“That ring belonged to my mother,” Bess cried shrilly.

“And to my mother, as well,” I replied without taking my eyes off Maggie. “Now it belongs to my wife, if you’ll have me…”

“Ohhh, yes…,” she whispered as I wrapped her in my arms, rocking her gently. She tilted her face up to mine. “I’ll find someone to take my place at the foundation,” she whispered. “I was being selfish and stubborn…”

I stopped her with my lips, drowning her words and drinking her sweetness. Time seemed to stand still… as if nothing and no one existed outside of us. “No, sweetheart,” I said, kissing her cheek… her delicate ear… “You’ll follow your heart, and follow your dreams. Wherever they take you. I want to be part of your work, and I want to support you in any way that I can.”

I set her gently back so that I could look at her. “What point is there, in power or wealth, if they can’t be used in service?”

“For the advancement and honor of your family name,” Bess retorted, haughtily. “Though those ideals seem to be lost upon you.” She swept out of her chair and looked past Maggie, directly at me. “Don’t think this is over,” she warned. “You can’t force me to accept this… You’ve pushed me too far…”

I picked up the old box from the table where I’d left it. “I love you, Grandmother,” I said gently. “And I’m sorry.” I handed it to her.

“What’s this?” she demanded.

“The truth,” I replied.

* * *

“Congratulations,” Jackie said, beaming. We’d all walked back to the cottage where the cars were waiting.

“Why in God’s name didn’t you tell me?” Maggie asked, hugging Jackie tight and giving her a hard, sideways look. ‘You and Dean?”

“I’m old enough to be his… well… his older sister,” she said sheepishly. “It’s only been a few months, and I have no idea where we’re headed… I guess I was afraid of being judged,” she admitted.

“You had a hell of a nerve,” I said, giving Dean a thumping punch in the shoulder. “Making me feel like a hypocrite… and a cradle robber.”

“That would be me,” Jackie said, as straightforward as ever. Dean shifted next to her, and swallowed hard. “Dean may take his time… coming around… but eventually he recognizes a good thing when he sees it.” They exchanged a look and they both blushed. Dean took my hand apologetically in his. “Take care of…,” he began…

“Take care of each other,” he finished. We each clapped a hand on the other’s shoulder. “It shows… How much you love her,” he said. “And God knows, you were all she’s ever wanted.”

He turned to Maggie and they stood, just looking at each other for moment. Then she threw herself into his arms and he held her tight. “I love you,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and happiness.

“I love you, Maggie,” Dean said, sitting her back onto her feet and smiling. “I still think you’re reckless,” he teased. “My brave, reckless little sister…”

He and Jackie climbed into their car, waving back at us as they disappeared down the twisting drive. Ryan came up to put a hand on my shoulder.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am for you, for both of you,” he said as I turned to face him. I held Maggie’s hand tightly in mine and felt the huge ruby twist on her finger. I felt a deep, sweet tightening inside… that she was mine… and I was hers…

“The two of you together,” he went on, “it’s how it was always meant to be. I’m not sure Grandmother will ever accept it, but I want you to know that I do.” We hugged each other tight and I felt my heart flood with love and gratitude.

‘What was it you gave her?” he asked, when I finally let him go. ‘That old box… you said it was the truth…?”

I nodded and looked up into the night sky. A few thin, grey clouds stood out against the darkness. “I don’t think it holds any secrets she doesn’t already know,” I answered. “She loved Dad so much… she probably knew him better than anyone. But she blinded herself to his faults… to his own problem with alcohol…” Ryan looked at me, and looked away. “She told herself for all those years that the Blake’s were the ones who owed us.” I shook my head and smiled as Henry came to stand next to Ryan. “She didn’t want to see… maybe she’ll never see, or even look inside that box. We all have our own choices to make. But I had to offer her the chance…”

Ryan smiled, and looked over at Henry’s kind face. A moment passed between them, and then Ryan took Henry’s hand in his. He looked back at me, and smiled a nervous smile… His eyes were bright, afraid… but hopeful, too. Henry leaned closer and together they formed a perfect picture. My brother looked happy, truly happy for the first time… It took a second to register. Like giving sight to the blind… the words echoed in my mind.

I pulled Ryan back into my arms, this time bringing Henry along, too. By the time we let go, everyone’s eyes were moist and Maggie took her turn to give Ryan’s neck a loving squeeze.

“I told you,” I heard her whisper in his ear. He blinked and gave her ear a hard kiss.

“Well, it looks like old Bess isn’t the only one who couldn’t see,” I said softly. “Forgive me…”

Ryan shook his head with relief. “Just don’t say anything to Grandmother just yet. She’s already got a lot to adjust to,” he said, smiling widely, his eyes twinkling.

“Something tells me it’s not quite the right moment.”