The Promise of Change - By Rebecca Heflin Page 0,110

reason to believe that she’ll accept you?” Why not make the man work for it? Didn’t his daughter deserve a man who’d love her, fight for her, respect her?

“I believe so. I hope so, because I can’t live without her.” He gave the Admiral a hesitant smile.

“You know, son, home is important to Sarah.”

“Yes, sir. I’ve seen her interaction with her family and her friends. They are all very dear to her.”

“We moved so many times early in my career that I lost count. My girl craves roots, stability.”

“I’ve given that a great deal of thought, and if she wants to stay here, I’ll stay with her. Pass my title to my brother.”

“What?” Sarah stood frozen in the doorway. She clutched her hands to her stomach.

Alex wasn’t sure how much she’d heard, but it was clear from her face that she’d heard the last thing he’d said.

“No.” She shook her head. “Absolutely not.”

Was she saying no to his marriage proposal? His heart dropped to his feet as he stood up. “Sarah–”

“Look, I don’t know the totality of your conversation, but I do know that I would never let you give up your title for me.”

She closed the gap between them. “The day we rode the grounds of Rutherford I saw the love you have for the land, for the people who still make their livelihoods there. I also saw the pride. You may not flaunt your title, but you carry it, and the burdens it entails, with an honor and dignity that I know would make your father proud. Rutherford is part of you, and you it. I could never take that away from you. That’s a deal-breaker.”

The Admiral walked over and kissed his daughter on the forehead. “Well, son,” he said with a smile at Alex, “There you have it.”

“Dinner is served,” Sarah announced to the group.

“Oh boy.” Rob stood up and rubbed his stomach. “I’ve been saving up all week for this. Alex,”—he put his arm on Alex’s shoulder—“you’re in for a treat. Sarah is the best cook I know. Er, sorry, honey, you’re a good cook, too.” Rob stammered in the face of Ann’s irritation.

“You better eat up. This may be the last meal you get for some time.” Ann smacked him with the dishtowel she held.

Everyone chuckled as Rob released Alex to wrap his arm around Ann’s waist and place a repentant kiss on her cheek.

The mild, sunny Florida fall day was picture perfect. Taking advantage of both the weather, and the needed space, they dined al fresco on the back patio, where there was room to line up two long tables and enough chairs to accommodate the large group, not to mention the abundant food.

Once they were seated at the table, and the food was being passed around among murmurs of appreciation, Sarah glanced at Alex in his seat at the head of the table. He was relaxed, appearing to enjoy himself surrounded by those dear to her.

She heaved a sigh of relief, both because her family and friends welcomed him, and because he fit right in as if he’d always been part of her life.

The discussion in the library ended with his solemn promise that he would not step down as Earl unless and until he believed he no longer wished to retain the title.

The feeling of bliss that returned was complete, no more doubts. Everything was perfect. As she looked around the table at her dear friends, dearer family, and dearest Alex, she realized George Sand, and Lady Clara, had been right. ‘There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.’

The Admiral raised his glass for a toast. “To my circle of friends, which now boasts our newest member, Alex, and to my dear family, Happy Thanksgiving.” The adults raised their wine glasses, while the kids raised their iced tea glasses.

The quiet that descended as everyone dug in was only interrupted by the occasional compliment on the fare. Sarah gave credit where credit was due, telling everyone that Alex had a hand in the meal’s preparation. Ann and Becca were suitably impressed, while Rob and Mark appeared chagrined at the looks from their wives.

Everyone lingered over dessert, simply enjoying the food, the company, and the soft afternoon. The sun began to set, filtering through the trees and casting shadows across the garden.

As the sun dropped behind the trees, it grew chilly. Sarah shivered a little and rubbed her arms, not wanting to get up and break the spell of