“I owe you an apology,” she said softly. “First, for that terrible marriage proposal. I had no right to impose on you that way. It was selfish and thoughtless.”
“Olivia, I really—”
“No, please let me get this out. It’s been weighing on me for days.” She shifted on the bench, tucking her skirt around her knees so the breeze wouldn’t lift it. “The bigger apology I owe you is for not telling you about my past.” She couldn’t look at him, staring instead at the children running around on the grass. “I didn’t purposely set out to deceive you. I hope you can believe me.”
“I do,” he said in a quiet voice. “Once I set aside my pride, I realized you had every right to keep that part of your life private.”
She plucked a piece of grass and twirled it between her fingers. “I was afraid,” she murmured. “Afraid that once you knew, you’d reject me like almost everyone else in my life has.”
He grimaced. “And I reacted just as you feared. I feel terrible about that.” He shook his head. “For someone who claims to be a Christian, I sometimes fall far short of the ideal.”
Olivia bit her lip. She wanted to tell him that it was a natural reaction and that she forgave him, but the lump in her throat made speaking impossible. He wasn’t the only one who’d fallen short.
Just then Sofia called out, “Daddy, look. I’m swinging by myself.”
He looked over and waved. “That’s wonderful, Mouse. Keep pumping your legs.”
“Look, Miss Olivia. I can almost touch the trees.”
Shielding her eyes with one hand, Olivia waved too. Then she turned to Darius again. “I wanted to ask you about Meredith. Did she go out west after all?”
“No, she didn’t.” His brows dipped down. “At least I don’t think so. She said she wanted to find a maternity home in another city, perhaps in Ottawa. I haven’t heard from her yet, though she promised to contact me once she was settled.”
A pair of squirrels chased each other up a nearby tree trunk. Olivia enjoyed their antics for a moment, pausing to say a quick prayer for Meredith. “I hope she finds a place that suits her.”
“So do I.” Darius looked at her fully for the first time. “Meredith’s plight made me truly appreciate the good work you and Ruth are doing at Bennington Place.”
“That means a lot. Especially since I know in the beginning you considered it a nuisance.”
“It shames me to think of my judgmental attitude.” He brushed at some grass on his pant leg. “I’m only thankful my boss has removed me from ‘the Bennington project,’ as he calls it, so it won’t be such a source of conflict anymore.”
“I’m glad too.” Some of the tension in Olivia’s shoulders eased. At least she wouldn’t have to worry that she and Darius were on opposite sides of the issue. “I suppose all we can do is trust in God’s will for the home and its residents.” Olivia gave him a long look. “Losing Abigail has made me see that I need to loosen my grip on the things in my life. The more I try to hold on to them, the more they slip away.” She shrugged. “A lesson I’m unfortunately learning the hard way.”
Darius shifted closer. The wind lifted the clean scent of his soap to her. “I’m sorry you’ve had to suffer this way again, Olivia. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you’ve been through.” He laid his hand over hers.
The heat from his palm seeped through her, wrapping her in a cocoon of warmth. Her heart rate kicked up as she raised her eyes to his. “Then you don’t think I’m a terrible person?”
He stared at her with such intensity that her lungs forgot to take in air.
“What I think,” he said slowly, “is that you are the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Generous and kind, compassionate and forgiving. I’m honored just to know you.”
Before she could react, he lowered his mouth to hers. Her whole world seemed to come to a halt, narrowing down to the feel of his lips on hers. They were warm and gentle, tasting of coffee and something sweet, like maple syrup. How many times had she dreamt of this moment? Longed for it? Never believing it could happen.
When his arm came around her, drawing her closer, every nerve ending came alive , infusing her with energy. Warmth radiated through her body, and her heart thudded loudly in her chest as she kissed him back, drinking him in like a thirsty plant soaking up water. She’d forgotten how much she’d missed this connection with another person. The warmth, the security, the sense of belonging.
Someone tugged on her sleeve. “Why are you kissing my daddy?”
Darius jerked back.
A rush of heat enveloped Olivia’s face as she looked down at Sofia. “I . . . I was . . . thanking him for the flowers and for being so kind to me.”
Sofia stared at her, her brow crinkled. She pushed aside some strands of dark hair that had escaped her braid. “Do I get a kiss too for my picture?”
At the stunned look on Darius’s face, Olivia stifled a laugh. “Of course, sweetie. I can’t believe I forgot that earlier.” She held out her arms, and the girl lunged onto her lap. Then Olivia kissed the girl’s flushed cheek. “Thank you for coming today and for your lovely picture.”
“You’re welcome.” Sofia threw her arms around Olivia’s neck and squeezed, almost cutting off her air.
But Olivia didn’t mind. She clasped Sofia tight against her chest, relishing the feel of her and the way she smelled of fresh air and sunshine. For the moment, her heart was
