“They’re right here, Mum.”
“Good.” Mum’s expression eased, but a few lines still creased her forehead.
Garth’s chest tightened. He didn’t want to add another burden to his mum’s heart. “We’ll be fine. Please don’t worry.”
She sent him a tremulous smile. “I’ll try, but it’s hard for a mother not to worry when she loves her children so much.”
Laura slipped her arm through Mum’s. “Garth is an experienced traveler. Andrew made sure he and Rob have everything they need for their journey.”
Mum shifted her attention to her son-in-law. “Thank you, Andrew. I’m very grateful.”
“Glad to do it.” Andrew turned to Garth, his tone and expression serious. “When you arrive in Quebec City, you can make inquiries and purchase your train tickets to Toronto. All the funds are in the envelope.”
Garth nodded, grateful for his help. They’d gone over all the travel arrangements a few times, but it was reassuring to hear them again. He knew doing so would comfort his mum as well.
Katie stepped forward. “As soon as you can, let us know how the meeting goes with Grace.” She clasped her hands together. “I’m so anxious for her to know we’ve never stopped searching for her.”
He touched Katie’s arm. “I’ll tell her, and I promise to send word after I see her.”
“Thank you, Garth.” Katie rose on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “We’ll be praying for you every day, and we’ll be eager to hear your news.”
He pulled her in for a gentle hug. He loved all his family, but he would always share a special bond with Katie. He held her close and had to swallow before he could speak. “Take care of yourself and the baby.”
“I will.” Katie stepped back, her eyes glistening, and rested her hand on her rounded midsection. “You better hurry back to England so you and Grace will be here for the arrival of your next niece or nephew.”
“I wouldn’t want to miss that.” Garth forced a smile while fighting off his own concern. Childbirth was never easy, and there was always some danger for the mother and infant. He’d have to pray for Katie even more than he usually did.
Garth turned to his brother-in-law and extended his hand. “Thank you, Andrew. I appreciate everything you’ve done to make this trip possible.”
Andrew gripped Garth’s hand, his expression warm. “You’re a good man, Garth. Thanks for taking this on for the family. I’m confident you’ll manage everything well.”
Garth nodded, hoping he could live up to their expectations. What if Grace didn’t want to leave her adoptive family and come to England, even for a visit? If that were the case, it would put him in an awkward position with her and their family. But he had no more time to consider that possibility, as one by one his family members gave him a final hug or pat on the back and wished him well on his journey.
Rob put out his hand toward Andrew. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you all. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Andrew shook his hand. “I’m glad you and Garth can make this trip together. It’s always helpful to travel with a friend.”
The train whistle blew, and the conductor called for the passengers to board.
Mum pulled Garth in for one more hug. “Goodbye, son. You’re always in my heart and prayers. Please give my love to Grace and tell her how much we long to see her.”
“I will.” He kissed Mum’s cheek and sent her a last look, then followed Rob toward the train.
Rob looked over his shoulder as they boarded. “You have a fine family.”
“Yes, the finest.” Garth stepped into the first-class compartment Andrew had reserved for them. He lowered himself onto the padded bench seat and looked out the window. Mum, Andrew, Laura, and Katie stood together on the platform, waiting to see them off. A bittersweet pang filled his chest as he lifted his hand and waved to them.
How long would they be separated this time? Only a few weeks, or would connecting with Grace and Emma take longer? Would his veterinary training make him claim Canada as his future home, or would he find his way back to England to build a future there?
He studied the faces of his family once more, treasuring their images in his heart to carry with him no matter how far the journey.
* * *
With Rob at his side, Garth walked down Teasdale Street, taking in the large stately homes on his right and left. Most were set back and surrounded by