"Oh my, God," said Anna, "kids can be cruel."

"Yes, they constantly pitted him against his half-brother, and called his mother some awful things."

"Calling his mother god forsaken names would be hard on anyone."

"I've never met his mother. Rumors say that she used to come around when he was young and then she abandoned him."

"What kind of man is his father?"

"He's a very cold man. He never stopped Aiden's siblings from attacking him. He treated Aiden like an outcast. The woman he is common law married to, named Myrna, treated him worse.

The cookies that Anna was baking had the entire house smelling like chocolate chips. They always had fresh cookies on the table for each guest arrival. The cabin that Anna and Jas had cleaned would be rented out in just a few hours. Anna slid two hot chocolate chip cookies across the island to Jas. She munched on them leisurely.

"When he moved in with the Sparkman's and saw all the wealth that they had, he became very bitter. He would tell me about the fights he'd have with his half-brothers. He clashed with his mom and step-dad all the time."

"Poor dear."

"Aiden doesn't have closure from his past. That scares me. When he's around or thinks too long about his parents he's a different person. I forget about that person when I asked him to marry me."

"Don't give up on him." Anna took a bite of her cookie. "He told me that the biggest mistake of his life was letting you go and that..."

There was a knock on the door. Anna went to open it. She smiled when Aiden walked in. "I didn't think you'd find us here."

"It was the cookies," he laughed, "Smelled them all the way to my house." He walked over to the island and picked up a cookie. "No seriously, Ted told me you two would probably be together." He turned to Jas and smiled. She blushed. He loved the idea of driving her to distraction by a single glance. "I've come to retrieve something precious."

"That's so sweet," Anna said.

Aiden extended his arm. Jas quickly grabbed her coat placing it on. Then she linked arms with Aiden. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I've been trying to get back to you all day," he whispered. "I've got a surprise for you."

"What?"

"You'll see."

***

"Deanna, it's been three weeks. You've got to come home."

"Troy I promise, just give me until next Wednesday. The receptionist said that the best day to catch up with him is Wednesday afternoon."

Troy's agitation was voiced in his sigh. "I've been so patient with you, Deanna. Surely, you know that as much as I love you I have limits."

Deanna knew that Troy had every right to act this way. She had way overstepped her bounds and sneaking off to New York. "I'm sorry, Troy. But I'm so close."

"Where are you now?"

"I'm having dinner at Delmonico's."

"Have you even thought about what you're going to do if you see him?"

"I can't even think that far."

***

"This is beautiful, Aiden. Lights everywhere."

The Icon A 5 soared above New York City. The glistening lights stretched for miles. Aiden glanced at Jas awed by her child like reaction. He slipped his fingers through hers. "I thought you'd like it." He banked the plane towards New Jersey. In a short space of time he descended into Sandy Hook Beach. They took the ferry to New York, exiting at the Wall Street stop.

"So, this is where you spend your time."

"Yes."

"Still not going to tell me where we're going?"

"No." He wrapped himself around Jas keeping her from the cold. She leaned into him and snuggled up. They briskly walked for a few blocks. Finally, they arrived at Delmonico's.

Jas's eyes widened when she saw how elegant the restaurant was. It was like stepping back in time. Her eyes gazed at the beautiful aged wall paper, mahogany chairs and tables draped with crisp white linen. The vibe was cozy and romantic.

"They've got quite a crowd. Must be good food."

"The best," he said, slipping off Jas's coat. Aiden spotted one of the waiters that he told he was coming.

"Ah, Mr. Ross, so good to see you again. We have your room ready."

"Thank you, Riley."

The waiter walked them through the crowded restaurant. Deanna was sitting at the table and had just swallowed her tea. She caught sight of Aiden and Jas and choked. It was so bad that several waiters ran over to the table. She began pounding her chest to clear her throat.

"Is everything all right ma'am?"

Deanna stood to her feet, tipping to see over the shoulders of those who had blocked her view. Her eyes desperately scanned the area. They're gone. She stood wringing her hands.

"Did you see them?"

"Who ma'am?"

"That couple. The one wearing the navy suit and the lady dressed in grey."

The waiters were perplexed and looked at each other. "We have quite a crowd. I'm sorry that we can't help."

Deanna slammed her hand on the table. She sank down in the seat, tears welled in her eyes.

"Are you going to be okay?"

"What's down that hall?"

"Those are our private rooms. No one is allowed there without a reservation."

Deanna shook her head.

"Can we get you a cab?"

"No, I'll just wait here." Deanna was determined to keep her eye peeled to that hall. She'd wait all night.

***

A solitary table sat in the middle of the expansive private room. A vase containing a bouquet of roses adorned the table. Their meal was under a cloche. A waiter stood by the table ready to serve. Classical music filled the room, as the string quartet played.

"Aiden, this is lovely."

"Not as lovely as you," he said pulling back her chair. "I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you asking me to marry you last night."

She blushed.

Aiden nodded to the waiter and he removed the cloche, setting it aside. Then he lifted a Champaign bottle from the serving buffet. He filled their glasses. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Ross?"

"No, that will be all." The waiter quietly exited the room.

"This is delicious," Jas said slicing into her steak. The meal was perfectly prepared. Fresh herbed vegetables, salad and dinner rolls accompanied the steak.

"I want you to know that I understand your fears concerning the engagement. I saw it in your eyes last night. I've left my past behind, Jas."

"Running from it is not the same as leaving it, Aiden."

"I have to deal with this in my own way."

"But what if that way impacts us? I can't go through it again."

"I'm Aiden Ross for a reason, Jas. It has served me well."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that we're going to be fine. Dance with me."

Jas was hesitant knowing this conversation was far from over. But she knew that this night was to be special. She would follow his lead. He slipped his arm around her waist, they spun onto the floor in a graceful waltz. Soon his magnetism took over and Jas forgot about everything. She locked her arms around him and swayed to his rhythm. At some point during the dance, he slipped cold metal onto her finger. She smiled, knowing that she had that feeling long ago. Jas lifted her hand admiring the platinum band holding the 10-karat oval diamond.

"Just making things official, babe," he whispered.

Jas trailed her finger down the side of his face. Then tipped up, kissing him gently on the lips.

***

"I'm sorry ma'am but we're closing."

"What about them? The people in the back."

"They are not affected by our closing. I'm sorry ma'am but you must leave. May I flag you a cab?

Deanna felt overwhelmed. Her mind was frantic. Surely this was providence. They'd meet tonight. She didn't answer the waiter, just grabbed her purse and stepped outside the building. She decided to wait and hunkered down against the building. After about 20 minutes the cold winds eroded her resolve. With teeth chattering, she flagged down a cab. Deanna sent a text to Troy.

I saw him. He was with a woman at Delmonico's. She had dark hair like the detective said. Lost him in the crowd but I'm encouraged.

Good, Deanna.

***

Aiden landed the Icon A 5 in the center of Sleepy Hollow Lake, and cut off the engine. "Ever been rocked to sleep?" He saw Jas's eyes light up and he laughed.

"You're not serious?

"I am."

"But it's cold outside and we'll freeze in here."

Aiden reached under his seat and pulled out a small portable heater. "I've got extra batteries if we need them."

"You amaze me."

"I want you to see the sunrise off the lake. As the sun rises, the fog lifts off the lake and it's like you're in another world. When I first moved here I spent a lot of time sitting on the lake. One night I accidently fell asleep and it was the best rest I've ever had, like sleeping on a water bed."

"Why were you on the lake?"

"Do you want an honest answer to that question?"

Jas closed her eyes. What a loaded question to ask. Everything always reverted back to her. She took Aiden's hand. "I never meant to cause you more rejection. I was angry at the time."

"No more than I meant to cause you pain. But you're here now, and it's been worth the wait."

"You built the house for me?"

"Yes."

Hearing that word come from Aiden weighed so much more than what she perceived to be true and even what Anna had said. It was as if she felt that she was finally connecting to their destiny.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I sent you home, you reacted."

"What about, Nanna?"

He stroked her face. "Nanna is going to be just fine."

"I'm about to come unglued. You sound so confident. How can you be so sure?"

Aiden had to be very careful answering this question. He couldn't share what Nanna told him, nor could he lie. He thought for a long moment. "Has there ever been a time when things didn't turn out well for Nanna?" He saw the thoughtful look on her face as the question sank in. As she opened her mouth to respond, he quickly kissed her to end the conversation.

She'd never fooled around in a plane before. It took them a minute to coordinate in the tight spot. Before long, things got so steamy that Jas couldn't decide if the heat was between she and Aiden, or from the space heater. At any length her peace, and longing for him were at an all-time high, leaving her thoughts were scattered for the rest of the evening.

They carried on for quite a while until he fell asleep on her shoulder. Her mind was in a happy place. There was another link in Jas's heart, connecting her to Aiden. She managed to slip her hand into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She positioned herself to type Nanna a message.

Dear Nanna,

You know that I love you dearly, I'm sorry that I haven't contacted you more often. Aiden and I have been fixing things. I want you to know that it's been very nice being here. I'm glad that I came. Please forgive me, but I'm going to spend more time with Aiden. I can't say right now when we'll be returning.

Nanna was thrilled when she got the message. She quickly texted back.

You have nothing to be sorry about. I am really happy for you and Aiden. Please stay as long as you like without worrying about me. The staff has everything under control.

Do you miss me, Nanna?

Of course, I do and I know that you miss me. We are two peas in the same pod. But sometimes life needs to make a shift. We shouldn't fight it, but adjust.

There was that word again, life. Jas knew that Nanna was trying to tell her something. But she didn't want to blur her happy moment trying to figure it out. She changed her thoughts to the lovely and kind man resting on her shoulder.

Ok, Nanna. I feel better now. Love you.

Love you more. Jas slipped her phone back into her purse. Titled her head against Aiden. The calm rocking of the waves slowly put her to sleep.

***

"This has been another wonderful day, sunshine." Major stood towering over Nanna. He stretched his arms out, waiting for her to fill them as she did every night.

"That was Jas."

"More good news for me?" Major said, stroking Nanna's back.

"You're so funny. She doesn't know when she's coming back."

"Jackpot!"

Nanna reached up and pinched his cheek, laughing.

"I will see you in the morning for breakfast." After he released her they walked towards the door. Major kissed her on the cheek before leaving.

As she closed the door, something in her heart was greatly moved. Nanna leaned against the door, thinking. For the last two-weeks she'd been having the time of her life. Major had truly been her knight on the white horse. He made her want to wake up in the morning, he filled her days with energy. She was dating again. It felt wonderful.

The only time his love was not filling her with happiness was at night. Every time he'd left, she'd go to bed and couldn't sleep because she was thinking of him. She was wringing her hands. She didn't want to be alone – not with him so close. Nanna was so troubled – this was Harvey's room. That was Harvey's bed. She thought about Flannery the day that Aiden and Jas left, the cat was miserable when he walked away. She stood at the widow woeful for hours, just like she did every night after he left the room. That's how she felt standing at the door – miserable. It's not proper what I'm thinking. Then her owned words condemned her – You and Aiden need to spend some time alone in room 208.

The reality dawned on her, how badly she ached for arms to hold her in the night. She admitted to herself that age doesn't diminish the yearning for human touch. "Oh my, God." Whatever was she going to do? She stood there flailing her hands. The thought of Major in the same bed that she and Harvey slept in seemed sanctimonious. Her emotions caved in like an avalanche. Lord, I didn't realize how lonely I was. "Harvey is not here. I'm still alive. I'm still alive."

Nanna flung the door open and jogged down the hall. She saw him about to go around the corner to the wing of his room. "Major!" He turned surprised to see her, and started walking her direction. Her mind was popping like lottery balls in a hopper. What would she say to him? What am I doing?

He stood in front of her, resting his hand on her shoulder. "Is everything all right, Arabella?"

She looked into those gorgeous blue eyes and couldn't think straight. This is not the way women in her generation acted. Conflict was killing her. How can a body this old, feel so young? She glanced around the lobby grateful to God that all the guests had gone to bed and that no one was downstairs. Nerves where everywhere filling her head, heart and soul. She reached down, took his hand and kissed it.

"I feel so awful for what I'm about to say."

Major looked concerned. Surely, she wasn't going to back out of their relationship now. Nanna saw his concern as his forehead creased. "It's not that. I gave you my word. It's...it's..."

"Just say it, darling."

Nanna gave a long sigh. She bowed her head and he tipped it back up. "You've made me want, again, Major. I want to laugh. I want to go out and have a good time. I want to cook just for you. This last year and especially these last two weeks is more than I could ever have even dreamed." He smiled and it warmed her heart. "And I want...oh my goodness..."

Major chuckled. "What do you want, darling?"

"I want to go to sleep in your arms." Nanna could feel herself turning blue. She squeezed her hand into fists, her knuckles whitened.

Major looked down at the woman that had brought him back to life. He put his hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing out loud. Surely, he'd wake the guests. He never imagined old age would be this good. His entire being was shaking with muffled laughter. She looked so horrified, he dared not tease her. He wrapped her up in a strong embrace. This kind of talk was not done in his day. "That would be my pleasure, Arabella. It's something that I've been longing to do, but thought I'd have to wait until you moved to Texas, as my wife."

***

Deanna settled in her bed for the first time in a long while at peace. She'd seen her son alive. If she never lived to see another day that would be enough comfort to take her to the other side. Seven long years of baited breath. Surely God had sent her to Delmonico's because it wasn't her intent to go there. She nearly ordered room service.

Seeing him dredged up lots of memories. One's that she'd preferred stayed buried but knew she needed to deal with. Perhaps if she had told Troy what really had happened they would have retrieved Aiden, before they'd had their first child. Maybe if she had told Aiden the reason why she left him behind, he would have at least had a margin for compassion. Keeping silent had troubled her life, allowing darkness to rip her life apart. "Hidden things. All of this because of hidden things. I can't go on like this."

She laid on her bed staring at the ceiling, thinking about the first time she'd met Billy Bob Johnson. She was sixteen and had gotten a job at the crop dusting company where he worked. When she laid eyes on him she couldn't think of anything else. He was one of the most handsome men she'd ever seen. He was 24 years old, and a big flirt. The flirtation started off innocent, but within a few months it got intimate because of 3 words.

When her parents realized, she was fooling around with Billy Bob they warned her against him. "He's a low life in this town." Her mother would say. "He takes to the bottle and is known for carousing." But how would those words stand up to what Billy had said? Billy Bob Johnson said that he loved her. She hadn't heard those words from anybody. All that she knew is they made her feel as good as his kisses.

Her mind drifted to the night they caught them making out behind a building at the Ellijay Apple Festival. She could feel her mother's hand snatching her away from Billy.

Deanna's father, named John, yelled at him. "I told you to stop sniffing around my daughter, boy. You're a grown man. She's just a child. She already lost her job on account of this."

Billy gave a lazy grin. He raised his hands and backed away.

Deanna struggled to get away from her mother's death grip. She finally yanked herself loose. "I ain't no child. I'm three months from turning 17 and will be grown next year!"

"You don't have a lick of sense at 17 don't think 18 is going to save you." John's eyes narrowed at her.

"I've got plenty of sense."

"You don't listen to us, now hold your peace." Then he glared at Billy. "If I see you around her again. I'll call the sheriff, you hear."

"Daddy!" she screamed.

"Celia, get that child home before I kill her."

Deanna cringed when she recalled the furor on her father's face as he walked away and could hear in her mind Billy Bob laughing. Deanna should have known something was terribly wrong then, but she laughed right along with him, infuriating her mother. She closed her eyes in pain. "I wish to God he had called the sheriff."