Read Online A Glimmer of Hope: A Novella Prequel to Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman - Free Book Online Page B

wondering why her mother had ever married him. He was nothing but a liar. A monster. A sorry excuse for a father. And as soon as she could, she’d leave, whether it was to Nicki’s or to college—it didn’t matter. And that’s where she’d stay until Jack could take her away.
    Jack.
    His teases suddenly echoed over the water as he and his sisters fished on the dock, and instantly a familiar peace flooded her soul, slowing the frantic beat of her pulse. Yes ! Everything would be all right because Jack was home for the summer . The one man who could redeem her from the wrath of Daddy, convincing her she was worth loving no matter what her father said before she’d stormed out of the house.
    “He’ll never marry you, because you’re not worth the trouble.”
    “You’re wrong, Daddy,” she hissed under her breath, bolting down the O’Bryen’s ramp. “Jack loves me no matter what.”
    The weathered wood clattered beneath her feet, making so much racket that Jack turned around in his Adirondack chair to see who it was. His face lit up with a smile the moment he saw her, then instantly faded the closer she got, compelling him to rush to meet her at the edge of the dock. “What’s wrong?” he said, surveying her head to toe while he held her at arm’s length. “Are you okay?”
    She shook her head and flew into his arms, unable to restrain the tears that leaked from her eyes. “I hate him!”
    He bundled her close, tucking his head against hers. “Your dad again?” he whispered, stroking her head with a tenderness she’d never once received from her father.
    A heave broke from her lips as she nodded, clutching Jack with all of her might. “I wish he were dead.”
    “No you don’t,” he said quietly, the barest trace of humor threading his tone, “anymore than he wishes you were. You two just have the same wicked temper, that’s all.”
    “Yeah, but he’s the spawn of Satan,” she hissed.
    His low chuckle blew in her ear, slowly untangling the knots in her stomach. “Come on, Mike, that would make you the spawn of the spawn of Satan, and we both know that’s not true.” He pulled away to cup her face in his hands, the love in his eyes a balm to her soul. “You’re a gift straight from heaven, Lace, and I thank God every day for you in my life.”
    She shot into his arms so hard, he stumbled back a few steps, chuckling again when she wouldn’t let go. “I’d give anything to marry you right now,” she whispered, voice hoarse as she rested her head against his chest.
    “Me, too, Lace,” he said quietly, pressing a tender kiss to her hair. “Me too.”
    “Okay—what’s it gonna be?” Cat stood behind Jack, hip cocked and a fishing rod in her hand. “Fishing or kissy-face, because if it doesn’t involve bait, Shan and I are outta here.”
    Lacey slipped around Jack to face Cat head-on, hands on her hips and a dare in her tone. “First fish caught, O’Bryen, because suddenly I feel like whipping your skinny butt. And loser walks the rope.”
    “Oh dream on, Carbuncle,” Cat said with a gleam in her eyes, Lacey’s challenge obviously stirring a little competition. “I got a stringer over there too heavy to lift, so you’re on.”
    Strolling over to the tackle chest to find her favorite rod, Lacey tossed Cat’s twin a sassy smile. “You in, Shan?”
    With a chew of her lip, Shannon hugged her arms tight to her waist. “And risk landing in the drink?” She pretended to shiver. “I think I’ll pass.”
    “Me too.” Jack strolled over to take the chair next to Shannon, offering Lacey a lazy smile. “But Shan and I’ll be happy to cheer you both on— after you bait your own hooks.”
    Lacey froze, the rod limp in her hands. “But you always bait my hook,” she said with a waver in her voice, the thought of touching anything slimy making her shudder.
    “What a baby,” Cat muttered, reaching into the bucket for a shrimp.
    Jack tilted back and grinned, arms braced behind his