Renna helped her mother carry in coffee and slices of sweet potato pie from the kitchen. This Thanksgiving Day had been a true celebration!
Da prayed before the meal, giving God thanks and praise for all He’d done and for all He promised to do. Then, after eating roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans, they transitioned to the main parlor.
Renna set down the large round tray and smiled, seeing Brian and Richard clasp hands near the hearth. Richard had accepted the partnership! She sent a glance at his parents. Their smiles spoke of their own happiness over Richard’s decision. As it happened, they had been praying for a similar outcome since they learned Brian survived the accident. Now, after having prayed and considered Brian’s offer for the better part of three weeks, Richard took his former boss up on it.
“But I never dreamed of a partnership.” Richard sported an ear-to-ear grin. “It’s more than I would have imagined.”
How like God to do over, abundantly, and above all we ask or think, Renna thought.
Sarah clapped her hands, laughing softly. She too was pleased with the decision.
“Well, you’ve earned it.”
Renna caught Brian’s earnest expression.
“I just hope you’ll allow my family to be part of your family, because that’s how I think of you, Richard—like a brother.”
“Well, certainly! We’re brothers in Christ, to be sure. Brothers in business now also.”
“And I hereby adopt you, Captain Brian Sinclair,” Marty Navis boomed from his wheelchair, “as my eldest son.”
The children stood by and cheered.
“So that makes you our . . . grandpa.” Gabe placed his hand on the older man’s shoulder. Renna didn’t miss the hopefulness in the boy’s gaze.
“That would be Grandpops to you, young man.” Richard grinned. “I’ve called my father ‘Pops’ for as long as I can recall.”
“And I’m Aunt Sarah,” Sarah declared, pulling Rachel onto her lap.
Renna’s heart swelled to think Richard and Sarah would still be very much a part of the children’s lives.
“And now there’s just one other thing I must take care of,” Brian said.
Renna handed a plate of pie to Mrs. Navis, then turned to look at her beloved—and, yes, Brian Sinclair was the man she loved with all her heart.
“Wendell?”
“Go right ahead, Brian.”
Renna straightened, feeling confused. She faced Brian. “Are you leaving?”
“No. We are leaving.” He stretched out his hand. “Come.”
“Was she naughty, Daddy?” Rachel’s hazel eyes were wide.
Sarah whispered something to her.
“Oh . . . ” Rachel gave Renna a large smile.
And that got Renna feeling suspicious. She wiped her hands on the apron she wore over a black gown with white pearl buttons and lacy collar and cuffs. Mum stood and took it from her. Then she took Brian’s hand. “Where are we going?”
“I need some air after that delicious meal.”
Ramsey brought their outerwear. “Everything’s all set, sir.”
“Thank you.”
Before Renna could voice a question, Brian guided her outside to an awaiting carriage.
“I thought you wanted to take a walk.”
“No, darling, I have something else in mind.”
Their driver helped them inside and then closed the vehicle’s door.
“Where are we going?”
“Sit back, Renna. Allow me to hold you close. I want to savor this trip with you here beside me.”
Renna did as he bid. No longer insecure around him, she rode silently. With her head on Brian’s shoulder, her eyelids grew heavy. It had been a busy day, baking and cooking. Isabelle had the holiday off, so Mum, Hester, and Renna prepared their Thanksgiving Day feast.
Her mind drifted back on the past few weeks. After killing Benchley in self-defense, Renna stayed in Milwaukee with her family. Brian insisted on it, and Renna had never really wanted to cut their holiday short anyway.
With the danger past, Renna had been able to get to know the man she loved and pray about whether it was God’s will that they marry. It seemed each time she asked, God used Da to reply, “He’s a fine man, Renna.” Sometimes the comment came offhandedly, and even Da looked surprised that he’d said it. But Renna knew the Lord gave her direction.
As for herself, she liked getting to know the real Brian Sinclair—and what a blessing it had been allowing his children to get to know her. She sensed they loved her as much as she loved them. When she was with Brian and his kids, Renna felt like they were a family. A happy family . . .
“Renna?” Brian’s voice pulled her from her reverie. Had she fallen asleep?
“Wake up, darling. We’re here.”
“Oh . . . ” Renna blinked. “Forgive me. I hadn’t meant to nap.”
Brian hugged her close in reply.
Their driver opened the carriage door, and once they both climbed out, Renna realized they stood in front of his mother’s estate. A golden glow coming from the windows made for a welcoming sight.
“Does someone live here now?”
“I should say so.” Brian took her hand and led her to the front door.
Renna tamped down her disappointment. She’d been fond of this place and imagined herself living here with Brian and the children. Silly wishes! But the fact was, she’d live wherever Brian did. She’d follow him to the ends of the world if need be.
Brian turned the brass knob and let them in. Renna shrugged out of her wool coat and pulled off her gloves. Her velvet bonnet came next. Accepting her outerwear, Brian slung them over the back of a chair in the foyer.
Brian took her hand. “This way, Renna.”
He led her into the parlor where a fire in the hearth blazed. Crystal vases containing long-stemmed red roses had been placed on every available tabletop and flat surface.
“They’re beautiful,” Renna breathed. “This room is beautiful.”
“Like you, Renna.” Brian sat on the settee and patted the place beside him. He reached into his suede jacket and pulled out a black velvet box.
Renna held her breath as he opened the lid. Diamonds and emeralds sparkled at her.
She gasped.
“A ring. For you. The line of emeralds match the color of your eyes, and the diamonds signify my undying love for you.” Brian removed the band from its white satin cradle and slipped it on her finger.
“Oh, Brian . . . ”
“Will you be my wife, Renna? I’m very much in love with you.”
“I know.” She admired the way the dazzling ring looked on her finger. “And, yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Because you’re pleased with the gift?”
“No, not because of it.” She recognized his vulnerability hidden beneath his facetious tone. “I love you too, Brian. And I adore your children.”
“You proved you’d do anything for them—and me.”
“And it’s true. I would. I know you’d do the same for me.”
“Without question.” He clutched her wrist and pressed a kiss inside her palm. “You have just made me a very happy man. And I swear . . . no more pretense. Not ever.”
“I believe you. You’re a pirate no more, Captain Brian Sinclair.”
“Well, perhaps . . . ” He arched a sardonic brow. “I’m still just a little bit of a pirate.” He stole a kiss.
He’d stolen her heart—long ago.
“We’ll live here, raise our children here. I’ve always been happy in this house.”
Renna was overjoyed. “Oh, Brian, that’s what I’ve been hoping!” She glanced around the room. “It almost feels like home already.”
“So you approve?”
“I more than approve!” She ran her fingertips along his shadowed jaw. “I feel so blessed right now.”
His black eyes darkened even more. “I love you, Renna.”
He kissed her again, this time slowly, deliberately. Then he wrapped her in a snug embrace, and Renna never felt more cherished—
And yes, even beautiful.