“Her mother and father quietly sent her to Weston Island to live with an aunt under the guise of being a young widow. They never told Edwin, and he was frantic. Davinia tried to send word to Edwin, but her father had strong ties to the postman and intercepted the mail. It wasn’t until her father took to bed with pneumonia that following spring that a letter found its way to Edwin.
“He left immediately for Weston Island and reunited with Davinia. They married shortly after, and Edwin ‘adopted’ Fay. When my grandmother was a teenage, they told her the truth about her father. From what she had told me, she always knew because she had the same personality as him. She adored her daddy, and he could do no wrong in her eyes.”
“They had a happy ending,” Anna murmured, looking at Jack with a tear in her eyes. “You got your wish.”
He didn’t trust himself to speak. Emotions pounded him. What would happen if Anna disappeared, and he couldn’t find her. The thought made his heart physically hurt. He couldn’t imagine losing her.
“Are you coming to eat?” Anna asked.
The entire room had cleared out except him and Anna without him noticing. “Yes.”
She tilted her head and quirked a brow. “Are you okay?”
“Fine. A little overwhelmed maybe. We’ve thrown ourselves into finding out about Edwin and D, who we now know is Davinia, and now it’s over.”
Her eyes softened, and she pressed a finger over his mouth. “Or maybe it’s only beginning.”
He draped an arm around her shoulder, unable to stop a smile. “Let’s eat.”
The meal didn’t last long. As thrilled as everyone was to hear the story of Edwin and Davinia Smith, they were all weary from their own lives and were ready to leave to their respective homes.
“Thank you for sharing your story, Mr. Anderson.” Jack shook Seth’s hand. “I realize opening up such a personal chapter of your family’s life wasn’t easy, but it’s meant the world to me.”
“You’re welcome.” Seth clasped his age-spotted hand over Jack’s and leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Love will always triumph. Never forget that.”
Jack’s mom approached with a food storage bowl. “I’ve packed leftovers for you to take home. A small token of our appreciation.”
“Thank you, Elise.” Seth tipped his cane in a farewell gesture, then left.
Tommy, Kelly, and Reagan left next, then Owen and Haley.
Jack hugged his mom goodbye, and then told his dad he’d stop by after work tomorrow to change their car’s oil. Once in his truck, he turned to Anna. “I know it’s been a long day, but would you mind a detour?”
“Where to?”
“The beach. I’d like to take a walk with you, if you’re not too tired.”
“Sleep can wait.”
Her languid smile and complete ease with him made his heart skip a beat. He was crazy for her. There was no denying the fact.
Their conversation stayed light during the short drive to the beach. He parked in his usual spot, and kicked off his shoes, leaving them on the floorboard. Anna did the same with the sandals she wore.
He took her hand, letting her warmth radiate through him. They walked across the short boardwalk and followed the beach to the water’s edge.
The sun had disappeared, and the moon hung low on the coastal horizon. A breeze blew through, and Anna shivered. He removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
“Thank you.” Love shown in her eyes, brighter than the stars dotting the sky.
“You’re welcome.” He wound his hand with hers once more and led her along the sand.
When he came to a certain point he stopped, had her walk with him into the sand several feet west. “This is the spot.”
“The spot?”
“Where I first saw the bottle.” He reached for her free hand so that he held them both. “The spot where my life would change forever.”
“Oh?” Her singular sound came out airy.
