Page 88 of Whispers of Helena
A tight smile forms on the man’s lips. “Can’t hurt to talk about it. If they’re looking for a different offer, my card is in that envelope. Call me. Mr. Everly is willing to be flexible. Within reason.”
“I’m sure he is. Good day, Mr. Cowley.”
He shuts the door in the man’s face, not waiting for a goodbye. Turning toward me, he extends the envelope.
“It’s started, Silas.”
Yes
Helena
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10
Silas doesn’t takethe envelope from Eli’s hand. “Put it on my desk. I’ll look at it later. I have more important things to tend to right now.” Eli nods and walks to the office. “Come on you two, let's go have breakfast.”
Silas rides beside me,Kiran tucked in front of him on the saddle. Merriweather carries me gently as we ride toward the western side of the property. Once we near the stream, Shadow slows and then comes to a stop. Silas swings from the saddle and reaches up for Kiran. My feet hit the ground and I grab our food and supplies.
Silas lays out a blanket, and as I walk toward them, I see him lay a second folded blanket to the side. My heart stops as he smiles at me. That same smile I saw years ago, just now more confident.
I set the food out, and we sit, passing around bacon and French toast. Kiran hums in delight as he takes a bite. We sit quietly, eating, listening to the water and the birds singing. The sun’s warmth on our skin.
Once we’re finished, I gather everything up, setting it to the side.
“Kiran, do you remember the talk you and I had a few weeks ago? The grownup talk?” Silas asks.
Kiran nods, a wide grin on his face.
“And remember how you said we should keep Ms. Helena?”
“Yeah.” His smile grows wider as Silas reaches for the blanket, fishing around until he pulls out the tiny red box that I know so well.
“Is it okay if we keep her forever?” Silas’s eyes move to mine.
“Yes, Pa!” Kiran bounces on his knees.
Silas opens the small red box, and there it is—my ring. The diamond catches the sunlight, shimmering even brighter than I remember, like it’s been waiting, like it knows it’s finally coming home. My breath catches as I lift my eyes to my husband, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Well?” I tease softly. “Don’t you want to ask me something, Mr. Hayes?”
Silas takes the ring from the box, his fingers steady as he sets it on the blanket beside him. His gaze locks onto mine, unwavering. “You and me, forever?”
The words settle deep in my soul, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket on a cold morning, filling the spaces inside me that have been empty for too long. My throat tightens, but I manage to whisper, “I am eternally yours.”
The corner of his mouth lifts into that slow, knowing smile. The same one I fell in love with all those years ago. He takes my hand, slipping the ring onto my finger, and for a moment, I just stare at it. Back where it belongs. Back on the hand that has waited so patiently.
Tears burn behind my eyes as I cup his jaw, pulling himtoward me. Our lips meet in a soft, innocent kiss, one filled with everything words can’t say.
A high-pitched squeal fills the air, and before I can react, Kiran flings his little arms around us, squeezing tight. His giggles vibrate against my chest, full of pure joy.
Then he tilts his head up, wide blue eyes blinking at me. “Ms. Helena?”
I brush his hair back, smoothing it gently. “Yes, sweet boy?”
He hesitates for only a second before blurting out, “I know my real mom is in heaven…but since you’re gonna marry Pa, can I call you mom ‘til I see her again?”
The air rushes from my lungs, my heart splitting open and piecing itself back together all at once. Tears spill over before I can stop them, and I pull him closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
