Holiday of Hope by Kristen Ethridge

Author:Kristen Ethridge [Ethridge, Kristen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laurel Lock Publishing
Published: 2018-11-13T06:00:00+00:00

The next morning, Jessica dropped off the last of the posters at the Port Provident Historical Society. Her best friend, Samantha Spaeth, was the director of the organization. She told Jessica she had some volunteers who needed materials to help spread the word.

Jessica felt immense gratitude for anyone who wanted to put time and effort behind getting more attendees for the Victorian Christmas celebration. Anything she could do to help them help out—it was time well spent in Jessica’s book.

Time with Samantha was also quality time in Jessica’s book. Demands on Samantha’s calendar had shot through the roof this past year. She’d opened a new tourist attraction dedicated to the Great Storm of 1910. It focused on the lives lost at the Port Provident Children’s Home, one of the most poignant stories of all those that came out of the storm. She’d also been a part of a special that aired on Home and Hearth network. On top of all that, she’d met the man of her dreams last Christmas and she and Whitt Peoples—Diana’s grandson—were planning their own happily-ever-after.

Jessica felt so much happiness for her friend.

But at the same time, it made her feel a little empty.

“These posters will be perfect. I’m headed over to Provident College today to speak in one of the history classes. I’ll hang some up while I’m there.” Samantha looked at the illustration on the oversized paper with a fond smile. “Who did the design on these? I’ve got some upcoming projects for the spring that I could use some help on.”

“Actually, Bradley put them together. He said the graphic designer for the tourism team is still living off the island, so she’s only working part-time.”

Samantha laughed. “Bradley Thorpe. Is there anything he can’t do these days?”

Jessica fell into uncharacteristic silence. Usually she always had a quip or retort for her best friend. But right now? Nope. She had nothing.

“Cat got your tongue?” Samantha’s eyes locked on Jessica’s face, searching her expression like a missile focusing in on a target.

Without even thinking about it, Jessica took a step back. Samantha had read her like one of the brochures lined up along the counter. But Jessica didn’t really want to answer Samantha’s question.

As she thought about it, though, she realized it was more that she couldn’t think of anything Bradley couldn’t do. He’d pretty much done it all during the last few weeks.

Lightning-quick, a memory from last night flashed into Jessica’s mind.

Samantha raised her eyebrows. “Spill it.”

“What?” Jessica tried to protest, but it quickly became evident that Samantha saw right through her.

“Brad. Ley. Thorpe.” Samantha laid down the posters and crossed her arms, as if speaking in individual syllables didn’t call Jessica out enough. “You’re holding something back. Spill it.”

The only thing Jessica wanted to hold was Bradley’s hand. Again.

But could she really tell Samantha? Sam would think she was crazy.

“Bradley’s just a nice guy, that’s all. Helpful.” Jessica decided to stick to the most basic levels of truth.

Samantha pursed her lips. “Mmmhmm. I know that.

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