“She’s a photography genius. Hope is probably one of the most respected photographers in the world for her extreme weather photography. She has a gift, and she’s amazingly skilled,” Jason said supportively. “Luckily, her focus is now on her landscapes and nature photographs. She has nothing to prove to anyone anymore.” Jason and Hope exchanged a look of understanding, something that nobody probably understood except them.
Everyone grumbled that they hadn’t . . . except Evan. “I’ve seen them all,” Evan mentioned nonchalantly. “I agree she’s incredibly talented. I have a number of her works on my walls now,” Evan admitted. “I have to admit that I’m relieved that she’s decided to change her focus. If she hadn’t, I’d have agents all over her.”
“They’d have to get in line after mine,” Grady said sullenly.
“Mine would be there, too,” Jared added.
“I’d hire some,” Dante agreed in a surly voice.
“You’d all be too late,” Jason told them defensively. “I’d already planned her protection had she not chosen to get out of the field on her own. And I would have been with her every moment no matter where she was.”
Hope leaned over and kissed her husband tenderly before focusing her attention on Evan. “You really have some of my photos on your walls?” Hope asked hesitantly, hopefully, her eyes expressing her surprise.
Evan nodded sharply. “I’m proud of you, Hope.”
Mara knew Evan’s simple comment encompassed more than just her work as a photographer. Mara’s heart squeezed thinking about what Hope had endured in the hands of her kidnapper, although she hadn’t shared the gruesome details. She hurt for the physical and emotional pain that Hope had been through. “You’re incredibly brave,” Mara told Hope earnestly. “I’m just sorry for what happened to you.”
Hope gave Mara a small smile. “Thank you. I got through it, and I’m happier now than I could have ever dreamed I’d be.” She stopped to give her husband, Jason, an adoring look, her hand going to her still-flat abdomen protectively.
“We should have been there for you. You could have told us,” Grady rumbled.
“Please understand that I needed time, Grady. I love you all, but I had to have time to heal,” Hope answered softly.
“If this incident was top secret and it was hidden from the public eye, how the hell did Evan find out?” Dante questioned, looking directly at his eldest brother.
Evan stared back at Dante, his eyes neutral. “There aren’t many areas where I don’t have contacts.” He shrugged mysteriously.
Jared let go of Mara’s hand and stood, making his way slowly to his sister. “We weren’t there for you then, but we are now. Hug me, dammit,” he insisted gruffly.
Tears streaming down her face, Mara bit her lip as Jason let go of his wife, a tearful Hope rising to fling herself into Jared’s arms. “I’m so sorry. I love you all so much,” Hope sobbed as she clung to her youngest brother.
Everyone else except Evan rose, including the women, and passed Hope around for heartfelt hugs of forgiveness and love.
Although Evan watched every moment of the reunion, he never moved to hug his sister, or to join in the family rebonding.
He remained alone.
CHAPTER 17
“You have an incredible family,” Mara told Jared an hour or two after Hope’s revelation had shaken up the entire clan of Sinclairs. Although Evan tried not to appear affected by any of it, Mara knew better. While the rest of the family had been able to talk things out, hug each other in forgiveness and support, Evan had been brooding by himself. There was no healing for Evan, and her heart ached for him.
“I’ve missed them,” Jared admitted in a low, thoughtful voice as he watched the whole bunch of Sinclairs around him laughing and teasing each other about everything from childhood exploits to their sports team preferences. “I just wished I had known about Hope.”
“Nobody did. Evan didn’t even know until it was over. I’m glad she showed everybody her work. You should be proud of her. She’s talented,” Mara told him thoughtfully.
Hope had brought up her portfolio online after every Sinclair had insisted on seeing it. They’d all spent some time marveling at her talent, and Mara could see that Hope was relieved and pleased that her family could finally acknowledge her career. Although Hope was now done shooting extreme weather and chasing natural disasters around the world, she was still building her name in nature photography. And in Mara’s opinion, she was damn good at it.
“Jared? Somebody is here for you. She says she’s an old acquaintance of yours.” Emily hovered near where they were seated on the couch, her face appearing uncertain.
The doorbell had rung a few minutes ago, and Emily had hopped up, Grady right behind her protectively, to see who was visiting. Since the family was all here, and the Peninsula was private, he’d acted concerned. Obviously, they hadn’t been expecting any more guests.
The room grew quiet, all eyes on Jared. “Who is it?” he asked, appearing confused.
It’s a she? He isn’t seeing anyone else right now. He told me he isn’t.
Mara’s heart started to race, her fear that it was an old flame that he’d taken to his bed who had tracked him down making a cold chill move slowly down her spine.
He wouldn’t lie to me. He wouldn’t. Even if it is an old flame, he isn’t sleeping with her now.
Emily stepped aside, and a haggard-looking woman stepped up. “It’s me. I’m sorry to intrude, but I had to see you.” The older female was nervous, wringing her hands as she stood in front of Jared.