Hope's Haven

By Chrissy Yacoub

After the tragic loss of her husband two years ago writer Hope Lovett picked up the pieces of her shattered life and started over by opening up an inn that serves as a shelter off the coast of Cape Cod while pursuing her dream of writing. There as she tries to help other lost souls she finds that she too takes refuge in continuing the legacy her heroic Navy Seal husband whose life mission was helping others.
Things finally look up for her and her son Taylor when her best friend and confidant Dominic moves to Cape Cod to help Hope run the inn. However, mysterious murders begin happening on the island that mimic Hope's latest novel. Soon after, Hope and Dominic discover that this killer has been studying and watching Hope. As they investigate further, they realize that this murderer is closer than they think and could possibly be one of Hope's guests. Now she must figure out who and why she is being targeted before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456749033

Chrissy Yacoub

Chrissy Yacoub is a published author of six books, including a poetry book. Writing at an early age and pursuing her goal adamantly, she had her first novel published at nineteen. Yacoub has also tried her hands at song writing proving that there is no avenue of the written craft she is not willing to explore. She attributes much of her success to her fan base and has claimed that without them, she wouldnt be where she is today. She continues to write in the fiction genre with Lost Soul being her first psychological thriller to date dealing with the human emotions we all experience in dealing with the loss of a truly loved one and the many effects it takes on us both emotionally and mentally. Yacoubs last two novels Autumns Apparitions and its sequel Ghostly Echoes, received phenomenal reviews as Yacoub dealt with the issue of Does a soul linger after death to complete unfinished business? Her novel Cultures Colliding was a fiction-based book set in the backdrop of nine eleven and deals with the issues that arise when two people of different backgrounds and religion fall in love despite their families objections. Her other novels Somewhere Out There and The Dreamers tenderly explore the issues that young adults face such as love, finding themselves in their careers and not allowing themselves to walk in the shadows of others. Check out Chrissy Yacoubs works and remember to read Whispers in the Breeze; a beautiful collection of poetry that inspires and captures human emotions so precisely and expresses them into the written word that Yacoub has clearly demonstrated over and over she is a pro at doing.

Book preview

Hope’s Haven

Chrissy Yacoub

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2011 Chrissy Yacoub. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 3/24/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4567-4903-3 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-4904-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-4905-7 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011903842

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This book is dedicated to the Dominic in my life.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Epilogue

Prologue

The waves crashed with such intensity against the shoreline expressing their anger while the lightning flashed against the midnight sky sending sparks of light zigzagging across the atmosphere. The symphony of nature was concluded with the roar of the thunder before complete and utter silence encompassed her and for a brief moment she thought, actually hoped and prayed, that the last few hours she experienced had just been one big, bad nightmare.

But as she crawled on hands and knees in the wet sand; her clothes tarnished and torn from a battle in which she clearly was on the losing end, she knew all too well that this was very much real. She had been ravaged and left for dead.

But thankfully the ocean hitting her battered body awakened her with the sense of urgency that she had to find shelter. Her head felt as though it would explode with a throbbing pain so sharp it was as though a thousand spears were stabbing her without showing any signs of mercy.

The beach was so dark; not even a moon was out tonight. She knew she was going to die out here and nobody would find her body for days, if ever. Perhaps the waves would end up sweeping her beneath the far depths of the ocean where the sea life would eat away at her remains and wash all evidence of blood away. Or maybe she would just collapse on the wet sand and be discovered the following day by a jogger out for a morning run in hopes that the salty air would rejuvenate him only to discover that it would do the opposite when he stumbles upon a decayed corpse with seagulls chewing on what was left of a body too unrecognizable for words and a spirit that died long before.

But before she could give up she noticed a light in the near distance. It first appeared as a tiny speck; a glimmer of hope in what appeared to be a futile situation.

With every last bit of strength and determination not to die, she inched her way to the light praying to the God in heaven if He still existed and had not abandoned her, to find another human soul; a kind human soul, who would help her. But was there still such a soul? She wondered. Do kind souls still exist? Surely there had to be a few left on this godforsaken earth.

But with death knocking on her door she knew that any option at this point would be better than the alternative.

As she got closer to the light she discovered that it was coming from a tower. It was a lighthouse! Its light had been circulating out into the ocean on this cold, dark stormy night guiding the ships who were unfortunate enough to be out in the inclement weather.

She raised her arms in the air in despair and in hopes to be seen for her body could no longer take her any further. And that was when she collapsed once again in the moist sand that welcomed her body. The next thing she saw was black….

*   *   *

Are you still writing?

The voice startled Hope Lovett to the point where she practically jumped to the ceiling of her bedroom overlooking the vast, mysterious yet beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

She turned to her husband with a look of annoyance on her face. But even when she was irritated with him her lips managed to form a slight grin that always brightened up her already elegant facial features. How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me when I’m writing? she declared.

I didn’t sneak up on you honey. You were so intrigued by your current masterpiece that you didn’t hear me knock, Curtis grinned slyly as he feigned looking over her shoulder to sneak a glance at her computer monitor.

Hope immediately stood up to block his view and remarked, You know the rules about reading my material before I’m finished.

Curtis nodded before he wrapped his arms around his wife and with one quick motion pulled her to him in his strong arms for an embrace.

His lips immediately found hers and she showed no resistance as she allowed him to kiss her with fervor while she returned it with more passion of her own.

Where’s Taylor? she whispered when he pulled away slightly.

I managed to trick Dominic and Courtney into taking him to the Christmas Stroll so we can have some alone time, Curtis said sheepishly.

Hope playfully slapped him. They are our guests, she cried. You were supposed to be entertaining them.

They’re your friends, Curtis emphasized.

I told you, my editor wanted me to finish this chapter by tonight, Hope said.

But it’s Christmas, Curtis whined making every effort to sound like their six year old.

It made Hope laugh as she nodded her head in agreement. You’re right. He’ll just have to wait for this, she said. After all good things are worth waiting for.

Curtis nodded and drew her close to him again. Lord knows that was true when I waited for you.

She allowed him to kiss her again before she pulled away and said. Grab your coat.

Why? Curtis asked looked disheartened.

We’re going to join in on the festivities, Hope said.

I was hoping we’d have our own festivities up here, Curtis said with a grin.

Hope shook her head with a smile. Curtis Lovett you have a one track mind.

Can’t argue there, Curtis said before he turned serious. Oh all right. I suppose we can go out there and check it out…for Taylor’s sake.

Thank you, Hope said as she watched Curtis practically disappear inside their walk-in closet to grab his coat and gloves.

She couldn’t help but admire this man she was married to for six years and think to herself how much she was so in love with him. It was almost like they were still courting rather than married with a child. Every day was filled with surprises and so much joy that they never tired. Of course Hope heard of something called the seven year itch, but she just thought it was ridiculous. Why after seven years would couples get restless? What was so special about the number seven?

No, Hope didn’t believe in such nonsense. She knew she would love her husband forever and she only prayed he would feel the same. She stood back and admired his physique and it wasn’t a bad one at that to say the least. Years of being in the Navy and the harsh trainings had turned his body into a machine. He was buff in all the right places with a washboard stomach and pecks that begged to be touched.

His hair was golden like a summer sunrise at Cape Cod and his skin a chestnut brown from being outdoors so much. Every time Hope looked into his emerald eyes she lost herself all over again.

He caught her staring at him as he slipped into his coat and gave her a curious expression. Rather than tell him that she was just feeling so incredibly blessed she knew that they’d never leave so she just told him that was trying to figure out which coat to wear for the Christmas Stroll.

The Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend was a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. It was a way to encourage locals to do their holiday shopping on the island, stimulate the local economy and provide an enjoyable social event. In the beginning, the event was known as the ‘Nantucket Shoppers Stroll’ and was held on a Friday evening for two hours. Stores would remain open late, and shoppers would stroll from shop to shop where owners would offer seasonal goodies, a chance to socialize with friends and neighbors and of course purchase their holiday gifts. Over the years, the event gained popularity, due strictly to word of mouth. Summer residents and seasonal home owners returned to the island in December for what became a fashionable event and often brought their family and friends. The event eventually was expanded to encompass the entire weekend. By the early 1990’s, the event had grown to encompass the entire season.

The holiday season begins the first Friday after Thanksgiving with an Annual Tree Lighting and Community Caroling event. Nothing was more picturesque than the antique cobblestone filled town illuminated by over 150 Christmas trees, while sounds of the carolers filled the air.

Hope remembered the first time she saw it. It was a magical experience for her; especially since she was born and raised in Southern California where this kind of winter wonderland didn’t exist.

One of the highlights of the Christmas Stroll, and certainly little Taylor’s favorite, is a Main Street parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive by Coast Guard vessel, rather than sleigh, and ride up Main Street in a horse drawn carriage accompanied by the town crier. There were also carolers in Victorian costumes and a Magical Talking Tree to entertain the little ones. The shops and restaurants open and feature holiday themed window decorations and often offer hot toddies and cookies to visitors. It was truly a charming way to experience a little bit of an old-fashioned Christmas as well as get some early shopping accomplished.

Honey it doesn’t matter, you look gorgeous in anything you wear anyway, Curtis remarked and Hope felt herself blush.

Another amazing thing that she couldn’t get over was that after six years of marriage her husband could still make her blush.

Are Noah and Sebastian tending the tower tonight? Hope asked.

Yeah they insisted actually, Curtis said. They are such great guys.

Hope couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

Noah Ellis was Curtis’ cousin and partner when it came to the lighthouse along with his good friend Sebastian Manning. The Lovett Lighthouse was a beacon purchased by Curtis’ many great grandfathers ago in the days of yore when lighthouses were still a thing of very much in use.

Lightkeeping began on the West Coast in 1859 when George Davies stepped off the boat from England to tend Fisgard light. Fisgard was the first of 59 lighthouses erected over the next 100 years along the BC coast. Although lights were established on the East Coast as early as 1733, it wasn’t until the shipping boom of the late 19th century that the federal government decided more lighthouses were needed in the West. By that time, hundreds of lives had already been lost to the 27,200 kilometers of unmarked coastline.

Hope remembered the stories Curtis would tell her about how life was not easy for early light keepers like his great, great grandfathers. With no assistance, no escape in times of crisis, and no emergency communications, keepers were sometimes reduced to flying their flag upside down in the hope of being seen by-a passing vessel. Others were forced to make perilous trips in their own small rowboats, more than once perishing in view of their horrified families. More often, however, it was passing mariners who had the emergencies and the keepers who had to make dangerous, sometimes heroic, efforts to save them.

Even now Hope could recall how dangerous it still is for Curtis and she worried about him often despite his reassurance that he was all right. His father passed the lighthouse down to Curtis because he and his wife wanted to retire and move some place where the winters weren’t so cold. Since Curtis had no brothers or sisters it went to him. His father told him he could do whatever he wanted with it. Curtis always wanted to take over the light keeping business despite how obsolete it was becoming. Aside from Lovett Lighthouse, very other few working lighthouses existed in New England.

But Curtis, after having been in the Navy and on ships for so many years and growing up on the beach, loved the water and wanted a career in which he could help people yet stay close to the ocean.

He was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for a long time while in the service, which was how he met Hope who lived in San Diego all of her life. One of Curtis’ passions was reading and he had always admired Hope’s work. So when he learned she lived in San Diego and he was stationed there he looked her up to see when her next local book signing was scheduled. Much to his delight he didn’t need to wait long. She was going to be at a Barnes N’ Noble not far from his base. He made it a point to attend and as expected it was packed.

After standing in line for hours, he discovered that the store was going to close when there were still people in line waiting for Hope to sign their books. The store lamely apologized for the inconvenience as they called it but they couldn’t stay open overtime. He was heartbroken until he met a beautiful young lady who had her eye on him the entire evening. She finally approached him and introduced herself as Courtney Whitaker, who turned out to be Dominic’s sister, two of Hope’s dearest friend. She told him that she couldn’t help but notice his disappointment and she knew the author personally so she’d see to it that Hope made sure to sign a book for him.

Curtis was overjoyed and grateful to her. Sure enough when all was said and done and the bookstore kicked everybody out, including Hope and her friends, Courtney made sure to introduce them. What Courtney didn’t count on was the two of them instantly hitting it off and Curtis asking her out. Hope agreed and then later learned that Courtney had her eye on him the entire time. Hope offered to cancel the date but Courtney insisted that she go and let Fate take over the rest.

Fate indeed stepped in and it was almost love at first sight between Hope and Curtis whose first date led to what was supposed to be a lifetime of happiness.

They continued their correspondence via the written word since Curtis had to return to his base to finish off the rest of his service.

Their love only intensified through their letters. When he was finished serving, he informed her of his desires to move back to New England and take over his father’s lighthouse business. But he told her he didn’t want to move without her because he wanted to marry her.

Thrilled, Hope had agreed and told him she’d love to live in a cottage by a lighthouse and write. So that’s exactly what happened and Hope has lived here with Curtis and now their six year old son Taylor for six years now; happy as ever.

Things were great afterwards. Sure Hope missed her family and friends back home dearly but she grew to love Massachusetts and felt as though she had lived there all her life. And not only that, but she and Dominic, her closest friend in the world, wrote to each other so much it felt as though they were together. And on holidays, such as this one, they’d always visit. Everything was perfect and just kept getting better with little Taylor now six years old and such a happy and friendly child.

But Hope couldn’t help recalling that they did run into a very difficult time not too long ago. It was a year ago after Christmas on a dark and stormy night on the island. Hope was in front of her computer like most nights and Curtis was tending the lighthouse. Taylor was already fast asleep as it was horrible weather to be outside or do anything else. It was late anyway and Hope wanted to call it a night herself. But she wanted to wait for Curtis who told her that it was a quiet night and he’d turn in soon since it wasn’t expected that anybody would be crazy enough to be out in such inclement weather.

But that’s when it happened.

The beacon’s light caught something far in the distance out in the ocean. Their cottage was perched atop a cliff, which was necessary to give the lighthouse a height advantage to better help locate ships in distress in the far horizon. The spot in the distance aroused Curtis’ curiosity as he took a closer look. Even with binoculars, the speck in the distance was hard to detect. But he was sure something or someone was out there.

Curtis had immediately summoned the coast guard but being the natural hero that he was, he couldn’t wait for them to arrive; especially since every minute was crucial in the wicked storm.

Hope pleaded with him not to go out there but he couldn’t just sit there and do nothing. With a raincoat and plenty of determination, Curtis headed out with the intention of taking the steps that they had built down the cliff and taking one of their many extra boats to head out to sea.

Sure enough, there was someone drowning. How he or she ended up in the middle of the ocean on a night like that remained a mystery. When Curtis was able to reach her and bring her to shore they discovered it was a child; barely a teenager. It was only a child and it was too late. Her lungs had filled with so much water she was gone.

Hope shivered at the memory every time she recalled it. She knew how much Curtis blamed himself even though Hope reassured him time and time again that he did all he could and there was nothing more he could have done. But Curtis felt if he would have just seen her sooner or acted quicker she would have made it.

Afterwards they made every attempt to locate the child’s family only to discover that she was a runaway. After the police tracked down her parents, Curtis had insisted on meeting them to apologize in person but he was informed by the authorities they were not to be disturbed. But Curtis still persisted on knowing who this girl was whom he blamed himself for losing. All they told him was that her name was Angel. And now Angel would fly with the other angles in heaven forever.

The incident had haunted Curtis ever since and even today he’d wake up on some nights screaming and in a terrible sweat and Hope would just hold him in her arms and hush him back to sleep like she had done with Taylor when he was a baby.

The event almost had caused Curtis to shut down the lighthouse altogether, but with Hope’s encouragement he didn’t. And she knew he was grateful to her from dissuading him because he loved what he did and he thrived at saving others. And he had saved so many since then, which Hope always prayed would compensate for the one he lost.

Curtis was such a hero in Hope’s eyes and she modeled so many of her characters on him like the current piece she was working on, which was specifically another reason she didn’t want him reading it before she was finished.

The blaring sound of the fog horn awakened Hope from her memory as she and Curtis exchanged brief glances before Curtis dashed in an instant out of the room and to the top tower to see what Noah and Sebastian were looking at.

There! Sebastian pointed in a panic-stricken mode.

There in the near distance was a figure; it appeared to be a woman. She looked frantic and was flailing her arms up in despair. The night was clear enough; Curtis didn’t need to squint too much as he looked through the binoculars and cried, Someone’s in trouble.

He immediately rushed passed Noah, Sebastian and Hope who had been standing behind them and called out, Call 9-1-1!

Noah wasted no time in doing so while he kept the lens concentrated on the figure for focus.

A sinking feeling grew in the pit of Hope’s stomach. This was too close for comfort to what she was just writing about.

She couldn’t sit still and knew Curtis would be furious with her if she followed him as he had instructed her many times never to do such a thing because he didn’t want to risk her life to peril. But Hope doubted any danger was in store for her as she bolted right after her husband while Noah and Sebastian stayed behind.

Hope must have flown out the cottage door keeping her eyes focused on the where the light was shining since there was also no moon out that night to help.

But much to her dismay, the beacon’s light went black. As soon as it did, the entire beach went black since there were no other houses around and certainly no street lights to offer any glimmer or hint of a glow.

Unable to locate Curtis anymore she called out to him. The night was bone-chilling cold but all Hope could think about was finding Curtis. She continued screaming out his name only to hear her own voice echoing back at her in the still of the winter’s night.

Curtis! she cried, a feeling of trepidation mixed with desperation growing more and more profound with every step she took.

Curtis!

She made her way down the steps of the cliff frantically.

Where could he have gone? She thought. She knew he could run like the wind, but this was ridiculous. And why had the light given out?

Curtis!

Then to her relief, the beacon’s light shone again and it pointed to the sea. Noah and Sebastian must have gotten it working again, Hope thought with gratitude. But as the light shown its brightness toward the ocean ahead of her, all Hope could see was darkness as waves crashed mercilessly unto the bluffs.

Curtis!

But her voice was interrupted when she tripped over something in the sand that caused her to stumble and send her body tumbling down. She hit her head against some rocks but shook off the pain determined to find Curtis.

Screaming and limping she ran across the beach but her ankles gave out and she fell against the sand again and this time passed out.

When she came to she was no longer on the beach; but rather in a hospital bed with Noah and Sebastian by her side.

Curtis! she cried trying to sit up.

Don’t do that, Sebastian said gently. You have a slight concussion; you need to take it easy.

Where is Curtis? Is he all right? Did you find him?

Sebastian and Noah exchanged glances and Noah took her hands in his gently before he told her that Curtis was gone. They never found his body and he was declared dead.

Nooooo! she shrieked. He’s not dead! He can’t be. Curtis!

She tried to get up but Noah and Sebastian wouldn’t allow her. The next sound heard was Hope’s horrified shriek that echoed against the walls of the hospital before complete and utter silence.

Chapter 1

Two years later

Dear Dominic, your last email brought a smile to my otherwise dismal disposition. Before you worry; everything is fine; I truly mean that. Little Taylor; that sweet boy, is doing great. He is excited as ever because school will be out soon for the holiday break. I think that is making me so melancholy; it is always a very hard time of year for me considering it is when I lost my beloved Curtis, God rest his soul. I want to thank you for the generous offer you made inviting me to not only come and visit for the holidays, but also to stay with you. But as I’ve told you before, Nantucket is my home. I cannot imagine living anywhere else now and this is the only home that Taylor has ever known. It is the only place that still holds so many memories of his father here; and memories are all we have left of him.

I know you worry about us being here, but I have the business now and it is actually what has been keeping me going when I thought I would lose my mind so many times the last year. You should see this place now. It is at least three times the size of when you last saw it but still has its elegant charm. I am actually looking into hiring more front office staff because it is becoming too much for Sebastian, Noah and I. I feel as though I am truly making a difference in peoples’ lives here. Why, just the other day a woman left a note at the front desk for me giving this place such high praise and saying how she never experienced such hospitality in her life and that before she came here she felt as though she had nothing left for her in this world. But now she feels as close to God than ever before. She actually credited this place and me for that! I don’t know about that, but I know that so many look at this place as much more than an inn. It is a place of refuge, a haven for them. It is a place they can escape the world; meditate and get back what they lost or perhaps find something they may or may not have been looking for.

Perhaps it is the quality of life here; the lazy summer days and the cozy winter nights. Even in the midst of this terrible winter, which the meteorologists say is the worst winter that New England has seen in years, it still manages to maintain a cozy, home-like quality to it. Perhaps it is the soothing ocean in the near distance that brings a type of solace to peoples’ hearts and calms their restless spirits. And the fact that it sits far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whatever the case may be it is become many peoples’ beacon of hope just like it has for me. Though I miss you and Courtney terribly, please understand my reasons for staying. My door to you though is always open.

I am glad to hear Courtney is doing well. What about you though? You really haven’t met anybody new? I know we email all the time, but have there been no dates since the divorce? Are you looking? I know I’m prying but that’s all right because it’s me and that’s what best friends do – they pry. And I do it because I love you and I just want you to be happy. You will find the one; I know it. You are a wonderful man and someone will see that one day like I have. In fact, it’s not just this place and Taylor keeping me going but it’s our friendship that has saved me on so many occasions. That is the beauty of friendship; it knows no distance, time or space. And though I’ve learned a long time ago that nothing is forever; I believe the power of friendship, like love, transcends even death. I pray I have you by my side always. You have no idea how much our friendship has been my anchor when I have felt like I would sink all these years; especially after I lost Curtis.

I have a confession to make to you. Since Curtis’ passing I’ve thought long and hard about this but didn’t know how to approach you. Then I wasn’t going to tell you at all simply because the idea was a bit ludicrous in the sense of you’re there and I’m here. I’ve always wanted you to adopt Taylor. I know it’s a huge thing to ask and like I said, ludicrous since we live on opposite sides of the map. I just want you to know that if there was ever a father I’d want for Taylor other than his real daddy of course, it would be you. He already thinks of you as an uncle and in many ways a father-figure. I cannot think of a more suitable male role model in his life but you. But unfortunately my home is here and I can’t just pick up and move. I know we visit, but it wouldn’t be right asking such a thing of you and then telling Taylor when he can hardly ever see you; hence why I haven’t mentioned it.

It’s funny but there was a time in my life when I thought that writing was all I needed to be happy. I thought I’d live a peaceful solitary life with just my laptop and me. But after I met Curtis and realized that fairy tales could exist outside of a novel, I have craved nothing else. Even my writing these days doesn’t provide me the solace I need. But like I mentioned, this business of helping others has changed my life. Now I know why it was so important for Curtis to keep this lighthouse after his father passed it down to him. It wasn’t just a lighthouse; it was a beacon of hope to those in danger.

Here I go again rambling in my emails. I love you for putting up with them; the burden you must bear for having a writer as a best friend. But it helps for me to vent to you and pour out my emotions like I do. Every time I see an email from you awaiting me in my inbox I am like a child at Christmas; ever so anxious to open it up and read its contents. You are truly so special to me and I never want you forget that. I must let you go for now. But I look forward to your next email in which you can bet I will offer a prompt response. I love you. Say hello to Courtney for me.

*   *   *

Hope

She pressed send just as one of her guests Lucas Thompson approached the front desk.

Ms. Lovett?

Hope looked up from her keyboard and smiled warmly at the gentleman who stood in front of her.

How many times did I tell you to call me Hope? she said with a soft chuckle.

The old man smiled kindly at her. God bless you child, he remarked. Hope, I hate to be a burden but it seems I dropped my toothbrush in the toilet. When you get to be my age the amount of clumsiness increases as well as the severity.

Say no more, Hope said with a soft smile.

She got up and disappeared into a room in the far corner of the downstairs lobby and reappeared in what was a second later with a toothbrush in her hand.

Here you go. But next time, you know you can just pick up the phone and call me and either I or one of my trusted employees will be at your door.

Thank you, my dear, you are a God sent, Lucas remarked as he patted Hope on the arm. But I need the exercise. At my age, every step I take is a blessing. Besides, I purposely want to see your beautiful face.

You dropped that toothbrush on purpose, didn’t you? Hope said with a laugh.

You caught me, Lucas said throwing his hands up in the air as if in surrender.

Hope watched as the old man retreated back to his room as her heart filled with such warmth.

*   *   *

Lucas was still smiling when he went back to his room. What a sweet girl. She was truly the granddaughter he never had.

He was a kind old man in his seventies, but one wouldn’t have guessed that by just looking at him for he was as fit as a fiddle and his mind was sharper than anything Hope had ever seen. He had just lost his wife of fifty five years to cancer and had no other family to turn to because they had no children due to his wife being unable to conceive. So having no other family or relatives, he decided to move to a small town in rural Vermont. But he fell into a state of depression so he turned to books to occupy his mind and his time.

That was when he decided to read some of his wife’s favorite novels that he couldn’t bring himself to throw away. And in that collection of favorites was Hope’s books. That was how he discovered this place. When he read the biography that Hope always includes in all her books he learned that not only was she a famous and talented writer, but she was also the keeper of this lighthouse converted into an inn. Even though he was seventy five, he knew his way around the internet. He immediately Googled the place and read the fanfare and the glorious reviews it received from people young and old and all over the countryside both in the States and outside. And even though this place was just recently renovated to accommodate guests since it had been just a simple lighthouse prior to that, it was already quite popular.

And he could see why. Never on all his time here on earth had he fathomed such a place existed. It was a combination inn/shelter, retreat from the world. He was treated with such kindness and warmth. This lady who managed it wasn’t only a keeper and owner of this place, but she took genuine interest in all her guests to the point of sitting and talking to them and making it a mission to learn about them rather than making a measly penny out of them.

In fact, he recalled his first night there a week ago; he had been so troubled and depressed thinking about his beloved Dorothy and it was as though she could read his mind and could see his very soul. She sat him down, offered him a cup of freshly brewed tea, and offered him an ear. She was so pleasant and easy to talk to that he found himself telling her about his wife, their marriage and her ultimate passing on into the next world. She was so kind, such a good listener, and so compassionate that he found himself instantly feeling better.

He wasn’t planning on staying long, but he took such a liking to the place and this charming girl that he found himself wanting to linger. She was such a sweetheart that she told him that he could stay as long as he wants and she’d turn away any guests who inquired; even if it meant losing guests should he choose to leave without notice.

She couldn’t care less about the money; but then again, she was a best-selling author who didn’t need another business to help her stay afloat. So he knew she didn’t have this place for the money; but rather for her own personal gratification; he even wondered if perhaps, it was also helping her in return.

Hope took a deep breath and sighed. What a sweet man that Lucas was, she thought. She loved all her guests. She especially liked him; he was such a grandfather type of figure. And her heart truly went out to him after the loss of his wife. God knows Hope could certainly relate to that. There is no bigger sting than that of death; especially the death of someone you truly love.

But rather than feel melancholy Hope focused on what she does have, her sweet Taylor who is now eight years and very big right now. He was so excited about the holiday season. But then again most children are. They are still so innocent; the cruelty of reality has not yet shown its ugly head to them. Hope prayed that Taylor would stay as innocent as long as possible.

As if reading her thoughts Taylor came rushing into the room in a bundle of energy with Noah, who had picked him up from school, standing at the door. Mommy I had such a great day at school today!

Tell me about it, Hope said her face lighting up like a candle upon seeing her son.

The teacher gave us a homework assignment, Taylor cried, his bangs covering his forehead as he spoke.

Hope had been meaning to trim his hair for the longest time, but she just hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

He was still the most adorable kid she had ever seen; even though she did have a biased opinion. He had been very scrawny as a baby and even up until a year ago, which had concerned Hope who always made sure he was eating well. But this past year he gained a few more pounds, which didn’t make him look so anemic anymore; although he was still considered underweight for his age. Hope attributed that to him being overactive.

Every time she looked at him she remembered his father. He had so many features that Curtis had from his deep, impenetrable emerald eyes to his sandy brown hair as smooth as silk. His smile brought out his dimples; another attribute of his father’s, and Hope always knew that he would grow up to be a heartbreaker, just like his daddy.

Hope picked him up and put him on top of her desk where he always liked to sit and dangle his feet. She stood in front of him and placed both her hands on his legs as he excitedly spoke.

We have to write about a hero, Taylor said. Someone great like Superman or Spiderman or something, and he can be real or made up and then we have to put a picture of him.

Wow! That sounds like a fun assignment, Hope exclaimed. Let me guess who your hero is going to be.

Hope put a finger to her chin and feigned being deep in thought before she said, I think you’re going to choose Captain America!

Hope knew her son adored Marvel comics, but he shook his head. No. I want to write about daddy.

The comment took Hope by surprise and she was at a loss for words for awhile. Your daddy? she asked.

Well yeah, he was always saving people and helping others, Taylor said.

There was a sting in Hope’s heart as she bit down on her quivering lip to prevent herself from crying. She remembered how Curtis would take Taylor up in the tower with him as he was navigating the sea and put him on his lap while explaining to him how important his job was because he was helping the ships in the ocean that might have found themselves in trouble during a storm. He was only six years old at the time and Hope didn’t think he really understood what his father was telling him. He did enjoy being so high up in the tower and took a fascination with all the equipment up there that was used to navigate the ships.

After his death, Hope would sit and talk to Taylor all the time about Curtis; afraid that he might forget his father. She too, explained to her son what a true hero his father had been and how she opened up this business to follow in his footsteps of helping others. Of course the lighthouse was no longer in use, but Hope had the little cottage in which they resided reconstructed and completely revamped so that it would turn into an inn. They still had their cottage separate from the inn but the inn was right next door, which proved to be quite convenient since she lived right next door to the business and could come any time she was needed. It was rare since she had a great staff working for her, but there were occasions guests wanted only Hope. And it was mostly because they needed a friend more than anything else. Hope didn’t want it to be an ordinary inn, there were many scattered across New England and particularly the Cape Cod area, but she wanted this place to be a haven for those troubled souls who truly had suffered tragedies in their lives or were dealing with issues that required them to retreat from the world around them and find solace and shelter.

Will you read it after I’m done? Taylor asked interrupting Hope’s thoughts.

She didn’t realize that her eyes were filled with tears as she looked down at her son and said, I’d love to honey.

And now, Hope figured that her son really did know what his father was all about.

Where’s Destiny?

Felicia is walking him, Hope said. She just loves that dog. But you can hang out with Mom down here until she comes back.

I have homework, Taylor said.

When is your paper due?

Right after Christmas break, Taylor said.

Wow, so you have a while to work on it, Hope said. You want help? Your mommy is a writer you know?

You can just read it afterwards, Taylor asked.

Of course, Hope said, still feeling that she wanted to cry but refused to damper the moment in front of Taylor.

But he was anxious to run along and start his homework. Hope laughed in spite of herself in hopes that he’ll always be this excited for schoolwork, but she knew that was hardly likely.

He gave Hope a kiss on the cheek as she watched him scurry off with Noah to their cottage.

It was like the faucet she tried so hard to control burst a pipe and Hope’s tears fell in endless sheets. She immediately went back to her laptop and sat down. Despite the fact that she had just emailed Dominic she felt the need to write again. This was quite normal since she considered Dominic to be her diary. She always turned to him when she needed to pour her emotions out, vent or just write down her random thoughts.

It had always been that way between them. When Hope lived in California she and Dominic were inseparable; not just by being together a lot but also by emails, phone calls and anything else that can help them communicate. They were each other’s confidantes, best friends and journals.

Nothing changed when Hope moved to New England, except of course that they couldn’t see each other as often. But other than that, they were in constant communication and anything and everything that happened in their lives, they were the first to tell each other.

And when Curtis died, Dominic was there and would not leave her side. In fact, Hope was pretty sure that she could never have gone through that whole experience without him.

Hope had another friend Courtney who was also her close friend as well as Dominic’s sister, but she wasn’t as close to Hope as Dominic who seemed to have such a close bond that not even distance could severe.

Hope went to her email and quickly composed a new message.

Hi you, it’s me again. I know I just pushed send but right after I did that, Taylor came home from school and told me about a homework assignment given to them. He’s supposed to write about a hero of his; fictional or real, and why he considers that person a hero. I thought he was going to choose a cartoon character or superhero or something. But he chose Curtis! Oh Dominic, he chose his daddy. As soon as he told me, it took every bit of me not to burst into tears. Of course it’s tears of joy that Taylor not only remembers his daddy but remembers him that way. I know that he was six years old when Curtis died, so it’s not like he was a baby, but still. Children are children and I wasn’t sure if he remembered his father and how he remembered him. But to learn that he thinks of him as his personal hero, gosh, it just warms my heart and breaks it all over again.

But I have to remain strong for my son. He is such a loving and happy boy; he truly believes that his daddy is in heaven looking down on him and he talks to him all the time. Sure there are times he comes up to me and asks if I think daddy can hear what he says. Of course I tell him that he can. And I believe that he can too. But it’s just so hard sometimes you know? And this time of the year is the worst. I love Christmas and it will always be my favorite season, but right now it’s just difficult. But Taylor still believes in Santa Claus and you should see how his face lights up at the mere mention of Saint Nick. It is truly amazing and it reminds