“That’s no way to box. Don’t let him teach you, Jonah, I am the best boxer this side of the ocean.” Alex laughs.
“True enough, we are also excellent fort builders, Jonah. Isn’t that right, Alex?”
“Quite right. We shall set to building one first thing in the morning. It must be strong enough to protect from attacks and most especially to keep girls out.” Jonah claps and runs forward.
“I’m a good drawer, like my daddy. I can draw it up. You seem awful puny for an Uncle. Maybe Mr. Danny should help us.” He replies, staring at Seth, who acts properly outraged. Laughter abounds, and they all turn and stare in appreciation at Tarrah when she enters the room. She is dressed in an off the shoulder fitted blue silk ball gown with her dark hair curled and pulled up on the sides. Clasping her hand is a miniature version of herself.
“Gentlemen.” The girls curtsey quickly, and Jonah runs up.
“Molly, guess what? I get two new uncles and a fort. You can help me draw it.” He grabs Molly’s hand and pulls her away from the adults to a table set up for the children.
“Traitor,” Seth grumbles. Tarrah looks nothing like the Irish maid from yesterday. Her cheeks are flushed with excitement, and she keeps her eyes on the children while avoiding the eyes of the two single men.
“Mr. Yates, Miss Summer is ready to begin.” Her accent ripples through Seth’s body and he is shocked by his intense reaction to her.
“Excellent.”
Alex hurries to Tarrah, “Will you show me to her, please? I would like a moment alone with her.”
“Of course.” She takes the arm he offers and leads the way.
A soft knock and Tarrah pokes her head inside. Summer is standing near the window and watching the guests gather outside. Alex smiles and waits as Tarrah speaks.
“Miss Summer, I have a gift for ya. It is not much, but it would please me if you would carry this.” She holds out a small ivory lace handkerchief. “It is an Irish blessing and considered good luck for the bride to carry a bit of lace. Later it can be crafted into a bonnet for any wee ones, or baby.” She corrects herself. Her English is growing by leaps and bounds under Summer’s guidance.
“Thank you. I will treasure it.” A blush of joy covers her cheek when she thinks of the possibility of a future with more children. She tucks it in the sleeve of her dress and watches Tarrah hurry back to the garden to rejoin her sister.
Alex stares at his sister and smiles softly. “Summer girl, they would be so proud of you today.” Alex takes her hand tucking it inside the crook of his arm and guides her to the door. The music begins to play, and Summer's heart starts to pound. “You look beautiful. Are you ready?” She nods.
“Thank you, Alex, for coming back. If he…”
“No.” He stops inside the hall outside her room and turns to her. “Today is the first of many celebrations to come. You become a wife and mother, and I become a brother and uncle. Nothing should taint this memory. Don't let it.”
A tear slips free, and he wipes it. “When you make your vows, let it be with a peaceful heart that you have found your home.”
Summer smiles and whispers, “I promise.”
Outside Tarrah notices that Seth is standing at Victor’s side holding Jonah’s hand. Molly hurries to her side and clasps her hand in her own. She grins down at her sister and winks.
Victor is talking with the minister, and the staff have all filtered outside to be witnesses. Danny is grinning and even dressed for the occasion. “Miss Tarrah, my love, you best save me a dance tonight.” Tarrah grins.
“We'll see about that, Danny. My dance card may be full up.” Seth glares at Danny and accidentally squeezes Jonah's hand.
“Ow. Uncle Seth are you mad?”
“Not at all. Wedding’s make me jittery.” Tarrah watches with a smile, and as the first tones of the piano begin, the guests flow to their seats. Alex leads Jonah to the water fountain where they speak to the minister.
Seth looks at Tarrah and offers his arm. “Ready, Love?” A smile shines in her eyes, finding its way to her lips and Seth discovers what it means to have Irish eyes smiling at you. Slowly they walk into the garden lit by the golden tones of the sunset.
Alex and Summer appear, and Victor's smile fades. His eyes fill with passion, love, and hope. Looking at her he sees his future. He takes her trembling hand, and her fear fades. As the sun sets Victor promises to love, honor and protect her all the days of her life, she realizes he has been doing just that all along. She senses the presence of her family with her and this time her tears, are tears of joy as she states, “I will.” Summer's dream is finally complete, she is home.
Chapter 39
Rocky cliffs tower over a crystal blue lake in the Hudson River Valley. The carriage bounces along taking the married couple to a surprise destination, arranged by Seth and Alex. Summer gasps as the carriage stops for a moment so they can appreciate the view. Just below a Victorian Castle with fanciful turrets, stones, and gabled construction beckons to them and promises a place to restore, renew and connect.
Victor steps out and helps Summer walk to the stone wall overlooking the valley below. “It’s stunning, Victor.”
“It was bought in 1866 by the Smalley family and turned into this resort. I have heard about it but never stayed on the property. I can't wait to see the inside.”
“Alex says there are all sorts of activities. Boating, horseback riding, ice skating, skiing…”
