Someone to Love (18 page)

Noli raised an eyebrow. “You’d lose that bet too.”

When Cooper put the ring on Noli’s finger, his hand had a slight shake. After the pastor pronounced them husband and wife, Diane handed Evan, wearing the tiniest tux ever made, to Noli. Jack handed Evie, wearing a frilly lavender dress and a huge flower headband, to Cooper. With all the attendants cheering, the four walked down the aisle as a very happy family.

Noli woke at the feel of Coopers lips on hers. She gave him a sleepy smile then put her fingers to her lips to keep him quiet. The twins were teething and getting them to sleep had been a feat. She was exhausted and didn’t want them to wake. Cooper pulled her out of the glider and led her out the nursery. She yawned and rubbed a hand over her face to try and wipe away the last remaining sleepiness.

“You’ve been really tired lately, maybe you should hire an assistant. You’ve had a lot of bookings and events. You could use the help. I don’t want you to wear yourself out with work,” Cooper said once they were in the hallway.

“I’m not worn out. Kayla’s help has actually helped me manage everything.”

“Thank you for keeping her occupied out of the bar. I couldn’t take much more of her looking longingly at Trevor all day and him being oblivious to it.”

“She’s always going on and on about how hot and cold he runs. I suggested that she stop dropping hints because he’s not picking them up. Being straight forward is best. I don’t want her to repeat the mistake we made by not communicating with each other.”

“You’re a good sister in law.”

“Thank you,” Noli said as she yawned.

“If it’s not work that’s making you tired, maybe you should go to the doctor.”

“I thought you were closing tonight. Why are you home so early?” she asked avoiding the subject.

“I came home to celebrate.” Cooper pushed open their bedroom door to reveal lit candles and a bottle of champagne with two flutes on the nightstand next to strawberries and whipped cream.

“What’s all this? What are we celebrating?” Noli asked.

“Patience Magnolia.” Cooper led her to the bed and took his slow sweet time popping the champagne open before pouring it into the glasses. “We’re celebrating expansions.”

“What’s expanding?”

“A couple of things. Our business is expanding. I got a call about a distribution deal for the entire line of brews, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. We’ll be in a chain all throughout the Midwest.”

Noli squealed. “I’m so proud of you Cooper.”

“Be proud of us. We’re partners. We did this together.”

“This is all you. I’m less of a partner and more of an investor. It’s been your hard work over the last few months since I funded you that has made this happen.”

“No, this deal is because of you. Some higher up decision maker for the chain attended an event you organized. You turning that space into a banquet hall is helping get my brewery noticed, especially by people that matter.”

“But you developed a great product long before I came along. That’s what got the deal.”

“Fine, I guess we’re both to blame for this success. Cheers.” Cooper raised his glass.

“What’s the other expansion we’re celebrating?”

“Our family,” he answered.

“How did you know already?” Noli asked. Her face displayed the disappointment that he’d figured it out before she could surprise him.

“I know because my mom’s boyfriend asked me for her hand. He was even nervous like my answer mattered.”

Noli’s smile returned. “He was probably nervous because you interrogated the poor man like he’d sold secrets to the Russians when you first met him. Plus you’re a giant. He probably thought you’d crush him if you didn’t approve of him wanting to marry Daphne.”

“I did tell him that if he ever stopped making her happy he’d have to answer to me. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that. I can’t remember my mom ever being this happy.” He raised his glass again. “Cheers to our expanding business and family.”

Noli touched her glass to his, then sat it back on the nightstand without drinking any.

“Why aren’t you drinking your champagne? You don’t want to celebrate?”

Noli took Cooper’s hand and placed it on her stomach. “I don’t think I should drink that because our family is expanding.”

“You mean?”

“I’m 99.9% certain we’re pregnant.”

He leaped off the bed and grabbed her up in a bear hug. She laughed as he spun around a few times. He stopped suddenly mid turn. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” He had a serious look on his face as he gently sat her on the bed. “Are you okay? I really shouldn’t have done that.”

Noli bit back a smile. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“You sure? I don’t want to do anything to hurt you or the baby.”

“Cooper, are you going to be like this the entire pregnancy?”

He stretched out next to her on the bed. “Yes, I’m going to make sure you’re safe the entire pregnancy. I’m going to be at every doctor’s appointment. I’ll even stop drinking with you. I promise to make as many late night runs to satisfy your late night cravings.”

“I’m having a craving right now. I really want my husband to make love to me right now.”

“I will definitely satisfy that craving.”

Keep reading after my notes and acknowledgments to read an excerpt of upcoming dewyMoss release
Dangerous Beauty, Part One: Destiny
and a sneak peek of  
The Nearness of You
 (Ryan and Amara’s story). In fact, they’re so good you may want to skip the acknowledgements and get straight to the excerpts. After all, you probably don’t know those people I’m thanking anyway.

I am a lifelong Hoosier (please don’t ask me that word’s orgin because I don’t know). I currently live in the Circle City (the nickname for Indianapolis because there’s a big circle in the center of the city), or as everyone else in the world calls it Indianapolis. I have a a daughter and a son that make me laugh (and cry a little) everyday. Storytelling has always been such a part of my life that it’s hard for me to imagine that everyone didn’t tell themselves stories at bedtime instead of reading them. Someone to Love is my second novel.

Thank you so much for reading my book! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed telling it. If you did enjoy it, please leave a review. Even a short review is a great way to support me and help other’s enjoy Noli and Cooper’s story. Help a friend discover my work by lending this book.

You can find me online at 
www.bylenahampton.com
, or on Facebook (
facebook.com/bylenahampton
) and Pinterest (
pinterest.com/lenahampton
). To get updates on future releases, receive excerpts, and win prizes join my mailing list. Write to 
[email protected]
 with “subscribe” in the subject heading. I promise I won’t spam you or share your address.

Love,
Lena

Jack & Diane
and 
Someone to Love
 is the first books in the Hoosier Hearts series.

It’s usually hard for me to start these things, not because I don’t know who to thank, but because there are so many people to thank that I just don’t know how to begin. I’m afraid that if I start off with “First I want to thank God…” I’ll sound like a Grammy winner that has been on TMZ all year and who’s lyrics are more profane than me while driving (road rage much?). Despite that, I have to thank God for all the blessings he’s given me. When I didn’t know how I would find time to write, He made five hours sleep seem like twelve. When I doubted my writing skills, He would prompt someone to email me to thank me for “sharing my God given talents”. I am so thankful that He has not given me what I deserve, because  what I deserve isn’t much. Instead He has shown me grace and blessed me.

I owe a huge gratitude to my children who endured many dinners of grilled cheese or PB&J so I could write. I couldn’t do this writing thing without their support and understanding. They even give me story suggestions. I likely won’t use them, but if I ever write about cars going really fast or ninja unicorn assassins, know that I’ve used their ideas. My other family members have been valuable too. From my mother yelling through her office when Jack and Diane was published, to my sister checking my reviews daily, to my cousins that have supported each in their own way. Beyond my family, I have the greatest group of friends a woman could ask for. I would say them by name, but  I’m sure I would forget one and feel horrible. My friends bought copies of my first book the day it came out and recommended it to their friends and family. They have even bragged about me to total strangers.

To everyone that read Jack & Diane, thank you. To those of you who took the time to send me an e-mail or message, thank you. I really can’t express how important that was to me. For all the readers that asked when Someone to Love would be released, thanks. Knowing that there was even one person that wanted to read something else that I wrote encouraged me. To the members of the various groups that have welcomed me, thank you.

A special thanks to Theresa and Kim for putting a final polish on
Someone to Love
.

Anya sat at the kitchen table watching as her beautiful little boy ate his favorite cereal in his spaceship pajamas. He was five years old now, and Anya couldn’t believe how fast he was growing. The sun was bursting through the windows, gleaming off of his shoulder length golden blonde hair. It had gotten so much longer over the past few weeks. She made a mental note to remember to cut his hair later.

Angelo walked into the kitchen. She looked over at him surprised he was even there and not in another country doing God knows what, or who. She didn’t look at him long before she turned her attention back to the little angel in front of her. When she heard Angelo clear his throat to get her attention, she turned her gaze toward him and rolled her eyes.

Nathan hadn’t seen his father enter the kitchen, but when he followed her eyes he jumped out of his chair. “Daddy!” he screamed. Nathan ran to his father and jumped in his arms, showering him with milk coated kisses.

Angelo picked up a towel, wiped his face and laughed. “
Ciao mio bel figlio
, did you miss your Papa?” Angelo cooed.

Nathan giggled and hugged his father tight. “Yes,” he said nodding his head. Nathan smiled wide and pointed to his missing tooth, “Look! I lost another tooth. Mama says the Tooth Mouse will come and get it tonight” he chirped still bouncing in his father’s arms.

Angelo chuckled and kissed Nathan’s chubby cheek, “That’s good son, but right now Papa needs you to go upstairs and get dressed. He has some company coming to the house in a little while.” He lowered Nathan to the floor.

Nathan nodded his little head up and down. “Okay, Daddy.” He ran from the kitchen up the stairs, his little feet making slapping noises against the floor.

Anya looked over at Angelo and frowned. “Who is this that is coming? You promised me you wouldn’t do business at house.” she said.

Angelo looked up from the coffee he was pouring to where Anya was standing. He smirked, “Uhh… could you repeat that?  I didn’t quite understand it, your accent got in the way,” he said referring to Anya’s thick Russian accent.

Anya knew he was just being an idiot, he understood what she was saying. “Stop messing around Angelo. I have right to know who is coming to my house,” she said placing her hands on her hips. She hated when he made fun of her Russian accent, she never made fun of his Italian one.

“I can’t fight with you about this right now. Look the man coming over is an old friend I haven’t seen in three and a half years. He has a little girl, but; I don’t know how old she is. I just figured you could keep an eye on her, while her father and I do business.”

Anya frowned and raised an eyebrow. “I’m not babysitter for every thug, drug dealer, and killer you do business with Angelo.”

“Enough, Anya! You’ll do it. What I have to do today is more important than your fucking attitude problem!” Angelo stormed out of the kitchen leaving Anya there seething.

She couldn’t stand him. And to think, she actually loved the bastard once, and she thought he loved her too. But that was a huge load of crap and now she knew it. The only thing that made her time with the selfish prick meaningful was her sweet baby boy. Nathan was the only reason why Anya put up with Angelo Salerno.

She was jolted out of her bad mood when she heard little feet walking down the stairs. Her handsome little boy was wearing dark blue jeans and a baby blue shirt, perfectly tucked in his pants. The only thing off was his messy hair, but she purposely told the nanny to save that job for her. She was the only one that knew how to handle her baby boy’s hair.

She smiled and grabbed his hand, “Come 
Мое сердце.”

“Come on Mama, I wanna go to the garden,” Nathan said jumping up and down by her bedroom door.

Anya smiled and walked to him grabbing his hand. “Alright, 
Мое сердце
. We will go to the garden, but first we have to go and meet your Papa’s friend. He has a daughter too, so be nice. Are you ready?”

Nathan nodded. “Is she going with us to the garden?” he asked looking up at her with his innocent gray eyes.

Anya leaned down and kissed his chubby little cheek. “Yes, she is. So you have to be extra sweet today, a gentleman. Can you do that?” She pinched his cheeks.

Nathan giggled and nodded, “Yes, Mama.”

“Okay, let’s go.” And they started for the stairs.

Once they made it downstairs they walked into the living room where Angelo stood talking in hushed tones to a tall, incredibly handsome African American man. Anya had to blink to make sure he was real. It seemed ridiculous for a man that handsome to be in the type of business Angelo was in. The man should be a model posing in underwear on a billboard in New York City, Anya was sure he could pull it off. But then again maybe not, there was something about him, something that kind of scared her. The man was very beautiful but he also seemed very dangerous. Anya shook her head and focused. This was no time to be ogling some handsome stranger in her living room. Once she fully focused her attention on her surroundings she found that both men were staring at her. She blushed. She had been staring at the handsome stranger much too long.

She cleared her throat and straightened herself up. “Hello,” she greeted in a soft voice. The stranger smiled at her.

“Hello,” he replied. His voice was smooth, deep and a bit hypnotizing.

Angelo cleared his throat and glared at her. “Anya, this is a friend of mine, Spook. Spook, this is my wife, Anya, and my son, Nathan.”

Spook? What the hell kind of name is Spook
. Anya didn’t know or care. She thought the guy was supposed to have a daughter, but she didn’t see a little girl anywhere.

“Anya and Nathan are going to keep Carter with them, while you and I go to my office and handle our business,” Angelo said waiting for Spook’s approval.

Spook nodded his head but his facial expression remained impassive. He turned his body and kneeled down to the floor. “Carter, I want you to go with the nice woman and her son. I’ll be back soon.”

Anya heard a small whimper, and then heard a tiny voice say “No” as firm as her little voice could.

“Enough, Carter. We don’t cry remember? Now, do as I say.” Spook reprimanded softly.

From what Anya could hear the little girl had to be quite young, so she understood her fear of being with strangers, but she still couldn’t see her.

Anya heard a small sniff and another whimper, “But I want to stay with you,” she whispered. Her voice was so soft and so sweet, Anya almost didn’t hear it. She wanted to go over and pick up the sad little girl and hold her tight in her arms.

Anya noticed some movement next to her and she looked down to see Nathan trying to get out of her grasp. Once he twisted free, he walked confidently over to Spook and the hidden little girl. Nathan walked in front of Spook- where Anya assumed the girl was standing- and the three adults looked on curious to see what Nathan was going to do.

Spook stood up and moved to the side, and Anya got her first glimpse of his little girl. A stunning little hazel eyed girl, who couldn’t be more than three, stared up at Nathan with sad eyes and a tear stained face. Her skin was a gorgeous chocolate shade of brown, and she had the most beautiful thick black hair. It cascaded down her back and ended at her waist. She was so small, and so sad, that Anya wanted to do anything she could to put a smile on her beautiful little face.

Nathan approached Cater slowly with a smile on his handsome face. “Hi, Carter. I’m Nathan,” he said waving at her. The little girl smiled, it was a small sad smile, but a smile nonetheless.

Nathan walked a little closer to Carter. Without another word, he held out his hand for her to take, and Anya was a little shocked when her tiny hand took his without any hesitation. Nathan held tight to her hand as he led her through the living room over to where Anya was standing. He looked up at her. “Are you ready Mama? Carter’s gonna love the garden.” Nathan turned and looked at Carter, “I’ll give you a pretty flower and then you won’t be sad anymore, okay?” Nathan said looking into Carter’s sad eyes. He moved her long hair from her face.

Carter nodded her head and put her thumb in her mouth as Nathan began to lead her to the garden, still holding tight to her hand. Anya had to smile; her little boy was a gentleman, just like he said he would be. Anya looked up and noticed a small smile on Spooks handsome face as he watched the kids leave the room, and Angelo’s smile was all “Proud Papa.”

“Have a good meeting. We will be out back in garden,” Anya said as she turned to leave the room.

“Thank you, Anya. She’s a good girl and she shouldn’t cause you any trouble. Still, I appreciate you keeping an eye on her for me,” Spook said genuinely.

Anya was touched by his gratitude. “You’re very welcome,” she replied and she turned and left the room.

Anya needed to catch up with the kids, but she knew they were safe in the garden so she took her time. She quickly ran upstairs to retrieve her camera; she didn’t want to miss anything thing adorable. She wanted to have future evidence of how sweet her Nathan could be for “teenage year’s” reinforcement. She would make sure he remembered how to be a gentleman even if it killed her. It was either that or risks him being an asshole like his father.

After making some lemonade and snacks for them to have in the picnic area, Anya made her way to the garden.

Once Anya made it outside to the garden, she sat the snacks on the picnic table and set out to find the kids. The garden was large, but she knew where Nathan would be. It was his favorite spot in the entire garden; a big white gazebo decorated with flowers and a big cushy swing with white plush pillows. Her sweet baby boy had taken many naps on that swing.

As she approached the gazebo, she saw Carter sitting there alone on the swing. She was so small. Her sad eyes were locked on her tiny hands in her lap. Anya was about to move closer to ask where Nathan was when she saw her little man climb up the Gazebo steps. He had one yellow rose in each little hand. With her camera ready in hand, Anya stood back to see what was going to happen next.

Nathan sat up on the swing next to Carter, and she looked up at him. He smiled brightly at her, and handed her one of the roses in his hand. Carter took the rose out of his hand, and stared at it, not uttering a word. Nathan’s little hand pushed Carter’s hair away from her tear slicked face. He leaned over and kissed her cheek sweetly. Anya smiled and captured the kiss with her camera. “Don’t cry.” Anya heard him whisper.

“Here, my Mama says roses give us wishes. Do you like wishes?” Nathan asked enthusiastically and Carter nodded her head.

“To get a wish you have to kiss the rose, like this.” Nathan gave the roses a quick kiss and Carter smiled at him.

“Such a beautiful little girl,” Anya said to herself and she walked forward toward the kids. “What are you two silly bugs doing?” She asked with a bright smile on her face.

Both Nathan and Carter giggled. She snapped another picture. “We’re getting wishes!” Nathan looked up at her excitedly.

“Let me see that rose please,” Anya said reaching for Nathan’s rose and he handed it to her.

Anya kneeled on her knees in front of Carter. “Did you kiss your rose yet?”

“Nope she hasn’t,” Nathan answered for her.

“Well Carter, if you give a rose your sweetest kiss, the stars will grant you all you wish. Don’t you want that?” Anya asked, and Carter nodded.

Anya smiled. “Then come, we will do it together.” Together they kissed their roses and Anya made a wish, a silly one, but a wish. She looked at the beautiful little girl in front of her, and then looked at her handsome little boy. She dreamed of them sitting in the garden with little brown babies running around them. She envisioned a beautiful wedding in the garden with only select guests, of her choosing of course. Yes, a silly wish indeed, but after seeing the way her sweet boy behaved with the little beauty, it was one that couldn’t be avoided. Anya wanted Nathan to have everything she didn’t, and that included love. And whether it be someone she doesn’t know yet or this beautiful little girl here in front of her, which she preferred. Anya prayed that her little Nathan would have the life and love that she could only dream of having.

***

Beautiful Stranger

The plane ride to Hope Beach was the most fun Nathan had experienced in a long time. He’d forgotten how much fun it was to hang out with Mickey, and even though he didn’t say it out loud, he was kind of looking forward to the trip with the brothers.

When they got off the plane Nathan was greeted by the warm winds and sunny sky. He was glad they made it to Hope Beach before dark so he could look around the “little piece of heaven,” as Kyle called it. And he was right. Hope Beach was beautiful. The sunny sky, warm breeze, the beautiful luxury homes, manicured lawns, and the gorgeous Hope Garden, all took Nathan’s breath away. He couldn’t take his eyes off of the beautiful assorted flowers that gave the garden a rainbow effect. It made him remember his mother. She loved gardens and she’d spent most of her time tending to her own. Gardening was a skill she had taught Nathan when he was very young. His father would always tell her that it wasn’t a skill that a man needed to possess, but his mother continued to teach him anyway. Nathan didn’t mind it at all, as a matter of fact, it brought him peace. Together-with the help of professionals- he and his mother built a beautiful garden that Nathan hadn’t visited since her death.