What could he say? He glanced over at Kane, who came up to him, slipping an arm around him. “Never fear, Heath has taught me some lessons as well.”
Heath felt hot under the collar. This wasn’t the way he’d thought the conversation would go, but Maggie and Adwell didn’t seem to mind.
“Maggie taught me I was capable of being loved and giving it in return. It’s the greatest lesson I have learned.” He kissed her cheek.
Heath couldn’t agree more. Where would he be without Kane, who had shown him so much?
“I see you haven’t given up the cane,” said the bellowing voice of Dorian Shaw.
“No,” Heath answered, “but I see you have a new leg.”
“That I do. Works almost as good as the old one. I got a new leg and a wife.” He pointed out the auburn-haired woman speaking to Davis’s wife. Shaw’s wife was obviously expecting their child, from the roundness of her belly.
It was heartening to see all the men had found someone to share their lives with.
“Is Bamford coming? The last I saw him was in London when he helped me at the solicitor’s office.”
Royce spoke up. “I sent the invitation to his last address, so we will have to see. In the meantime, my house is open. The sea is a short walk away. There are fields for riding, and I’m sure the children will keep us all entertained.”
“Who has children?” he asked.
“We have three,” answered Owen Fernsby. “We adopted them from an orphanage.”
“Excellent. Anyone else?” He wanted to know what was going on in his friend’s lives. Soon everyone was filling him in on their growing families. It seemed there would be plenty of laughter for the next few weeks while they visited.
After a while, Heath’s leg began to throb, and he had to limp over to a chair.
“Are you all right?” Kane sat beside him.
“Too much excitement, and the carriage ride has made the damned thing stiff.”
Kane leaned toward him. “I would rub it for you, but now might not be the time or place.”
They shared a knowing smile. Heath would have to be careful. It wouldn’t look good to have an erection stand in front of everyone.
“I hear you inherited a baronetcy.” Fernsby settled in the chair across from him.
“Yes. It was quite a shock. I got the news just after you left. Have any of your memories returned, by the way?”
“All of my memories are back, even though I’m not proud of a lot of them. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m building a new life with Selena.”
“That is good to hear. Even if they are bad memories, at least you have them.”
“Our past helps shape our future, does it not?”
Heath nodded.
“Selena took a leap of faith by sticking with me.” He looked over his shoulder at his wife. “I would be lost without her.”
“I feel the same way about Kane. He has taught me so much and has stayed with me, even though we know it may be difficult.” He laced his fingers through Kane’s.
Fernsby rested his hands on his legs and leaned forward. “We’ve all had to face adversity, first with these injuries and now with our new lives. We all need that special person to help us through, and I am happy for you, my friend. I’m happy for both of you. You must come to Cornwall and visit. It’s not too far for you from Dover.”
“We would be delighted,” said Kane.
The group went into lunch. During the meal, everyone exchanged stories of their lives since returning home. Heath and Kane took turns regaling them with their adventures in finding the kidnappers of the children.
“I’m so glad you found the culprits. Lord knows how many more children would have gone missing,” said Lily Davis.