Bella and Anastasia climbed the porch steps, but as soon as Ana reached the porch, she dashed into the house. Bella took her time coming toward him, holding the red rose that Ana had picked for her. He scooted over on the swing and patted the empty spot next to him.
“Would you care to sit?”
Smiling, she sat and handed him the rose. “This is for you.”
His heartbeat flipped excitedly as he took the flower. “Why?”
“Because I want you to know what a wonderful man you are.” She touched his arm. “You were the only one who dared to be honest with me, and I appreciate it. I was tired of the way my brother and father babied me instead of treating me as the woman I am.”
“I’ve always thought of you as a woman. You were more mature than most girls your age. That’s one of the reasons why I fell in love with you.”
“There is more than one reason?”
His smile widened. “Your genuine kindness was the first thing I noticed about you. Then, it was your infectious laugh that had me grinning like a fool whenever you were around. Then it was your incredible blue eyes that reminded me of a summer sky. You are so delicate and beautiful, like this rose, and I was mesmerized. By the time we shared our first kiss, I was hooked, and I knew you’d have my heart forever.”
By the softness in her eyes, he knew he’d said the right words. She looked at him as if she’d never seen anything so perfect. Yet, his face was far from perfect, but apparently, that didn’t matter to her. His heart had expanded so much that he feared it would burst from his chest at any moment.
She leaned against him, and her gaze dropped to his mouth. He wouldn’t disappoint. He wanted to kiss her just as much, if not more.
But before their lips could touch, the pounding of a horse’s hooves on the drive brought Terrick out of the daydream she seemed to put him under. She jumped and looked toward their visitor. Terrick’s heart sank. Bella’s brother was here. Which part would the man play today? Big brother, or the sheriff?
Andrew stopped his horse and tied it to the post before coming up the porch steps. The man’s expression was solemn. Bella stood and walked to him.
“Andrew? What brings you out this way?”
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a book. “It’s our mother’s lost journal. I found it.”
Gasping, Bella snatched it from him and stared at the brown leather cover. “Where did you find it?”
“In the barn, if you can believe it. She put it in one of the drawers in the tack room.”
Bella glanced at Terrick with tears in her eyes. He wanted to hold and comfort her again, but only in private.
“Do you want me to leave so you can read it?” he asked.
“No, I want you to stay.” She moved next to him and sat.
Andrew followed her, but he leaned against the railing. “I also came to apologize.” He sighed and frowned. “After reading Mother’s journal, I realized how wrong I was to blame Terrick and his family for our problems. I’ll be forever sorry for not telling you sooner about what happened to you when you were abducted.”
“Andrew, I wasn’t abducted. I ran away.”
Her brother’s gaze narrowed. “Do you remember?”
“No, but Terrick told me I’d ran away, and I believe him.”
“Well,” Andrew shrugged, “I’m sorry for keeping you from the truth. I should have been a better brother, especially helping you with Father after I got married.”
“Thank you, Andrew. Having you say that means a lot to me.” She glanced at the journal. “Did Mother talk about what happened to me and why my memory was erased?”
He nodded, and his expression hardened. “I want to strangle Garrett for what he did.”
“No, Andrew. Garrett got his punishment as the beast.”
Andrew sneered. “I’d like to do more. He ruined so many lives.”
“Yes, but he is trying to change. He knows if he goes back to his old ways, the beast in him will return.”
Terrick watched the wonderfully kind and forgiving woman next to him. He loved her so much, and yet, every time he witnessed her generosity, his heart grew larger.
“If Garrett can change,” she continued, “we must all forgive him.”
Andrew nodded. “I’ll try.”
“Andrew? Father had once told me that he cursed the beast, but we know he didn’t. Do you think Father was trying to cover up our mother’s... bad habits?”
Andrew nodded. “I do think that’s what drove him insane.”
He pulled away from the railing, stepping toward Terrick. The man held out a hand, so Terrick took it and shook.
“I’m sorry about everything, Terrick. You are a decent man, and you have a kind family.”
“Thank you, Andrew. That means a lot coming from you.”
The man turned to his sister. “I also want to tell you that I think Father needs to be placed in a hospital where he can have constant care.” He glanced at Terrick. “The Wentworth family shouldn’t have to keep sending over their nurse to watch him.”
Bella released a ragged sigh. “I know, but Andrew, we really cannot afford it.”
Terrick touched her arm, gaining her attention. “Money isn’t a problem. If that’s what you and your brother want to do, I will cover the cost.”
“Oh, no, Terrick. You’ve done so much.”
He shook his head. “I want to help. Please, let me.”
Andrew shrugged a shoulder and arched an eyebrow at his sister. “I’m fine with it if you are.”
Bella stood and hugged her brother. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
Andrew kissed Bella’s cheek before turning, going to his horse and mounting, before riding off into the sunset. She sat back on the porch swing beside Terrick. He took her hand in his, stroking the pad of his thumb across her knuckles.
“Do you want to read
