Come on.
Suzanna took Megan's arm to lead her from the room.
I'll give you a
hand.
Satisfied, Colleen sat again, thumped her cane.
Well, Where's my drink?
Later, when the waning moon had tipped over the e.g. of the sea, Megan walked with Nathaniel to the cliffs. The breeze whispered secrets in the grass and teased the wildflowers.
She wore blue, a simple summer dress with a full skirt that swirled in the wind. The pearls, glowing like small, perfect moons, circled her throat.
You've had quite a day, Megan.
My head's still spinning. She gave it all away, Nathaniel. I can't understand how she could give away all the things that mattered so much.
She's a hell of a woman. It takes a special one to recognize magic.
Magic?
My practical, down-to-earth Megan.
He tugged on her hand until they sat on a rock together, looking out over the churning water.
Didn't you wonder, even for a
moment, why each gift was so perfectly suitable? Why eighty years ago Fergus Calhoun would have been compelled to select just those things to hide away? The flower brooch for Suzanna, the watch for Amanda, Yeats for Lilah and the jade for C.G.? The portrait for Coco?
Coincidence,
Megan murmured, but there was doubt in her voice.
He only laughed and kissed her.
Fate thrives on coincidence.
And the pearls?
These.
He lifted a finger to trace them.
A symbol of family, endurance,
innocence. They suit you very well.
TheyI know I should have found a way not to accept them, but when Suzanna put them on me upstairs, they felt as though they were mine.
They are. Ask yourself why you found them, why, with all the months the Calhouns searched for the emeralds, they never came across a hint of the strongbox. Fergus's book turns up after you move into The Towers. There's a numbered code. Who better to solve it than our logical CPA?
Megan shook her head and blew out a laughing breath.
I can't explain it.
Then just accept it.
A magic rock for Jenny, soldiers for the boys.
She rested her head against
Nathaniel's shoulder.
I suppose I can't argue with that kind of coincidence. Or fate.
Content, she closed her eyes and let the air caress her cheeks.
It's hard to believe
that just a few days ago I was frantic with worry. You found him near here, didn't you?
Yes.
He thought it best for her peace of mind not to mention the dicey climb down to the ledge.
I followed the bird.
The bird?
Puzzled, she drew back.
That's odd. Kevin told me about a bird. A white one with green eyes that stayed with him that night. He's got a good imagination.
There was a bird,
Nathaniel told her.
A white gull with emerald eyes. Bianca's eyes.
But
Take magic where you find it.
He slipped an arm around her shoulders so that they both could enjoy the sounds of the surf.