Leaving the room, he wondered at the events of the week. First Grant’s news about the relocation. Then Cece finding out her ex-fiancé got married. Finally, Anya’s father having a heart attack.
What were the chances of all three of them receiving bad news while on vacation? He didn’t believe in coincidences. God was working in their lives, but would they find out how?
When his feet landed in the grand lobby, he went to the reception desk and explained what he needed from them. The woman on duty was the same lady Anya had spoken to earlier, and she’d taken the initiative to have the checkout papers ready. All Anya had to do when she came down was turn in the key fob and sign the paperwork.
Forty-five minutes later, they pulled into the airport. James helped Anya with her luggage, and the threesome waited in line together. Once Anya had her ticket, the goodbyes came. They couldn’t go any further into the airport with her unless they also had a ticket.
“We’re going to keep in touch and plan a reunion, right?” she asked. Her eyes were red from crying.
“Absolutely. In the grand scheme of things, we aren’t all that far from each other, especially once James moves to Alexandria,” Cece assured Anya. “This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later.”
“One more hug,” Anya declared. “Thank you again for coming with me. I’ve been so scared since Mom called, but your presence has helped me through.”
James gave her a hug then backed away. “Let us know when you land.”
“I will.”
“Give us an update on your father as you can.” Cece continued to hug her. “We are praying for him.”
“Thank you.”
A voice over the intercom announced boarding was to begin for Anya’s flight, and she still had to clear security. She waved to them as she walked away.
Cece moved closer to him until their shoulders brushed. “This week has seen its share of twists and turns.”
“I thought about that earlier and decided God must be hard at work with some plans we can’t see yet.”
“Must be.” Cece sighed. “Under the same circumstances I would have also gone home, but I wish she could have attended the ball. Out of the three of us, she’s the one who most wanted to attend.”
James laughed under his breath. “She wholeheartedly believes in the legend.”
“She’ll be back. Once her dad is healed and healthy again, she’ll finish out her trip.” Cece smiled. “One way or another, she’s going to a ball at Ellington Castle.”
He flicked his wrist and checked the time. “Do you want to stay in town? Fencing lessons will be over by the time we get back to Ellington.”
“We were coming to town later regardless, so we’re simply moving up the time.” Cece covered a yawn with her hand. “Do I still get my latte even though we didn’t fence? It wasn’t my fault we missed the class.”
“Only if I can get another coffee.” His resistance to a yawn failed. “Who knew Edwin and Kate could keep a game of charades going until two in the morning.”
“Or the rapt audience they would have? At one point I counted thirty people in the community room playing along.” She walked beside him toward the café near the airport, in the opposite directions of the shops she’d gone to that first day. “They are the ultimate in couple goals. I can only hope that if I ever get married, my husband and I will be as adorable as they are at that age.”
“I’m sure you will be.”
A singular brow arched. “Married or adorable?”
“Both,” he answered confidently and added a wink for good measure.
The café had a line out the door, but in no hurry, they waited.
“Have you spoken to Grant since Monday?”
“Yes. About the move? No.”
The look she gave him reminded him of the one his mother would issue when he hadn’t fed the dog or taken out the trash. “What’s stopping you?”
“Once I tell him my decision, it becomes official.” He made a face. “That’s dumb isn’t it, especially when I’m confident I’m making the right choice.”
“Not dumb. I understand. Uprooting your life under any circumstance is a huge deal. Factor in your loss and it’s monumental.” Cece stepped forward with the flow of the line. “You’ve definitely decided your making the move?”
