A Worthy Heart Read online

  Adam swallowed against the tightness in his throat. “I’d be happy to.”

  John came up and clapped a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “James was a big help in getting this place repaired. He supplied most of the materials and put in some hard labor, as well.”

  His father came forward, hand outstretched. “I hope this will mark a new beginning for both of us.”

  Adam’s chest constricted with an ache completely unrelated to his injury as he shook his father’s hand. “I have no words to thank you both for what you’ve done.” He turned to shake John’s hand, as well.

  His friend gave him a broad grin. “There’s someone else who deserves your thanks. She’s the one who got this project started. James and I simply rounded up the workers.”

  Adam’s heart gave a hard lurch. “She?”

  John gestured to the staircase leading up to the living quarters. “I believe she’s waiting for you.”

  Adam swallowed and turned to his father. “Will you tell Bree and Gil that I’ll be out in a minute?”

  His father chuckled. “Certainly.”

  Adam made his way to the staircase and slowly climbed the steps. When he entered the room, he couldn’t believe the transformation. The walls had been whitewashed, the restored woodstove sparkled, and a new table and chairs sat against the wall. Instead of the narrow cot he’d been using, a metal-framed double bed dominated the space, with his blue quilt from home covering the mattress. He reached out to finger the soft fabric and blinked back the moisture that stung his eyes.

  Maggie appeared out of the shadows, light glowing on the dark hair framing her face. “Your mother insisted I bring it for you as her contribution to your new home.”

  He moved toward her like a magnet seeking true north. “You’re responsible for all this?”

  She folded her hands in front of her green linen skirt. “I only made the suggestion. John and your father gathered the people to do the work.” She waved a hand. “Though I did paint these walls.”

  His throat tight, he reached out to draw her to him. “I don’t know what to say. You’ve given me back my hope, my purpose, my future.”

  A smile softened her features. “That was my intent, since it was my fault you lost everything.”

  “Not everything.” He ran a finger down the silk of her cheek and then, unable to hold back a moment longer, he kissed her, his heart nearly bursting from his chest with love.

  She eagerly returned his kiss, until at last she pulled away with a shaky laugh. “So, do you like your new bed? A dear lady from John’s church donated it, since she and her husband are moving across the country to live with their son.”

  A lightness he’d not felt in ages invaded his being. “It will do, though I’m not sure it’s big enough.”

  She frowned at him. “It’s a far cry from the cot you had before.”

  He tugged a tempting curl hanging over her shoulder. “But is it big enough for two?”

  Delicious color bled into her cheeks along with a look of outrage. “What are you insinuating, Adam O’Leary?”

  He couldn’t keep the amusement from his face. “Only that my wife may want something bigger.”

  “Well, if your wife is any kind of decent woman, she’d be happy just to have you.”

  With his good arm, he crushed her to him and captured her lips for a kiss that left no doubt as to whom he wished to marry.

  “Maggie Montgomery, I love you more than my very life, and I’ll spend every day from now on making you happy—if you’ll agree to become my wife.”

  Her eyes became shimmering pools of heather. “I love you, too, Adam, and I’d be proud to be your wife.” She threw her arms around his neck with such vigor that he groaned.

  She gasped. “Your shoulder. I’m sorry.”

  But he held her fast. “It’s worth the pain.”

  His lips sought hers once more, until a loud bang from below interrupted the embrace.

  “Adam?” Brianna’s voice floated up the stairs. “I hate to rush you, but Mama will be frantic if we don’t get you home.”

  “Be right down.” He paused to steal one more kiss. “How would you feel about a double wedding?”

  Maggie laughed and shook her head. “A lovely thought, but I would never intrude on Brianna’s day. She’s waited too long for it.”

  “You’re right.” He grinned. “How about a Thanksgiving wedding, then?”

  “Why don’t you concentrate on recovering from your injury and we’ll discuss this later?” Her eyes overflowed with love. “Thankfully we have all the time in the world.”

  38

  PEERING INTO THE grand foyer mirror, Aurora adjusted the angle of her large floral hat and re-tied the sash of her pink gown, the perfect outfit for Brianna and Gil’s wedding. If only Aurora could share in the joy of the day. But such a romantic occasion made her yearn for Gabe all the more.

  The fact that she’d had no word from him chipped away at her confidence. Perhaps he’d joined the fighting and couldn’t contact her. Or perhaps he’d forgotten about her, after all.

  Approaching footsteps alerted Aurora to her parents’ presence.

  “Come, daughter. We mustn’t be late for the wedding of the year.” Her father’s voice echoed over the tiled entry.

  Her mother moved to the mirror. “You look lovely, dear.”

  “Thank you, Mama. So do you.” Aurora did her best to smile, knowing how worried her mother had been about her. The typhoid epidemic had taken its toll on everyone involved.

  Papa threw Aurora a sullen glance. “You could be basking in the glow of your own upcoming nuptials, if you’d accepted Dr. Reardon’s proposal.” He pulled his ornate walking stick from the stand in the corner. “Just how long do you intend to wait for this Irishman with not even a word from him?”

  A stabbing pain invaded the region of Aurora’s heart. Papa had touched on the very core of her fear, that if Gabe were alive, surely he would have sent some word to her. Or had being back in his homeland caused his feelings to fade? She swallowed her insecurities and stiffened her spine. “I’ll wait as long as it takes, Papa. Until I know for certain one way or another.”

  Before her father could comment further, she walked out the door to the waiting car.

  Thankfully Papa remained silent on the drive to the church. As the chauffeur pulled up in front of the quaint stone building, Aurora gave herself a stern lecture. This was Brianna and Gil’s big day. After countless setbacks, they would now see the fulfilment of their dreams. Aurora was relieved that her long-held bitterness toward the couple had disappeared, and she would do nothing to take away from their joy. She only prayed that one day she, too, would experience such a wondrous occasion.

  Her father held out a hand to help her alight from the automobile. She straightened and inhaled the crisp air. The first hint of color had begun to tint the leaves. A mild breeze teased the ribbons on her hat and blew the hem of her dress around her ankles as she turned toward the church.

  At the base of the stairs, a shaggy-haired man leaned on a crutch. Aurora squinted. Surely this vagrant wasn’t one of the wedding guests. The man moved away from the railing, and something about his demeanor made Aurora’s heart stutter in her chest.

  “Do I look that bad that you don’t recognize me?”

  She stifled a cry with one gloved hand. Was she dreaming?

  Crutch under his arm, Gabe limped toward her, gazing at her with an intensity that left her knees weak. Tears blurred the sight of his beloved face.

  On legs as wobbly as a new colt’s, she darted forward. He dropped his crutch and caught her in his arms.

  “Aurora, mo ghrá. How I’ve missed you.” He crushed her to him.

  “Is it really you?”

  “No one else.” His Irish lilt was even more pronounced after being home.

  She pulled away and bent to retrieve his crutch. “You’re hurt. What happened?”

  “It’s a long, sad tale, which I’ll save for later.”
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  “But why did you not send word you were coming?”

  His eyebrows rose. “Did you not receive my telegrams?”

  She shook her head.

  “None of them?”

  “No.”

  He wiped her tears away with his thumb. “Ah, darlin’, I’m sorry to cause you such worry. I don’t know what could have happened.”

  Suspicion dawned, and she glanced over her shoulder to where her parents stood watching. “Papa, did you intercept telegrams intended for me?”

  The color heightened in his cheeks, but he said nothing.

  She stalked across the grass to confront him. “You knew how worried I was. How I longed for word of Gabe to be certain he was alive, yet you kept that knowledge from me. How could you do that?” Her hands shook with a combination of shock and anger.

  “I only had your best interest in mind. I truly believed the man would never return. . . .” Her father waved a hand in the air as if that was explanation enough.

  Gabe appeared beside her. “You couldn’t be more wrong, sir. I would have moved heaven and earth to come back to her.” Gabe turned and took her hands. “Nothing except my death would have stopped me.”

  “Oh, Gabe.” The intensity of the love in his gaze turned Aurora’s insides to warm pudding.

  “I hope it’s not too soon to make my intentions known,” Gabe said, his eyes still on her, “but I’m asking for Aurora’s hand in marriage. If she’ll have me.”

  More tears bloomed, and she didn’t wait for her father’s reply. “Yes, I’ll have you.”

  “The saints be praised.” Gabe grinned down at her. “There’s only one more thing I need.” He cupped her face with both hands and very deliberately kissed her.

  Eagerly, Aurora drank in the familiar scent of his aftershave and the warmth of his lips, relishing the shelter of his arms surrounding her. How many weeks had she longed for this moment?

  Moments later, they drew apart.

  Gabe smiled and held out his arm. “May I escort you inside?”

  She laughed out loud. “I’d be delighted.”

  Together, they entered the church, his crutch making their progress slow but steady. The joyous strains of piano music accompanied them as they moved up the aisle. Never had Aurora felt such happiness in her life.

  Smiling through tears of joy, she lifted blissful prayers of gratitude to a most gracious and loving God.

  Thank You, thank You, for bringing Gabe back to me!

  On a wave of near euphoria, Maggie drifted through the crowded parlor filled with wedding guests. Brianna and Gil’s reception was being held at Irish Meadows, as per the bride’s wishes. Mr. O’Leary had spared no expense, ordering dozens of roses to grace the interior of the house, as well as the balcony outside. Maggie inhaled the delicious floral fragrance and sighed with delight.

  Today had been the happiest of days for the O’Leary family, one they richly deserved after all they’d been through. Thankfully Mrs. O’Leary had recovered enough to participate in the activities, although she still tired easily. Deirdre and Connor had also regained their health, due in part to the resilience of their youth.

  With the festivities fully underway and Adam busy with his duties as best man, Maggie exited onto the balcony, intent on finding Gabe. Another burst of gratitude radiated through her at the surprise she’d found upon waking. Though injured from an accident at sea, her dear brother had returned, arriving in the middle of the night. She’d hardly dared believe it when she’d spied Gabe in Colleen’s kitchen that morning. But with the flurry of preparations for the wedding, they’d had no chance to speak. Besides which, Gabe’s sole intent had been getting to Aurora. Now that the couple had spent a few hours together, Maggie needed to find out about her family and how the war was affecting them.

  She stood for a moment at the balcony rail, looking out over the colorful array of guests on the lawn below, and simply drank in the glorious scene. The breeze teased Maggie’s hair and gown, calling to mind when she’d stood at another railing. Was it only a few short months ago that she’d looked upon the Statue of Liberty for the first time as their ship made its way into the New York Harbor? The excitement and trepidation she’d experienced then could not compare to the joy and peace that flowed through her soul today. She lifted a prayer of immense gratitude to God for bringing her across the ocean to her new home and for granting her the freedom to find the love of her life. Both she and Gabe had been truly blessed to find their hearts’ desire in America.

  Thoughts of her brother brought her back to her initial purpose for coming outside. Gabe and Aurora had gone for a walk in the garden some time ago. Surely they’d returned by now. Maggie scanned the sea of people below her and, not spying the couple, headed down to the garden. She soon found the lovebirds on a bench near the water fountain and waited until a fairly passionate kiss ended before she made her presence known. “Hello, you two.”

  Aurora blushed. “Maggie, it’s lovely to see you again.”

  “And you, as well. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to my brother.”

  Gabe rose and gestured for her to sit down. “I’m afraid I was somewhat preoccupied when I arrived.” He winked at Aurora, who blushed again.

  Maggie took his spot on the bench. “So tell me everything.”

  Gabe crossed his arms, his eyes darkening. He glanced from Aurora to Maggie. “I still don’t know exactly what happened, but our ship went down. There were rumors of a torpedo attack. In any case, I woke up in the hospital with a concussion and a broken leg. I got off easy compared to some.”

  The distress on Aurora’s face mirrored Maggie’s feelings. “Why didn’t you let us know?”

  “I didn’t want to worry everyone. After I got out of the hospital, I stayed at Tommy’s so Mum and the girls could fuss over me. She sends her love, by the way.”

  “What about the war?”

  “So far, Tommy and Paddy haven’t enlisted, and they won’t unless they’re given no choice.” He scowled, and Maggie knew better than to get him started on his views of the British army.

  “The rest of the clan is fine, but everyone misses you terribly.”

  A twinge of sadness pinched Maggie’s heart. “I miss them, too.”

  Gabe plucked a flower from the bush beside him and twirled it between his fingers, a pensive expression on his face. “I had a lot of time to think while I was recuperating, and I knew what I had to do once I got well enough.” He handed Aurora the bloom with a smile. “I had to keep my promise to this lovely lady. As soon as I could, I got on the next ship.”

  A tear slid down Aurora’s cheek as she raised the flower to her nose.

  Maggie tried to imagine how hard it had been for her mother to let Gabe go. “How did Mum take the news that we’re staying in America?”

  Gabe tweaked one of her curls. “You can stop worrying. Mum suspected all along you were destined to stay.”

  Foolish tears clogged Maggie’s throat. “Did she seem upset?”

  “A little, now that three of us are here. But she understands.”

  Maggie pulled a handkerchief from her reticule. “Tomorrow I’ll write her a long letter.”

  “That’s a grand idea. Now if you don’t mind, sister dear, I’d like at least one dance with my fiancée, if she doesn’t mind my limp.”

  “I’d love to.” Beaming, Aurora rose and took his hand.

  With a quick wave, they set off toward the house.

  Maggie sat for a few seconds longer, allowing her emotions to settle. Today was not a day for sadness or regret.

  “Are those tears I see?”

  Maggie looked up to see Adam, and once again her heart stuttered at the handsome figure he cut in his tuxedo. She’d never seen him dressed in such finery. For the first time since she’d met him, he looked like the heir to the O’Leary estate.

  He came to sit beside her on the stone bench and laid a hand over hers. “What is it, sweetheart?”
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  The tenderness in his question made her throat tighten. She wouldn’t mar his happiness with any talk of homesickness. She smiled at him. “It’s nothing. Weddings always make me sentimental.”

  He peered at her, then tipped up her chin for a light kiss. “We’d best get inside. I believe the best man has a speech to make.”

  She wound her fingers through his. “Did I tell you how proud I am?”

  “Once or twice.” He winked at her, warming her heart. Then he sobered. “I’ll never understand why you had such faith in me, despite everyone’s warnings.”

  Love shimmered inside her like a beautiful dream. “I believe God brought us together—to help each other through some difficult times, and to love each other.”

  “And I promise to spend the rest of my days doing just that.” He pulled her tight to his chest and kissed her again.

  Her soul sighed with pleasure, her earlier euphoria returning to erase any lingering sadness. She would always miss her mother, but she wouldn’t trade her happiness with Adam for anything.

  The patter of feet on the garden path, along with a high-pitched giggle, had Maggie and Adam pulling apart.

  Delia stood beside them, her white-and-pink dress swishing about her legs. “Uncle Adam, Aunt Maggie, Daddy sent me to find you.” Her blond curls bobbed around her flushed cheeks.

  Maggie smiled, another wave of gratitude arising for Delia’s restored health. “We’re coming now, sweetie.”

  “Good, ’cause Daddy didn’t want you to miss the ’nouncement.”

  “What announcement?”

  Delia covered her mouth with a tiny gloved hand. “It’s a secret. You have to come now.”

  She grabbed Adam’s hand and tugged. He grinned over his shoulder at Maggie, who tried not to laugh.

  They followed the noise of the crowd into the dining room, where the bride and groom stood poised to cut the wedding cake. Brianna looked resplendent in her ivory lace gown.

  After they shared the first bite, Gil turned to address the guests. “Brianna and I wish to thank everyone for sharing this special day with us. I’m very proud of my wife for graduating from Barnard College earlier this summer. But I must say, I am looking forward to our honeymoon and having her all to myself.”