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“Right before she died, Miss Hattie spoke to Jax and I about the past. She said she’d had two loves of her life. Then she proceeded to tell us all about her romance with Samuel and his tragic death during World War II. I asked her about the other love of her life and she said it was a story for another time. That time never came. She passed away not too long after that discussion.”
“So what are you saying?” Morgan asked. “That the secret baby was the other love of her life?”
“It’s possible,” Callie said. She glanced over at Morgan. “Your mom was there when she said it. I’m guessing she might know something. If Miss Hattie had a secret love child, I think Pearl might know the truth about it.”
“Mama and Miss Hattie were the best of friends,” Morgan acknowledged. “If Miss Hattie told her about a secret baby, Mama would have kept that secret. But since they were so close, I’m not sure Mama would ever divulge that secret even now out of respect for her best friend.”
Hope bit her lip. “It all makes sense. Speaking as a mother, Ella is the love of my life. So it stands to reason that Miss Hattie was referencing her child when she made that statement.”
“We’ll take your word for it,” Fancy said, smiling sweetly at Hope. “You’re the expert.”
“She said something else,” Callie admitted. “She said that both the loves of her life slipped through her fingers.”
Hope gasped. Olivia raised a hand to her mouth. Morgan shook her head mournfully. The reality seemed to be hitting them that Miss Hattie had delivered a baby—Samuel’s baby—one she had given away for adoption. The reality was staring all of them straight in the face.
“Wow,” Fancy said. “That’s pretty telling, although at the time you didn’t have all the information to piece things together.”
“In nineteen forty-two it would have been extremely difficult for an unmarried woman to give birth to a child,” Olivia said. “There would have been a stigma against her and the child.”
Hope scoffed. “It’s difficult now to have a child without the benefit of marriage. There’s still a stigma.” She couldn’t hide the trace of bitterness in her voice. “I could write a book on it.”
The room got quiet. No one knew what to say to fill up the silence. Hope knew it was her fault for making such a self-pitying remark. She wasn’t being fair either. None of her fr
iends knew about Ella’s father. And that was her fault. She’d returned to Savannah after a long absence with a baby girl in her arms. Not one of her five closest friends knew an iota about Ross and his duplicity because she hadn’t told them a thing about the father of her child.
Olivia reached over and placed a shoulder around her. “It must be really tough. Please don’t think we’re insensitive to your situation.”
Hope’s cheeks burned. She felt ridiculous for making the comment but it had just slipped out. “I didn’t mean to complain, but it is hard sometimes to be a single mother.”
Morgan reached out and clutched her hand. “I can only imagine. And in case I haven’t told you, my friend, you’re an awesome mother. The love and dedication you’ve shown toward Ella is awe inspiring.”
Tears blurred Hope’s vision. It felt so wonderful to have such great friends. They supported her unconditionally. She felt a little mean for not telling them about Ella’s father.
“I want you to know I appreciate you guys more than you’ll ever know. Being able to live in the guesthouse with Ella has been amazing. I’ve been able to sock some money away in our bank account. A nest egg for the future.” She swiped at the tears trickling down her face. “I want to tell you all about Ella’s father. Not right now. But soon.”
“I can’t pretend I’m not curious,” Charlotte said, “but I only want to know the information in your time, Hope. When you want to share it with us.”
“Ditto,” Olivia said. “When you’re comfortable talking about it, we’ll be here to listen.”
“Matter of fact,” Morgan said with a smirk, “I’ll even throw a party for the six of us and cook us a fancy dinner. Then you can make your big reveal of information.”
Hope chuckled. “I’ll remember to take you up on that offer. You can make my favorite meal.”
All the girls groaned and said in unison, “Fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.”
“And don’t forget the corn bread,” Hope added. They all burst into laughter, which in Hope’s opinion was the best medicine. It didn’t matter what stones were thrown at them by Grayson Holloway. For now, and for always they would be a united front against anyone or anything. And the next time she came face-to-face with Holloway she would tell him so.
“I’m the luckiest girl in Savannah to have the five of you in my corner,” Hope said, emotion clogging her throat.
“And you always will,” Olivia said, her words ringing out with the strength of a promise.
**
Grayson knew he shouldn’t be prowling around the premises of Savannah House, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Part of him was consumed by curiosity while another part truly enjoyed the sight of the spectacular grounds. The property was immense and very well maintained. He let out a chuckle. Maybe he really wanted to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Hope Matthews. It was safe to say she wouldn’t want to see him, especially not skulking around the grounds. Even with her face twisted up in anger, Hope was still stunning.
Get your mind right, he reminded himself. Being here in Savannah wasn’t about meeting beautiful women. It was about securing his birthright. It was about challenging the status quo.
“You have got to be kidding me.”
