She gave a trembling smile. “That was merely a formality. We must face the inevitability of truly being husband and wife.”
He chuckled, low in his throat, and drew her to a rock nestled in the sand, half-shadowed by the dunes. They sat close, hands still joined.
After a moment, she asked, “Loretta tells me there was once something between you.”
He exhaled, half amused. “Loretta dreams more than she breathes.”
April turned to him, uncertain. “She approached me. She said your attentions don’t last. That I was no match for what she once had with you.”
She hesitated, the words heavier than she’d expected. “And I know I may not compare, but I wanted to try.”
Theo laughed, sudden and unguarded.
April stood, heart stinging. “Forget it. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“April, wait?—”
“You laughed. I shared something true, and you laughed.”
He caught her hand before she could turn away. “You misunderstood. I laughed because it’s absurd. Not you. The idea that anyone could measure up to you. Loretta least of all.”
April blinked. “You’re not just saying that to spare my feelings.”
“I never even liked her. Aunt Eugenia was fond of her, and so I tolerated her company. That is all. She always wanted the title, not me. When she realized she wouldn’t get it, she turned her sights to Gregory. I don’t know why she accepted him so quickly, but he was hopelessly in love with her. He still is.”
April looked away, watching the waves catch the moonlight.
“She has something against me,” she said quietly. “I can’t prove it. Not yet, but I know it.”
He frowned. “Then I’ll?—”
“No,” she interrupted. “Not until I know for certain. You would act, and she would see it coming. I need time.”
Theo studied her then nodded. “Whatever you need, I’ll follow your lead.”
She turned back to him, heart full. “That Christmas morning, do you remember what I said when I gave you the handkerchief?”
He smiled, slowly. “You said, ‘I thought if St. Nicholas doesn’t know you’re here, he might forget you, and you should have something to open, just in case.”
April laughed softly. “I truly believed that.”
“It was the kindest thing anyone had done for me in years. I think, on some level… I knew.”
She tilted her head. “Knew what?”
He brushed a thumb across her cheek. “That you were meant to be mine. And no one else would ever do.”
April’s breath caught. She felt the tears come before she could stop them.
Theo wiped them gently. “Now, will you walk with me along the shore? I was planning to swim, but I find I prefer your company.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
They walked together, the tide curling around their feet. April let the water touch her, let it run over her ankles.
It’s only the sea,she thought.And I am not alone.
With Theo beside her, each step forward felt like another fear set behind.
