Page 52 of Choices of the Heart

“I know,” he said. “I’m hoping you’ll dance with me.”

Lydia nodded and grinned.

Sophie took a moment to make certain the stage travelers had what they needed before she took hold of little Eoin and sat in the rocking chair that had recently been placed in a corner for that purpose. She held the little baby and rocked him as the music began.

Lydia and Burke undertook a rather ridiculous but inarguably joyful dance together. The travelers clearly enjoyed the music as much as the musicians enjoyed making it. Halfway through the second tune, Burke slipped over to where Sophie sat and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

“What is that for?” she asked, incredibly pleased he’d thought of it.

“Just because I love you, and I think you ought to know that.”

Lydia giggled but didn’t object.

“I love you too, Burke Jones.”

He danced away with his armful.She watched him as the evening continued. He had told her this valley specialized in hope. She was beginning to suspect it also worked miracles.

The Archers and O’Connors were gathered at the inn as they had so often before. This time, however, the mood was more subdued. They were together for the purpose of bidding farewell to Emma. She had grown up in this town. She’d lived here all her life.

Burke hadn’t known her as long as the rest of Hope Springs had, but anyone who had known Emma couldn’t help but love her. And anyone who knew how much her family loved her couldn’t help but grieve for them. It was a difficult thing to be separated from a loved one.

It did help that Emma, herself, seemed excited. There was, of course, sadness and a little nervousness in her expression and posture, but, overall, she seemed happy and even a little relieved. Sophie had told him again and again that the girl couldn’t hope for a better place to heal than Mrs. Archer’s home. And, though no one was sure Emma would decide to return to Hope Springs, they felt that living with her grandmother would tie her back to her family and increase the chances that they would see her again.

Burke could tell that Sophie was going to miss Mrs. Archer and, though she had made the decision willingly, was a little sad at the idea of not living with her anymore.

“Do you regret your choice?” he asked her, standing beside her as the farewell gathering was held.

“No regrets.” She kissed him on the cheek. “None at all.”

He put his arm around her and held her close.

The families that had gathered had little trinkets for Emma, little remembrances. She had received a hand-embroidered handkerchief; a ribbon for her hair. She was given a little bag for carrying her belongings as she traveled. It was all very humble, but heartfelt. Burke knew perfectly well how much those offerings meant to a person.

She had only just thanked the elder Mr. and Mrs. O’Connor for their gift, when an odd scraping sound pulled everyone’s attention to the inn doors.

There stood Finbarr, the tip of his cane on the floor in front of him. He never went anywhere. He attended no parties or gatherings. Even his own family never saw him. And there he was.

Mrs. O’Connor rushed to her youngest son and hugged him quite without warning. “Finbarr, you’ve come!”

“Miss Emma is leaving. I wasn’t going to not say goodbye.”

Not far distant, Emma watched him with unmistakable tears in her eyes. So much of her pain, the entire town knew, was connected to this young man and the difficult history they shared.

She stood and seemed to be shaking a little bit. But with the courage and strength inherent in her, she spoke. “We haven’t seen you in a while.”

“From what I’ve heard, we might not seeyoufor a while.”

She took a breath. “Baltimore is an interesting place. I’ll have a lot to do there.”

He nodded, but not in agreement. “You’ll likely forget all about us, won’t you?”

“I’ll try not to.”

Finbarr’s unseeing gaze shifted in the general direction of the rest of the gathering. “Has she been given a proper sendoff?”

From among them, Tavish called back, “Not yet.”

Finbarr gave a quick dip of his head and, using his cane to guide him, moved in the direction of his brother’s voice. Madra trailed in behind him, keeping close. “Then, I’m not too late.”

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