God had blessed him beyond measure the day she’d walked into his life, and he’d give thanks for that gift as long as he lived.
“Before I close, I want to recognize a very special person in the audience.” Cara gave the crowd a sweep. “Without her gracious assistance, my project wouldn’t have been possible. Please join me in thanking Natalie Boyer, whose translation of Marie’s journal has made an incalculable contribution to our understanding of a unique era in history and a vanishing language. Natalie, would you please stand?”
Beside him, the older woman’s hand fluttered to her chest as a wave of applause swept through the auditorium.
“Oh my. I didn’t expect this.”
“The recognition is well deserved. Take a bow.” He gave her an assist up with a hand under her elbow.
Once the applause died down and Natalie retook her seat, Cara closed her folder of notes. “Thank you all for coming, and please stay to enjoy the reception in the foyer.”
Another extended round of applause, this one for Cara, rang through the room.
“She’s quite remarkable, isn’t she? A brilliant young woman.” Natalie watched Cara leave the stage, then turned to him. “I hope the university recognizes what a treasure she is.”
“Treasure is an apt description.”
She gave an approving nod and reached for her cane. “I thought you’d agree. And now I want to speak to her before we head home.”
“So do I.” Paul chimed in from the seat on her other side as he rose and crooked an elbow to her.
Natalie slipped her hand through his arm and stood.
A reporter from a local station swooped in to commandeer Natalie as they all exited the row, and Brad spoke to the older woman as he eased away to give the journalist access. “I’ll stop in to see you soon.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
Natalie began fielding the man’s questions with aplomb, and Brad left her to enjoy her moment in the spotlight. Up front, Cara was likewise occupied.
Fine by him. He was in no hurry. His afternoon and evening were hers—though he’d have to share her for a while with her siblings and their significant others, who’d driven down from St. Louis for the event.
No worries.
He had plans for later that, if all went as he hoped, would end this already happy day on a very high note.
“GOODJOB, KIDDO.You managed to keep me awake through the whole thing.” Jack grinned as Cara walked over to join her family in the foyer.
“Jack!” His fiancée elbowed him.
“Don’t worry, Lindsey.” Cara waved aside her concern. “I’m used to his eyes glazing over whenever I mention anything related to my work. I consider it a major compliment that he didn’t doze off.”
“The talk was excellent.” Bri gave her a hug and nudged her husband. “Don’t you think so, Marc?”
“Yes. I have to admit I was afraid this would be like one of the insomnia-curing lectures my western civ teacher in college used to give.” One side of his mouth quirked up. “Not even close. Your presentation was not only educational but entertaining.”
“Thank you.” In the background, Natalie motioned her over, and Cara acknowledged the summons with a lift of her hand. “Would you all excuse me for a minute? I think Natalie may be leaving, and I want to say goodbye.”
“Take your time. We’ll check out the eats.” Jack took Lindsey’s arm and steered her toward the buffet table.
Bri rolled her eyes. “Leave it to our chef brother to make a beeline for the food.”
“Hey, don’t knock that idea.” Marc twined his fingers with hers. “I’m hungry too.”
“I’ll catch up with you.” Cara waved them off as he towed her sister toward the buffet.
She wound through the crowd to where Natalie waited in a quiet corner with Paul.
“My dear, that was magnificent.” The older woman grasped her hand.
