The son of abitch is staying in a run down motel outside of town."Ryan gripped the receiver hard enough to turn his knuckles white."Very good. Tell me, Harvey. How fast can you round up a fewmen? I'm talking about the kind of man that will do anything for the

right price.""What makes you think I know that kind of man?" Harvey inquired.Ryan snorted. "Have you forgotten who you're talking to, Finch? Iknow-" Just then, there was a knock at the door. "I have to go.Don't do anything until I get back to you.""Got it," Harvey said.Ryan hung up the phone. "Come in," he called out.The door opened and Pam stuck her head into the office. "Sorry tobother you, sir, but there's someone here to see you.""Do they have an appointment?" Ryan asked shortly.Pam smirked. "I didn't know your wife needed one."Ryan's heart skipped a beat. "Hope's here?""Yes, sir.""Bring her in here," Ryan demanded.Pam opened the door wider and moved aside.Slowly Hope walked into the room. "Hello, love."Ryan rose from his chair and moved around the desk. "Pam, nointerruptions.""Yes, sir." Pam left, closing the door behind her."Sweetheart, you left the house. " Ryan kissed her on the lips. "I'mso proud of you."Hope blushed. "Thank you.""Let's get you off that leg." Ryan led Hope over to the couch in the

corner and helped her get settled. He took her crutches andpropped them against the wall. "Who drove you here?""Alex," Hope said. "Did I catch you at a bad time?""No." Ryan pulled a chair closer to the couch and sat down. "Whatmade you decide to come and see me?""William talked to me." Hope said. "Ryan, when he was abodyguard he was tortured. He told me about it and it helped merealize that if he can overcome what happened to him then so canI."Ryan gazed at Hope with love shining in his eyes. "I know you can,sweetheart. You're a strong woman. I have faith in you. I'm gladWilliam was able to help you."Hope glanced over Ryan's shoulder to the window behind his desk."I still have a long way to go. I'll feel safer when the police find SethAndrews and put him in prison where he belongs.""Prison is too good for Andrews," Ryan said coldly. "He deservesto suffer the way he made you suffer."Hope shook her head. "No one deserves to go through what I wentthrough."Ryan arched a brow. "He tortured you and you don't think hedeserves to suffer?""I want him to pay for what he did to me, but not like that, Ryan.No one should ever have to go through something like that.""I see." Anger rising within him, Ryan got to his feet and turned hisback on Hope. "I'm sorry, honey, but we're just going to have to

disagree on this. I'm not as softhearted as you are. I believe when aperson does something to someone they should be made to suffer inthe same way.""Ryan, are you…are you planning something?" Hope askedtentatively."I don't know what you mean?" Ryan lied."Please, look at me."Showing no emotion, Ryan turned around and looked at Hope."Are you planning to make Seth pay for what he did to me?" Hopesaid softly. "Are you going to do to him what he did to me? If that'swhat you have in mind, then put it from your head."Ryan stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels."And if I can't?"Hope cleared her throat. "Then we can't be together anymore."Ryan's breath caught in his throat. "What are you saying? Are yousaying that you will leave me?""Yes," Hope whispered.His eyes blazing, Ryan stared at her. "You swore that you wouldnever leave me.""Do you think I would want to?" Hope said with tears in her eyes."It would break my heart to leave you, but I couldn't live withyou…couldn't look at you knowing what you did. If you did it, youwould be no better than Seth and Laura. And even if I could getpast it there's a chance you could get caught. Do you think I couldstand to see you go to prison? What about Zoe? What do you think

it would do to her to lose her daddy? There is no way in hell Iwould bring her to the prison to see you. Think long and hard aboutthis, Ryan. What you're thinking about doing is wrong.""I think it's time for you to go home," Ryan said coolly.Hope reached for her crutches and awkwardly got to her feet. "Ilove you, Ryan. Nothing will ever change that." She moved towardthe door, opened it, and walked out.

Chapter 16Long after Pam had gone home for the day, Ryan sat at his deskdeep in thought. He was thinking of Hope and the words they hadexchanged in anger. What stood out more than anything in his mindwas when she told him she would leave if he went through with hisplan to torture Seth. The idea of Hope walking out on their marriagescared the hell out of Ryan. The last thing he wanted was to lose herand what they had together."You look like you lost your best friend," Harvey said, strolling into

the office."Not yet, but I could," Ryan said.Harvey arched an eyebrow. "Care to explain that to me?"Ryan sat back with a heavy sigh. "Hope knows what I want to doto Andrews. She said if I do it she will leave me."Harvey whistled softly. "What are you going to do?"Ryan glanced at his wedding ring. "I love Hope. I can't stand thethought of living without her. So I'm going to do the right thing. Idon't want to, but I will do whatever it takes to keep her.""As your lawyer I think you made the right decision," Harvey said."Do you have the name and address of the motel where Andrews isstaying?" Ryan asked."Sure do." Harvey reached into his pocket and took out a slip ofpaper. He tossed it onto the desk.Ryan pulled his wallet out of his back pocket, opened it, andremoved a business card. He leaned across the desk and picked upthe receiver, dialing the number that was on the card. "I'm callingJoe Tucker," he explained."Good," Harvey said. "Someone needs to pick up Andrews beforehe disappears again.""Tucker," Joe said, coming on the line, a minute later."Joe, its Ryan Kendall. I have some news regarding Seth Andrews.""I'm listening," Joe said."I hired a private investigator to track him down," Ryan told him.

"Last night he found Andrews at a small motel outside of town.Grab a pen and paper. I will give you the name and address.""I'm ready," Joe said after a brief silence.Ryan read the slip of paper aloud. "I have a favor to ask.""Let me hear it," Joe said."I want to talk to Andrews," Ryan stated. "I have a few questionsthat need answered.""I think I can arrange a little sit down," Joe said. "Stop by the stationin the morning.""Fine," Ryan said."I have to go. Tell Hope hello for me," Joe said."I will." Ryan dropped the receiver in the cradle."What now?" Harvey asked."I'm going home," Ryan said. "Hope and I need to talk.""Good luck."Hope lay in the dark, staring at the glowing numbers on the clockradio. It was after eight and she wondered when Ryan was cominghome. She thought about what they said to each other. Could shereally leave him? He was her world and then there was Zoe. Thethought of leaving the little girl she had come to think of as herdaughter was enough to bring tears to her all ready puffy eyes.Sniffing, she heard the door close and reached out to switch on thelight. Ryan turned and she locked eyes with him. He moved towardthe bed and Hope sat up."Can we talk?" Ryan asked softly.

"Can we talk?" Ryan asked softly."I think we better," Hope said.Ryan sat down on the side of the bed. "After Joe told us it was Seththat kidnapped and tortured you, I had Harvey hire a privateinvestigator to find him. All I could think of was finding him andmaking him pay for what he did to you. The anger was eating awayat me. Harvey called me earlier today and told me the investigatorlocated Seth. He's staying in a motel outside of town. I was on thephone to Harvey planning my next move when you showed up."Hope swallowed hard. "And now? What are you going to do? Areyou going through with it?""No." Ryan took Hope's hand. "I have a wife that said she wouldleave if I do. I can't live without her. Well I can, but I don't want to.I love you, Hope. Please forgive me.""Ryan," Hope breathed. She leaned in close and kissed him on thelips. "I love you, too, and there's nothing to forgive.""Don't ever leave me," Ryan whispered. "I want us to adoptchildren and grow old together. I want a lifetime with you."Hope searched Ryan's face. "You want to adopt?""Yes," Ryan said, "but only if you want to.""I do," Hope croaked with tears in her eyes. "When I was told Icouldn't have children I wanted to adopt, but Luke refused to evenconsider it. He said he didn't want to raise someone's mistake. Itdoesn't matter to me. I just want a child to love.""We'll start the adoption process later this year," Ryan said. "I don'tthink right now is a good time."

Hope nodded. "Have you called Joe and told him you found Seth?""Yes," Ryan said. "He's going to pick him up. I'm going to thestation in the morning to talk to Seth.""I'd like to go with you," Hope said."I don't know if that's a good idea."Hope shifted on the bed, trying to find a comfortable spot. "I'm notasking to go in the room with you. Maybe Joe will let me listen infrom another room.""All right," Ryan sighed. "Is there anything else you want?""Yes," Hope mumbled. "Hold me, please." She moved into his armsand laid her head on his shoulder."I hate it when we argue," Ryan said, caressing her back."We wouldn't have to argue if you would just learn to be a goodboy." Hope felt him shake and knew he was laughing. She turnedher head and pressed her lips to his ear. "I'll keep you anyway, mylove."The next day found Ryan waiting in a small interrogation room forSeth. On the other side of a large mirror was an observation roomwhere Hope sat, watching. Ryan could feel her eyes on him andwished he could see her. He walked past the mirror and tapped theglass."It won't take long, sweetheart and then we will get out of here."At that moment, the door opened. Joe entered the room with ashackled Seth. "Before you start," he said to Ryan. "I want yourword that you'll control yourself."

Ryan jerked his head slightly. "You have my word.""How honorable of you," Seth sneered."Shut it, Andrews." Joe pulled out a chair and shoved Seth onto it."Ask away, Kendall."Ryan stepped closer to the table, his eyes cold as ice. "I'm not goingto ask you if Laura was behind this. I all ready know the answer tothat. She wanted me to suffer."Seth smiled. "Have you suffered?"Ryan ignored the question. "Why did you kill Laura? Not that Imind. You actually did me a favor."Seth stopped smiling. "The bitch was cheating on me. When I-"Ryan smirked. "She cheated on me, too, Andrews. I didn't kill her.I wanted to many times. I'm glad I left her for you. You twodeserved each other. Now finish what you were going to say.""When I got back from taking care of your wife I heard Lauratalking. She was on the phone telling her lover that she was donewith me and that they could finally be together. I served my purposewas what she said. After everything I did for her, she was going toget rid of me. I decided to get rid of her instead.""What does the "R" you branded on my wife stand for?" Ryandemanded to know.Seth grinned. "Revenge. Fitting, wouldn't you say? The brandingwas my idea. I wanted Hope to have something to remember ourtime together. How is the beautiful Hope?""That is none of your damn business," Ryan snarled. He placed his

hands on the table and leaned down until he was eye to eye withSeth. "I had plans for us, Andrews. What I had in store for youmade what you did to my wife seem like child's play, but shebegged me not to hurt you. Someday you will pay for what youhave done. Sadly, it won't be by me. When that time comes, I hopeto hell you suffer so much that you beg for death. I'm done here,Joe.""Then it's back to the cell for you," Joe told Seth."Laura hated you," Seth said to Ryan's retreating figure.Ryan glanced over his shoulder. "The feeling was mutual.""Her original plan was to kill you," Seth confessed. "I convinced herthe best way to make you pay was to get at you through Hope."Ryan gritted his teeth. "May I have a word with you out in the hall,Joe?""Of course."Ryan led the way out into the hall and waited for Joe to close thedoor before he spoke. "You have Hope's account of whathappened to her. You have the video tape and clothing Seth wore.You also have Seth's confession.""Your point is?" Joe said."My point is, Hope is not going to court over this," Ryan declared."She has been through enough. You have everything you need toput that piece of garbage in prison. Leave her alone and let her geton with her life. Don't try and contact her.""Ryan," Hope said, appearing at his elbow. "Let's go home, honey."

"Sounds like a plan." Ryan slipped his arm around Hope andsteered her in the direction of the exit. He never looked back.

Chapter 17Epilogue

2 years later…"Bedtime, sweetheart," Hope said from the family room doorway.Zoe, who was lying on the floor, watching cartoons, jumped up andran toward the door. "Come on, Bob," she said to the dog."Did you pick out what you want to take to show and telltomorrow?" Hope asked as they made their way upstairs."Yep," Zoe said. "I'm taking the seashell Pam gave me.""Everybody will like that," Hope said. "They can put it to their earand listen to the ocean. Daddy's in his office. Let's say goodnight."They stopped outside Ryan's office and Zoe knocked on the door."Come in," Ryan called out.Zoe opened the door and entered the room. "I have to go to bed,Daddy," she announced.Ryan checked his watch. "Is it that time all ready? Well you hadbetter give me my goodnight hug and kiss. I can't sleep withoutthem."Zoe moved toward her father and held out her arms.Ryan gathered her close and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Goodnight, baby girl. I love you.""I love you," Zoe muttered."How much longer are you going to be?" Hope asked Ryan.

"I'm almost done," he said, releasing Zoe. "Give me fifteen minutes."Hope tapped her watch with a fingertip. "I'm going to be keepingtrack of time. If you're not done when the fifteen minutes are up, I'mcoming back."Ryan grinned. "Yes, ma'am.""Let's leave Daddy to his work," Hope said to Zoe."Okay."Hope led the way to the bedroom where she pulled back thecovers on the bed. "In you go.""I didn't say goodnight to Sammy," Zoe said, lying down."He won't mind if you miss one night. I'll give him a kiss for you."Hope tucked the little girl in and kissed her. "I love you.""I love you," Zoe repeated."I'll see you in the morning." Hope switched on the night light andthen headed for the door. "Good night.""Good night," Zoe mumbled.Hope left the room, leaving the door open slightly, and moved ondown the hallway. She stepped into the nursery and crossed theroom to the crib in the corner. Leaning over the railing, she gazeddown at the baby. Her heart melted at the sight of him. SamuelRobert was his name. Hope named him after her father. As long asshe lived, she would never forget the phone call from the agency,telling her that they had a one-month-old baby boy for her andRyan to adopt. That had been over a year ago."You're Mommy's little angel," she whispered, caressing his head. "I

love you, so much. Daddy loves you and so does Zoe. You'regoing to grow up surrounded by people who love you. I promiseyou." She bent down and brushed her lips against his forehead.Hope slipped quietly from the nursery and went next door to thebedroom. There she grabbed her nightclothes and walked into theadjoining bathroom. She turned on the shower and removed herclothes. Standing in front of the mirror, putting her hair up so itwouldn't get wet, her eyes strayed to the "R" shaped scar on herbelly. There was a time when the sight of that scar would havemade her cringe, but not anymore. She had considered having itremoved and quickly gave up on the idea once the doctor told her itwould take multiple surgeries and there was a chance it might nevercompletely disappear.Ryan told her it didn't matter that she had the scar; she wouldalways be beautiful to him, so she kept it. It was a reminder of howcourageous and strong she was. From time to time, she would lookat it and remember Seth and what happened. He was in prisonserving a forty-year sentence for the crimes he committed. Hopewould never forget what he did, but she forgave him, somethingRyan swore he would never do.Hope emerged from the bathroom, ten minutes later, to find Ryansitting on the side of the bed, taking off his shoes. "Hello, love.""Sweetheart," Ryan said. "Who's driving Zoe to school in themorning?"Hope smiled. "It's your turn. I did it this morning."Ryan sighed heavily. "She's growing up too damn fast, Hope. Itseems like only yesterday she was in diapers and crawling. Now

she's six and going to school. Next thing you know she's going towant to start dating."Her eyes twinkling Hope placed her hands on Ryan's shoulders."When that day comes we'll deal with it together, but it won't comeanytime soon. Right now all boys have cooties.""If I have any say in the matter boys will always have cooties," Ryansaid.Hope laughed softly. "You're going to be a handful."Ryan snatched Hope around the waist, tossed her on the bed, andcovered her with his body. "You're a tough cookie, Hope Kendall.You can handle me.""I'm going to enjoy every minute of it." Hope pulled his head downand captured his mouth.At that moment, Sammy's cries came through the baby monitor.Ryan lifted his head. "I swear that little stinker has the worst timing.""I'll go," Hope said."No, it's my turn." Ryan gave her a quick kiss and got up from thebed. "You stay. I won't be long."Hope slid off the bed and turned back the covers. She thoughtabout calling to check on Pam, while she waited for Ryan to return,and changed her mind after glancing at the clock radio. It wasgrowing late and she knew Pam, at eight months pregnant, was allready in bed. An image of her very pregnant friend filled Hope'shead and she smiled."He was wet," Ryan said, coming back several minutes later.

"Damn," Hope murmured. "It seems like I'm the one who alwaysgets the stinky diapers.""What can I say?" Ryan smirked. "Sorry.""No, you're not." Hope threw a pillow at him. "Go take a shower.""I will." Ryan looked into her eyes as he reached for her andbrought her close. "Eventually."Hope's breath caught in her throat. She wrapped an arm aroundRyan and brought a hand up to touch his cheek. "Thank you.""For what?" Ryan asked huskily, nuzzling her ear.Her ear sensitive Hope shivered. "For making my dreams comestrue.""Hope," Ryan breathed. He pressed his forehead to hers. "It wasyou who made my dreams come true."Hope didn't argue with Ryan, nor did she suggest they agree todisagree. Instead, she lost herself in his embrace and foundparadise.

The End

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