Rory: Hope City, Book 7 by Maryann Jordan (uplifting books for women txt) 📕

“Was there anything else you wanted to know?” she asked softly.

“Her place wasn’t what I expected.”

Her head cocked to the side again as her brow furrowed. “Expected?”

“I know her father is the head of Carmichael Financial Associates. I expected her to live in a place that was, well, fancier. Instead, it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be.” A chuckle slid from his lips as he added, “Even her cat wasn’t fancy.”

A fiery glint moved through Harper’s gaze, and he quickly realized that perhaps he’d overspoken his thoughts. Before he had a chance to explain, she said, “I’ve met a lot of people in my life, Rory, and Sandy is one of the best I’ve ever known. She’s worked hard for everything she has, making her own way. She’s smart, funny, and oh, so loyal. She enjoys having fun with friends and meeting new people. But like any strong, beautiful female, she often has to put up with what people perceive she’s like without really getting to know her.” Shaking her head, Harper continued, “And if you’ve believed stupid suppositions about her from half-drunk guys that were probably turned down by her, then you’re not the man I know you are.”

Before he had a chance to respond, the back door opened, and Sean stuck his head out. “Everything okay out here?”

Harper smiled, her face softening as she stared at her husband. “Yeah, sweetie, we’re fine.” Turning to pin Rory with a pointed stare, she lifted an eyebrow and added, “I think Rory’s got what he needs.” With that, she turned and moved back inside the house with Sean.

Soon, the family members left, but he stayed behind. His dad was camped out in his easy chair, snoozing during a football game on TV. Erin and his mom were catching the afternoon sun on the patio, and he settled into one of the Adirondack chairs near them. He didn’t miss the looks his sister and mom gave each other when he sat down. Chuckling, he asked, “What? Can’t I join you?”

“Of course you can,” his mom said, her smile warm as she turned her attention toward him.

Erin stared at him with a speculative gaze. “What’s on your mind, Rory? Not that I don’t like your company, but something is bothering you.”

He tried to think of what to say that would put him in a better light but came up empty. Instead, he blurted, “I think I made an error in judgment. I listened to some other people state their opinions about someone… hell, might as well call it gossip. Anyway, I’m pretty sure that was a mistake.”

“That doesn’t sound like you,” Erin said. “I mean, Sean can be a bit judgmental at times. Kyle can be rather hotheaded and tends to say exactly what he thinks, but you were always the one who was easy going. Laid-back. Took life as it came. Accepted people as they are.”

“Okay, the truth of the matter is that I not only listened to what others said, but I also let the person know.” Scrubbing his hand over his face, he sighed once again. “I was an ass.”

“I get the feeling that you’re talking about a woman,” his mom said, her gaze intense with interest.

The silence grew awkward, and he felt the childish need to defend himself. “Hell, I was still living here, knew I had to focus on getting my paramedic licensure, trying to save money. The time didn’t seem right to start a relationship, but by listening to the other people, I didn’t even give her a chance. Figured she was out of my league. But I could tell her feelings were hurt when I shut her down.”

“Seems like that tells me more about you than her.”

He winced at his mother’s words.

Before he had a chance to say anything, Erin jumped in. “Rory, I get where you’re coming from. I mean, I’m still living here with Mom and Dad. I’m saving money, wanting to become an RN, and there’s very little time for a relationship. I don’t know that you made the wrong decision. Or maybe it was just the decision to make at the time, and it’s only in hindsight that you think maybe you gave up too early.”

As much as he appreciated Erin’s support, he said, “You’re right, it probably was too early. But now, I have to wonder if it’s too late.”

“You’ll never know if you don’t get in there and find out,” his mom said. “And if you were judgmental, and it turns out that those judgments were wrong, then apologize. Make amends. Try to start anew.” She leaned forward and placed her hand on his arm, giving a little squeeze. “If anyone can make someone feel better, it’s you.”

The trio stood, and he first hugged his mom, towering over her but feeling the strength in her embrace. “Thanks, Mom.” She smiled and reached up to pat his cheek before turning and going back into the house.

He wrapped his arm around Erin’s shoulder, and they walked around the house to his truck. She twisted her head to the side and said, “Look, Rory. I can tell you’re upset, but if this is a woman you’re really interested in, then go for it.”

“What if she doesn’t want to have anything to do with me?”

Snorting, she shook her head. “If women never forgave men for being stupid, there’d be no marriages and certainly no sex!”

Barking out a laugh, he hugged her goodbye and climbed into his truck. With a wave, he headed home, determination filling him.

12

Rory glanced at the GPS after the call came in, threw on his siren, and made a quick right-hand turn at the next intersection.

“Whoo-eee, Lord, let the baby be okay,” Shania said. “I never know whether to be excited or scared when it’s an imminent delivery.”

Making his way through three more intersections, he turned to the left and scanned the row of brick townhouses on either side of the street.