“I’m not angry.” She softened her gaze. “It was kind of you to try.”
The lines across his brow eased. “I hoped Sal might have some success, but they wouldn’t tell him anything.”
“I know. I went to the office myself a week later, and that’s how I found out Sal had been there.” She smiled. “I didn’t have much better luck, except I did learn that Matteo has been placed with a good family.”
He let out a breath, tension seeming to leak from his frame. “That’s good. I hope it’s some consolation at least.”
“It is.” She bit her lip, hating the stiltedness between them. There was so much she wanted to say, but now wasn’t the time or place for such an important conversation.
He stepped closer and laid a warm hand on her arm. “Olivia, I want you to know . . .” He swallowed and hesitated, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
The breath stalled in her lungs. His serious expression made her heart squeeze in sudden terror. Was he about to tell her good-bye? After today, they really had no further reason to stay in contact.
The people on the steps began to shuffle toward the door. “Council’s back,” someone called.
She couldn’t let him go. Not yet. She gripped his arm. “I have some things I need to tell you. Could we talk after the meeting is over?”
He gave her a long look and nodded. “I’ll look for you afterward. Good luck, Olivia. I’m praying they decide in your favor.”
“Thank you. Though I guess it’s up to God now.” She gave him a tense smile, and as they headed back inside to learn the home’s fate, she didn’t know what she dreaded more—the council’s verdict or figuring out what to say to Darius afterward.
Fresh nerves rioted through Olivia’s system as she resumed her seat. When one of the council members, a Mr. Nathan Phillips, rose to declare the decision, she gripped Ruth’s hand tightly in hers.
This was it. The make-or-break of their home. If the vote was no, Ruth would do her best to find a new location, Olivia was certain. The fact that she had a real estate agent already scouting potential rentals gave credence to that reality. But the atmosphere of Bennington Place, the everyday fundamentals, would never be the same again. Olivia breathed a silent prayer that she could accept God’s will for whatever the future held for them.
Mr. Phillips unfolded a piece of paper and cleared his throat. “The council members have reached a decision. By a vote of ten to eight in favor of the maternity home, Bennington Place will be allowed to continue its operations.”
Olivia’s hand flew to her mouth. Instant tears sprang to her eyes.
A burst of outrage sounded from the other side of the room, overpowering the few gasps of pleasure.
“Thank you, Mr. Simmons,” Alderman Phillips continued, “for bringing your concerns before this council, but we now charge that all opposition to this facility must cease. In the event that any new circumstances arise, you are, of course, free to bring it to the council’s attention. Although I caution you that the members will not tolerate your wasting our time on trivialities.”
The speaker of the house rose. “I now pronounce the current session of the Toronto City Council to be adjourned.”
Ruth gave a cry of elation and leaned over to clasp Olivia in a tight hug. “We did it, my dear. We won.”
“I can hardly believe it.” Olivia squeezed her back. Her head spun with the sudden release of tension. “I feel like I can finally breathe again.”
“You and me both.” Ruth laughed out loud, the lines of worry vanishing from her face. “I believe this calls for a celebration. Why don’t we get the other girls and go out for a treat? I’d say we’ve earned it.”
Olivia hesitated. “That sounds wonderful, but I need to speak to Darius first. Could I meet you somewhere?”
Ruth got to her feet. “Oh, by all means. That man deserves a huge thank-you, as does your brother. I believe their testimonies went a long way toward swaying the officials.” She turned toward the aisle. “We’ll be at Marty’s Diner if you care to join us. But if not, I’ll see you at home.” She gave Olivia a bold wink, then moved off.
As the people filed out, Olivia attempted to gain control of her emotions at the thought of the upcoming conversation. “Am I doing the right thing, Lord?” she whispered.
She took in a few deep breaths, allowing Sal’s words to repeat in her head. “God wouldn’t want you to remain a prisoner of your shame, Olivia. Be brave enough to claim the happiness He has in store for you.”
A sense of peace washed over her, and with it, her resolution firmed. She would speak the truth, no matter the outcome. That way, nothing would be left unsaid between them.
A few minutes later, Olivia found Darius waiting for her in the corridor. Her heart fluttered in her throat as their eyes met. He looked so strong and protective. Her own personal guardian angel.
The moment she stepped in front of him, he gathered her into a hug.
“Congratulations, Olivia. I’m so happy for you and Ruth.”
She drank in his warmth and his familiar clean scent. “Thank you. I still can’t quite believe it.”
He moved back and frowned at the crowds chattering excitedly around them. “How about we find somewhere a little quieter to talk?”
“I’d like that,” she said. “Do you have anywhere in mind?”
“There’s a spot not far away that should do.” He took her by the hand and led her past the marble columns, out the main entrance, and down the steps. Then he continued along the sidewalk.
Walking quickly, Olivia did her best to calm the nerves jumping in her stomach.
He turned the corner and veered over to a patch of grass, where a lovely crabapple tree created a secluded area. They stepped beneath its welcoming canopy of branches and the rest of the world simply fell away.
Darius leaned
