‘Katherine sent me another letter. It appears she anticipated all of this.’
‘Another letter?’ I repeat, my voice hoarse, my head and heart struggling to keep up.
She nods. ‘Do you want to read it?’
‘Do you want me to read it?’
She gives me a smile so full of warmth and nods. Her cheeks are bathed in a sheen from the tears she must have shed before I entered.
I take it from her and it trembles in my grasp. ‘Though if it caused those tears, I’m not sure...’
‘I caused these tears, Edward. Our pain is my doing.’
My arms ache with the desire to hug her, to comfort her, to tell her she’s wrong. But she’s already backing away.
‘Just read...and then I hope you will believe me when I say what it is I need to tell you.’
Hesitant, I lower my gaze to the familiar scrawl and read the words, feel the smile and the tears well.
‘Dammit, she was shrewd.’
‘Shrewd. Loving. All-knowing. She saw what I refused to believe all along.’
‘And what’s that?’
‘That we’re perfect for one another.’
I force myself to hold her eye. ‘Is that so?’
Her nod is so slight, so hesitant.
I give a shaky laugh. ‘You don’t seem sure?’
‘Because I’m worried it’s too late. I’m worried I’ve hurt you too much...’ Her brow puckers, her eyes swim. ‘I’m sorry for throwing your love back at you. For not believing in you. And I’m sorry—I’m sorry for not being honest with you and brave enough to tell you that I love you too, Edward. Please forgive me?’
My heart tries to burst through my ribs. ‘I’ll forgive you on one condition?’
Her frown deepens. ‘Which is...?’
‘That you tell me again.’
‘Which bit?’
I grip her hips, tug her to me with a growl. ‘You know which bit.’
She laughs—the sound so joyous and happy.
‘I love you, Edward! I love you! I love you!’
And I kiss her. I kiss her so deeply, and so passionately, and I claim what I’ve been missing all this time.
She breaks away far sooner than I’m ready, dropping back just enough to gaze up into my eyes. And softly now, with all the gravity the moment will allow, she says, ‘I love you, Edward.’
‘I love you too, Princess.’
Fresh tears well in her eyes. ‘I don’t think Katherine could have chosen my next adventure any better.’
‘Nor mine.’
She tilts her head to the side, flashes a cheeky smile. ‘Travel buddies?’
‘I prefer the term husband and wife.’
‘Deal.’
And she seals her promise, our elation, with a kiss.
Somewhere Gran is smiling down on us, a glass of sherry in her hand, toasting her greatest achievement. And I don’t doubt the future she painted—not for one single, solitary second.