Epilogue

Nathaniel stood in the shade of the Lobster Cove Post Office watching the woman walking down First Street toward him. A spring wind blew the smell of blossoms, giving him hope the long Maine winter was finally over.

She wore a nice pair of slacks, colorful scarf, and designer shoes. Walking confidently, she shook her hair out of her face as the sea wind blew it. After glancing at the pedestrians, she veered away from the crowded sidewalk, stepping off the curb with a confident stride.

His heart flew into his throat. “Val!”

Val looked up.

Nathaniel rushed toward her. He took her arm and pulled her out of the street. “You didn’t even look to see if the trolley was coming.”

She smiled, showing the dimples in her cheeks. “Calm down. I was barely in the gutter. Don’t be such a worrywart.”

“Someone’s got to look out for my wife.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. Her swollen tummy pressed against him. He took her hand and they strolled into the park.

“Did you pick up Ruby from school on time? You know how she gets when we’re late.”

He shook his head and chuckled. Now who is the worrywart? “I picked her up on time, just like I do every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon while you’re at the gallery. I’m sure Mrs. Spencer is at this very moment feeding the children one of her delicious meals.”

“What a good daddy you are.” She squeezed his hand.

“Of course I am. Now how was the gallery today?”

“Wonderful, as usual. I sold one of Jane Nash’s watercolors. But I have to say, The Venus Gallery isn’t the same without the Copeland.”

“I like it better in its new home at the cottage, don’t you?”

She rested her head on his shoulder for just a moment. “I most certainly do. And I can’t imagine any woman ever received a more thoughtful wedding gift.”

They reached Nathaniel’s car. He let Val inside and climbed in behind the steering wheel, turning the key. He shifted the car into gear and lifted Val’s hand, holding it between the seats as he drove.

“How was work today with Günter?” Val asked.

“Good, we met with a few new clients and finalized necessary paperwork.”

“I hope you have some plans for supper. I’m starving.” She placed a hand on her stomach and rubbed a circle.

“No more horrific pregnancy cravings, if I hear you talking about squirrels and gravy again…” His stomach turned over at the thought.

“No, I’m not craving anything in particular. How about a hamburger or a lobster roll?”

He brushed his lips across her knuckles, loving that he could still make his wife shiver with such a small action. “Or what if we head home and put the kids in bed? I’ve got a craving myself for something sweet and Southern.”

“We’ll have to stop at the grocery mart—” Val began.

“Oh, you thought I meant food.” He opened his eyes wide in an expression of innocence.

Val pulled her hand from his and gave him a playful swat.

Darkness had fallen by the time they finished dinner and left Lobster Cove to drive back to the cottage.

Val leaned her elbow on the armrest and laid her head against his shoulder. “I sure do love you, Mr. Cavanaugh.”

“I love you too, Mrs. Cavanaugh.”

He turned off the cliff road and drove through the trees until he saw the lights burning in the windows. Not forgotten. A warm feeling of contentment rolled over him as he glanced at the woman at his side. Val had given him a family. He was finally home.