Heart of Hope Read online

  If she didn’t hustle, though, they were going to be unforgivably late. It was their turn to pick up Callan and Clay for a night out. The four of them agreed to dinner out in Portland followed by the symphony’s holiday performance. Both Jenna and Callan had been talking about it for weeks.

  When Jenna hurried into the living room, or as much as a woman six months pregnant with twins can hurry, Josh smiled. Dressed in the black dress he bought her with a pair of low heels, she looked amazing.

  The dress did a great job of camouflaging her expanding tummy. With a simple square neckline and elbow-length sleeves, the front featured a wide flowing ruffle that ran from the neck to the hem. Jenna wore a sparkly black necklace and carried her black dress coat. There was no way she could button it, but the cheery red scarf she looped around her neck would help keep her warm.

  As he bent to kiss her cheek, Josh breathed in her vanilla scent. “Maybe we should cancel and just stay home. You look so beautiful.” Growling the words in her ear, he pressed a moist kiss to her neck and felt a shiver of anticipation race through her.

  Jenna blushed and squeezed his arm. “I look like a hippo dressed for a night on the town and you can’t tell me I don’t. I think I know what a beached whale must feel like and I still have almost three months to go.”

  “Remind me to buy you a new mirror because the one you looked in obviously isn’t functioning correctly. You’re a lovely woman with rosy cheeks, gorgeous hair, and great taste in fashion.” Josh kissed her cheek then gave her a playful wink. “I’m glad you like your dress.”

  “I do love it, Josh, and thankfully, there’s room for the babies to grow in it.” Jenna shoved her arms into the sleeves of her coat while Josh held it for her.

  “I’ve got the car all warmed up, so let’s get going. I’m half starved and you know I’ll have to fight Clay for the breadbasket as it is.”

  They arrived right on time at Clay and Callan’s. The couple ran out to the car, looking forward to a night out. Bobbi and Steve kept the girls for the weekend, so Clay and Callan planned to enjoy their time as an unfettered couple while it lasted.

  An hour later, Josh pulled up at the restaurant and let Jenna and Callan out at the door so they wouldn’t have to walk across the parking lot. As they stepped inside, the girls removed their gloves, scarves, and coats while they waited for the men. When Josh and Clay hustled in the door, the hostess escorted their group to a table and they settled into a comfortable conversation.

  Callan and Clay planned to host Christmas, as they did every year, and the discussion turned to who would attend. Josh and Jenna spent Thanksgiving with her family in Seattle, so they would be able to attend the annual Matthews family Christmas gathering.

  “Please tell me you didn’t invite Bob and Donna,” Josh said of their older brother.

  “I didn’t invite them, exactly.” Callan exhibited a sudden interest in her breadstick.

  “What does that mean?” Josh glared at his sister with narrowed eyes. Bob and Donna managed to make every gathering they attended miserable with their whining, complaining, and nasty commentary.

  “I told Daddy if he wanted them to come he had to do the inviting because I wasn’t going to this year. I’m tired of them sucking all the fun out of the holidays.” Callan raised a defiant gaze to her brother with sparks lighting her green eyes. “I hope they go visit Donna’s family for a change. You know how many times they’ve seen Audrey and Emma since we adopted them? Once, and that was only because we ran into them at the grocery store. Not that I want the girls to spend time with them, but you’d think they’d show even the tiniest bit of interest in them, wouldn’t you? They are their grandchildren, after all.”

  “When has Bob or Donna ever shown an interest in anything beyond what benefits them personally?” Josh asked, not expecting an answer. “I hope they don’t show up. We could enjoy a peaceful, fun Christmas without the two party poopers there.”

  “It would be nice to celebrate with the people we really care about and who care about us,” Jenna added, recalling all the unpleasant occasions they’d had to endure with Josh’s brother and his wife.

  Clay nodded, taking the last breadstick then breaking it in two before giving half to Josh. “I’m hoping Big Jim either forgets to ask them or they find somewhere else to go. I want Christmas to be special for the girls and I refuse to let those two ruin it for them, or any of the rest of us. It’s our home and we should be able to set the rules.”

  “Go get ‘em, Clay!” Josh encouraged with a jaunty grin.

  After giving his brother-in-law a nod, Clay decided it was a good time to change the subject. “How are your childbirth classes going? I heard you had some trouble with them, Josh.”

  Josh and Jenna recently finished attending a six-week class with several other expectant couples. Under the mistaken assumption that the classes would teach Jenna how to breathe during labor, Josh soon realized that was only a small part of what the sessions entailed.

  They’d learned about caring for newborns, options for handling her pain during birth, breastfeeding versus a bottle, and much more. Although the books he’d read gave him some idea of what to expect, he was not prepared for the video they watched during the final class of a woman giving birth in shocking up-close and personal detail. Josh went outside for some air, handling the graphic presentation better than some of the other fathers-to-be. One passed out and two others ran to the restroom, violently ill.

  “Thank you for reminding me about that nightmare just as we’re about to eat.” Josh frowned at Clay. “Your timing, as always, is perfect.”

  “I do what I can.” Clay offered him a jesting smirk. “Really, though, did you learn anything helpful in the classes?”

  “We did,” Jenna spoke up before Josh could answer. She listened to him rant for an hour after they got home from the last class about how unnecessary it was to be that graphic in the curriculum. Jenna noticed most men were quick to forget their involvement in the whole process when it got down to the nitty gritty details of giving birth.

  Jenna touched Josh’s hand where it rested on his thigh beneath the table. “Don’t you think you learned some helpful information in the class, Josh?”

  “Yes, I did. Mostly that I’ll never put Jenna through this again.” Josh tugged at his collar since it suddenly felt too snug. “We did learn about breathing and coaching. I personally think a whistle and a checkered flag would be a big help, but for some reason, Jenna doesn’t agree that would be the best thing to have in the delivery room.”

  They all laughed at his comment and went on to discuss how well the nursery plans were coming together since Josh unknowingly picked the farm animal theme. Callan planned to host a baby shower the second weekend of January and the nursery would be finished by then.

  After dinner, they walked from the restaurant to the symphony. They laughed and talked, enjoying the night out. The holiday selections the symphony performed were wonderful and afterward they walked across the street to a cozy little bistro where they indulged in dessert.

  On the quiet drive home, Jenna fell asleep as soon as they hit the city limits while Callan snuggled against Clay in the backseat.

  “Is Jenna doing okay, Josh?” Callan asked as they drove toward Tenacity.

  “I think so,” he said, honestly. “She gets tired easily and her blood pressure has been a little high, but the doctor said that’s all normal. She has a hard time resting because it seems like those two little guys know the second she is trying to sleep and start fighting in there to beat the band. The other night, she was trying to sleep and they were kicking so hard, the covers actually bounced. I don’t know how she isn’t bruised black and blue from the inside out, but those two were really going at it. When I put my hand on her stomach, I could feel them kick and push. If that is any indication of their future personalities, I think we might have a couple of scrappers on our hands.”

  Clay laughed. “If they’re that rambunctious, it’s a good sig
n they’re healthy and active, right?”

  “Right.”

  Jenna hadn’t experienced any complications in her pregnancy, other than exhaustion, and for all appearances the boys grew normally and right on schedule.

  Josh couldn’t even begin to fathom how heartbreaking and painful it must have been for Callan to miscarry when she was four months pregnant. She hadn’t told anyone, including Clay, she’d been expecting until just a few years ago, three years after it had happened. Their marriage hit bottom when he found out the truth, but the struggle made them decide to work things out and start fresh. As he watched them together, it was easy to forget the painful times they’d faced.

  “If there’s anything we can do to help, let us know.” Callan leaned forward and touched Josh’s shoulder with gentle hand.

  “I think you’ve done more than your share as it is, Cal. Jenna is thrilled with the nursery and so excited about the baby shower. When you told her you’d be happy to watch the boys one day a week, she cried for an hour about how you’re the best sister in the world. With you watching them on Mondays and Amelia keeping them Wednesdays, Jenna can work from home the other three days and everything should be smooth sailing, or as smooth as it will get with twins.”

  “I was honored she asked me to watch the twins. I’ll get two little babies to love and cuddle and fuss over every week but I won’t have them often enough that I’ll get tired of babysitting. With the girls both in school, I miss having some noise in the house during the day. It will be perfect.”

  Clay gave Callan a kiss on her cheek, knowing how much she loved to cuddle babies. “If their favorite uncle just happens to take a long lunch or have a free class period, he might run home to spend some time with them, too.”

  “Since when do you get all loopy over babies, Clay?” Josh laughed at the picture in his head of his burly brother-in-law making funny faces at two little babies.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Clay ignored the question, giving Josh a look that dared him to interrogate him further.

  “Have you gotten around to picking any names?” Callan asked. She and Jenna discussed a long list of names but the ones Jenna liked Josh didn’t and the ones he thought were great, Jenna declared completely awful. Callan had to agree, especially when Josh suggested they name the boys Espn and Fox, for the sports television networks.

  “Willard and Ashley,” Jenna said as she came awake and joined in the conversation. “How about those names, Josh?”

  “Absolutely not! Sounds like a couple of sissy-pants poets,” Josh said with disgust. The boys would be farm kids, after all. They needed salt of the earth, solid names. “I already picked out two great names and you shot them down without even blinking.”

  “Espn and Fox are not great names. Even Clay wouldn’t suggest names like that, would you?” Jenna turned around and glanced at her brother-in-law in the backseat.

  “Well, um…” Clay didn’t want involved in this conversation. No matter what he said, he’d end up making one of them mad. “Why don’t you name them after both of your dads or some family name?”

  “Hmm,” Jenna said, growing quiet and thoughtful. “That isn’t a bad idea, Clay. Thanks.”

  Clay could feel Callan patting his leg, which meant she was pleased with him. If he continued to score points with her the rest of the evening, he hoped he would get a reward for his good behavior. When Jenna turned back around, he gently poked Callan in the ribs then blew in her ear. The glare she gave him warned of the thin ice on which he purposely skated.

  “Maybe you can help me with some of your family names, Callan.” Jenna turned around again and smiled at her sister-in-law. She couldn’t think of any names she liked from her own family tree.

  “Sure. I’ll bring a list when I come this week to work on the nursery.” Callan mentally scanned through family names and immediately rejected most of them.

  Josh soon pulled into Clay and Callan’s driveway, bidding them good night.

  “Thanks for another fun evening,” Callan said as Clay held her door and offered her a hand on the icy sidewalk. “I hope we can get in a few more outings before the twins arrive.”

  “Me, too.” Unsuccessful in her efforts to stifle a yawn as she spoke, Jenna made them all laugh.

  “I think I better get her home,” Josh said as he waved to Clay and Callan. Once they were back on the road, he turned his gaze to Jenna. “It’s good we’re spending more time with them. They’re both a lot of fun, aren’t they?”

  “Yes, they are. I’m so glad we enjoy one another’s company. It’s nice you and Callan have each other, considering.”

  “Considering what?” Josh asked.

  “Considering how much you both despise Bob and how you were raised. I just meant it’s nice you two are close and enjoy spending time together. And that Clay and I enjoy tagging along.”

  “Yeah? I’m glad you both enjoy tagging along. In case you didn’t know it, I kind of like you.”

  Jenna grinned. “I kind of like you, too. Now about these baby names…”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Clay and Callan’s home filled to overflowing with guests and holiday joy on Christmas Day. Audrey and Emma rose early, squealing in delight over the gifts from Santa, as well as those from their parents.

  Josh and Jenna arrived before the other guests. Jenna couldn’t stop bragging about the wonderful rocker Josh gave her that morning for the nursery. The rich navy overstuffed chair rocked and swiveled from side to side. A matching ottoman gave Jenna somewhere to rest her feet. She envisioned tiny little hands holding onto the edge of the cushion, learning to walk around it.

  “I can’t wait for you to see it,” Jenna gushed as she and Callan worked on meal preparations.

  By the time everyone arrived, gifts were once again overflowing from beneath the Christmas tree.

  “Mama? Who’s Willard and Ashley?” Audrey asked, running into the kitchen and tugging on Callan’s apron.

  “Who?”

  “Willard and Ashley? There are some packages under the tree that say they’re for Willard and Ashley.” Confused by the look that passed between Jenna and Callan, Audrey waited for a response.

  “Does it say who they’re from?” Jenna pulled Audrey into a warm hug and brushed unruly golden curls back from her face.

  “Nope. Who do you think they’re from?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m sure we’ll find out.” Callan offered Jenna a rueful smile. “For now, you and Emma leave them alone, though.”

  “Okay, Mama.” Audrey ran off to play with the other children.

  Later, as they all crowded into the living room to open gifts, Jenna looked around the room, counting her blessings to be a part of this family. Big Jim, Bobbi and Steve, Jake and his parents, Josh and Callan’s Aunt Julie and Uncle Ralph, as well as Laken and Tyler Johnson and their two kids were all there to enjoy the day. Thankfully, Bob and Donna were not in attendance.

  When only two packages remained under the tree, addressed to Willard and Ashley, Jake handed one box to Jenna and the other to Josh. Jenna laughed when she pulled out two pairs of the tiniest little Wranglers she had ever seen. Josh’s package contained two little John Deere ball caps.

  “Oh, Jake, these are awesome!” Jenna motioned for him to come close and gave him a peck on the cheek. “You do know we aren’t naming the boys Willard and Ashley.”

  Jake laughed, returning to his seat. “I know. Since you still haven’t picked names and Josh told me how much he liked those particular names, I thought I’d put them on the tag for now.”

  Josh rolled his eyes at Jake then held up a little ball cap. “I don’t think this is quite my size.”

  “They’re for the babies, Uncle Josh, not you,” Emma said in exasperation.

  “Oh, my mistake.” Josh winked at the little girl.

  Jake and Clay disappeared and soon returned carrying a huge box, setting it down in front of Jenna.

  “This gift is a group effort,” Clay
said as he and Jake stepped back. “We hope you like it.”

  Josh helped Jenna untie the bow, pull off the paper and open the box. When he took the top of the box away, it revealed a hand-carved child-sized table with four chairs. Made of oak, the table had rounded corners and sturdy legs. Each chair bore the design of a farm animal, with two horses and two cows completing the set.

  Jenna studied one of the horse chairs. The four chair legs looked like horse’s legs while the seat resembled the animal’s back. The neck comprised the back of the chair and a wonderfully detailed face of the animal covered the outside of the chair’s backrest. There was even a mane on the horse chair, made out of yarn.

  Holding up one of the chairs, Josh examined the excellent craftsmanship. Gratitude flooded through him while Jenna sniffled to hold back tears. Comfortingly, he rested a hand on her shoulder and glanced at Clay, then Jake. “Who do we need to thank for this amazing gift? It’s just unbelievable.”

  Everyone remained quiet as Josh looked around the room, studying each face. His gaze finally rested on his brother-in-law. “Come on, Clay. Who worked on this project?”

  Clay waved his hand around the room. “Uncle Ralph let us use his wood shop and helped quite a bit. Jake put in time when he could and Big Jim, Dad, and Uncle Tom worked on the chairs. Callan and Aunt Julie added the mane. Like I said, it’s a group effort.”

  “Don’t let him fool you,” Jake said, thumping Clay on the back. “He spent hours carving on those things.”

  “It’s a beautiful gift.” Jenna struggled her way out of her chair and waddled over to Clay to give him a hug. “These will be a wonderful keepsake for the boys. Thank you, everyone.”

  “You’re welcome,” Clay said, carefully hugging Jenna. As he did, he felt a baby kick. When he leaned back and stared at her stomach, Jenna smiled and grabbed his fingers in hers. She placed his hand on her belly and held it steady. The baby kicked again, making Clay’s eyes light with wonder while Jenna grinned.

  “Can I feel, too?” Audrey pleaded. Jenna guided her hand to the spot and Audrey giggled as she felt a thump against her hand. Emma insisted on her turn. They finally had to explain to Emma a few weeks ago that Aunt Jenna was not getting fat, but that was where she carried the babies until they were ready to come home. Thankfully, she hadn’t demanded more of an explanation than that.