RICHARD ROMAN SLOWLY made his way down the slight slope and went directly to the family cemetery.
In the past, when he came here, it was to talk to his wife, to give Amy an update on the girls, or to share a special moment with her, the way he had when she was alive and by his side.
The headstone had a carving of an angel on it. An angel that had her face. Talking to the headstone made him feel somehow closer to Amy.
But today he didn’t stop at her grave, beyond saying a quick hello and asking her indulgence because today, he had come to talk to Dan.
The corners of Richard’s mouth curved into a sad smile as he looked down on the newest headstone in the relatively small plot of land. At Dan’s request, the headstone was basic and straightforward, very much like the man himself had been.
“Well, as usual, you were right, old friend,” Richard said, addressing the headstone. “Your plan worked just the way you hoped it would.”
He remembered thinking that he’d had his doubts, despite Dan’s optimism. But Dan was certain. He’d felt that his deathbed request would force his son to be with Alex on a constant basis and dissolve whatever false barriers were in the way. Given their daily close contact, the sharp edges of their banter would wear away and they would finally have to admit that they had feelings for each other. Feelings that ran deep.
“They’re getting married next month. Wyatt popped the question last night when he came to tell us that your book would be coming out next April, just in time to celebrate the inn’s 120th anniversary.” His smile widened. “He asked, and Alex had the good sense to say yes. Our kids are getting married,” he said with mingled pride and excitement.
Richard laughed softly. “You certainly called it. I always wanted them together, but I never thought it was going to happen. But you, you knew exactly how to do it. And now, looking back, it all seems so simple.
“Too bad you can’t be here for the ceremony, but I guess that was all part of it, wasn’t it? Making Wyatt feel obligated to work on the book you started because you told him how much it meant to you.
“That way, no matter how much he wanted to just walk away from Alex and never look back, he couldn’t. And because they were involved in doing this one last project for you, they finally saw beyond all their clever rhetoric and fell in love just the way you said they would. I don’t mind saying it again—I was wrong—but you, you never doubted. You knew.”
Richard sighed heavily. He missed hearing Dan’s deep voice, missed talking over old times with the one person who’d shared all those old times with him.
“And I’d give everything I own just to have you down here at the wedding.” His sad smile deepened. “But I guess you’ll have a ringside seat for it, won’t you?
“Got a favor to ask, since you’re up there. Watch out for my Amy, will you? Look after my girl until I get there and can do it myself, okay?”
He assumed that if Dan could say something, the answer would have been yes.
“I miss you both,” Richard said with another heavy sigh. And then he glanced toward the inn. “I’ve got to be getting back before Alex comes looking for me,” he said to the headstone. “Stevi’s declared dibs on making the wedding arrangements and someone’s got to be there to rein that girl in. I’d appreciate a few hints whispered in my ear on how to do that when you get the chance. You were always so much better at getting people to listen to you than I ever was.
“That’s all for now,” Richard concluded. “But I’ll be back to give you and Amy an update when I get the chance.” He smiled at the headstone and said, “Well, see you later,” as he turned and took his leave.
Like an old friend, the timeless sound of the waves rhythmically moving in to the shore and then out again accompanied him as he went back to the inn.
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