She sent him a smile. “Thank you, Doctor.”
“I’ll leave you to catch up with your boyfriend here. Mr. Carnegie said he would be by to visit you soon. Won’t he be ecstatic to see you are awake.” And with that, he strode out of the room.
She turned her attention back to Devin. “My boyfriend.” She grinned as wide as her chapped lips would allow.
“That is, if you’ll have me.” Devin lifted her hand so gently and rubbed his thumb over the top. “I know we have a lot to discuss. Especially after—”
“Hush.” She croaked the word. “I can’t take any more of that. After facing this, believe me, I don’t want to dwell anymore in the past. My grandfather told me when I was just a little girl that I must guard my heart against falling in love so that God could show me the man He had for me. Grandfather instilled such a fear in me, that I never realized how much I had guarded my own heart. Until you came out this summer and my stomach flipped over itself and my heart pounded out of my chest. That was when I knew that I not only loved you, but I was in love with you.”
His head jerked back a bit as his eyebrows shot up. “Your grandfather made me promise him over a decade ago that I would never pursue you. Out of respect for him, I agreed. It was like being stabbed in the heart. When I left you in Utah after telling you how I felt, my intentions were to let you go. My heart couldn’t take being in love with you and never being with you.” He swallowed. “But when I returned, your grandmother summoned me to the manor.”
Eliza swallowed. Grandmamasummonedhim? Had she been kind? Rude? Cold? “Oh? What did she say?”
“She released me from that promise and told me she and your grandfather both knew the last couple years that I was the man for you.” His grin stretched almost from ear to ear.
For a moment, Eliza forgot to breathe. Then the full meaning of his words flooded her. They had Grandmama’s blessing!And Grandfather’s—God rest his soul. Tears filled her eyes. How good the Lord had been to them! Eliza gave Devin a wide grin. “Well, if that’s the case, I don’t want to take another moment for granted. Devin, I love you. With all my heart.”
His face lit up and his eyes softened. “I love you too. I can’t stand the thought of living without you by my side. I’ve wanted—longed—for more than friendship with you all these years. Never thinking it was possible.” He laughed. “But look at what God has done.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
He chuckled. “Look at that. You’ve finally got color in your face.” He dropped a light kiss on her forehead.
Eliza closed her eyes for a moment, Devin’s nearness washing over her, warming her. Was it possible to live in a moment like this forever?
Devin pulled away and sat back in his chair, but he picked up her hand, lacing his fingers through hers.
She could twirl for days with the happiness flowing through her. That is, once she got out of this hospital bed. For now, she would rest and heal. And catch up on all the latest news.
She tugged on Devin’s hand. “Now that we have the important things out of the way”—she grinned—“what’s been happening while I’ve been in here? Am I the culprit behind all the thefts at the museum?”
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER3, 1916•MAGEE-WOMENSHOSPITAL
Eliza held her breath as Devin leaned in close.
A throat cleared at the door. “Excuse me for interrupting.”
It took her a moment to realize who was there, she’d been so caught up in Devin’s eyes. “Mr. Carnegie!”
“Eliza, my dear. I’m so thankful you are awake now.” He approached the bed, carrying a bouquet of flowers in a lovelycrystal vase. He set it on the table and stood at the foot of the bed, hands clasped in front of him. “Devin has told me he already filled you in on what happened here several weeks ago?”
She nodded. “I still can’t believe I was here for weeks before I woke up. And I’m so sorry about Mr. Nelson and the trouble he made for you.”
Mr. Carnegie inclined his head. “None of us realized the poor man was so ill in his mind. Driven, power-hungry ... yes, I knew that. But he was excellent at what he did. I guess, eventually, it became an obsession? At least he’s getting the help he needs now.”
“And I want to tell you how sorry I am for my part—”
“Don’t worry, my dear. All of that is in the past.”
Just like that, she was forgiven. Had anyone ever been so blessed as she by a loving God?
Mr. Carnegie went on. “I came to reassure you that all is well. Thanks to Mr. Schmitt here, who came to me in a flurry demanding an audience and insisting you were innocent.” Mr. Carnegie chuckled and shook Devin’s hand. “I approve, by the way.” He sent her a wink.
Oh good heavens! From the heat in her face, her cheeks must be getting redder and redder. But she couldn’t stop the grin tugging at her lips. “Thank you, sir.” He had interrupted analmostkiss.
“Now, I’m not one to stay. Hospitals are not among my favorite places to be, but I had to come make the offer in person.”
“Offer?” What could he be talking about?
