on her left hand. Meghan liked Ryan’s red-haired sister. She was down-to-earth and had been a big help over the past few months when Meghan had parenting questions.
“I think we’re good for each other,” Meghan said, letting the revealing words slip out but knowing she was safe to do so with Fiona.
They shared a smile. Meghan hoped one day she’d be able to call this woman “sister.”
The sound of metal against glass brought everyone’s attention to the front of the room. Owen stood with his arms around Victoria and their daughter, Paige.
“Dad, as the newly elected mayor, would you perform your first official act and marry us?” Owen asked.
Cheers and sighs and clapping broke out. Aiden went to his youngest son and hugged him close. “Of course, son. If Victoria wants this.”
“Sir, I’ve waited my whole life for this,” Victoria replied with a wide smile.
Someone provided a Bible. Aiden officiated their marriage, pronouncing the couple man and wife to the cheers of the family.
The election celebration turned into a wedding reception. Soon tables were moved aside and Aiden stood in for Victoria’s deceased father and swirled her around the dance floor.
Georgina tugged at the hem of Meghan’s sweater. She raised her chubby little arms indicting she wanted to be picked up. Meghan lifted her easily and set her on her hip. Georgina laid her head on Meghan’s shoulder. Her eyelids drooped and she yawned, tired from playing with the other Fitzgerald and Connolly children.
“I’m going to take her home,” she whispered to Ryan.
“Okay, let’s go.”
“You can stay,” she said, not wanting to keep him from the celebration. “It’s your family.”
The look he gave had her pulse skittering. “This is
She loved the sound of that.
“And they’ll be fine without us,” he said, guiding her toward the door.
When they returned to Meghan’s cottage, Ryan followed her into the nursery where she laid Georgina on the gift Aiden had surprised her with one day-the toddler bed that had once belonged to Ryan and his siblings.
Georgina sighed and rolled over, her arm clutching a teddy bear.
Ryan took Meghan’s hand. “She’s so precious.”
“She is,” she agreed, liking the feeling of closeness, of connection she felt with him.
“Meghan,” he said softly.
The note in his voice sent her heart pounding. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I don’t want this to ever end.”
Breathless, she said, “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I want to stay here forever with you. You and Georgina. As a family. The three of us.”
Tears of joy welled in her eyes. “Are you asking me to marry you?”
“Yes, if you’ll have me.”
She couldn’t have asked for more. “Yes. Oh, yes.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with all the love and joy filling her heart.
“I think Georgina needs a sibling or two,” Ryan said against her lips.
“I couldn’t agree more.” God willing, she wanted six little Fitzgeralds to shower with love.
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed the final installment of the Fitzgerald Bay continuity series.
Faith and Family. That’s the motto the Fitzgerald family has lived by for generations. An Irish family with a long history of public service made for a perfect setup for our heroes and heroines. The picturesque coastal fishing village north of Boston may have been fictional, but many times I found myself wishing I could visit and walk along the sandy shores of the bay.
Wrapping up a continuing suspense story is always challenging and I hope that the ending left you satisfied. The dedication and resolve of Ryan Fitzgerald and the spunk and determination of freelance journalist Meghan Henry, not only solved the murder of Olivia Henry, but also brought down a human-trafficking ring in the process.
The theme of forgiveness was woven through this story. Both Ryan and Meghan had to find the faith to forgive so they could be free to love. Something I know I struggle with in my life. But knowing that God forgave me helps me find the courage and the power to forgive others. I hope you find that same courage and power in God’s love.
Coming in fall 2012, look for
Until the next time we meet, may God keep you in His care.
Questions for Discussion
1. What made you pick up this book to read? In what ways did it live up to your expectations?
2. In what ways were Ryan and Meghan realistic characters? In what ways did their romance build believably?
3. If you read the first five books of the series, can you discuss the overarching suspense of Olivia’s murder? Did you guess the culprit?
4. As Ryan and Meghan worked together to solve the murder, how did the suspense build?
5. What about the setting was clear and appealing? Could you envision Fitzgerald Bay?
6. Deputy Chief Ryan Fitzgerald was the eldest of six kids. He had a strong sense of responsibility. What role do you think birth order plays in the development of our personalities?
7. When Meghan Henry shed light on Aiden Fitzgerald’s secret, Ryan reacted with anger and hurt and unforgiveness. What does God’s word say about forgiveness?
8. Meghan counseled Ryan to forgive his father. What did forgiving his father do for Ryan? Can you tell of a time when you had to forgive someone? How did forgiving impact your life?
9. When Meghan Henry’s cousin was murdered, Meghan relentlessly pushed to find the killer. Justice was important to Meghan. Can you discuss why justice is important? What does God’s word say about justice?
10. Meghan learned that her cousin had had a child and wanted Meghan to raise her. Meghan faced many dangers, both physical and emotional, to gain custody of Georgina. If you were faced with a similar situation, how would you have proceeded? Was Meghan wise or reckless?
11. Ryan realized his own pride was keeping him from forgiving his father. How does pride block us from forgiveness? In what other ways is pride destructive?
12. Meghan yearned to belong. In what ways does a sense of belonging fulfill a need?
13. Ryan had three brothers and two sisters. Many cousins, aunts and uncles. To say the Fitzgeralds were a large family was an understatement. What size family do you have? In what ways does your family stay connected?
14. Did you notice the scripture in the beginning of the book? What do you think God means by these words? What application does the scripture have to your life?
15. How did the author’s use of language/writing style make this an enjoyable read?
16. What will be your most vivid memories of this book? What lessons about life, love and faith did you learn from this story?
An Enduring Love
