“Thank you for your understanding,” she said. “I believe you have been hurt also?”
“Deeply.” For a moment, his face was drawn and weary, as if he carried constant pain.
“I am sorry if I have stirred unpleasant memories.” Grace frowned. She didn’t want to hurt him, either.
“That sorrow is all in a long dead past.” His voice was strained. She would’ve believed him, save that he spoke almost too quickly and his breathing increased.
Those signs were familiar, because she’d seen them when she’d confronted her former fiancé and friends. They had not appreciated being called liars. Luc would not appreciate it, either.
Her hand still in his, she began to pace slowly along the dock. “Long dead past, or more recent hardly matters. We both have suffered from the actions of others. Let us find another topic and enjoy the bayou night.”
“You are a wise woman, not to dwell in past sorrows.” His smile was slight, but she smiled back.
“That’s why I came back toSweet Dreams,” Grace confessed.
“I remember, your aunt told me you had been born here. Why did you leave?”
Her heart skipped. More than twenty years, and the past still hurt. As much for what she didn’t know, as what little she recalled. “When I was five, a fire started in the house. My parents died trying to fight the fire, and help arrived too late to save them. At least, that is what Aunt Sarah told me. I have only vague memories of those events and no knowledge of how I escaped my parents' fate.”
“Your aunt was living in Boston at that time?”
“Yes. I was sent north to live with her, and Uncle Henry. They may not have been my birth parents, but they were always present. They helped me through my grief and gave me a balanced home life. They had no other children, but they did not spoil me with overindulgence. I’m very grateful for all they gave me, all they taught me.” She’d been loved once. A long time ago, she reminded herself.
“What are some of the things they taught you?” Luc asked. He was staring. It warmed her, but Grace ignored the sensation so she could continue.
“I hardly know how to respond; there is so much.” This was good. Speaking of her aunt and uncle would distance her from the feelings that threatened to tie her to Luc.
“Then just the most important things.”
“Mindfulness,” she stated. “In nearly everything they did or said was an element of mindfulness. I thought I’d learned mindfulness well, but engaging myself to a man who lied and cheated is proof I did not.”
“Mindfulness?” he asked, his brow tight.
“Careful consideration of the impacts that any statement or action might have for themselves and for others.” Grace instructed, even though he probably knew. “They never opposed anyone?” Now his handsome countenance was thoughtful. As if the idea was foreign to him.
“Not usually, no. However, when conflict arose, every impact of their response to that conflict was held in mind. Sometimes, potential negative consequences were ignored in favor of an action they deemed essential,” Grace said, happy not to speak about herself, her feelings.
“Ah. I understand ‘mindful’ now. My brother was like that.” Luc nodded.
“It must have been wonderful to have a sibling.” The words were out of her mouth before she realized what they might tell him about her.
The turn of Luc’s mouth and the way he held his eyes made her imagine he was perplexed.
“Did I say something wrong?” she asked.
“No, not at all. My half-brother, Caleb, was my best friend up until the day I left Britain.” Wistfulness replaced the strain in his voice.
“Why did you leave?” She wanted to know. Aware that his answer might draw them closer, she risked asking.
“I had a disagreement with our father—among other things.” He spat out the words.
Grace waited, hoping he’d provide the details. Not wishing to intrude and a bit fearful of how he might take the question she wouldn’t ask.
Luc paused to gaze at the moon for long moments before he spoke.
“I was young. I fancied myself in love with a woman whom my father deemed ineligible.” A smile trembled onto his face before a scowl chased it away. “She was not the right sort of female for our family. He threatened dire consequences for her and her family, unless I swore, I would never see her again.”
“And did you?” Grace couldn’t resist asking.
