“I—I did not want to,” Peter rasped. “Matthew threatened to kill my family if I didn’t.”
A tear slipped down Peter’s face and tugged at Nash’s heart. A knot tightened in his throat as his own eyes misted over. “I understand.”
“I am sorry. I did not want to hurt you. I love you like a brother.”
Nash gulped back a sob as a tear leaked from his eye. Emotion choked his throat and kept him from saying anything.
“Nash, please forgive me?”
Swallowing hard, Nash nodded and touched his friend’s hand. “I forgive you.”
The corners of Peter’s lips lifted as his eyes drifted shut. His chest stopped moving, and his body lay still.
Maxey sobbed and clung to Nash’s arm. He silently cried, mourning his friend’s death. He leaned over and kissed his friend’s forehead. No more would Peter be in pain.
*
Maxey snuggled nextto Nash as they sat on the hillside and watched the burning ship sink into the water. Her limbs hurt from everything she had endured, but her heart ached more. Poor Peter. Poor Nash. The Lord may look down on her for this, but happiness burst inside her that Matthew was dead. Peter shouldn’t have had to choose between his best friend and his family. Nash shouldn’t have had to choose, either.
She studied Nash, whose attention stayed on the ship. A frown marred his handsome face. As she reached up and swiped the wet lock of hair away from his eyes, he met her gaze.
“What are you thinking?”
He managed a small smile. “I’m very relieved this is all over.”
“Me too.” The image of her mother’s beaten face snapped Maxey out of her relief, and she clutched Nash’s hands. “My mother. We have to see if she is all right.”
“She is.” He cupped her face and placed a brief kiss on her lips. “She was being cared for by the cook when I left to find you.”
Relief surged through her again, and she smiled. “You are a godsend, Nash.”
“I’m happy to know you have forgiven her.”
She nodded. “Me too. I will have a mother again. I hope my brother feels the same.”
“It will be a shock to him, I’m certain, but if his heart is as loving as yours, he will forgive her too.”
She leaned up and kissed his lips.
“So, what are we going to do now?” Nash asked.
She pulled back and cocked her head. “You don’t know?”
He shrugged. “I suppose we should return to Whitehaven and let Carolyn know we are all right.”
“Yes.” Her chest tightened. “I am your witness that you did not kill your brother.”
“I know.”
“But the question is, what willyoudo once we get there?”
His smile widened. “You don’t know?”
“Of course not. Would I have asked otherwise?”
He laughed and cuddled her closer. She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest.
“I’m sorry to say, but I don’t want you to be my sister-in-law’s governess any longer.”
