My mind screamed in opposition. My very nature begged for me to step backward, not to test fate or push the limits of safety. Then again, I had not moved any closer to the cliff’s edge. I uncurled my fingers and stretched out my arms, and, after a few steady breaths, when I was certain my feet were on safe ground, I closed my eyes and lifted my face to the sky.
The wind brushed through me, over and under and around, untamed and free. My hair tangled and flew into my face, my skirts fluttered recklessly in every direction, and, to my surprise, I laughed. I felt like I could lie back and float away just as I had in the pond.
I opened my eyes and found Charlie, who stood beside me, watching me with his arms across his wide chest. He grinned, and I reached for him and pulled him close to my side. We both stood with our arms outstretched, open and vulnerable, feeling as close to the heavens as a person on land could.
In time, my arms tired, and I let them fall, but I did not cower in fear. This sight was special, sacred even, enough to change a person’s view of life forever.
“Thank you,” I said, trying to infuse everything I felt into the words. “For bringing me here.”
We both looked once more at the sea before turning back toward the path that led home.
“Thankyou,” he responded. His smile turned serious. “You—and that list of yours—are the reason we are here. I do not think I believe in fate, but meeting you feels so inspired, I almost wonder if such a thing exists.”
I kept hold of his arm, and he did not seem to mind. “I could not have done any of this without you. I’d have surely drowned in the pond or been caught trying to hang my own painting.”
“Or died of too many sweets.” Charlie laughed.
“Yes, or that,” I agreed on a laugh. “I am in your debt.”
His humor slowly faded. “Then I suppose it is lucky for you that I am a changed man, or else I might call upon you for payment.”
Heaven knew I owed the man. “Oh? And what does the great Charles Winston dream of?”
He glanced sideways at me. “Many things.”
I studied his profile and the cut on his brow that had almost completely healed. His old bruises were long gone. With time, the shadows left by Ben’s hand would be even less apparent than they were now. Distant memories. My gaze fell to his parted lips, and I swallowed hard.
“Such as?”
“A wife,” Charlie said, looking me straight on. “I want a wife. And a family of my own.”
It was my turn to look ahead. “Surely not. You like to live alone. It is why you left home in the first place.”
“I left home because I did not know what else to do. I thought that if I lived for myself, I could determine the outcome ofmyfuture and forsake those around me. But you have reminded me that life does not work that way.”
“So you will go home?” I asked.
Why did the thought give me pause? I should be thrilled for him, ecstatic for his claim to the happiness he deserved. But the source of my enthusiasm felt like a flickering flame instead of a burning fire.
“I will make a home out of the future I have been given. And I will be grateful that I have the opportunity at all.”
I wanted to tell him how right his choice was, and how happy I was for him, but knowing he was ready to go home meant he was ready to leave me, and the words got stuck in my throat.
“Youhavechanged,” I said instead.
“Don’t go looking all smug. You cannot claim me for your list.”
I laughed. “You would not fit anyway. You’ve notreallychanged. You’ve just found yourself again.”
Charlie nodded and smiled. “I might allow myself one last night without responsibility.”
“Ah, yes. The masquerade. Where anyone is anyone, and no one will be the wiser for it.”
“Who will you choose to be?”
Our pace had slowed, and I looked up at his watchful eyes. I finally knew who I wanted to be. But that girl could not marry the duke. That girl would break promises and duty and cause disappointment and grief to her family.
So I said the only thing I could: “I do not know.”
