CHAPTER 42

Grace lifted her face to the sun, relishing the warmth on her cheeks that contrasted with the cool breeze blowing off the lake. She stood in the exact spot where she and Andrew had watched the fireworks display on Dominion Day. Instead of the crowds that had lined the boardwalk that night, today the island seemed almost deserted. The amusement rides now only operated on the weekends and would soon close down for the season. She never did get her ride on the roller coaster, but the memories she held of that day were worth far more than the thrill of one ride.

For it was right here she’d realized she was in love with Andrew.

She couldn’t leave Toronto without coming back to relive the wonder of that day. She hugged the memories to herself, trying to memorize every sound, every smell, and hold them to her.

Tomorrow she would board a train for New York City where she would then catch the steamship home. Part of her yearned to see the shores of England again, to return to her small village where life was so much simpler. Yet deep down, she knew it would never be the same, because she was not the same.

Too much had happened. Too much had changed.

“I’m sorry I failed you, Rose,” she whispered. “I didn’t keep my promise after all. But I hope you know Christian is loved and that the Eastons aren’t as bad as you feared. They’ll take good care of him.”

Especially now that Cecilia was out of the picture—the one good thing that had resulted from her costly mistake.

She let out a soft sigh and pulled her jacket more firmly about her. The afternoon was waning. She’d better head back to the ferry—after one last walk around the park. She retraced her steps, passing the area where they’d all shared the picnic lunch. A couple sat at a picnic table, holding hands, their heads close together, oblivious to everything and everyone around them. Grace pushed aside a sharp jab of envy and continued on to the arcade, pausing in front of the shooting gallery.

A man appeared from the back of the booth, and his eyebrows rose when he saw her. “We’re not open till Saturday, miss. But if you want, I can give you a practice shot.”

Memories rose up to swamp her. She shook her head, her throat too tight to speak.

“Come on. Give it a try.” He winked at her. “You got nothing to lose.”

“What’s the matter, Annie Oakley? Lose your nerve?”

Grace froze, every muscle stiffening. Her imagination had to be playing tricks on her. Very slowly, she turned around, and her pulse skyrocketed as though a hundred fireworks had exploded inside her.

Andrew stood a few feet away, watching her with an enigmatic expression. He wore a navy blue jacket, which made his eyes appear even brighter. His hair blew across his forehead, and his beard had almost fully grown back.

“Andrew,” she said slowly. “What are you doing here?” Her bewildered mind couldn’t make sense of his presence. It couldn’t be a coincidence that brought them here at the same time, could it?

Lord, why are you torturing me this way?

Andrew came a few steps closer. “I went to see you at the boardinghouse. Mrs. Chamberlain told me you were here.”

What could be so important that he would track her down on the island? Instant panic clutched at her. “Is Christian all right?”

“He’s fine. Though I daresay he misses his nanny.”

Fresh grief clawed at her insides. “If you’ve come to make me feel bad, you needn’t bother. I couldn’t feel any worse than I already do.”

She turned to walk down the sidewalk, the day suddenly ruined. Why couldn’t he have stayed away and allowed her to keep her happy memories intact?

“Grace, wait. That’s not what I intended.” He ran up beside her. “I wanted to talk to you about something that concerns your sister.”

Her steps slowed. “What about her?”

“Can we sit by the water a minute? I need to explain a few things.” His earnest expression proved difficult to resist.

“Fine.” Pressing her lips together, she followed him over to a bench and gingerly sat at the very end.

He sat beside her and stared out over the water, fiddling with the cap in his hands. The breeze off the water lifted his hair, making it dance around his forehead. “I went to Frank’s grave today and made my peace with him. But it occurred to me that I owe you an apology.” He paused. “The truth is I didn’t do everything I could to help Rose after Frank died.”

She frowned, unsure where the conversation was headed.

“Frank wrote and asked me to look out for Rose. He told me she was expecting and that if anything happened to him, he wanted me to take care of her.”

Grace closed her eyes on a fresh wave of sorrow. Even amidst the horrors of war, Frank had protected Rose. He must have been a kind and considerate man. One who loved her sister more than anything.

“I did go to see her once after Frank’s death. She wouldn’t speak to me. Slammed the door in my face, in fact.” He frowned and looked away. “I’m ashamed to admit I was relieved. I could ease my conscience. Tell myself that I’d tried.” He shook his head. “But I should have gone back until she accepted my help. If I had, maybe she wouldn’t have fallen ill and Christian would have his mother.” Tears stood out in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Grace. Sorry I didn’t do more for her.”

Grace gripped her hands together to keep from reaching for him. She knew firsthand the type of guilt he was experiencing. “It’s all right, Andrew. All the ‘should haves’ in the world won’t change anything. I would know.” She blinked back the moisture in her own eyes.

“While I was at the cemetery, I had an idea for a way to make things right for Frank and for Rose. I hope you’ll allow me to do it.”

“What do you mean?” She dashed at the tears on her lashes, unable to imagine anything that could accomplish that.

“I want to move Rose’s remains to the Easton family plot and have her name engraved below Frank’s. His body was interred overseas, but we did bury some mementoes in a small casket, so that part of Frank would be there when we visited. It’s only fitting that Rose be buried there too. Frank would’ve wanted it that way.”

A lump blocked Grace’s throat as she remembered the unmarked grave in the Holy Trinity Cemetery. The parishioners were still saving money toward a stone. Perhaps they could donate the funds to another worthy cause instead. “That’s a wonderful idea. Rose would have wanted that. And when Christian’s older, he can visit both his parents at the same time.”

The lines in Andrew’s forehead eased. “I’m glad you agree. I didn’t want to do anything until I had your blessing. Now I can tell Reverend Burke to go ahead.”

Grace nodded. “Thank you for coming all this way to tell me. I’ll be able to let Mum know when I get home . . . if I make it in time.”

“Reverend Burke told me about your mother. I’m so sorry, Grace.”

“Me too.” The sun had disappeared behind a cloud, making her shiver. She rose from the bench. “Well, I’d better get back. I have a lot to do before I leave tomorrow.”

“Wait.” He leapt up and snatched her hand. “There’s something else.”

She stared down at their joined fingers. Heat from his hand curled around hers, and she didn’t have the strength to pull away.

“It’s taken me a long time, but I want you to know that I’m finally seeing things clearly. And I realize that everything you did, you did with the best of intentions. I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner and that I’ve been so unforgiving.”

She couldn’t think, couldn’t speak. What did all of this mean?

With his free hand, he tipped up her chin until she had no choice but to look at him. His eyes were filled with a mixture of hope and longing. “You’ve changed me, Grace Abernathy. Because of you, I’ve found the courage to stand up for myself, to be the man I always wanted to be. A man I hope is worthy of someone as kind and loyal as you.”

The air stalled in her lungs. Tingles danced down her arms.

“What I’m trying to say is that I’m in love with you, Grace. It took me a long time to admit it. I was so determined to keep my family together that I was blind to everything else. I should have listened to you. I should have fought for you. For us.” He brushed a finger down her cheek. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I wondered if there was any chance you might . . . love me too?”

Grace could scarcely believe her ears. Tears blurred her vision. Her heart broke free from its chains and soared in her chest. “Oh, Andrew, I’ve loved you from almost the first moment we met.”

His lips came down on hers. Every nerve came alive inside her as though an electric current had traveled through her. In that moment, time stood still. All that mattered was the heat of his arms around her, the insistence of his lips. Her heart swelled with such bliss that she feared her knees might give out. She clutched the sleeve of his jacket to steady herself, wishing the kiss would never end, but knowing it must.

The instant he broke for air, she put a hand to his chest. “I have to go home, Andrew. My mother is dying. I can’t let her down again.”

“I understand,” he said softly. “I’m not asking you to stay.” He searched her face. “Only that you’ll come back to me one day soon.”

Joy and regret warred within her. “I can’t make any promises. I don’t know what I’ll be facing when I arrive home.”

He pulled her back against him and kissed her again, as though he couldn’t bear to be separated from her for even a moment. She returned his embrace, fighting to memorize every sensation coursing through her. The graze of his beard, the scent of his skin, the shelter of his arms spreading warmth through her whole body.

When at last he released her, she looked up at him, wishing things could be different. Wishing the timing had been right for once. But she’d trusted God all along on this crazy journey. She had to trust He had a plan for her now.

Andrew took her hand. “I’ll walk you to the ferry.”

“Thank you.” She smiled, relishing the warmth of his fingers on hers. She still couldn’t believe he loved her. Yet his declaration proved bittersweet, because these would be their last cherished moments together. She had to see her mother again and attempt to fix the brokenness between them before it was too late. She’d regret it forever if she didn’t.

Who knew if she’d ever be back?

“It’s just occurred to me,” Andrew said as they approached the dock, “that perhaps I should take some time off work. Go on a little vacation after everything that’s happened.”

Grace frowned. “What about Christian?”

“I’d take him with me, of course. Though Mother would probably love the chance to look after him while I’m gone.”

Why was he telling her this? Tormenting her with details of his life she wouldn’t be here to share?

“As a matter of fact, I think I’ll take Christian overseas. To see his mother’s homeland. Maybe visit a few relatives while we’re there.”

Grace came to an abrupt halt, almost tripping in the process. “Wh-what are you saying?”

The twinkle in his eyes belied his serious expression. “I was hoping we might bring Christian to meet his grandmother, if you think that’s a good idea.” A slow smile spread across his handsome face.

Grace pressed a hand to her mouth, but nothing could contain the emotions bubbling up inside. Tears so near the surface spilled unheeded down her cheeks.

Andrew pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at her face. “This wasn’t supposed to make you cry. I hoped you’d be happy.”

“I am happy. So very happy.” She hiccupped, joy and disbelief rioting through her. Perhaps she could do this one last thing for her mother after all. “But how can you be ready on such short notice? The train leaves tomorrow morning.”

“I’m extremely resourceful, as you may have observed. I’ll take care of everything as soon as we get off the ferry. But there’s one more very important thing to consider.”

Her mind swirled. “What could that be?”

Smiling, he brought her fingers to his lips. “Should we get married before we leave or wait so that your mother can attend the ceremony?”