Across Eternity (22 page)

The breeze was cool as it washed over her body, leaving a trail of
goosebumps in its wake. Reaching for her sweater, which was draped on the back
of her chair, Amber pulled it on and wrapped her arms tightly around herself
shaking off the chill.

She leaned back again, settling in. It didn’t matter how cold it was,
she wouldn’t go inside with the rest of the diners. She would stay right
there on the private balcony at
Le Petite Gemme
.

The sun was setting and she had no intentions of leaving until the last
golden ray had disappeared into the water. If she felt like it, she might even
watch the moon rise across the ocean. That thought appealed to her. She
hadn’t watched the moon rise in a long time.

"It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful evening."

Amber smiled over her shoulder as the waitress quietly appeared behind her.
"Yes, it does. I’m hoping the night is just as magnificent."

"I’m sure it will be. There’s supposed to be a full
moon." The waitress circled around and placed a cup and saucer on the
table. "Here’s your tea." She set down two other plates.
"Honey and lemon."

"Thank you." Amber reached for the warm cup, her hands drawing
in the heat radiating from it. The pleasant herbal aroma drifted up to her.

The waitress began clearing the table and as she lifted an empty bowl she
asked, "How was the artichoke soup?"

"Delicious. Thanks for suggesting it."

The waitress smiled. "It’s one of my favorites."

"Now it’s mine too."

"Is there anything else I can get you?"

"No, I think that’s it."

The waitress nodded. "Enjoy the rest of your evening Dr.
Richards."

"Thank you, I will."

When she was alone, Amber’s gaze shifted to the horizon, taking in the
setting sun for the longest time. She didn’t notice the sailboats in the
distance nor
the seagulls dipping in and out of the water,
her thoughts were
much further away.

Slowly, the upper tip sank into the ocean and all that was left was an
amazing hue of violet drenching the sky.

Lifting her arm she glanced at her watch. The countdown was here. In seven
more minutes it would be exactly ten years ago that she had found an
extraordinary love and her life changed forever. It was hard to believe it was
that long ago.

She drew in a steady breath and then lifted the cup, taking a long sip. It
had been a decade since she had made a promise to herself to remember Logan
every day. She had kept that promise. When she was consulting a patient, lying
in the hammock staring up at the stars, or eating a quiet dinner, his face, his
voice, his presence was always there. He had said that he would always be
around her, and he was. He, too, had kept his promise.

For a moment, the cup in her hand hovered unnoticeably in front of her. It
felt like it was only yesterday that she had fallen in love with a man who not
only captured her heart and soul but also had so profoundly changed her life
forever. Setting her tea down, she smiled wistfully to herself. She liked that
it still felt fresh and new.

Closing her eyes, she lifted her head into the breeze and she remembered.
She went back to that night ten years ago when she had spotted him across the
room. Their eyes connected again and as they stared deeply at each other she
felt all the wonder just as she had the first time. Warm tears slid down her
cheeks as she replayed their first meeting and all the time they had spent
together. She had relieved the memories thousands and thousands of times over
the years.

It was during quiet moments like this that she felt him the most. She knew
he was always there, guiding her, watching over her, reminding her of her
strength, and loving her. But at times like these she could almost feel him as
if he were standing right beside her, placing his arms around her and gently
kissing her neck.

She didn’t move, staying right there with him for the longest time.
When she finally opened her eyes the sky was dark and starry. So much had
happened over the last ten years. She was a doctor. That still amazed her.
Logan had once said that every day you grow a little wiser and a little
stronger and he was right. She had grown so much. She lived life to the fullest
and she feared nothing. It was amazing to live that way.

She felt a surge of pride as she reflected on all she had accomplished. At
thirty-seven she had faced tragedy and hard times, she’d experienced what
forgiveness felt like, she had known true love, and had been touched by
compassion. She was truly a fortunate woman and whether he knew it or not, Logan
had empowered her in every aspect of her life. She owed him so much and she was
so thankful for all he had taught her.

Every day she lived she sincerely hoped that she was making him proud. That
was what was making this journey so rewarding—trying to give back all
that he had given her. She knew she was on the right path. She felt it in her
heart, and she saw it in her patient’s eyes.

Tomorrow she would fly to Napa Valley and visit Marian, Anna, and Kevin.
Kevin was turning sixteen and getting his driver’s license so they were
celebrating. After a day there she would fly to Ireland to spend a week at the
cottage.

She had spent a week at the cottage every year since Logan’s death. It
was agonizingly hard the first few years. She couldn’t bring herself to leave
the cottage or do very much, but as time passed the pain lifted and she once
again sat in the old chair and read, ate at the pub, and she even tried her
hand at fishing again.

Logan was right, time does help. The ache will dull though it may never completely
go away.

She stood up and moved to the edge of the balcony. Leaning against the
railing she whispered into the night, "I miss you. I miss you so
much."

Steadily, a peaceful and easy feeling settled over her. Reaching into her
pocket she pulled out the letter Logan had left her so long ago and began to
unfold it. Fresh tears fell when she clutched the wooden angel in her hand and
began to reread his words.

~The End~

Thank you for taking the time to read my book. That means
so much to me! My very best tool for spreading the word about my book is
reviews on Amazon. If you have a moment, would you be willing to write an
honest review? Either way,
thank
you so much!

Review Link:
Across
Eternity

More
books by Aris Whittier

Fatal
Embrace
(Romantic Suspense)

Secrets
(Romantic Suspense)

Foolish
Notions
(Cozy Mystery)

Aris Whittier is a romance writer. She writes suspense,
contemporary,
and commercial woman's fiction. Her debut novel, Fatal Embrace is a romantic
suspense that was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine as a Red-Hot Read. Aris
Whittier loves to hear from her readers: email her at
[email protected]
or visit her at:
facebook.com/
ArisWhittier