Heart 0f Mine (Secrets 0f Savannah Book 6) Read online

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  If Hope hadn’t been so excited about the spring soiree she might have skipped the event altogether. It was too late to back out, and she could never bow out of an event she’d helped to coordinate. Her love for Savannah House wouldn’t allow it. Not to mention she’d invited Grayson to come out tonight to the party. What would he think if she wasn’t there?

  Even though Hope loved Ella to pieces, her daughter had fussed and cried about the prospect of Hope leaving her for the evening. Finally, after feeding her dinner then giving her a bath and singing to her as she lay in her crib, Ella had drifted off to slumber. Exhausted, Hope had taken a shower and then glammed herself up. She’d placed her long hair in an elegant up-do and used kohl eyeliner to accentuate her dark, almond-shaped eyes. A pair of sapphire earrings gave her a regal look. All in all, Hope felt as if she cleaned up fairly well. She chuckled, knowing no one would guess that an hour ago her T shirt had been smeared with baby food.

  When she walked out of her bedroom, Clara clapped loudly at the sight of her.

  “Oh Hope, you look like a movie star,” her nanny gushed.

  “Thank you, Clara. It feels nice to have a reason to get decked out.”

  “That dress is a show stopper.” Clara’s voice was filled with admiration. The dress—a purchase from a vintage store in downtown Savannah—had been a good purchase, even though it had cost a little more than Hope had wanted to spend.

  Hope looked down at her ice blue sparkly dress. It shimmered and shined in spectacular fashion. Hope didn’t usually wear dresses like this one. She usually shied away from making a big fashion statement. For some reason, she’d wanted to shine tonight. Perhaps it had a lot to do with Grayson, she admitted to herself. Hopefully he would be making an appearance tonight. She’d sent him a last minute invitation to the event and she wasn’t sure if he’d RSVP’d or not. Something told her he’d be there tonight. She was crossing her fingers.

  The spring soiree at Savannah House was in full swing by the time Hope arrived. She discreetly looked for Grayson, but she didn’t see him anywhere. Disappointment threatened to deflate her. It was silly to feel this way, she chided herself. Relying on Grayson to make her feel good was ridiculous. She barely knew him, and from the information she did possess about him, he was a lady’s man. She needed to remember that fact. Been there, done that, she reminded herself.

  Putting her best foot forward, Hope navigated the party like a pro. She plastered a smile on her face, danced to the upbeat rhythms with everyone who asked, sampled the food offerings and socialized with all of the guests. It seemed to Hope that everywhere she looked there were couples. Normally it didn’t make her feel badly, but at the moment it created a feeling of loneliness deep in her soul.

  Would she ever find her other half? Should she have invited Grayson as her date?

  She needed a breath of fresh air. Hope pushed past the set of French doors onto the patio. A blast of cool air hit her squarely in the face. You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself!

  It was gorgeous outside. The area had been decked out for this evening. Little twinkling lights had been strung on the tree limbs and bushes, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the grounds. Hope breathed in the fresh spring air. It fortified her.

  “What are doing out here?” The deep timbre of Grayson’s voice enfolded her like a warm, cozy blanket. For some reason she didn’t even feel surprised he’d showed up outside.

  “Grayson! You’re here!” Immediately, her spirits lifted.

  “I am. I’ve been looking for you all over the place, but with so many people inside it was kind of difficult to locate you. So why are you outside when the party is in there?”

  Hope shrugged. She loved being outdoors in the garden. She felt a sense of pride knowing she was helping to keep the grounds beautiful and well-maintained. It made her feel more connected with the world around her. Inheriting Savannah House had been a Godsend. Along with Ella, it had given Hope a purpose.

  “I love being out here. It’s my Zen place. When the voices get too loud I come out here to just breathe.” She spread her arms wide. “There’s so much natural beauty out here. This was one of Miss Hattie’s favorite spots. She used to host garden parties out here.”

  “I can see that. It’s a beautiful spot,” Grayson said, gazing all around the garden.

  Hope had worked tirelessly to help the gardeners create the perfect garden for the resort. It had been her vision. And they had all worked tirelessly to see it come to fruition.

  “Did something happen in there?” he asked, his handsome features creased with worry. “You seemed like your feet were on fire when you came out here. I called out to you, but you didn’t hear me.”

  She hadn’t even seen or heard Grayson. Hope felt at a loss to explain herself. She didn’t want to sound bitter or envious. She loved all of her friends, but at events such as tonight’s soiree, she felt like the odd person out.

  “Not really. It’s not easy being the only single one.” A sigh slipped past her lips. “Everyone else is coupled up. The last one to fall was Charlotte. And now she’s all coupled up with Marc.” She shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong. I always root for love. And I’m happy for every single one of them. But it’s hard not to feel a little down about my own situation.”

  “What is it that you want?” Grayson asked. His expression was intense. Hope had the feeling he really truly wanted to know her answer.

  She looked up at him with moist eyes. “I want what everyone else has. I want the fairytale.” Her voice came out like a whisper, almost as if she was hesitant to voice her true desires.

  “And who says you can’t have it?”

  Hope shot him an annoyed look. “Don’t pretend as if you don’t know.” She let out a sigh. “I’m a single mother. With no father even remotely in the picture. I get judged all the time. Even at church! Men look at me sometimes like I’m tarnished goods. Any man who seeks something meaningful with me has to look at the whole picture. That can be daunting!”

  Grayson reached out and swept his hand across her shoulder.

  Hope frowned at him. “What was that about?”

  “I was trying to get rid of that chip on your shoulder. You’re talking as if you know the hearts and minds of every man on the planet. If you want the fairytale, set your mind right. Start thinking you deserve it. Because from where I’m standing you’re not acting like it at all.”

  Hope didn’t know what to say. A chip on her shoulder? Was that possible? She’d never been told that by anyone before. She always viewed herself as pragmatic and realistic. Had she been kidding herself?

  Don’t be afraid to take a good long look at yourself in the mirror. Miss Hattie’s strong voice buzzed in her ear. Had she been viewing others in a jaded way and not giving them the benefit of the doubt or extending them grace?

  “I don’t mean to sound like that,” she said in a small voice. “Or make it seem as if the world is against me.” She ducked her head down as shame swept over her. Hope wasn’t one to blame others for all her ills. Her faith encouraged her to put her best foot forward and embrace each day with optimism and grace.

  Had she allowed Ross and his poor treatment of her to change her mindset? She didn’t want to be that type of person. What kind of role model would she be for her daughter if she allowed negativity to swallow her up?

  Ella deserved a mother who saw a world full of sunshine and endless possibilities. Of course she knew life could be unfair and cruel and mean, but she wanted to cling to the good things.

  She looked away from Grayson’s intense gaze. Hope felt far too vulnerable at the moment to risk the intimate connection. The eyes truly were the mirrors of the soul. She could get lost in Grayson’s eyes when she felt so defenseless.

  Grayson moved closer toward her. “Hope. Any man who can’t see you for what you are—a gorgeous, talented, kind and giving woman—is all kinds of crazy. You make motherhood look like a breeze because you do it with such p
erfection. But I know you work tirelessly to put bread on the table and to keep Ella safe and happy. And she is a happy little girl. Because of you and the sacrifices you make for her each and every day.”

  Hope felt too choked up to speak. She didn’t even know Grayson that well and here he stood, building her up with kind words and compliments. Tears flooded her eyes. “T-thank you,” she said, pushing the words out of her mouth. “Here you are speaking about me in such glowing terms when I haven’t been as magnanimous toward you.”

  Grayson reached out and tweaked her cheek. “It’s okay. You had no reason to have a good opinion of me. Before I ever stepped in this town I filed a motion that seemed threatening to you…to all of you.” He let out a bitter sounding laugh. “I made a wrong choice in doing that, Hope. I wish I’d handled things differently.”

  “You’ve redeemed yourself in my eyes, Grayson. I never thought I’d say this, but I understand your desire to come here to Tybee Island, to invest in your heritage and a quest for answers.”

  “I appreciate your saying that, Hope. I just want you to know you’re worthy. Of the fairytale. Of love. Of a man’s absolute devotion. The white picket fence and the perfect house with all the trimmings. A man would have to be crazy to not want to give you all that.” He placed his hands on both sides of her face.

  “From the first moment I saw you, Hope Matthews, I’ve thought you were the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Or ever will see.”

  Hope gasped. For a moment she just gazed at him. “No one’s ever said anything even remotely like that to me.”

  “I’m glad to be the first.”

  She felt a chill sweep across her shoulders. She began to tremble, although for the life of her she wasn’t sure whether it was due to Grayson or the cool night air. Before she knew it, Grayson had shrugged off his tuxedo jacket and placed it around her shoulders.

  “Thank you, Grayson,” she said in a soft voice. He was wowing her with his attentiveness. “I have to tell you,” she admitted, “when you look at me, I feel as if you’re really seeing me. I haven’t felt that way in a really long time.”

  “Truth is, no one has ever made me feel the way you do. I know you’re a little scared. Wary. It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me why or talk about the past and Ella’s father. Hopefully, one day soon you’ll feel it’s the right time to share those things with me.”

  She looked up at him, her heart soaring at the power of his words. He knew she was a little bit broken, but he was all right with it. “I’d like to share those things with you…someday.”

  “I want you to know if you give me the chance, I’ll never hurt you. Not ever.” His voice rang out with truth. She wanted so badly to believe him, but she knew he was only human.

  “That’s a mighty big promise. People hurt each other all the time, Grayson.”

  “A woman like you should be cherished,” he said, tracing her lips with his fingertip. “She is more precious than rubies and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared with her.”

  Grayson dipped his head down and placed his lips over hers. It was the gentlest of kisses, as if he was trying to show her how tender he could be with her. Hope reached out and clung to his shirt, steadying herself in the process. Her knees felt weak. She’d never been kissed with such intensity before, not even by Ross. She felt as if she was flying high in the sky, soaring among the clouds. Hope kissed Grayson back with an equal measure of tenderness. She hadn’t expected this! Hope hadn’t dared to believe a man could make her feel such a wealth of emotion.

  Feeling. She was finally feeling something. For so long her heart had been encased in ice. Frozen in time. And now, because of Grayson, the thawing had begun. Her soul was soaring. And it felt good.

  As the kiss ended, Grayson placed his forehead against hers. “This is the first of many kisses to come,” he whispered.

  “You really are cocky,” she teased. “Assuming there will be more kisses.”

  He let out a groan. “That was supposed to sound romantic, not arrogant. I like kissing you, Hope Matthews. And I suppose I do feel confident because that’s how you make me feel. And let me tell you, it’s a good feeling.”

  “You make me feel good too,” she admitted in a soft voice. She felt nervous, knowing she was stepping out on a limb of faith in making this admission. It had been so long since she’d let herself be open and honest with a man. It felt like a lifetime since she’d harbored hope in her heart.

  “Let’s go back inside,” Grayson said, reaching for her hand and entwining it with his own.

  Once she stepped back inside Hope vowed not to feel self-conscious. She knew people were staring at her as she danced with Grayson and spent the evening at his side. She couldn’t ignore the curious glances of Charlotte, Fancy, Olivia, Morgan and Callie. Even though they pretended to be unaffected, Hope knew they were wondering what was going on between her and Grayson.

  At the end of the evening, Grayson walked her home. They held hands as they walked the short distance to the cottage.

  “Look at that moon!” Grayson cried out, pointing up to the heavens.

  Hope looked up at the onyx sky. She gasped at the sight of the super-sized full moon. It was luminescent. “It’s beautiful.”

  Grayson turned toward her, his handsome face visible by the light of the moon. “It is, but not half as beautiful as you.”

  No words on her part were needed. The compliment settled over her like a warm breeze. She knew it might have been just a line he threw out to women he wanted to court, but in her heart she felt he was being sincere.

  All she knew for sure was that it felt like the perfect ending for a stellar evening.

  He walked her to her door and placed a romantic kiss on her temple. She wouldn’t have minded another kiss on the lips, but she knew from her past history that small steps were best. Grayson Holloway packed quite a punch. She needed to tread carefully. Once she went inside she peeked out of the window, making sure Grayson didn’t see her looking. Her eyes trailed after his figure as he walked down the driveway and out of sight.

  Clara walked into the living room. “Hey, Hope. How was your evening?”

  She let the curtain fall back into place. “It was wonderful, Clara. Possibly one of the best nights I’ve ever spent.”

  “You deserve it, Hope,” Clara said. “Ella hasn’t made a peep all night. She’s slept like a little angel.”

  Hope smiled at Clara, feeling very grateful for the night out. “Thank you for watching her. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Hope dug into her purse and handed Clara her payment. She walked her to the door, and once she was gone Hope locked up and leaned back against the door. Tonight had been magical. And she knew it would now be impossible to turn back the tide with regards to her feelings for Grayson. The kiss they’d shared had cemented it. She was falling for Grayson and there was no turning back now.

  **

  As soon as Grayson got back to his house he headed straight to his work area. He wanted to sketch Hope. It was more than that. He needed to do it. Grayson feverishly began to sketch with charcoal, his fingers flying over the canvas. It felt as if he was being driven to do this work of art by a force stronger than himself.

  He had a feeling he knew what it was, but he didn’t want to give it a name. It was too scary. Too much of a life changer.

  After about an hour, Grayson sat back and looked at his finished product. It was good. No, it was better than good. It was breathtaking. He’d been able to capture Hope’s true essence on the canvas. The shape of her face. The warmth in her gaze. The elegant slope of her neck.

  He loved her. He, Grayson Holloway, was in love with Hope Matthews.

  “The only things secrets do is hold us down. Once we’re free of them, we can soar.” Callie Duvall Holden

  Chapter Eight

  “Good job everyone. You’ve just burned about a thousand calories.” Hope wiped sweat from her forehead as she watched the group of guests depart fr
om her exercise class. She loved teaching Zumba. The upbeat rhythms and the cardio workout invigorated her. Being an instructor at Savannah House had allowed her to whittle off the baby weight she’d gained while pregnant with Ella. That, combined with a healthy diet, had shaved thirty pounds from her frame. And she’d kept it off!

  Hope quickly made her way back home to take a shower. Today she was having lunch with the other owners of Savannah House. It was something they did once a month in order to take stock of things at the resort. Although Hope knew the inn was doing spectacularly well, there were always things here and there in need of tweaking. There was always that one random guest who complained about everything from the toothpaste to the bed linens to the morning flapjacks Morgan served.

  Once she’d showered and changed, Hope sat with Ella for a few minutes while Clara fed her lunch. By the time she arrived back at Savannah House, she was the last one to gather in the parlor. The table had been set up with sandwiches and home-made potato chips and a lovely salad with pears and walnuts. Hope slid into the seat between Charlotte and Olivia.

  “Why don’t we start with a prayer?” Charlotte suggested. “Fancy? Would you like to lead us in the prayer?”

  Fancy nodded her head and held out her hands on either side of her. Everyone linked up by holding hands. “Heavenly father, we thank you for this food Morgan so lovingly prepared. We thank you for the bonds of friendship that only continue to strengthen. Most importantly, we thank you for blessing us each and every day with Your love and the relationships that nourish and nurture us. Thank you for blessing us on this journey we took to restore Savannah House to her former glory. It has brought us so much joy and satisfaction. We are humbled by all of Your continued blessings. Amen.”