Restoration (28 page)

Chapter 34

“Grace, I need you to approve these plans for the church exterior before you go. Can I come in?” Valerie called to her from outside the bathroom.

“Yeah, hold on a sec.”

She finished buttoning the bodice of her chambray shirtdress, nerves making her fumble with the buttons. Her makeup was light and her hair was pulled back in a low tail, curling off to one side. She smiled, filled with excitement, and a little nervous to see Drew and start their holiday together. The weather was warm, the sights would be different, and there was a music festival happening while they were there.

The door opened and Valerie smiled at her. “You look fantastic. I’m so excited for you!” She was practically bouncing.

“Val, we’ve been there before.”

Valerie controlled herself. “I know, but never during this time of year. And you’re meeting his family, and it’s just, so . . . I’m just happy for you.” Her voice cracked and she tried to cough to cover her emotions.

“Val, what’s wrong with you?”

“I’m just hormonal or something. I think I need a date. I’m living vicariously through you.”

Grace chuckled and shook her head. “Let me see these plans so I can get on the road.”

Drew picked her up promptly after breakfast and they headed off on the familiar trail to King’s Cross Station. In the taxi he was quiet, constantly checking his pockets to make sure he had everything he needed.

“You feeling all right?”

“What? Oh, me? Yeah. I’m great.” He grinned and kissed the tips of her fingers. “How are you? Excited to see Edinburgh in the warm weather?”

She nodded with enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to see the flowers and trees all in bloom. It was lovely last time, but spring and summer are my favorites.”

“You’ll love it. Cherry blossoms, flowers everywhere, and loads of people out and about.”

She put her hand in his and looked at him in profile. His face was tense; eyes tight and lips set in a slight frown. “Drew, what’s wrong?”

He blinked, bringing himself out of whatever funk he was in. “Nothing, love. I’m fine.”

“You seem tense. Are you nervous about me meeting your family? I can wait at the hotel if you aren’t ready.”

He turned and looked at her and stated firmly, without question, “No. You have to meet them. I want you to be there. It’s just big. It’s a big deal.”

She kissed him and he squeezed her hand as the taxi pulled up to the station.

Drew was surprisingly distracted during their journey. She’d expected more chatter between them as the train barreled forward on the way to Scotland. Instead, she was greeted with short replies and quick glances up from his phone. Halfway through the ride, an annoyed breath escaped her and she kicked him in the shin.

“Oi! What was that for?” he asked through a grimace, clearly irritated.

“Give me your phone.” She snatched the distraction from his hand.

“Grace, I need that.”

“Uh-uh, no you don’t, Tensley. I turned mine off as soon as you picked me up so we could go without interruptions. You’ve been ignoring me ever since we got to our seats.” She turned off his phone and handed it back to him.

His face was red with embarrassment. “Fine, fine. I’m just waiting for an important call. Breanna said she’d phone me when she and the boys get home from school.”

Grace arched an eyebrow. “It’s ten in the morning. I’m pretty sure they’re still in school.”

“Right, right. Sorry. I’m just excited for you to meet them.”

“How about we talk? You didn’t really tell me about the hearing. Did it end civilly?”

“Hmm, civil isn’t the word I’d use. Suffice it to say, Sarah won’t be coming round anymore. Things went our way. She was cross and nasty. I got angry and said some harsh things. She’s gone.”

She could tell he didn’t want to talk about the hearing anymore. The set of his shoulders and jaw made that clear.

“So, we’ll be finishing the church in a few months. Bidwell wants to partner with a London-based firm and extend the company permanently. If that goes through, he may want a more senior architect taking over for me. He’ll want me to go back.”

Drew’s eyes went wide. “Already? Grace, I just got you back.”

“We’ll see. It’s still months away. We can figure it out. I don’t want to go.”

“We need to talk about it, make a plan. I don’t want to be an ocean apart.”

“I don’t want that either.”

“Stay here. Stay with me. I’m sure there are loads of firms that would want to take you on. Bidwell would have to be a stupid arse to give the job to anyone but you.”

She smiled and took his hands in hers. “I’ll think about that. I miss my family, too, though. I love your dad and the people here, but my parents are important to me.”

“You can visit them whenever you like, love. We’ll bring them out to stay with us. We can build a bloody house with an apartment for them if you like.” He raked his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath.

“Whoa, slow down.” She smiled, her heart swelling at his words.

So, we are on the same page, this is forever talk.

She leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his lips. “I’m right here in front of you. Let’s start there and figure the rest out as we go.”

Drew shifted in his seat and took his hands back. “Right, then. I’m knackered. I think I’ll try and get a nap in. Busy day and all.”

She could tell he was disappointed that she didn’t jump at his suggestions. He didn’t understand that she wasn’t used to having someone so willing to share a life with her.

Her life with John had been so centered on him, on not making him uncomfortable, not pushing too hard, or asking too much. She’d walked on eggshells around John for most of their relationship, afraid of saying something that might spook him. It had taken him five years to ask her to move in with him, and here was Drew, ready to give himself completely. The staggering differences in the two men gave her pause.

How could this man—damaged and broken by an unfaithful spouse—be willing to live a life with her after less than a year? John had never known heartbreak like Drew’s and yet he was the closed-off one, afraid to commit.

The train rocked them as Edinburgh neared and she found herself dozing, her head propped up against the cool glass of the window.

After a strange and tense trip to Edinburgh, Grace was
thankful for the walk to their hotel. They were due to meet Breanna and her boys in two hours and she was hoping to have some time to enjoy the sights with Drew.

The weather was warm and beautiful, the cherry blossoms were just about to finish their blooms for the season and the apple blossoms were peeking out of their buds. Clouds of pink and white flowers filled the streets with fallen petals carpeting the walkways. Drew took her hand as they walked up the road under the blossoms.

“So beautiful,” she murmured.

He looked at her and then took his phone from his pocket. “Hold on, right there. The light is so perfect.”

He snapped a picture of her with the blossoms in the background, light filtering through the spaces between the petals. “Wow, that’s an amazing picture.”

“Nah, just a beautiful sight.” She warmed at his comment and elbowed him in the ribs.

“In a better mood?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry. I guess I’ve been more stressed than I’d like to admit.”

Leaning into his side, she breathed in his comforting scent “It’s fine. I love you anyway.”

They distracted themselves in the hotel for an hour, then began the stroll up the royal mile to their meeting place. Grace saw them and knew immediately who they were. Breanna was long-limbed and bore a strong resemblance to both Drew and John.

She sat at a café, sipping a cup of tea, while two small boys played in the grassy area nearby. They both had unruly dark hair like Drew’s and strong, angular features.

“Drew?” she questioned, it was almost a whisper.

“Yep, that’s her.”

“Wow.”

Breanna stood, smiling when they approached. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement. When Drew introduced them, Breanna enveloped Grace in a hug, rather than offering a handshake.

“It’s so good to meet you, Grace. I’ve only known Drew a few weeks, but he speaks about you more than anything else.”

The two boys were wrestling in the grass and ran into a woman who was walking her dog.

“Boys! Get up here. I’ve got someone for you to meet.” Breanna called.

The two boys walked back up the slight hill, pushing each other occasionally on the way.

“Grace, this is Callum.” She pointed to the taller of the two. “And this wee beastie is Duncan.”

Grace knelt down in front of them. “It’s very nice to meet you both.”

The boys looked at each other and then at their mother. “Is she an American? That’s wicked!” Callum said with enthusiasm.

“Yes, she’s an American. Now pipe down or you’ll frighten her away. You boys remember your cousin Drew?” They nodded and smiled shyly at him. “Grace is his special friend. He wanted you to meet her.”

Duncan wrinkled his nose. “What’d ya want that for?”

Breanna gave him a light swat on the shoulder. “Hush up, Duncan. Come on then, we’re going for a walk along the trees.”

Both boys groaned in annoyance, but followed along and soon forgot their bother as they started a race game with Drew. They were no match for his long legs, but somehow they both beat him every time. Drew’s face was a constant smile, filled with an easy joy that lifted her heart as she watched him.

“I’m so glad we’ve found each other,” Breanna said as they walked together.

“I know he’s glad, too.”

“It took a long time for my Dad to see the mistake he’d made. By the time he realized it, we’d lost them, and their mother.”

“He still wants to find her.”

Breanna nodded. “And I hope he does. I’ll do what I can from my side. Maybe she’ll come round now that Dad’s gone.”

“I hope she does. She needs to know about John, too.”

“I can’t believe he’s lost to us. He was special to you? Drew said you were to be married.”

Grace shook her head. “It was headed that way. We were together five years. I loved him for a long time.” She blinked away the tears pooling in her eyes. “He died a hero. For what it’s worth.”

“Such a tragedy. It’s something special that you found Drew. What are the chances?”

“I know.”

The boys ran until Drew couldn’t go any farther. He’d won them over fully by this point, and they were hanging on like barnacles to his legs. He lifted Duncan and placed him high on his shoulders while he walked next to Callum. They were red-faced and out of breath by the time they reached Breanna and Grace.

“I think they’re done for, Breanna.”

“No! We’re not tired. I’ve got loads of energy!” protested Duncan through an enormous yawn.

“Boy’s, it’s almost time for tea. I’ve got to get set for when your dad gets back.”

Both boys whined for a moment, but then said goodbye and headed off to where Breanna had parked the car.

“It was lovely to meet you, Grace. I hope to be seeing more of you.”

She hugged Breanna then, feeling so connected to the woman. “You, too. See you soon.”

Drew said his goodbyes, then took Grace’s arm. “Something to eat, love?”

Her stomach rumbled as if in answer.

“Definitely.”

Chapter 35

Drew and Grace walked along the royal mile, hands clasped together, fingers intertwined. His heart fluttered erratically each time he thought of what he was about to do.

“Oh, I’m so full!” she exclaimed.

They’d eaten at a romantic restaurant serving traditional Scottish food, rich and delicious.

“Shall we take in the view of Edinburgh from atop Arthur’s seat?” He gestured toward the massive cliff that overlooked the city.

Grace pursed her lips as she followed his hand. “The weather’s amazing.” She grinned. “I could use the exercise. Great idea, let’s do it.”

He checked the time and smiled.
Just right.
He picked up the pace, pulling her along behind him.

“If we hurry, we should catch the sunset.”

Grace smiled. Her eyes shone in excitement.

The hike was steep, but manageable, reminding him of their last trip to Edinburgh. The sight of Grace coming in from her run, the exertion of jogging up Arthur’s seat showing itself on her cheeks, still burned bright in his memory. She’d been so beautiful to him then, but still only partially his. Something had been missing between them. Now that he knew the truth, what she’d been dealing with, those memories took on a whole new layer for him. He understood why she’d pulled away, what she’d been so worried about.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, a reminder of the time. He patted his pockets for what seemed like the millionth time since they’d set off on their holiday.

A steady wind blew, whipping Grace’s loose hair around her face. He smiled as she batted it away and moved to pull it into a quick knot.

“Leave it, love.” He wanted to remember how she looked just then, windblown and wild.

Finding his favorite spot at the top of the cliff, he stopped, holding her next to him. He found a clear place to sit and laid out his jacket.

“Shall we?”

“Yes, please.”

She sat on one side of his offered jacket while he snuggled in next to her. His arm went around her instinctively, pulling her close to him.

On cue, he heard the bright strains of a violin floating down the path. He smiled, but kept his face forward, staying out of her view. Soon, the violin was joined by a second, then the richer tones of a viola and cello.

“Do you hear that?” Grace turned in his arms to look behind him.

“Should we go see what it is?” He cocked one eyebrow.

As they rounded the bend, the string quartet came into view, seated and playing a beautiful arrangement of a Grieg piece.

“I love
Solveig’s Song
,” Grace mused. Smiling and closing her eyes, she hummed along. “You don’t hear this one a lot.”

She looked around, finding no one but them. “Is there a wedding or something?”

Next to the musicians was a small table with a card propped against a vase full of deep-pink peony blossoms.

“What’s that, just there?” he asked, barely able to contain himself as he ushered her to the table.

She sucked in a sharp breath as she saw the card was labeled with her name.

“Drew?”

“Go on, then.”

He worked to contain his excitement, unable to stand the anticipation. He felt as though he might burst as she turned away from him.

The music swirl
ed in Grace’s head as she held the card, her hands trembling. The cream-colored paper was thick and rustled as she slid the card from the envelope.

I love you. Turn around.

Her heart raced as she turned to face him, but he was gone. Instead, the smiling faces of her parents, Valerie, David, and even John’s parents greeted her.

“Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?” She was sure her face registered her shock.

Her mom wrapped her in a tight hug. “Gracie.” She smiled, tears shining in her eyes.

“What’s going on?” Her heart hammered in her chest as she looked from one face to another. “Where’s Drew?”

“I’m here, love.” He walked up from behind the crowd of her family.

“Did you bring them all here?” Her smile was uncontrollable.

“I know how important they are to you. I know you miss them all. This is a special day in our lives and I’m not taking anything other than
yes
for an answer.”

She watched as he pulled a black velvet box from his pocket and knelt down on one knee. Her mother sobbed without abandon into her dad’s shoulder.

“Grace, I’ve been in love with you from the moment we first met. Our circumstances are strange. Our history is confusing. We’ve been through more together in less than a year than most couples experience in a lifetime. I need to tell you how much I adore you, how much you mean to me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want a family with you. I want to spend every day I have on this earth showing you how important you are to me. Marry me, Grace.”

Tears flooded her eyes and spilled down her cheeks at his earnest expression. His eyes revealed the vulnerability at the surface of his words. She looked from him to the expectant crowd.

Her mom had a hopeful look on her face, laced with desperation that made her laugh. The challenges she’d faced over the last two years all came rushing back. Losing John, the horror of having the person she loved most in this world ripped from her, was something she thought she’d never recover from. Until she’d met Drew, she thought her heart could never be healed. There’d been so many obstacles between them, so many confusing roadblocks, but he’d kept barreling through.

She’d come to Braley to restore the town and instead, Drew had restored her. He’d helped put her heart back together. She smiled at the thought of forever, at the irony of it all.

Her hands trembled and she took a shaky breath.

“Yes, Drew. I’ll marry you.”

He blew out a relieved breath and placed the ring on her finger. “I love you so bloody much, Grace.”

“I love you, too.”