“Who knew so much mail could pile up in a week?”
“Who cares? Let’s go to bed.”
“Good Lord, you’re insatiable, Mr. Cooper. A week in Italy, every night together, wasn’t enough?”
He laced his fingers through hers. “It will never be enough. But that’s not what I meant. I’m exhausted. I could blame it on the long flight, but...”
She cocked an eyebrow at him. “ ...But?”
“I’m not sure I’m the insatiable one.”
She threw the envelopes she held in her hand at him, laughing at his startled expression. As the envelopes fell to the floor, the handwriting on one of them caught her eye.
“Hey, that’s from my mom. Since when does she send letters? She’s more into email than I am.”
“I think anyone might be into email or texting more than you, my luscious little Luddite.”
She bent down and picked up the envelope, ignoring his jibe. She pulled out the folded paper within and opened it to reveal a second, smaller folded piece of paper. She looked at her mother’s writing.
Dear Cat, the note read.
I found this when Marie and I were cleaning out the upstairs. I don’t really know what your father was talking about, but since it mentions a manuscript and you’d asked about one, I thought you might be interested. Love, Mom.
Cat sucked in a breath as she unfolded the second piece of paper.
“What is it?” Ben walked over to her.
“Something from my dad.” She held her finger to her lips as she began to read.
Grandma Schreiber says manu handed down thru family. Origins not known—somewhere medieval Germany, maybe 13th cent. Can create love, create people (!), according to Grandma. Only for certain female members of the family, every 2nd or 3rd generation, @ 25. Must be guarded carefully, kept secret. Ancestors killed over it, died for it. Only told me b/c her health is frail & doesn’t think she’ll live to see Catey to 25. Only C will understand, Grandma claims.
Grandma’s nuts, but I’m writing it down, as she said. Guess I better encourage Catey to learn a little Latin.
A tremulous smile broke over her face, even as her eyes filled with tears.
Ben’s brow creased. “You okay?”
“Yes. Yes. Fine.” A tear fell down her cheek. “Just one final gift, one final treasure from my father.”
She cradled the paper against her chest. Thank you, Dad.
Looking at Ben, she held out her hand. “He loved me,” she said, as their fingers intertwined.
Ben’s eyes softened. “He’s not the only one.”
Reaching up, she smoothed her other hand through his hair, pulling him closer. The rich chocolate of his eyes melted her heart, and she knew the love there was mirrored in her own.
She touched her lips to his. “Here’s to our own happily-ever-after, Mr. Cooper. Right after that nap.”
He laughed, catching her up in a fierce hug. “Agreed, Ms. Schreiber. Agreed.”