When Love Happens Again

By Diane Craver

After losing her young husband and baby son fifteen years ago, Dr. Jennifer Hunter is determined never to marry again. Losing loved ones is just too painful.

A friend introduces Jennifer to Alex Brunsman and suggests she hire him to renovate her old farmhouse. Instantly attracted to the widowed contractor, Jennifer refuses Alex’s help. But after she gets injured working on a fireplace, she gives in.

Alex clearly wants more than a business relationship, and Jennifer guards her heart. His kisses make her yearn for a future once denied her. Alex falls in love with her but finds tearing down the walls in Jennifer’s house is easier than breaking through her protective shell. Alex and Jennifer must overcome the shadows of the past and find the courage to love again.

Jennifer and her uncle, Father Ryan, have a radio show called Hour of Healing. Dr. Hunter gives advice in a beautiful and sensitive way to difficult questions from callers. But their show causes a vengeful arsonist to want the doctor to feel pain.  After his cruel act occurs, God brings good out of the tragedy for several hurting people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diane Craver
• Release date: Jul 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502214256

Diane Craver

As the youngest in the family, growing up on a farm in Findlay, Ohio, Diane often acted out characters from her own stories in the backyard. In high school she was the student sitting in class with a novel hidden in front of her propped up textbook. Her passion for reading novels had to be put on hold during her college years at Ohio State University due to working part-time on campus and being a full-time student. Before embarking on her writing career, Diane was a school teacher and play director. She enjoys her life with her husband, six children, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in southwestern Ohio. Her husband of thirty-nine years is very supportive, as well as her awesome children. She writes Amish fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction,  inspirational mainstream and chick-lit mystery.  

Book preview

To Tom, the love of my life

Prologue

Marietta, Ohio

One-thirty a.m., fifteen years earlier…

When a few drops of rain fell on his head, Brad Hunter realized he’d forgotten his motorcycle helmet. He clenched his jaw, thinking how he hadn’t picked it up after arguing with his mother. He’d tried to talk some sense to her about his sick son, but she’d refused to hear his side.

With warm air hitting his face, he twisted the right handlebar on the motorcycle to go faster. He wanted to get home to be with his wife and son. Before leaving to visit his aunt and mother, he’d held Jennifer in his arms. I might be a little late, he’d told her. I’ll take the cycle in case you need the car.

Okay. She’d given him a quick kiss. But I’ll be glad when we get another car. In a few weeks they planned on moving so he could start law school and agreed buying a second car after the relocation was a necessity.

He should’ve called her, but when could he have called? After he’d exchanged harsh words with his mother hadn’t been a good time to call Jennifer. It took a couple of beers and talking to the bartender to put his life into perspective.

Without hesitation, he turned his cycle onto a back road that was a shortcut to their apartment. A stringy-haired dog suddenly appeared in the curve, and Brad swerved automatically. The bright headlights of an oncoming vehicle blinded him. Over the screech of brakes and the smell of rubber, Brad yelled, Jennifer.

* * *

She heard her name. Recognizing her husband’s startled voice, she sat up. Jennifer didn’t feel his warm body when she moved her hand around the bed. She glanced at the clock radio and saw the time was one forty-five a.m.

He’d called her name so Brad must be here. Maybe he’d called her from another room because he needed help with Christopher.

She scrambled out of bed, and saw Christopher sleeping peacefully in his cradle with the night-light casting a soft glow. After she searched the apartment, anxiety knotted inside her. Why wasn’t he home? He knew how she felt about his riding the motorcycle at night.

By five a.m., she knew something was wrong. Brad would never worry her like this. She stared at the phone, trying to decide whether to call her uncle or her mother-in-law.

When the building’s front door buzzer sounded, she sighed with relief. Thank You, Lord. Thinking he’d probably forgotten his key, she hurried to release the security lock to let Brad in. Hello, come on up.

Jenny, it’s me. Uncle Ryan.

Her uncle was a frequent visitor since he was the priest at nearby St. Mary’s Church in Marietta. But why would he be here at this time in the morning?

She opened the apartment door, listening to two sets of heavy footsteps on the flight of stairs. Uncle Ryan must be helping an intoxicated Brad up the steps. What would she do without her Uncle Ryan? She didn’t move to go see, but waited in silence.

After a few long seconds, Uncle Ryan appeared with a state highway patrolman by his side. She put a hand over her mouth, stifling a scream. Uncle Ryan grabbed her in such a tight squeeze that the little breath left in her lungs swooshed out of her body.

Jenny… Uncle Ryan’s voice broke, then he continued, around two o’clock, Brad was in an accident.

With grave eyes, the patrolman said, Your husband was dead when I arrived on the scene.

Jennifer stared at Uncle Ryan. I’ll call Claudia. It can’t be Brad.

Your husband had Father Ryan’s number in his wallet, the patrolman said. I called him to identify the body.

She stared for a moment at the patrolman, wishing he’d go away. But he remained standing stiff. She couldn’t bear to look at his sympathetic face any longer, so she turned away to grab her uncle. She sobbed, I can’t live without Brad.

Uncle Ryan held her tightly in his arms. Christopher needs you, Jenny.

Chapter One

Cincinnati, Ohio

The present…

Jennifer left her office to go home. Although she no longer minded the long drive to her old farmhouse in rural Brown County, today’s traffic in Cincinnati was heavier than usual. The frequent traffic jams gave her time to think about her secretary’s parting remarks.

She gripped the steering wheel tighter. Where did Natasha get off saying she needed to get a life? And asking her if she had a hot date was a bit much too. The traffic edged forward and Jennifer tried to calm down. Okay, she shouldn’t get irritated with Natasha. Her friend meant well and just wanted her to get out so she could meet a man, get married and have children.

But she’d had all that once and, in the beginning, everything had been wonderful. Her life had been ruined when suddenly she lost both Brad and Christopher, their eight-month-old son. After all these years, her husband and baby’s tragic deaths were still a painful memory. She could never go through that agony again.

Today wasn’t the first time Natasha had told her to get out and live. Right after a recent birthday, she’d received similar advice. Natasha with her husband, Gary, and Jennifer’s business partner, Mitch, took her to dinner at the Montgomery Inn on the Ohio River to celebrate her birthday. The next morning, Natasha had reminded Jennifer that at age thirty-three, she needed the fulfillment in her life only a marriage and children could give. Natasha, hands on her hips, said, You’re not getting any younger. You need more in your life than your career.

I’m happy being single, Jennifer had explained. I can do whatever I want, when I want to. I don’t need a husband.

Jennifer bit her lip. Natasha only knew that Brad had died in an accident, and their son from a heart defect. Maybe she should just tell Natasha everything and she’d let up on her lack of a love life. No, sometimes it was better to keep things inside. Less pain when you didn’t expose yourself totally. Oh no, Natasha’s probably right. She needed therapy herself.

The traffic picked up to a moderate speed. Jennifer sighed, glad it was time to move on.

Since her old house had mice, she needed to stop to get traps. Glancing at the familiar landmarks, she realized she would soon be at Eastgate and could stop at the big Walmart store. No, that’ll take too long. She decided to stop at Harry’s Market. If Harry wasn’t in a talkative mood, she could get in and out fast.

Twenty minutes later, she was on State Route 50, close to her home. She pulled into the parking lot next to Harry’s Market and opened the door of her red Chrysler PT Cruiser. Jennifer shivered as she walked quickly toward the store. Her black suit jacket with three-quarter sleeves and pants were little protection against the cold, November wind.

Harry’s store had a bit of everything from groceries to even a few fishing supplies. A few years back, he’d added DVDs, but interestingly the movies were in no particular order. The customers didn’t complain because he stocked many copies of popular movies, and Harry charged cheap rental fees.

She entered the store and saw Harry talking to another man. Good, he was busy with someone. Now she could hurry and get her traps.

Harry waved her to come over to him. Doc, I want you to meet someone here.

Harry always called her Doc because he said she gave class to his country store. He’d posted a newspaper piece about her weekly radio show on the wall right next to the cash register. He’d put clippings of other customers on the wall, including a picture of a girl in the local 4-H club with her Grand Champion pig at the Brown County Fair. Harry was always interested in everyone’s lives.

Hi, Harry. So much for a quick stop.

This is just the man for you. Harry straightened his crooked glasses and patted her arm. I was hoping you’d stop in tonight so you could meet Alex.

Jennifer’s eyes widened at the mention of a man for her. First, Natasha told her to get a life, and now Harry had a man for her. When would Harry and Natasha get the hint she didn’t need a man in her life? This is Dr. Jennifer Hunter, and, he nodded toward a tall, brown-haired man, this is Alex Brunsman.

Hello. Alex extended his hand to Jennifer. It’s nice to meet you.

Hi, same here. She smiled, glancing at Alex’s broad shoulders, and realized Natasha would be in matchmaker heaven if she saw this rugged, good-looking guy.

Harry nudged her. Don’t you want to know why Alex’s the man for you?

I figured you’d tell me.

Alex gave a boyish grin at her remark.

This is your lucky day, Harry said, looking pleased. Alex’s a building contractor. He can help you with your remodeling.

Thanks, but I want to do it myself.

How in the world are you going to do it all by yourself? Harry pushed his glasses back up on his nose. Your house needs major work to make it livable. You have no business living there now with all the work it needs.

I have running water now in the kitchen, she said, miffed at his implication she lived in a dump. When she’d first moved into her house, there hadn’t been any plumbing in the kitchen. She’d washed her dishes by filling a small tub with water from the bathroom.

Alex said, I don’t mind taking a look at your house. I have time this weekend.

That’s kind of you, but I had someone inspect the house before I bought it. Jennifer took a step closer to Harry. But I do need mousetraps. Where can I find some?

We have them on the middle shelf in aisle five, Harry said.

After she got to the right aisle, Jennifer wondered how many traps to get. She turned her head at the sound of footsteps and saw Alex.

This kind is old-fashioned. He picked up a trap. I have some you don’t have to set, you just put them down and the mouse sticks to the trap.

She gazed into Alex’s brown eyes. She didn’t care what kind of traps she bought. She just wanted to get them and get home. I don’t see that kind here.

You can use mine. I don’t live far from here.

Couldn’t he get the message she wanted to be left alone? She grabbed the nearest trap. Thanks, but I’m in a hurry to get rid of the mice. I’ll just get these.

* * *

Outside in Harry’s small parking lot, Kari Osborne heaved her pregnant body out of the car with her husband’s help. Lord but she’d be happy to have this baby out of her. Just one quick stop at Harry’s and she’d feel ready to go to the hospital. While she waddled slowly to the store’s door, she held Joe’s hand.

Kari, this is insane. We need to get to the hospital, Joe said. I don’t want to have our baby in the parking lot.

Poor Joe looked like he was going to pull out his hair with worry. She gave him a patient smile. We don’t have to rush. First babies take their time.

Yeah, you said that when you took a long shower and shaved your legs. He held the door open for her. I think our time’s running out.

Honey, it won’t take long. I just want to pick up some hard candy to suck on during labor. Wood planks creaked beneath her feet.

Joe shook his head and followed her down the aisle. You just want to tell Harry that the baby’s on the way so everyone will hear about it.

Kari stopped at the end of one aisle, patted her stomach and grinned. No, Baby Osborne decided to come early, before I was completely prepared.

Joe fidgeted and chewed on his bottom lip while Kari picked up bags of candy and carefully examined every one. Finally, she held a bag of Jolly Ranchers. I’ll get this one.

Good.

Kari suddenly grimaced and leaned against Joe. He’d been right about going to the hospital sooner. She shouldn’t have wasted time. She placed her hands on her abdomen as he held her. I think you were right. We don’t have time to make it to the hospital. The contractions are coming very close together. Kari moaned. It hurts.

I knew something like this would happen. Joe waved to Harry at the cash register. Harry, you’d better call 911. Kari’s in labor.

Harry stopped ringing up a customer’s groceries and picked up the phone. After Harry spoke to the dispatcher, he ran to Joe and Kari. It’s going to be okay. They’re on their way.

I don’t think the baby’s going to wait for the paramedics. Kari pushed her hair out of her face and looked at Harry. Have you ever delivered a baby?

Harry shook his head. No, but I know someone here who has. He shouted, Doc, we need your help. Kari looks like she’s ready to drop her baby right here.

* * *

Jennifer threw the mousetraps back onto the shelf. Where is she?

The candy aisle, Harry said.

Alex and Jennifer ran to Kari.

I’ve delivered a baby before. Jennifer knelt next to Kari. She’d met the Osbornes when she first moved into her farmhouse. Poor Kari gasped and placed her hand over her belly. A fine sheen of sweat plastered her auburn hair to her forehead. What are your contractions like?

They’re getting stronger. And closer.

Jennifer took Kari’s pulse. How could this happen to her twice? Maybe she should switch professions. Harry stopped beside her, his face as white as his hair. I remember you have a back room, Harry. Is there a desk or table in there?

Harry nodded. There’s a big oak table.

Good. Jennifer pulled off her suit jacket and handed it to Alex. Underneath she wore a sleeveless ivory top. Not exactly the right garb for delivering a baby, but it’d have to do. That’ll be our delivery room.

Harry, get some sheets or something to cover the table. Alex, can you find some towels? We’ll need them to wrap the baby in. Kari— She gripped the panting woman’s hand. Try not to bear down.

Once the men had the table covered, Joe lifted his wife and gently set her on it. Jennifer searched the back room for detergent. She washed her hands, then removed Kari’s pants and panties to wash the vaginal area. Poor Kari. No doubt this was far from the birthing experience she’d hoped for. Nobody wanted to have her first child in a store with no medical person except a psychologist. Jennifer tugged Kari’s green top down a little so at least she’d have some modesty.

She put Kari’s coat under her head, but it wasn’t enough. She still needed pillows or cushions to put under Kari’s shoulders and head. Joe, do you by any chance have any pillows in the car?

Yeah, Kari brought her pillow with us.

I’ll get it, Alex said to Joe. You stay with Kari.

Joe gave Alex a description of their car.

The paramedics are on their way. Jennifer patted Kari’s arm. If the baby comes before they get here, we’re ready.

Kari bit her lip. We should have left sooner for the hospital. I just thought I had plenty of time.

It’s going to be fine, Jennifer said. She’d delivered her friend’s baby without any problem, but what if either Kari or the baby had a medical complication?

When Alex came back, Jennifer placed the pillow over the rolled up coat and under Kari’s shoulders and head.

The pillow helps you to be in a semi-sitting position. Your delivery will go faster like this. Put your hands under your thighs to keep them elevated. Jennifer squeezed Kari’s shoulder. You’re doing great."

After panting a few minutes, Kari screamed, I have to push.

Okay, go ahead.

Kari groaned deeply and pushed four times with the contraction until it subsided. Joe wiped her forehead with a wet washcloth.

Take a deep breath or two while the next contraction is building. Jennifer didn’t want Kari to hold her breath through the entire contraction and get exhausted. Also she worried the baby might be robbed of oxygen if Kari didn’t take some deep breaths.

Soon Kari pushed again, gripping Joe’s hand.

Jennifer gave a relieved smile. Almost over and she could finally relax. The baby’s crowning.

Honey, I see the head, Joe said.

Okay, stop pushing and pant now. Jennifer applied very gentle counter-pressure to the head to keep it from popping out

She took the head gently in her hands and pressed it slightly downward. Kari, push so we can get this baby out to see the world.

Once the shoulders were free, the infant slipped out.

You have a beautiful baby boy. Jennifer held the squirming newborn. She loved having a baby in her arms again. Alex, I need that towel to wrap him in.

After Jennifer wrapped the baby in a lavender beach towel, she placed him on Kari’s breast. I’m not cutting the cord now since there’s no need to. That can be done at the hospital.

You did great. I love you. Joe leaned down and kissed Kari.

Kari caressed her baby, and he made all kinds of noises. I think he’s talking already. I couldn’t have had this little guy without all of you helping. Thank you.

Joe nodded and threaded his fingers through Kari’s damp curls. I guess it’s a good thing we stopped for your candy.

Kari looked at Jennifer. I think his name should be Hunter, after you, Doc.

Hunter. I like that, Alex said.

Jennifer wiped the corners of her moist eyes with her fingers. I’m honored to have your baby named after me.

Harry passed out cigars and candy bars. You know, we need a picture of Mom, Dad and Hunter.

Joe watched Harry open a disposable camera package to take their picture. I think, Harry, we owe you some money for all your merchandise you used for us.

I don’t want any money. Hunter arriving safely is payment enough, Harry said. Doc, get in the second picture with the parents.

The emergency squad arrived and put mother and child in the ambulance. Joe went out to follow them in his car to the hospital.

After the sirens faded away, Alex raised his eyebrows. That’s one way to have a baby.

Harry threw the towels and bloody blanket into a large garbage bag. Doc, you did good. I don’t know if Alex and I could have handled it without you.

Jennifer put on her jacket, feeling tired. Pretty neat she’d stopped for mousetraps and instead got to experience the miracle of life. I’m glad there weren’t any complications and everything went okay.

I feel like I’m on a high or something. That was great seeing a baby being born. Alex cleared his throat. I’m hungry. Would you like to get something to eat? My treat.

I think I better get home. Sure, she hated to leave Alex and go to her empty farmhouse. Not only had they shared a bond by delivering a baby, but she felt a physical attraction to him. I have some paperwork to do.

You could do your work while I fix steaks.

Her stomach growled. Could he hear that? She was hungry and Alex was good to help with the delivery, but she couldn’t risk even a simple dinner with him. She feared she’d break down and sob on his broad shoulders. Seeing Kari and Joe with Hunter reminded her of what she’d once had with Brad and Christopher. Maybe it hadn’t been her fault they died, but she felt such guilt over their deaths. She’d promised herself to keep her distance from any man. But a guy like Alex tempted her in the worst way.

Harry said, Alex buys the best steaks.

The determined gleam in Alex’s eyes caught her off guard. Thanks, but I do need to get home. Why don’t you give me your number, and I’ll call you later about looking at my house.

Doc, you love to eat. Harry glared at her. Alex’s a nice man. Go celebrate Hunter’s birth together.

She made a face at Harry. Why don’t you close the store early, and you two go out and eat?

Alex laughed. That’s okay. I’ll take a rain check.

Harry said, Give her one of those fancy business cards you have.

Alex took a card out of his wallet to hand to her. Give me a call when you want me to take a look at your place.

She studied his card. Brunsman Construction. She remembered something, but what? Oh yeah—that was the name on the sign in front of that old brownstone building. You tore a building down in Cincinnati, close to where my office is on Fifth Street. I loved it.

I didn’t have a choice. It was in horrible shape.

It could have been restored instead of putting that ugly new building in its place.

The new construction made a lot of people happy.

Harry handed a small bag of groceries to a customer. Let me guess, Doc, that building had character, right?

It had history, character and real beauty.

I’m all for character, and your old house has plenty, Harry said, "but that won’t keep you warm this winter. You better let Alex fix