Hope's Little Blessings Daycare Novels & Stories

Ruffling her hair, I turn my gaze towards Daisy, who averts her eyes, frowning. “Yippee, Hope finally got her Daddy.” Hope pulls away and claps in delight. “Today Hope is so happy pappy. I caught you, Mommy.” Hope says, pointing at Daisy, causing her brows to narrow in confusion. “I know you planned this surprise for your Hopi by calling Daddy here. You’re the best mommy in the world. I love you so much.” She places a kiss on Daisy’s cheek before giving her a tight hug. “Hopi, Mommy, and Daddy.” She wraps one arm around my neck and the other around her mother’s. “Happy family.”

When we’re finished eating, I escort them along the plaza, stopping briefly at Little Life so Kasey can check on her daughters. “What is this place?” Darby asks as Kasey checks in at the front desk and the receptionist starts contacting the childcare staff. From her office across from the reception area, Mrs. Knox, the brainchild and owner of Little Life, leans to peek out the door. I smile when she looks our way and immediately, she comes out to greet us. She’s an older were, a retired teacher, with steel gray hair and piercing blue eyes that scan me then Darby speculatively before she replies. “Little Life is a childcare and learning center.”

“Three. Jaxon is a diesel mechanic over at Paxton Freight. Jolene is getting her teaching degree. And JD graduates this year and is going into the Navy.” “You are a proud momma. I have Newton who is usually sticky. And his sister,” she patted her belly, “will be here in spring. Today he is with my neighbor because he had a bit of a fever. But Willow Rose gives our employees a 40% discount on daycare. Keep that in mind for grands.” “Congratulations.” Helen gushed. “Thank you. Looking forward to the baby shower because I’m craving cake. I’m hoping if I keep saying it, someone will bring me cake.” Her voice got louder as she spoke.

One that is holding my hand right now as we walked towards the daycare entrance. “Mommy, I don’t want to go today,” Hope said, her tiny fingers tightening around mine as she dragged her feet slightly, her voice protesting in the way that made it clear she had already decided she would not be easily convinced. I sighed softly, glancing down at her, taking in the sight that never failed to warm my heart no matter how stressful my day was about to be, her curly hair tied into neat little puffs, her small backpack hanging slightly off one shoulder, her lips pressed into a pout that looked far too dramatic for someone her size.

Hope pressed her tiny hand against the glass and babbled something that sounded like "outside." "Not yet, little one," Emma said. "We have a party today." Hope babbled again. Emma kissed her forehead. --- The party was going to be small. Emma had planned it carefully — just family and close friends. No strangers. No crowds. Just the people who mattered most. She had decorated the penthouse with balloons and streamers and a banner that read Happy 1st Birthday Hope! in bright pink letters. She had ordered a cake shaped like a unicorn. She had bought party hats and favors and a special outfit for Hope — a tiny pink dress with a matching bow, complete with little white socks and soft leather sho

Damon couldn’t bear the thought, so he dropped the financial records and continued to flip the pages of the report because somehow, the records have only left him with more disturbing questions. The last page of the report was simple schedule. Volunteer commitments. Medical outreach. Community clinics. Free pediatric camps. His eyes stopped on one recurring entry. Hope Haven Children's Outreach Initiative Recurring. Several weekends each year. Various rural communities. He frowned. "What is Hope Haven?" "A nonprofit organization. They provide free medical services to underserved communities." The investigator folded his hands. "Dr. Hart has volunteered with them for years." "For years?" "Yes

Ethan smiles, squeezes my hips, and launches into an explanation. “There’s a Children’s group called Heaven’s Blessings, that takes in sick and orphaned children. Two of their children have been through our program before but I keep my eye on them and get them the help they need when they need it. You will check in with the administrator to see if they have any children who need help,” he tells me, making me wonder if he has letters from an of these kids.

Hope’s face lit up. “Hi, Daddy!” she said, her voice full of excitement. “Hi, Nana! Hi, everybody!” Devon smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at his little girl. “Hi, my sweet girl! What are you doing?” Hope held up the iPad, showing everyone the movie room. “We’re about to watch a movie! Mommy Clarisse just gave us a bubble bath, and we went shopping today! We got the cutest gowns for the birthday party!”