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He wanted to follow her and not just because he was particular about how his clothes were put away. But he couldn’t find the energy to do so.
Michael stared at him expectantly. Oh, right, he asked if I wanted a drink. “Water, please.”
When Michael left to go to the kitchen, Steven leaned forward and rested his head in his hands. Though he had no reason to do so, he couldn’t help hoping Rose would be there to greet him. But he had only himself to blame for the crushing disappointment he felt.
Michael returned with the glass and set it in front of Steven. “So, are you glad to be home?”
“I am,” Steven said. “How are things at the office?”
“They’re going well,” Michael continued when Steven didn’t say anything more. “Even Mr. Willoughby seems to be appeased.”
Steven snorted. “I wonder how long that will last.”
Michael chuckled. “His divorce date is scheduled for September. I give it a month.”
Finally, Steven couldn’t stand the small talk anymore. “Why aren’t you at the office today?”
Michael stared at his hands. “I wanted to tell you I made my decision.”
Swallowing his fears, Steven nodded. “And?”
Michael squared his shoulders. “I discussed your offer with my father. At first, he had some misgivings, but when I showed him the good work you’re doing, he agreed it would be a good investment for me and a way to make a name for myself.”
Steven stared at him, dumbstruck. “Wait, so you’re…”
“Accepting your offer to come on as an equal partner?” Michael beamed. “Absolutely.”
Once Steven had recovered from his shock, he stood and stuck his hand out. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Welcome aboard, partner!”
Chapter Thirty
When Rose answered a knock at her door, the last person she expected was the bald man from the pond. He tipped his ball cap in greeting.
“Hello there. How can I help you?” she asked.
“I promised I would tell you when the male swan was being rereleased into the pond. My friend is dropping him off in ten minutes if you want to come see.”
“Oh!” She’d almost forgotten about the swans. “Of course. Thank you for remembering.”
They walked down to the pond, where a large truck had pulled up. The men who had captured the swan were lowering the tailgate, and the bald man went to help them lift the cage from the back of the truck.
After they opened the cage, the bald man reached in and lifted the swan, whose body was secured in a bag. He carefully unstrapped the bag from around the swan, and once the swan’s wings were free, it dashed into the water to join its mate. The female swan immediately swam over.
“They’re so happy to be reunited,” Rose breathed, awed by the scene in front of her.
“Just wait,” the bald man whispered with a grin. “The show’s about to start.”
At first, Rose didn’t understand what he meant, but as she watched, the swans bent their necks toward each other as if they were bowing. They started moving their heads in a synchronous motion. Circling each other, they raised their wings and pressed their foreheads together in an intricate ballet.
“They’re dancing!” Rose exclaimed in delight.
“That, they are. It’s part of their mating ritual. Some say it helps them to rebuild the bond to dance together like this, especially after time apart.” The bald man wiped his eyes. “It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”
Rose couldn’t think of a response worthy of what she was witnessing. The swans continued their coordinated movements, coming together in the sweetest reunion she had ever seen.
“She never lost faith,” Rose whispered, more to herself than the stranger who had brought her there.
“That’s true love,” the man agreed.
