British Black Sheep - Lauren Smith Page 0,63

Alec couldn’t stop staring. This was a dream. It had to be. But it felt so heartbreakingly real, right down to the smell of the cigars.

“Do you remember when I used to tell you about that female astronomer from the nineteenth century?”

Alec nodded. “Yes, Lysandra Russell.”

“And do you remember what she used to say?” Walter asked.

Throat tight, Alec spoke. “We are all, each of us, made of stardust.”

“That’s right. Everything on this earth, every atom, every molecule was at one time a part of a cosmic cloud of dust that came from a dying star. When that cosmic dust swirled tight under pressure, new planets and new stars were formed. Nothing that dies ever stays dead, Alec. We are all stardust.”

“This has to be a dream,” Alec muttered. “But I’ve dreamt about you before and it’s never felt like this.”

“It’s because you’re here,” Walter said. “You’ve been running away from home a long time. I couldn’t find you, not until you came back.”

“I came home a few years ago for the holidays.” Alec argued.

Walter’s eyes were heavy. “You came to Merryvale, but you left your heart in London, locked away from all those who love you. This time it’s different. You’re different.”

“How?” Alec asked. But he already knew the answer. “Brie…”

“Now you’re starting to see, my boy.” His grandfather pushed his chair back and stood.

“Grandfather…” Alec spoke again, fearing the dream wouldn’t last. All dreams had to end, didn’t they?

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t come home sooner, but I was afraid.”

“It’s all right to be afraid. What matters is what you do in the face of it.” Walter came over and placed a hand on Alec’s shoulder for a moment before he walked past him toward the door. Alec spun to say something, but no one was there. The light in the room faded from gold to moonlit shadows.

Alec shivered and realized he must have been sleepwalking. He inhaled deeply. Walter’s cigar smoke still filled the air. Alec rubbed his arms and walked back to his room, more confused than ever. What did it mean? What was he meant to do? And was he brave enough once he knew the answer?

14

Goodbyes were never easy for Brie. She wiped away tears as she hugged Byron and Julia. Morgan, Simon, Bridget, and Brendan were all there as well. Alec, however, was noticeably absent. Morgan had said something about him being caught up in work in his room. She doubted that was entirely true, but perhaps it was for the best. She wasn’t sure she could face him. It would hurt too much to say goodbye to him for a second time.

“I’m so glad you don’t mind me leaving Ainsley here. She seems so happy with the other dogs.” Brie watched the puppy running around Morgan’s legs, yipping in delight as Yogi trundled after her, enjoying the game of chase.

“Of course,” Byron said. “Merryvale can never have too many dogs. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?”

“I wish I could. But she would be unhappy in my tiny apartment.”

“Well, you can come visit her when the book is published. I will insist upon that,” Julia said, even though she’d already spent the last hour during breakfast reminding Brie that she could visit as often as she wished. As they hugged, Julia continued, “You’re part of our family now.”

Brie wished that were true. It would be an honor to be part of their family.

“Thank you so much for opening your home to me.” Brie’s throat tightened as she struggled to keep a smile in place.

Julia hugged her again. “Of course, my dear. There are so many things I want to thank you for, but now isn’t the time. I don’t want you to miss your flight.”

Brie got into the SUV that would take her to Manchester and cast one last look out the windows at a place that had come to feel like home in so short a time. It wasn’t just the ancient stones and trees, or the sloping snowy hills, or that the place looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. It was the people within the house’s walls that had stolen her heart. Byron with his quiet confidence. Julia with her open heart. Morgan and his good-natured charm.

But above all else, she would miss Alec. She would miss the way he touched her, the way he kissed her as though he had all the time in the world yet couldn’t get enough of her. She would miss how they talked late into