Page 38 of Embracing Hope

Hope slid into the water of the luxurious bathtub and leaned back, closing her eyes.

The scent of the sage candle permeated her restless energy.

With her eyes closed, her mind conjured an image of Isaac. Her body throbbed with a need she couldn’t ignore.

Her cell phone vibrated and she checked her messages. Her sister, Liberty, had texted…

“Where are you? Liberty.”

Wiping her hand off on the towel, she typed in…

“In my bathroom. Hope.”

A moment later, a soft knock sounded on the door. It opened enough for Liberty to stick her head inside and say, “Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

Liberty looked beautiful. Her hair was pulled up, showing off her flawless features, and now that her baby bump was showing, she appeared glowing. She dropped down on the closed toilet seat.

“What are you doing here so late?” Hope asked.

“I had a hankering for Dolly’s canned nutmeg peaches. I had to come and steal some jars. These midnight cravings are getting out of hand.” Liberty lovingly touched her stomach. “Where’s Daddy?”

“I assume in Catskills. If he was absent before, he’s being evasive now.”

“Wyler is being a trooper. I’m an emotional mess but he’s the glue that holds me together.” She squinted as she shifted on the toilet seat.

“Are you okay?”

“No one tells you how bad hemorrhoids are during pregnancy. I swear it feels like a walnut in my bum.”

Hope laughed. “TMI.”

“No, I’m being a good sister and warning you. I hear you’ve been playing tour guide to Isaac Marcum.” Her eyes lit with mischief.

“Another one of Daddy’s ridiculous demands.” Hope sighed.

“I met him once a few years ago. He’s quite handsome.” Liberty grabbed a towel off the shelf, folded it, and sat back down, rolling her eyes in appreciation.

“Is he really?” She acted imprudently.

“Like you haven’t noticed.” Liberty scanned the sink, reached for a body spray, and sniffed the scent. “Nice.” She gave it a squirt in the air.

“I noticed.” Hope didn’t want to elaborate.

Liberty’s brows knitted. “Is he husband material?”

“Let’s not start this.”

With a groan, Liberty replaced the spray. “Honey, I’m not one to borrow trouble, but you’re the lone single sister.”

“You’re not telling me something I don’t already know.” She stared up at the elegant chandelier.

“I’m not one to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, but it’s not so bad.”

She slitted open one eye. “What’s not so bad?”

“Marriage. And family.” She touched her stomach lightly.

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