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“I’m learning to let go of some memories and move forward,” he said quietly.
“Your mother and I were not healthy examples,” said Henry. “But you certainly see one now between Savannah and me.”
“Yes,” said Shane. “Savannah, as Granny Liz says, you’re a peach!”
“A Georgia peach,” added Austin.
The four of them laughed.
“It’s a family joke,” said Henry, kissing his wife on the cheek.
Brent joined them. “What am I missing?”
“Your brother just called Savannah a peach. She’s one fine Georgia peach,” said Henry.
“We all love her,” said Austin, and turned to his Dad. “Can we talk?”
Savannah and Brent left them.
“What’s going on?” asked Henry.
“Diana has been terrible lately,” said Austin. “Shane and I are worried about her.”
“She needs help,” said Shane.
“I didn’t want to mention it in front of Savannah, but Diana has been calling me, asking me to get back together with her,” said Henry. “I may try to go see her, but not without one or both of you boys.” His expression was grim. “Like you, I think Diana is having serious mental issues.”
“I’ll go with you,” said Shane. “You’ll need a witness.”
“I’ll be there, too,” Austin said. “We’ll be a united front.”
“Okay,” said Henry. “Let’s put that visit idea aside and enjoy what time we can together. Right now, Granny Liz is signaling it’s time for us to leave for dinner. Shall we go?”
Charlotte accompanied Shane, Austin, and their father over to Granny Liz’s house. Granny Liz loved to entertain, and Charlotte knew it would be a delicious spread of food. More importantly, there would be pleasant company. Sam liked to keep the conversation going at the dinner table.
###
Later, after a delicious meal and a last sip of coffee, Charlotte stood to help Granny Liz clear the dishes.
“Absolutely not,” said Granny Liz. “I’ve hired one of your staff to clean up. She wants to earn as much money as she can, and this is a big help to me.”
“Then, let’s go for a walk,” said Shane. “I need to move around after all the steak I ate.”
“Brent has challenged me to another computer game,” said Austin. “I’m going to beat him this time.”
“I’ll come with you,” Emma said to Austin.
“Ah, this will be an excellent chance for Sam and me to talk with you Atlanta folks,” said Granny Liz, indicating Henry and Savannah with a smile.
Shane and Charlotte left and walked onto the beach. The temperature had cooled a bit, and the breeze off the Gulf was refreshing as Charlotte stood facing the water. Moonlight created a shimmering golden pathway across the moving water, making it seem as if she was being beckoned to a new adventure.
She gazed at Shane beside her. After meeting Henry and Savannah, Charlotte was much more at ease with the idea of becoming part of his family if or when the time came.
Shane wrapped his arms around her. “Everyone loves you, Charlotte. Outside, standing by the grill, Dad and Sam took me aside and told me not to screw up, that you were the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Heavens,” said Charlotte. “What did you say?”
He laughed. “I told them I knew it.” He turned her around to face him. “Youarethe best thing that ever has happened to me, Charlie.”
His lips pressed down on hers, capturing the feeling of the moment. She couldn’t stop a soft moan from escaping. She’d never felt as welcomed, as loved as she did now.
