Where My Heart Belongs (33 page)

Kathy studied the stucco and stone façade. Huge arched windows went from ground to the roof on the front of the house. No doubt they had a spectacular view of the city.

“It’s quite the place,” Sunny said as she came up behind her sister.

“Yes. I had no idea.”

“How long have they lived here?” Brian asked.

“Only about five years. I knew they had built a new house—their retirement dream house. But I didn’t know much else. I guess I was all caught up in Dad’s situation.”

“Kathy! Sunny!” Aunt Glynnis called as she came from the front door. “Oh, you made it safely. I’m so glad.”

They all embraced and Glynnis fussed over each niece before noticing the man who stood to one side. “And who’s this?”

Sunny took hold of her aunt’s hand. “This is my husband, Brian. Brian, this is Aunt Glynnis—my father’s sister.”

“I’m pleased to meet you,” Brian said, extending his hand.

Glynnis took his hand but looked at Sunny with great wonder. “He’s come to take me home,” Sunny offered.

A huge smile spread across their aunt’s face. “That is good news.” She turned to Brian. “I’m so glad to meet you. What a wonderful surprise. We must have a very long talk.”

“We can stay at a hotel if you’d rather,” Sunny said.

Glynnis shook her head. “Nonsense. You can see for yourself that this house is plenty big. Come on. Uncle Will has no idea of what’s happening. He’ll want to meet your husband and hear all about your reconciliation.”

“There’s more,” Sunny said with a hint of laughter. “We’re making plans to move here. We’ll need some advice as to where we might look at real estate.”

The surprised look on their aunt’s face quickly faded to joy. “Oh, I can’t imagine better news. Of course we’ll advise you. Come on. I can’t wait to tell Will.” She still held Brian’s hand and pulled him toward the door.

They stepped inside the house to a beautiful marble-floored foyer. The room opened up to the second floor, giving a feeling of expanded space. The warm butternut color on the walls and the beautiful way her aunt had furnished the room instantly made Kathy feel welcome.

“Uncle Will!” Sunny declared. “I have someone for you to meet.”

The introductions were made quickly and Glynnis told them of a barbeque supper that Will had been preparing for them. “That was why I wanted you to call when you hit town. Then Will knew when to start the fire.” Glynnis gave her husband a wink. “Plus I had another reason. Another surprise.” She walked to Kathy and took hold of her hand. “Come with me. Will, you take Sunny and Brian out to the deck and get them something cold to drink.”

She left the others to go a different direction, while she pulled Kathy down the hall to where the house opened into a huge great room. Kathy’s gaze immediately went to the cathedral ceilings, then came back to settle on the face of the only man she’d ever loved.

“Kyle.”

He grinned at her, looking much as he had when they’d gotten engaged. He had aged a little, but it had only served to make him more handsome.

“I’ll leave you two to catch up. Supper won’t be for a little while,” Glynnis said, giving Kathy a smile. “I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

Kathy couldn’t believe Kyle was actually here. She put her hand to her head and sighed. Why hadn’t Glynnis warned her so she could look her best?

Kyle seemed to understand. He came forward and shook his head. “You look so beautiful.”

“I wish I’d known you’d be here. I thought you were still in England.”

“I got back a couple of days ago. I thought it would be fun to surprise you.” He reached out to touch her cheek. “I’ve missed you so much. I feel like it’s been a lifetime since we were together.”

Kathy couldn’t speak. Tears came to her eyes. “I told you not to wait.”

“And I said I’d wait, even if it took forever. But I’m sure glad it didn’t.”

“I’m so sorry. I was so wrong. I should never have done that to you . . . to us.” The words just spilled out, and Kathy wondered if this was how Sunny felt when she’d first showed up at the farm.

“I forgive you,” Kyle whispered. “I forgave you even then.”

Kathy wrapped her arms around Kyle’s neck and hugged him close. She felt his arms embrace her and pull her closer. “I don’t deserve you.”

He chuckled. “No, you deserve much better, but you’re stuck with me.”

She laughed amidst her tears and pulled back to gaze into his eyes. “And you’re stuck with me. I hope you know what you’re doing.”

He grinned. “If I don’t, I mean to have fun figuring it out.” He kissed her long and hard. Twelve years of pent-up passion left them both breathless as they broke apart.

Kathy closed her eyes for just a moment. She felt Kyle put something on her finger and opened her eyes to find her old engagement ring.

“I don’t want to waste another minute. Will you marry me? Will you marry me right away?”

Kathy began to cry once more. “Of course I will. You know I will.”

He pulled her into his arms again and whispered softly against her ear. “I love you, Kathy. I always will.”

“I love you, Kyle. Now and always.”

Kathy then knew a peace that had eluded her for so many years. The bitterness and frustration of the last twelve years dissolved in Kyle’s arms. She had come home to the one place she’d always belonged. She couldn’t help but smile as a thought came to her mind.

The prodigal had returned. Let the celebration begin.

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