Anchor of Hope Read Online Free PDF Page A

tired. I didn't sleep too well last night. I might have a lie down for a while.”
    At the top of the stairs was Bryan’s old bedroom. It looked as though it were lived in—the bed was made, and there was men’s’ clothing hanging visibly through the open slit on the wardrobe.
    Ashley curiously pushed the door open and stepped inside. There was a photo of Martin and Jane on the bedside table. She frowned as she picked it up. That was an odd photo to put in a guest bedroom. She spun on her heels as she heard Martin cough from behind her. He was standing in the door way.
    “Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to pry. Does someone live in here?”
    “As a matter of fact, I do.”
    Ashley must have had a confused expression on her face, because Martin explained.
    “I . . . well, your mother and I . . . wanted to keep things traditional .” He shifted uncomfortably and Ashley could see a deep shade of crimson rising from his neck line.
    Oh!
    Now she understood. How embarrassing.
    “Oh, I see. Sorry for intruding.” She stepped past him and made her way into her old bedroom as fast she could, closing the door behind her and leaning her back against it. Why hadn't anyone told her? That embarrassing scene could have easily been avoided. It seemed a little bizarre that they would have separate bedrooms, but it was none of her business how they chose to conduct their lives. Really, she didn't want to know.
    Her room had had a much-needed makeover. She barely recognised it with all the fresh paint and new decor . In fact, the whole house had been made over. With Martins keen eye for restoration, he had managed to brighten the place up and give it a new life.
    She eyed her suitcase sitting on the bed. Normally she loved unpacking on vacation. It made her feel settled and prepared to stay a while. But this wasn't like vacation—this was more like a forced stay in one of the places she had actively avoided. Maybe if she kept her clothes in the suitcase it would feel like a quick stopover, something temporary. Unpacking was almost like admitting defeat, accepting the fact that she was 'getting comfortable', which she knew was impossible in this town. Tomorrow would be soon enough.
    She placed the suitcase on the floor and collapsed on the bed. Lying on her back, she clasped her fingers together across her stomach and closed her eyes. How she wished she were back in the city, back at home and back with Steven.
    One day at a time, you can do this. Just one week and you can get the heck out of this place and back to your life.
     

Chapter 3
     
    When she opened her eyes the room was much darker. She checked the clock beside her bed: 5:15 p.m. She couldn't believe she had fallen asleep so fast, or slept so long. Ashley stood up and changed into a pair of dark denim jeans and a black top with a lacy trim. Now, where were the gifts she’d brought. There. She picked up the bag of gifts and went downstairs.
    Jane and Martin were in the living room, dressed to go out.
    “How was your sleep?” Jane asked.
    “Good. I can't believe I dozed off. I got you guys a little present.” Ashley pulled the large wrapped rectangular box out of the bag.
    “Oh, you shouldn't have done that, darling,” Jane said as she accepted the box.
    “It's nothing big. I saw it and thought of you.” Ashley shrugged.
    Jane unwrapped the box and opened it, a smile spread across her face as she saw what was inside.
            She gasped at the ornate colorful glass vase. Hand crafted.
    “I know how much you like flowers.” Ashley clasped her hands together. “Martin, there's a little something inside the vase for you.”
    Martin looked surprised and Jane tipped the vase upside down. A small box fell out and Martin retrieved it and opened it.
    It was a watch. He whistled as he lifted it from the box.
    “This is what I need.” He wrapped it around his wrist, clasping it together, and admiring it.
    “It's waterproof, of course,” Ashley said. “I’m told it has