The MacBrides: Hannah and Ash by Author J.L. Petersen
Hannah was proud to be part of the
MacBride clan. She loved her family, their land and her lavender. When she found a love she'd wished for all her life on a trip to Paris she thought she had it all. But hidden circumstances separated them leaving her back home with an unexpected reminder of her brief love affair.
When Ash shows up on their ranch she is torn between wanting to share all her joy with him and afraid to trust him to love her, not just their child.
She finds inspiration in her adopted
state of Colorado and her belief love is the most powerful, positive emotion we
can experience.
Excerpt #2
Running his hands
through his hair, spiking the short strands he turned to his friend. “Tell me
something, Doug. What can you tell me about the MacBrides and Hannah?”
“Well, I’m not
well or intimately acquainted.” He held up his hands to stop Ash from
interrupting him. “But, what I have learned, and have confirmed through
observation, is that they’re a closely-knit family. I’m sure they have their
problems, but they appear to hold together. They take their responsibilities to
the land seriously and all seem to be happy with their choices. Hannah seems to
me to be a quiet one. But I’d say she’s as strong as her mother.”
Doug watched as
Ash started to prowl again. “I suspect you’re really asking me something else.
And if it has anything to do with your past relationships and women wanting you
for your money or fame, my answer is simple. You’re being an ass about this.
First, she didn’t know anything about that part of you in Paris. Second, you’re
the one who’s been tearing his hair out to find her, not the other way around.
And if you’re worried about that now, the MacBride’s aren’t exactly paupers.
All I see is a lovely young woman.
Ash stopped his
pacing and swung around to confront his friend, but Doug’s steady stare held
him in check. Gradually, he felt the tension ease from his body. Walking over
to a chair, he flopped into it. Putting his elbows on his knees he dropped in
head into his hands. “I hope you’re right, but I lost my ability to think the
minute she said she was pregnant.”
“I can understand
that. But if you reflect about the other women in your life and then compare
them to Hannah, what do you see? Would you have worn yourself out trying to
find those other women?”
Ash kept his head
in his hands. When he raised his head, his eyes looked haunted. “She’s like no
one else. I want to believe in her… in us.”
“Seems to me
you’ve only have two choices here. Work it out with her or walk away. I suspect
Hannah has already made her choice and I’d bet money you’re on the losing end
of that one.”
“I don’t know
what to think. Maybe if I hang around long enough I’ll get the proof I need
that’s she’s the woman I thought she was.”
Doug almost fell
out of his chair at that statement. “You want her to prove herself to you?”
“Is that a trick
question? Why wouldn’t I hold back from any commitment until I knew for sure
she wants a relationship with me for the right reasons?” Ash asked seriously.
“Dude, I’m so
glad I’m not in your shoes right now. Besides, who says she’s wanting to be in
any type of relationship with you at this point?”
Ash’s head
snapped up. His eyes cold and hard. “Dude,” he muttered back, “if that’s my
child we will have a relationship regardless of what she wants. I won’t abandon
any child of mine.”
Doug rose and
slapped Ash on the shoulder as he walked by. “All I can say is good luck with
that line of thought. I’ve got errands to run. Catch you later.”
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