The Edge of Recall (46 page)

“It’s just that you always seemed reticent about marriage. Rushing into it now could be reactionary.”

“No, believe me, it’s not.” He looked into Tessa’s face. “It’s the most carefully thought out thing I’ve ever considered.”

“Well. Knowing how diligently you consider everything, I guess that’s saying a lot.”

“It’s saying everything I have to say—except good-bye.”

“So that’s it?”

“Good-bye, Danae.” He hung up and lifted Tessa’s chin. “I’m sorry you had to hear that. I don’t think she’ll call again, but if she does, I promise—”

Tessa stretched up and kissed him. Where was the girl who took everything so personally?

He brought her hand to his lips. “I want so much to put a ring on this finger.”

“Because …”

“It would mean you’re mine.”

She rested her head against his shoulder. “I think it’s—”

“Smith. Tessa,” Bair burst out. “Come see this.”

“What is it?” Smith helped her up, and they hurried inside to the TV in the corner.

“Rumer Gaston,” Bair said. “Indicted for tax fraud.”

“What the blazes?” Smith expelled a breath.

The anchor spoke with a photo behind her of Gaston shaking hands with celebrities inside his opulent lobby. “Casino mogul Rumer Gaston has been indicted for tax fraud. …” The newscast showed several casinos, hotels, and properties, but made no mention of a home being built. Had Gaston kept it secret from investigators?

Bair raised his brows when Smith speed-dialed the cell phone. “What are you doing?”

“Seeing where we stand.” He moved off to the side.

Wrapping herself in her arms, Tessa couldn’t help wondering if she would not finish the labyrinth after all. Surprisingly, she still wanted to re-create that prayer path—as a pilgrimage to the Father.

Smith hung up and rejoined them. “I spoke with his house counsel.”

“You mean your dad?” Tessa asked.

“One of the partners, Zachary Brandenburg. He said Gaston signed title over to Petra before charges were filed.”

“Is that legal?” Bair asked.

“He dotted his i’s and crossed his t’s. The property belongs to Petra.”

Tessa stared. “He didn’t do it for her sake. He must think he’ll slip these charges and get it back.”

“Will he?” Genie joined them.

“Mr. Brandenburg is not Gaston’s criminal counsel, but he has the inside track on the financial picture and thinks there’s no chance. The IRS was swindled. There’s a whiff of laundering as well.”

“So …” She looked from Smith to Bair. “Are we building for Petra?”

“That’s my next call.”

Tessa reached for the phone. “Let me do it.”

He keyed the number and handed the phone over.

When Petra answered, Tessa said, “Petra, this is Tessa Young. I just heard about Mr. Gaston, and—”

“Please don’t pretend you’re sorry. You and I both know he got exactly what he deserves.”

Tessa cleared her throat. “I was wondering about you. The lawyer said Mr. Gaston signed over the property.”

“You still want to build your labyrinth?”

“We didn’t know whether you’d want to pursue it now, or—”

“You know what? Take it.”

Tessa’s breath stopped. “What?”

“I’ll send you the title.”

She fell speechless. “Are you … Petra, are you serious?”

“I never wanted that godforsaken place anyway. You can take it or it can rot.”

Her whole being trembled. “I’ll take it.” She looked up at Smith, whose expression had gone from concerned to baffled.

Take what?
he mouthed.

She gave Petra her mailing address, then asked her again if she was sure.

“You stuck your neck out for me. You know how often that happens in my world? It doesn’t. I don’t know why you want that old ruin, but it’s yours.”

“Thank you, Petra. I hope you find what you’re looking for too.” Tessa closed the phone. “If Gaston weasels out of this indictment, he won’t find Petra or the property waiting.”

Smith expelled his breath. “She’s giving you the land.”

Tessa nodded. “Too isolated for her, I think.”

Smith’s throat worked. “Then I guess we’re still building.”

She searched his face. “I want to build the labyrinth, Smith, but I don’t have money for anything like the house you designed.”

Smith drew himself up. “Yes, well, my spoon is shiny enough for that much.”

“Are you saying you want to build your house on my land?”

“Our house on your land.” He raised her chin. “I still haven’t done this right. I don’t have the ring or anything. But I’m asking you to marry me.”

Genie raised her brows and breathed, “Whoa.”

Tessa’s breath grew shallow with emotion. “Would we keep our design?”

Smith laughed. “It’s more our design than Gaston and Petra’s.”

“We could do without the mirrors.”

“No, we can’t.”

“And the Roman bath.”

“I’m especially attached to the bath, but I’d prefer it in blue Spanish tile.”

She shook her head. “Is it possible?”

“It’s more than possible. By this time next year, we could be living there. If ”—he took her in his arms—“all those questions meant yes.”

“We could open the labyrinth for people who need the path?”

“Anything you want.”

Bair cleared his throat. “I think I’ll just take this.” He plucked the phone from Tessa’s hand. “And go where it’s not quite so …” He and Genie slipped away.

Tessa tipped her face up. “You know when I said I’d rather be anywhere than on a date with you?”

“I remember it clearly.”

“I was lying.”

He smiled. “I know.”

She shoved his chest. “Arrogant.”

He caught her hand and held it against his chest. “Here’s where you say yes.”

CHAPTER

42

Tessa straightened in the sun-drenched morning and looked across the thriving labyrinth as he approached. After seven months, he could tell it still caught her by surprise to realize he was there, loving her. But he didn’t mind. She might never take it for granted, and that was a good thing.

She had decided against the gate, but the boxwood stood waisthigh around her—separate plants that would grow together until they were indistinguishable. He hoped for that same thing between him and the woman he took in his arms. “I scheduled the final inspection for tomorrow.”

Her eyes shone. “It’ll take a little longer out here.”

“We have time.” He drenched his hands with her hair. “Are you busy?”

“Not really, why?”

“There’s a Roman bath inside, filled with hot, scented water. I’d like to share it with my wife.”

She looked into his face. “I love those words.”

He smiled. “I love you.” He couldn’t get enough of her, the days they spent honing each other’s art, arguing the best ways to do things, the evenings they spent sharing hopes and dreams. The times he cherished her with soul and body. Oh yes, life was beautiful.

Hooking her with his arm, he led her toward the house. “I hope I don’t have it too hot. I’d hate to boil my egg.”

She shoved his side, and he tossed back his head and laughed.

A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to all the people who were part of this book:

Jessica Lovitt for the characters Smith and Tessa,
the labyrinth motif, and much, much more.

Steve Meredith for architectural expertise.

Kelly McMullen for on-site setting stomping—
glad you got your sandal back from the sea.

Karen and David Mohler
for Maryland history, prayer, and friendship.

Tommy Courtney, Maryland waterman,
for fish straight from the net and great stories.

Tom Gandolfo for “paucity.”

David Ladd for encouragement and insight.

Karen Schurrer, editor, for services over and above.

My husband, Jim, my daughter, Jessie, and my mom, Jane,
for proofing and loving me through it all.

M
ORE
R
OMANTIC
S
USPENSE FROM

Kristen Heitzmann

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