Page 13 of Embracing Hope

The door swung open and Courtney wrapped her arms around Hope in a warm embrace. “I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for your help.” Courtney, with her charming brunette locks, sparkling Bambi-like eyes, and radiant smile, brought an uplifting energy to every moment.

“This is what best friends are for. You’d do the same for me.” Hope and Courtney had been friends since elementary school. “I brought a co-pilot.”

Courtney settled her admiring gaze on Isaac. “That you did. Come in, both of you.”

“I’m Isaac,” he thrust out his hand.

“Courtney,” she shook his hand, then swung her finger toward the little red-headed girl sitting at a small round table. She was busily brushing a doll's hair. “That’s Marah.”

“Hi, Marah. What do we have here?” Surprisingly, he seemed very comfortable with the child.

“A tea party. Do you like tea?” Marah asked in a soft voice

“I do. Care if I join?” he asked.

Hope watched the exchange as Isaac started to take a seat on the floor, but Marah insisted he sit in one of the tiny chairs. He looked like a giant sitting on a lamppost.

“Are you two okay for a moment while I speak to Aunt Hope in the kitchen?” Courtney asked.

Marah had shoved a doll into Isaac’s hands which made him appear less rough around the edges.

“We are fine,” Marah answered happily.

Courtney dragged Hope into the kitchen and asked, “Please tell me that you’re dating that hunk of a man.”

“No, we’re not dating.” Hope leaned a hip against the edge of the counter, grabbing a potato chip from an open bag.

Courtney sighed. “Then you should. Immediately. We don’t have many cowboys that look like him around these parts.”

“I hate to disappoint you, but it won’t, more like can’t, happen. It’s purely business.”

Crossing her arms, Courtney appeared confused. “Business? Do you always bring your business associates when you’re babysitting?”

Laughter wafted in from the living room as the subject of interest and Marah played.

The situation had backfired on Hope. It seemed that the “giant” handled anything she threw his way calmly.

“I’m playing host. Daddy’s idea.” Hope rolled her eyes.

“How is Sam, sweetie?” Courtney reached for Hope’s hand and gently squeezed.

“He’s stubborn. He refuses to get treatment.” A lump caught in her throat.

“I know that must be hard.”

Hope nodded. “How are you now that the divorce is final?”

“Marah and I are doing good. There was an adjustment period for both of us, but it feels much better not walking on eggshells. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Did I tell you that I’m the newest teacher at the elementary school? All my prayers are coming true.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

“Oh, look at the time. I better go if I want to make it to the doctor’s office on time. Do you mind if I stop and grab some groceries at the market before I come home?”

“Feel free to take a break and treat yourself to a cup of tea at one of the charming shops in the Catskills. You deserve it.”

“Maybe I’ll take you up on the offer,” Courtney said with a wink as she grabbed her bag and went to tell Marah goodbye.

Chapter Three

---