It was a habit Amanda had started, early in their adventures; the first day in any new location—after they’d recuperated from the journey—was always spent strolling around, getting their bearings.
And today, he was looking for something in particular. Someone.
Christ, let her be here.
Those ridiculous gifts had ceased after his telegram, and he had to pray that meant she’d understood. Had to pray she’d be here today.
When he reached the center of the village, it took him a bit to realize what he was looking at. There was the usual village square framed in grand columns and surrounded by sturdy, if ancient, shops and pubs and inns. But where many small English towns had a monument in the center of their green, Hearthwell had…well, a well.
In the last few years, Hiro had been all over the world and seen quite a few ancient remains. The stonework on this well looked…well, perhaps notancient. It looked more like an ancient sort of stonework which had been used daily for generations, each one caring for and adding to the structure. Huge stones rimmed the well, with smaller river rocks chinking the gaps, and the whole structure was covered by a quaint thatched roof, from which an old-fashioned bucket hung on a rope.
It was picturesque as hell.
What had Mandy said? A couple who throws a coin into the well from clasped hands is destined to marry.
His lips curled wryly.
It was a simplistic legend, and this village was tiny compared to some of the true adventures they’d been on. But still, there was something…comforting about the place. Welcoming.
As Hiro watched, a young couple stepped up to the well. She was blushing, he was grinning, and when he held out his hand, she clasped his without reservation and held their hands over the well. Something fell from their hands, hitting the distant water with a tinkling splash.
Hiro had to turn away, the love on the couple’s faces too painful to watch. He felt as if he’d been intruding on something private. Something that reminded him of what he’d lost.
Would Mandy be here today?
He walked on, finding himself peering between the buildings, studying the form of each bundled-up woman who hurried past. That one was too short, that one too skinny, to be his Mandy.
If he hadn’t been so focused on his surroundings, he might have missed the cottage with the snow-covered garden tucked between a bakery and a jeweler. The cottage had been modernized, and the flowerpots on the windowsills that bracketed the front door seemed to just be waiting for spring.
But Hiro didn’t care about the flowerpots. His attention was caught by the small sign which indicated the cottage was for sale.
Something—he never knew what, exactly—drew him toward the garden gate. There were prints in the snow, and he didn’t realize he was holding his breath until his chest began to ache.
This home—because surely this was a home—was small and delightful, and he knew instinctively that Mandy would love it. It was close to the village center, which was full of history while also being close to modern conveniences. And Hearthwell-on-Cozing was near enough to their families without being in their laps…
Then he pushed open the door and stepped inside, and slowly exhaled.
Because he’d been right.
Mandywouldlove it.
She was here already, slowly turning to him with a welcoming smile. How she’d known it was him at the door was just as much a mystery as howhe’dknown, somehow, she would be here.
“Hiro,” she breathed.
And the band which had been wrapped around his chest since Edinburgh slowly eased.
He closed the door behind him, grateful for the cheery sunshine streaming through the windows, and met her in the middle of the room.
“You came,” he murmured, lifting one gloved hand to brush his fingers against her cheek.
She caught his hand. “Of course I did.” Pressing his palm against her jaw, she smiled up at him. “I love you, Hiro.”
This was it.
This was the test.
The test he couldn’t fail.Wouldn’tfail.
