Hope Revived

By Alisha Jones

After a devastating accident leaves Amy Walker in the hospital, she finds that her heart is more shattered than her body. Even with the support of her huge family, she still finds herself slipping into a dark abyss of pity and self-loathing.
after months of excruciating therapy, she meats Cort, an amazing man with a dark past. His willingness to love and support her, may be exactly what she needs to make it through the rest of her depressing life.
However, her boss, Spencer, is determined that he will not push himself aside this time. Having been in love with Amy for years, he decided that he should finally speak his mind about the new man in Amy's life.
Will Amy choose the safe, predictable man who has always loved her? Or will she decide to give her heart to another man?
Find out in this third book in the "Hope" series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Jones
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370194728

Book preview

Hope Revived

By: Alisha Jones

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Text Copyright © 2014

All Rights Reserved

For my fourth sister.

Prologue

Michael, Pastor Farber began, you may now kiss your bride.

Michael reached over and gently lifted Amy’s veil. He enveloped her in his arms and smiled before he kissed her lovingly and tenderly. He would never tire of kissing this woman. And, now, she was his woman. He would enjoy kissing her for the rest of his life.

The crowd applauded and cheered the new couple, but Michael and Amy ignored them and kept kissing. Through more applause and cheers, there was more kissing.

Pastor Farber put his hand on Michael’s shoulder, Okay, son. You’ll have the rest of your life to do that.

The crowd roared with laughter as Michael’s and Amy’s faces reddened.

Finally, the bride and groom turned to face the audience as the Pastor announced, Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Crane.

Another round of applause sent Michael and Amy gliding past the crowd and out through the back doors of the church. They ran, hand in hand, to the reception hall on the other side of the parking lot. Michael opened the door for her and she entered. When he closed the door behind him, he turned and locked it behind him.

What are you doin’? Amy asked suspiciously.

Michael gathered her in his arms and kissed her again. This kiss was both passionate and promising. When he released her lips, she reached over to unlock the door. He grasped her hand and kissed the palm of it, followed by her wrist and each finger.

Amy smiled and melted a little with every kiss. If you don’t unlock the door, sweetheart, then no one will be able to come to our reception.

He began kissing the fingers of her other hand one by one, I fail… to see… the problem… with that. He winked at her and she laughed. You see, darlin’, I want you all to myself.

She gently locked her hands around his neck and brought his lips closer to hers without actually touching them. This was the man she would spend the rest of her life with. She gazed into his eyes and drew closer to his mouth. She kissed the corner of his lips, and giggled when he tried to kiss her mouth. Not so fast, sweetheart. Since we’re alone for this short time, I wanna give you a glimpse into your future. She wagged her eyebrows at him and he grinned.

Oh yeah? I like the sound of that. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and smiled suggestively.

She drew close again and kissed the other corner of his mouth. Then she kissed his chin, followed by his nose, ears and neck. Each time returning to his lips and lingering a little closer than before.

When he could take it no longer, he grabbed her shoulders, Enough teasing, woman. He kissed her hard at first, then tenderly. When he pulled away, he asked, How am I gonna stand in there beside you, looking downright amazing in that dress, and still be able to put together two words for a groom’s speech?

She rubbed her hand down his cheek, Oh, honey, I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with something. She leaned close and whispered in his ear, Think of it this way, the sooner we get started, the sooner we can get on with our honeymoon.

He shoved past her and unlocked the door. She laughed as he stepped out the door and called to the coming throng of people, C’mon everybody! Party’s in here.

The crowd followed them inside and made a line to congratulate the new bride and groom.

After the cutting of the cake and the punch toasts, Amy’s mom, Lovie Walker, stood and gently tapped her punch glass. May I have everyone’s attention, please? When the crowd quieted, she continued, Thank you. It's time for Amy and Michael to give their bride and groom speeches now. So, without any further delay, I present Mrs. Amy Walk…, er, I mean, Mrs. Amy Crane.

As their family and friends applauded, Amy stood to face them. Thank you all for coming to celebrate our wedding day. It means a great deal to both of us. You all know that I am the speech-maker of the family, and I had the perfect one all written down. But, seeing all of you here today makes me want to say something from my heart, not my head. So, here goes. First, I’d like to thank God for sending this wonderful man into my life. Michael reached up and grabbed her hand. As you all know, he came to my sister, Andrea, first, she paused as the crowd laughed and Andrea blushed. But, when they decided that they made better friends than mates, God opened my eyes to how wonderful and special he is. She could tell that the crowd’s ooo’s and aaa’s had made Michael blush, but she continued. Next, I would like to thank Michael for being absolutely everything I could ever want in a man. He has shown me more love than I ever thought possible. She turned back to the crowd, And, lastly, I’d like to thank my family, the Walkers, for being so supportive of me and taking me in when I needed someone to love me and care for me. Many of you know our story and how much I had to overcome, but without the Walkers, I never would have been able to do that. Whether we are blood related or not, they are still my family. So, she raised her punch glass, here’s to family, both old and new, and to friends, past, present, and future. Thank you all.

The crowd applauded, though some cried, and Amy took her seat. Michael kissed his new wife’s hand and stood. Well, how do I top that? The audience chuckled and he continued, I, also, would like to thank God for bringing me this lovely woman you see before you today. She is a blessing given to me straight from Heaven. I will cherish her all the days of my life. After another round of ooo’s and aaa’s, he carried on, And, thank you to the Walker’s for allowing me the privilege of dating two of their daughters, laughter filled the room, and marrying one of them. He looked at Luke and Lovie with great esteem, I am forever in your debt. He raised his glass toward them.

I’m sure we can work something out, Luke retorted.

The crowd and the bride cackled as Michael pressed on, Lastly, I would just like to say… Y’all need to hurry up and eat cake, so we can get out of here.

Amy gasped, covered her face with her hands then laughed hysterically.

The crowd was wild with laughter and shouts from all the men rang out clearly. Michael sat and turned to Amy, who was beet red, Well? How was that?

Amy smiled, When I said you would come up with something, I didn’t mean for you to say exactly what came into your head. She tried to sound scolding, but her face was too cheerful for him to feel scorned.

He grabbed her hand and kissed it, You know me so well. She laughed and slapped his arm playfully.

Amy's sister, Andrea and her husband Andrew, were the matron of honor and best man. Part of their duties was to serve the bride and groom, which they did fabulously. They brought Amy and Michael their food, cake, and punch. Later, they also brought them the gifts that were brought by the guests, and stood close by as the bride and groom opened them.

After the reception, Michael and Amy headed over to the Walker’s house to retrieve their luggage. The entire Walker family had pitched in to pay for their secret honeymoon. Amy’s three sisters, Annie, Andrea, and Adelaide, packed her suitcase for her, while her brother’s-in-law packed Michael's suitcase.

When Michael had packed the luggage into the car, Luke and Lovie handed him two envelopes. This one, Lovie pointed, isn’t to be opened until you get to your destination. Every couple needed a little spending money on their honeymoon. Luke and Lovie had generously provided them with plenty.

Which is where, exactly? Amy asked.

Open the second envelope, Luke instructed.

Michael did as he was told. With eyes wide, he asked, New York City?

Amy grabbed the plane tickets from his hand, You’re kidding. Are you serious? She leaped into her father’s arms and hugged his neck. New York City? I’ve always wanted to go there!

I know, punkin, Luke grinned. Thought it would make the perfect wedding present. Not to mention, the perfect honeymoon spot, he winked.

Amy slapped her dad’s arm playfully and then hugged her mom, Oh, thank you, mom.

You’re very welcome, sweetie. Now, Lovie held her at arm’s length, your plane leaves in a few hours, so make sure you get there early. The kids have packed weather appropriate clothes in your suitcases. I hear they are having snow up there, so be careful.

We will, mom. Thanks, again. Amy kissed her mom’s cheek.

Michael shook Luke’s hand, Thank you, sir.

Our pleasure, son. Now, y’all better get a move on. Call us when you get there, Luke ordered.

We will. I promise. Amy hugged her parents one last time and climbed into the car.

Michael shook Luke’s hand again, and received a hug from Lovie. Take good care of her, son, Lovie ordered with tears in her eyes.

Michael winked at her, Count on it. He climbed into the car, kissed his bride and took off to begin their lives together.

Chapter 1

Michael rolled over, kissed his wife’s cheek, and whispered, Happy Anniversary, sweetheart.

Amy turned onto her back and smiled sleepily, Happy Anniversary to you, too.

Michael loved that dreamy eyed look she wore every morning. I have to go in to work early if I’m gonna get off in time for our anniversary dinner.

Okay. I love you. She had barely slept last night from the excitement of their first anniversary dinner. Michael had made such a big deal about planning the whole thing, and keeping it a surprise, that her mind wandered all night long with anticipation.

I love you, too, darlin’. Have a good day, and I’ll call you later with a few details, he winked. He had promised to give her a few clues throughout the day.

Amy rolled over and closed her eyes as he left. Luckily, she had taken the day off, so she could sleep a little while longer. She tossed and turned just as she