“But ... your name ... the museum...?”
“Your father has been a good investment for me over the years. My name is on plenty of discoveries. But you don’t need me any longer and I wish to leave this territory and return home.”
Now that she was a wealthy woman, she didn’t need investors. The realization struck her stomach like a hammer on an anvil. It didn’t seem right. Not at all. Not at the cost that had been paid. She swallowed. “I appreciate you, Mr. Oppenheim. Father and I both do. I’m sorry it hasn’t been what you had hoped.” She held out her hand, hoping he would agree to shake it.
He stared at it for a second and then shook it. “I’m certain Mr. Gilbert here can draw up the necessary paperwork.”
“Yes, sir, I can. I’ll get it done straightaway.” Her lawyer nodded.
“Good. I’d like to return to Chicago as soon as possible.” Mr. Oppenheim turned back to her and leaned in a bit. His voice lowered. “I must apologize on my son’s behalf. His mother spoiled them both. I insisted he apologize for his childish and reckless behavior, but I’m assuming he hasn’t?”
“No, sir. But I appreciate you telling me.”
Two hours later, she left Mr. Gilbert’s office with the feeling she could almost float home. So much tragedy and ugliness had happened at the Walkers’, but perhaps she could bring a little beauty—in honor of Mary. And Julian.
Wait until she told Dad. He wouldn’t believe it all.
And tomorrow? She would be back at the dig site—on her property!—releasing the bones to tell their tales.
Epilogue
“Above the firm foundation of the hills above the wooded glens, above what we call the realities of life, and in spite of the hard things we call facts, one feels that far off, somewhere, somehow, good and truth and love will conquer and there is peace.”
~Earl Douglass
JULY19, 1880 • WALKERCREEK
Dad held out his arm. “This is a proud day, sweetheart.”
She beamed up at him through her veil. “I’m so excited.” Taking his offered arm, she leaned into his strength. The past two years had seen Dad’s full recovery, Joshua’s thriving work with Doctor Walsh, and her name on a paleontological dig.
Once her beloved had come home to Walker Creek permanently, they decided to wait for her to finish the dig before marrying. It had been a joyous season with their community to welcome their new doctor back and for them to share their engagement with the families who’d known them their whole lives.
Thank You, God. For each and every little miracle. Forhow You’ve brought us to this day.
“Ready?”
“Ready.” She nodded.
The next bit of time passed in a blur. Dad walked her down the aisle. She took Josh’s hands. And the reverend spoke about love as he read from First Corinthians chapter thirteen.
But it all seemed like a dream. Was it really happening?
Spots danced in front of her eyes, and she closed them.
“Anna.” Where was Josh calling to her from? A strong squeeze to her hands made her open her eyes. “Are you all right?”
His whispered words brought her back to the moment.
“What happened?” she whispered back.
“Well, the reverend asked you a question. You swayed and didn’t answer. I thought you might faint.”
Nervous laughter bubbled up, but looking into his eyes steadied her. She took a deep breath and focused. “What was the question?”
A few soft chuckles came from the pews of their little church.
The reverend cleared his throat. “Do you take this man—”
