Hope's History: Primrose Valley, #3

By Rebecca Andrew

After Hope's boyfriend is murdered in their home, and then stalked, she fled, taking the only thing left that mattered: her son, Alex.

She thought she would finally be safe in Primrose.

She should have known better.

Having lived in the Valley since he was small, it is all Ray knows.

He couldn't imagine anywhere else he'd rather be.

One gorgeous brunette caught his attention from the beginning, but she is hiding something, and he is determined to find out what.

When her stalker finds her, she must open up to her friends and the man she has loved for years, for help before it's too late.

She will do anything to protect her son, anything.

Even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.

This can be read as a standalone novel - but is part of a series.

This is an adult-only romance, with no cliff hanger.

Recommended readers 18years+ as it does contain some strong language, some violence and adult content.

It does touch on difficult themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Andrew
• Release date: May 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393237686

Rebecca Andrew

My name is Rebecca Andrew.  I live in the UK with my daughter Hannah.  I have always loved reading so it was only natural at some point I would write my own stories.  I really hope you enjoy my stories.  Keep an eye out for more of my works. 

Book preview

Synopsis

With her delivery date only three weeks away, both Serena and Ethan are starting to feel the excitement and nervousness that only comes from being soon-to-be first-time parents.

They don’t know if they’re having a boy or a girl.

They wanted to be surprised.

When her waters break, there’s a mad rush to get to the hospital, to the doctors and the midwives in time to deliver their baby, safe and sound.

But the journey there isn’t as smooth as they expected.

Will she get there on time?

Also by Rebecca

Primrose Valley Series

Serena’s Secret

Tina’s Terror

Hope’s History

Charlie’s Concern

Layla’s Loyalty

Rose’s Return

Primrose Valley Collection One (Book 1-3)

Primrose Valley Collection Two (Book 4-6)

Brotherhood Billionaire Series

Francesca

Stranded with the Billionaire

Fling with the Billionaire (coming soon)

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

Copyright © April 2019 by Rebecca Andrew

Cover Art by Rebecca Andrew

Cover Photo: ID 40711246 © Alexandr Sherstobitov | Dreamstime.com

This is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Thank you for purchasing this story.

As a thank you, I have also included, Unexpected Delivery

I hope you enjoy it!

It is a spin-off short from Book One – Serena’s Secret.

It is recommended to read from the beginning, but it can be read as a standalone.

This is a romance with a H.E.A and No cliffhanger.

The Primrose Valley Series is written in British, English.

Chapter 1

Serena pulled up into the petrol station and switched off the engine. She stayed sat behind the steering wheel of her car, her swollen stomach just brushed against it as she tried to keep her breathing steady and even. All afternoon she had experienced discomfort in her stomach, randomly it would go tight and painful, but then it would pass as if never there. She was a little worried as their little bundle of joy wasn’t due for another three weeks.

She’d read all her baby books and knew that at the later stage of pregnancy it was likely, that a mum-to-be would experience Braxton hicks’ contractions. The books said they were mildly painful compared to the real thing, but she disagreed completely. Hers were extremely painful, she supposed that was to be expected with it being her first baby.

When the pain eased and she felt more relaxed, she climbed from the car and stood for a moment to get her baring’s. Lately, she’d had trouble standing up without losing her balance. She had not told Ethan, she didn’t want him to be worried, he was overprotective already and figured he would be more anxious if he knew.

Once she had herself steady, Serena collected her bag and waddled her way around the car to the petrol pump to fill the tank. As she looked around, she noticed that she was the only customer, she wondered why it was so quiet, but as she glanced at her watch, she realized it was almost four o’clock in the afternoon, so the evening rush hour hadn’t started.

Her mind wandered to Ethan and she couldn’t help the smile that appeared on her face. Their relationship had been fast-paced, but she wouldn’t change it for the world.

After the attack at the school, when she was discharged from the hospital, Ethan moved into her home, and it was like he’d always meant to be there. She hadn’t expected to find a man she would feel so at home with. But Ethan had knocked all her protective walls down and embedded himself into her heart, nothing would alter the love she felt for him. She knew where her heart belonged, and that would never change.

The first few weeks after the attack had been hard, she had been plagued with horrible nightmares, nightmares where Keith’s face haunted her, and she relived each punch and kick in her mind. His eyes were burned into her consciousness, just like the cigarette burn that scarred her neck. Thankfully whenever he sneaked into her dreams, Ethan would hold her close until the fear passed.

It was hardest when he was on a shift like he had been the past three nights. When he was on shift, he remained at the station for a few nights and did not come home. But she never told him how vulnerable that made her feel. She didn’t want him to feel guilty for going to work, his job was important. So, she spent her nights alone curled up in his crew sweatshirt, just the scent of him from the clothes soothed her just enough to sleep some.

Then there was Monster, their German Shepherd, he always made her feel better and had taken to sleeping at the foot of their bed. Whenever she was frightened and Ethan wasn’t around, he would be there. Monster would cuddle up to her and rest his head beside her stomach, he’d rumble deep from his chest, somehow he knew the sound eased her discomfort and anxiety.

The baby enjoyed it too. The fluttering’s from the baby’s movements always increased whenever Monster rested his head against her bump.

She fumbled with the pump and placed it back in its holder, then locked the car and waddled across the parking lot to the little shop to pay. Behind the counter was an older woman, who looked to be in her late fifties. Her hair was black with grey wisps and tied back into a loose bun, a pair of glasses hung from a chain around her neck.

Hello my dear, aren’t you glowing! The woman beamed at her.

Thank you, although I do not feel it, Serena admitted as she rubbed her stomach and leaned against the counter. Pump three please.

Well, you look beautiful. When are you due? She asked as she rang up her bill. That will be thirty pounds, please. Cash or card?

Not for another three weeks, she replied then handed over the cash.

Is this your first?

Yes, I’m getting a little nervous now.

You will be fine. When the time comes, just remember to breathe deep and let your body do the rest. Do you know what you are having?

No, my fiancé and I decided to keep it a surprise. Serena smiled.

Aww, now that’s sweet. How about names? Any ideas?

I’m not sure. I’ve read so many name books, but nothing seems to fit.

Ahh well do not worry. The moment your baby is born, and you hold him or her in your arms, you will know what to call your baby.

My mother said that too, Serena admitted and laughed softly.

A wise woman. The lady chuckled then added. I wish you all the best. Remember your breathing classes.

Thank you, I will do. Serena smiled and waved goodbye before she turned and once again waddled back out to her car.

She clambered back into the driver’s seat and adjusted her waistband to ease the discomfort in her stomach.

Part of her wished she was going home; she was extremely tired and wanted nothing more than to curl up in her bed and just sleep.

But that wasn’t what was planned.

To celebrate her impending delivery, her friends had arranged an evening of good food and even better company. They were going out to a new tapas restaurant called ‘Tapas Sabrosas’, it was a girl’s only evening, and she had been looking forward to it for the last few days. She was a little gutted that the boys couldn’t come, but Ethan and Garrett were on shift, Eric was busy working on a case and Ray would be out DJing later in the evening.

She couldn’t deny that she was looking forward to spending time with her friends. It had been hard not seeing them as often as she was used to. Then there was her increasingly growing appetite, which was helped massively by her little treasure in her womb.

As if on cue, her stomach rumbled loudly and then she felt a sharp kick to her ribs, which made her laugh and wince at the same time. She rubbed the spot on her stomach tenderly to ease the slight pain she felt.

You’ll be getting fed soon little one, she cooed.

After a few moments, she started the engine and headed to Tina’s.

ETHAN JUMPED DOWN FROM the truck and closed the door behind him, he stripped out of his turnout gear and left them in place beside the fire truck.

He was shattered, the past few days on shift had been very busy.

The week before they’d had a torrential downpour, it was the worst storm he had seen in his time as a firefighter. The rain had caused certain parts of the Valley to become flooded and some of the roads had experienced water damage from it. The water had receded, but the damage was already done.

That last call had been bad, the floods had caused an electrical fire in a house, which had spread throughout the walls so quickly it also sparked the house next door to burst into flames.

Thankfully there were no casualties as the flood had caused many to vacate their homes until it was safe to return. But the fire had taken most of the day to put out.

Ethan, Chief wants to see you, Garrett called from the other side of the truck.

Right, he called back and disappeared to the washrooms.

He cleaned himself from their latest call out, made sure to get rid of the soot from his neck and then went to the Chief’s office.

He knocked once and waited.

Come in.

He opened the door and as he stepped inside, he spotted the Chief behind his desk. Barry Adams was in his late fifties and stood at about five-foot-six. He had been Chief for thirty years; they’d had a little celebration a month ago to mark that milestone. His hair was dark but with grey wisps at the sides. He had a stocky build, with hairy arms and a dark greying beard. Even with his age and a slightly shorter height than the rest of the crew, everyone knew he was the boss.

You asked for me Chief?

Ethan m’boy, come in, come in. Take a seat.

Ethan did as he was told and sat down.

Am I correct in saying your Serena’s due date is coming?

Yes, sir.

Right, well you will need to sort your paternity leave, he began and leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. Have you applied yet?

No, I figured I had time. Serena’s not due for another three weeks.

Oh m’boy. You need to prepare ahead of time now a baby is due, he chuckled and shook his head a little. You cannot leave this kind of preparation until the last minute.

But she has three weeks left... Ethan insisted. That’s more than enough time to get it sorted out.

Trust me, that will fly by. When my Addison gave birth to my eldest daughter Josie, I thought as you did. That I didn’t need to plan, that I had everything under control. That I could handle it, but I was wrong.

How so?

Josie decided she would come early. My wife went into labour a month earlier than anticipated and was in labour for almost two days before Josie made an appearance. He smiled fondly at the memories, Ethan saw the happiness and wonder in his eyes and couldn’t wait to have memories of his child being born. Anyway, back to my original point. I had not prepared. I had to file for emergency paternal leave, which took a week to be approved. Then I had to apply for extra days because I wanted more time with my child.

You’re kidding? Did you get the extra days?

Not all of them, I hadn’t put the request in early enough. I had to wait a couple of weeks to have them submitted. Don’t forget it was different back then. They weren’t as lenient with dad’s and time off.

I’ve not even thought about it. It’ll take ages to get the papers sorted.

I know. That’s why I took the liberty of starting your application off for you. All you need to do is give me the dates you want. You will get two weeks paid paternity leave, and you can use some holidays to have a little bit extra time to spend with your lady and your baby.

Thanks, Chief, I didn’t think this would be necessary so soon.

Neither did I. But it is, the Chief grunted.

Hmm... Ethan frowned and looked down.

What’s the matter, son?

I just... I can’t help wondering if I’ll be good at this.

At what?

Being a father.

What on earth makes you think that?

I haven’t even sorted leave out. How will I manage a child?

You’ll be a great father. This is something all first-time parents go through. You are not the first, and you will not be the last.

Ethan considered his words but said nothing.

I did the same thing. Am I a bad father?

No of course not Chief. Your girls are a credit to you.

What about your father? Was he a bad father?

No, he was the best.

And yet he filed paternity paperwork for time off later than he should.

Really?

Yup, he filed it the week before your due date. Your mother had been badgering him for months to get it organized. Thankfully you arrived on schedule, but he wasn’t organized until after you arrived.

Ethan laughed at that; he couldn’t picture his father as anything but organized. Throughout his childhood his father had always had everything planned out step by step, it was hard to imagine him any other way.

Alright, so the paperwork is ready, it’s been pre-approved already. You just need to confirm the dates. How many holidays do you want to take?

I’m not sure. How many holidays do I have saved up?

You’ve got a couple of weeks; I think three or four saved.

Ethan thought for a moment and then nodded.

I’m thinking two weeks holiday on top of the two weeks paternity. Although I wish we were able to get more than just two weeks of paternity leave. That way I wouldn’t even need to use my holidays like this, Ethan admitted. I want to spend as much time with my new baby and my fiancé as possible.

It’s always been that way, and I know it’s unfair. Equality isn’t always equal. The government still has some very old rules about paternity and maternity leave. He shuffled some papers and leaned forward onto his elbows again. I’ll get the paperwork ready. All you’ll need to do is just add the dates.

Ethan pushed himself to his feet and nodded.

Thanks, Chief.

No need to thank me. Just look after your lady and baby.

They shook hands and then Ethan left the office, his mind churned with their conversation and the reality that he was going to become a father soon.

He made his way out the back of the station and stood in the sunlight, the light breeze from the wind felt nice.

I hope I make you proud dad, he whispered as his eyes looked at the clouds above, he hoped wherever his father was that he’d help him to become the best father he could be.

Chapter 2

W e’re here, Tina beamed at her as they pulled up to the carpark outside ‘Tapas Sabrosas’. It was quarter to seven and they had arranged to meet the girls at half-past six, so they were a little behind. Mainly because Tina had insisted on driving Serena there so that she could relax and enjoy her evening. Not to mention