Page 72 of Saving Grace

I hug him and he bows out to let his wife through as I place the slip of paper back into the envelope and lay it on the table. Ruby hands me a blue box with silver ribbon, about the size of a shoebox. I pull the ribbon and slip it over the side. Lifting the lid, blue tissue paper lines the inside. I lift it and find a smaller box. Perfume and... A brush set, with wooden handles, rose gold metal crimping holding luxury bristles. “Oh wow, Ruby...”

“The perfume is Versace. Since a little birdie told us your favorite color is blue.” She dots a kiss on my cheek and moves aside to let Lawson through.

He hands me a long parcel wrapped in blue polka dot paper. I guess everyone got the memo about blue. He hugs me and says, “Happy birthday, Grace.” I rip the paper off to find a new yoga mat and block. Also blue.

“Lawson, thank you.” I chuckle, beaming at him.

With a grin, he messes up my hair with one hand and takes his seat at the table.

Hudson is next. And by the size of the enormous, almost-wrapped gift he is lugging toward me, I’m getting an easel. I bounce on the balls of my feet. He hands it to me with an enormous grin. “Happy birthday. If it ever needs fixin’, send it back to its maker.”

My eyes widen. “You made this?”

“Yes ma’am.”

I hug him awkwardly, not wanting to let the easel fall.

“Open it, Grace.”

I pull the paper from it and run a hand over the smooth wood. It’s perfect.

“It’s oak, so it should see you out, I reckon.”

I fight back the tears. God, I am a mess. A blubbering, stinking mess.How to tear Grace Weston apart: just add kindness.“Thank you!” I kiss his cheek, and he nods with a smile and drops down beside Lawson.

Harry steps up and pulls me into a hug before holding me at arm’s length. “You’re a strong soul, Grace. You are in the right place.” He hands me an envelope. “So, make sure you use the return ticket.”

My mouth hangs open. He nods to the envelope. I slip a finger under the edge and rip it open. Tickets to Pennsylvania. Home. To my parents.

My hands shake around the paper. My chest tightens.

“Oh, there’s something else.” Harry turns me by the shoulders to face the side of the house. The faint clip-clop of hooves closes in, drifting toward me through the dark.

No . . .

Addy appears with a bay gelding. Saddled up and walking, head swaying, ever so relaxed.

His muzzle meets my palm, and I return my focus to Addy. She beams. “He’s all yours while you’re here. Grace, meet Sergeant.”

He nickers as I run a hand up his face and into his forelock. An arm wraps around my shoulders. “Now, I know you and Trig have a thing. But give old Sergeant a go, hey. He’s his older brother.” Mack kisses my cheek and winks at me.

“I can’t...” I choke. “This is all too much.”

I turn to face the family seated around the table, shaking my head. “I don’t?—”

Tears stream, hot and fast, down my face. I try and fail to hold them back, pressing a hand over my mouth. Louisa comes to where I stand and takes my hands in hers. “It’s just the right amount.” She’s nodding, tears lining her eyes. I look to Mack.His jaw is clenched, like he’s fighting a sob back, the same as I am.

Harry comes to my other side and drops his head. “If you can take one more hit, darlin’... we have one last surprise.”

Headlights swing past the house, lighting up the driveway, as a car pulls up beside the white gate. Hudson is up and walking for the newcomers a second later.

“Hold my hands, gorgeous girl. This one’s from me.” Mack folds himself around me, his chest at my back, and crosses our arms over my chest. I slam my eyes shut. Bracing myself.

Grass crunches.

“Breathe, Gracie,” Mack whispers. “Just keep breathin’, okay...”

A whimper comes from whoever the new arrival is.

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