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"Ah, I see." Uncapping the water, Anna took a healthy swig before continuing. "By that, I'm assuming you mean beyond having a baby together."
Hope nodded. "Don't get me wrong. We do care about each other. A lot. But..." Hope looked down at the pieces she'd torn from the label on her water bottle, "aside from a physical relationship, we've only agreed to see where things might go while we're here for the holidays. No pressure. No expectations."
"And?"
"That's kind of where we've left things." While also continuing to have incredible, toe-curling sex, that is. But his mother didn't need specifics.
"Why?"
"Because it's easier than talking about our feelings?" Thus, running the risk of discovering the only things they had in common were a veterinary career, the baby, and the aforementioned amazing sex.
Anna folded her forearms across the table and leaned forward. "Are you worried you and Drew might not want the same things?"
Who the hell knew? Shrugging, Hope blew out a slow, shaky breath. "I don't want a relationship based on his feeling obligated or because it's the right thing to do. But mainly, I don't want either of us to make any decisions we'll end up regretting." Hope shook her head. "I just don't think that's possible."
"No, I'm afraid it's probably not," Anna confirmed with a smile. "Life would be so much simpler if we all had a crystal ball, wouldn't it?"
"Amen to that."
"We can only be expected to do the best we can with what we have, Hope. There will always be risks, some bigger and more challenging than others. More often than not, we'll be forced out of our comfort zones and be compelled to compromise more than usual. Sometimes, we just need to trust our gut, get out of our own way, pray for guidance, and have faith everything will work out."
Anna tapped her palm against the tabletop. "But I still believe if you and Drew sit down together and have a heart-to-heart talk, you'll find the decisions you need to make aren't as difficult as you're afraid they're going to be."
"I wish I had your confidence. Especially since I don't know even where to begin this conversation with Drew."
Rising, Anna slipped into her jacket, but before sliding her hands into her leather gloves, she laid her hand over Hope's and squeezed. "Just say what's in your heart, Hope. That's usually the best place to start."
Had her father been there, he'd likely have given her similar advice. Maybe he'd sent Anna in his place. Stranger things were known to happen, and with Sam Logan, nothing was beyond the realm of possibility.
As they walked toward the door, Hope wished for something to offer Anna in appreciation for initiating the long-overdue conversation about the baby, for her advice and suggestions, and especially for her kindness, understanding, and support. As Anna reached for the door handle, Hope remembered she'd never answered Anna's initial question about when her grandchild was due.
And that was when Hope realized what she could offer her baby’s grandmother. "So, I was wondering if you have any plans for the first week of May," Hope asked.
Slowly, Anna turned toward Hope. "Not that I know of right now. Why?"
"Well, if you're not busy, I'd really like you to be there for the birth of your third grandchild."
Tears filled Anna's beautiful brown eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Then, wild horses won't be able to keep me away," Anna promised with a smile that rivaled the sun.
Chapter Fourteen
As Drew finished up the last call with Pops, his phone dinged with the personal notification tone he'd assigned to Hope.
You coming back here for lunch?
Why? You miss me? 'Cuz I can be there in five minutes.
Actually, Tess invited me to go Christmas shopping with her.
Unsure whether Hope wanted to go or was looking for an excuse to beg off, Drew tapped his reply:
You going?
I hate to say no. But not sure when we'll be back.
