“Or you,” Caleb pointed out as he offered his arm. “Shall we tour the gardens now?”
Simone accepted his arm and he led her from the room.
While they walked down the corridor, he inquired, “Before we go on, I need to know what your favorite flower is.”
“I don’t have one,” Simone responded.
Caleb grinned. “My mother will be disappointed by that fact. She is attempting to plan our wedding and apparently flowers set the scene.”
“I would prefer a small, intimate wedding,” Simone admitted.
“I knew I loved you for a reason,” Caleb said before growing solemn. “How is your mother truly faring?”
“She claims she is all right, but I have my reservations about that. How could she not struggle at least somewhat after what she had endured those two years?” Simone asked. “But I do find that I am most appreciative of Kendrick. He allowed her to say her final goodbyes to my father before she returned home to me, at least until we are wed.”
“Your mother will always have a home with us,” Caleb stated.
Simone’s eyes seemed to light up. “Do you think your parents would mind?”
“They will be thrilled to have your mother living with us,” Caleb replied as they stepped out onto the veranda. “If it makes you happy, it makes me happy.”
“You are too kind,” she said. “My mother asked if I would go retrieve Lucy. She is hopeful she will return as her lady’s maid now that this is all over. Apparently, my mother had told Lucy of her suspicions about my father, but Lucy knew she couldn’t prove he had anything to do with her disappearance.”
“I would be happy to help you track Lucy down, assuming you have no objections.”
“I have none.”
Caleb stopped and turned to face her, his boots grinding on the gravel path. “I hope you know how much I love you. I would do anything to ensure your happiness.”
“You say that now…”
“I will say that always,” he declared, speaking over her. “From this day forward, you and I are a team. Partners in life, and in the next, if I have my way.”
Simone’s face softened. “I love you, too.”
Caleb took a step closer. “This is only the beginning. Just think of the adventures we will have together.”
A slight sigh escaped her lips. “I can’t wait.”
Caleb tucked an errant lock of hair behind Simone’s ear, his fingers lingering on her delicate skin. “I certainly did not think this was where we would end up when we first met but I am so glad that we did. All I know is that I could never love anyone as much as I love you.” He paused as his emotions got the best of him. “You are all that I ever wanted- just you.”
Simone rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. She leaned back just slightly enough to whisper against his lips, “It was taking far too long for you to kiss me.”
“My apologies. That will not happen again,” he responded before returning the kiss.
Epilogue
Nine years later
Simone watched as her daughter released the dagger and it embedded in the center of the target, just a short distance away.
Caroline smiled broadly. “I did it!” she said, jumping up and down in enthusiasm.
“That you did,” Simone acknowledged. “You are better than I was at your age, but you still have to practice. Then you must practice some more.”
“When do you think I can throw a dagger as far as you?” Caroline asked.
Simone pretended to mull it over. “How old are you now?”
