Restoration (27 page)

Chapter 32

The morning light streamed in through the window, bathing the kitchen in a soft golden glow. Grace leaned against the counter as she waited for the kettle to boil. Saturday mornings were her favorite. Nothing to do, just quiet and peaceful. Valerie couldn’t understand why she always got up so early, even on her days off. Grace enjoyed the time before the rest of the world was awake and bustling. The calm before the storm of weekend shoppers and errand-runners.

Her heart gave a little squeeze when she spotted Drew coming out of her bedroom, rumpled and sleepy. He padded into the kitchen, eyes squinting as he fumbled for his glasses on the table.

After their fight on the hill, she felt like things with Drew were finally solid and strong again. Her relationship with him began to build and stayed steady rather than continually crumbling as it had seemed to do before all of their issues were out in the open.

He knew about John, about everything, and she knew how he truly felt about her. He was being honest about his hurt feelings. The truth set them on a path toward forever together. Losing the baby was a terrible blow and she’d probably been cold and distant, but not for the reasons he assumed. She felt guilty. She had the chance to give him someone to love, to try and fill the void of the people he’d lost. Instead, their baby had died, too. Possibly because of something she did or didn’t do.

She’d read all about how a miscarriage is usually not the mother’s fault, there’s nothing she could’ve done, and she should try again. It was hard not to scoff at the positive, uplifting articles. They tried to show how commonplace a miscarriage was and even stated most women miscarry without even knowing they’re pregnant. That only made her feel worse.

She wondered how many other babies she’d lost without knowing it. At this point, she wasn’t grieving for her loss of this baby, at least not wholly. She was grieving for Drew.

His picnic had been just the thing they needed to repair their relationship. The fight was the turning point for them. She now fully grasped how her actions affected him and he saw how strong she really was. As she filled the French press with water and turned to pass the kettle to Drew, she couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have turned such a corner in her life.

“Morning, love. Back on the sludge I see?” He eyed her French press dubiously.

“I couldn’t stay away.”

“I know the feeling,” he murmured, his gaze locking on hers. “Sleep well?”

She nodded as she pressed the plunger down and reached for a cup. “Mm-hm. You?”

“Oh, yes. I always sleep better with you.”

The dark liquid spilled into her mug, leaving a plume of deliciously scented steam rising from the top. She leaned in and inhaled the rich smell. “Mm. Hello, old friend.”

Drew chuckled as he watched her take a tentative sip, still cautious of the hot liquid. She sighed in relief as the coffee hit her tongue.

“All better, then?”

She nodded, a grin on her lips. “So, Tensley, any updates on the
Sarah situation
?” she asked, eyes on her coffee.

Drew stiffened. “She’s not returning my calls. Apparently, she’s officially acquired a solicitor, although God knows who would willingly represent such a ridiculous client. She’ll be filtering all future correspondence through him.”

She could tell he was starting to feel anxious about dealing with his ex-wife again. The whole thing was so transparent. Sarah was desperate to have him entangled with her in some way and she needed money.

“I’ve got an initial mediation meeting in a week’s time. This should be pretty cut and dry really.”

She watched as his distracted gaze traveled across the room, never making contact with her own. “Do you want me to go with you?”

He popped a piece of bread into the toaster and shook his head. “Nah, it’ll be boring. We’ll be done in an hour. Sarah won’t know what hit her.”

She tried to contain her disappointment, to keep herself from pouting at the thought of him meeting with Sarah. “Oh, sure. I’ve got lots of work to do anyway. We’re about to start preliminary work on the church.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you, then? Too busy for a mini-break next weekend? I thought we’d go up to Edinburgh. I’ve got some people I’d like you to meet.”

“Edinburgh! I’d love to go back. Who am I meeting?”

Drew buttered his toast and added a dollop of raspberry jam. “My Aunt and cousins.”

“I thought they lived in Surrey.”

“These are my biological family, love.”

Her mouth gaped open for a moment as she processed his words. “What do you mean? You found them? When? Why didn’t you tell me?”

He held his hands up to stop her. “Whoa, there. One at a time, Miss McConnell. I found them after I came home from Virginia. They’re just outside Edinburgh. We’ve seen each other twice. My aunt’s name is Breanna.”

“What about your mother?”

He looked down at his shoes. “She’s gone. Moved away to the States twenty years back and won’t contact anyone from her past. Apparently, she didn’t want to give us up. Her parents—my grandparents, I suppose—forced it on her and she never forgave them. I’ve got her post address, though.”

She nodded, feeling a mixture of elation and sadness for him. “I don’t know what to say. It’s amazing that you found your aunt. Are you going to contact your mother?”

“I’ve come this far, but I don’t know. She doesn’t want anything to do with her family.”

She took his hand, silently vowing to help him find her. “I’m so proud of you. This is amazing. Are you sure you want me to meet them so soon?”

He kissed her tenderly, his lips applying a firm pressure that hinted at the passion bubbling close to the surface. “I love you.”

It was simple and direct, saying everything she needed to hear. She knew they were forever, this was just one more way he’d proven it. As she leaned into him and threaded her fingers through his hair, she smiled.

“I love you, too.”

The hearing was over. Drew walked out of the
room, fuming at Sarah. She’d done nothing but waste his time, his life, and his energy. It went exactly as he knew it would. Sarah started off crying, playing the innocent victim. As soon as he pulled out a list of people willing to testify in support of his character and against hers, she changed her tune, became volatile, and her words were venom-laced. Before long, her solicitor realized there was absolutely no case to be had and told her just that.

Drew rose with a quick, “Are we done here?” and headed out the door without looking at anyone.

“Drews! Drews, love, please wait!” Sarah’s voice made him cringe.

He turned to face her, jaw clenched and blood boiling. “Sarah, enough. We’re finished! You’ve done nothing but ruin my life since the moment you set foot in it.”

She put her hand on his arm and he fought the rage bubbling so close to the surface. “Please, Drew. I’m sorry. I need you.”

He ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated beyond belief. “Sarah, I don’t need you. Not anymore. Get out of my way and out of my life.”

He turned and walked away from her, hands balled into fists and breathing heavily.

“She’s not meant for you, Drew. She’ll leave just like I did, just like she already has once.”

He spun on his heel then, his temper getting the better of him.

“Don’t speak about her. She’s more than you’ll ever hope to be. Now pick yourself up and go crawling off like the cockroach you are. Find yourself another willing idiot to support your ridiculous idea of a life. As far as I’m concerned, we’re sorted.”

Her eyes blazed and her mouth opened as if she would speak, but instead, she closed it and turned away from him. Without another word, he walked away, leaving behind a toxic part of his life.

He smiled to himself as he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Grace.
He felt giddy and nervous, his emotions all over the place as he wandered down the London streets. He had a few errands to take care of before heading back to Braley and one in particular made his heart race and his palms unnervingly sweaty.

Shift it, man. You’ll be in and out in a few minutes. Back to Grace.
The promise of what was waiting for him in Braley bolstered his courage and he stepped through the entryway, one step closer to the woman he loved.

Chapter 33

Grace sat at her table and fired off several emails, busying herself by finalizing the last few preliminary plans for the church. Her fingers drummed anxiously on the tabletop as she waited for word from Drew. As much as she trusted him, she also knew Sarah was manipulative and pushed all of his buttons.

She jumped when her phone vibrated.

Done and sorted. Pack your bags, we’re on holiday in two days.

She smiled at his message, glad to see things had gone his way. The stress of the hearing had been bearing down on both of them.

Slow down speedy. Dinner with your dad first, remember? XO

That’s tomorrow. I plan on keeping you busy from the time I return until we leave. Better pack now, love.

Sounds wonderful. See you soon.

A rush of warmth colored her face at the not-so-subtle insinuation of his plans for the evening. She jumped up from the table and made her way into her bedroom. One glance in the mirror showed her that a shower and a change of clothes were on the top of the list of things to get done before he arrived. Her hair was greasy and tangled, face bare of makeup, and she was still wearing her favorite careworn sweats and college T-shirt.

She started pulling out clothes to pack for the weekend away. She heard the front door open and let out a little squeak of surprise at the sound, worrying that Drew had somehow gotten back early.

“Grace? Grace, are you here?” Valerie called from the entryway.

She slumped in relief at the sound of Valerie’s voice. “In here,” she called.

Valerie breezed into the room, her smile bright. “I brought sandwiches!”

She glanced at the clock on her bedside table. “Wow, it’s after two already. I forgot to eat.”

Valerie rolled her eyes. “Honestly, I don’t know what you’re going to do without me.”

“What do you mean?” She stopped packing.

Valerie plopped onto Grace’s bed. “I’ve got to go home. I miss my family, I miss American food, my friends, everything. I don’t think I’m cut out to live abroad.”

Her heart sank at the thought of not seeing Valerie each day. “Well, um . . . wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“I’ll stay to finish the church and then I’m going home. I know you want to stay here. I just can’t anymore.”

“I guess I understand. I’ll miss you so much.” Grace hugged her friend.

Valerie pulled away and smiled. “Getting ready for your trip? Are you nervous?”

She went back to packing. “Not nervous, kind of excited, actually. Meeting Breanna is just one part of this weekend. Last time was so clouded with my John-issues. I want to really
be
with him, no distractions.”

“He’s coming back from London soon? Should I make myself scarce for a few hours?”

She felt the heat crawl up her neck. “Probably.”

“No problem. I’m sure there’s something I can do. You guys need to just move in together, seriously.”

“Maybe.” She folded a plum-colored shirt and tucked it into the recesses of her bag. “I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

“Well, don’t push him away when you get there. You two need each other.”

“I’m done walking away. He knows everything, I’ve come to grips with the fact that it’s him and no one else. We just need to figure out exactly where this is going.”

Valerie rolled her eyes. “I know where it’s going. I told you before, it’s going down the aisle. You’ll be married by the end of this year. I’d put money on it.”

Her stomach flipped, but she laughed it off. “Well, I guess we’ll see.”

“Yes, we will.” Valerie smirked as she turned on her heel and marched into the kitchen.

It was after six o’clock when Drew knocked on Grace’s door. She was packed, showered, and sitting on the couch nursing a large glass of red wine. As soon as she opened the door, he was on her. His mouth moved on hers as though he thought she’d disappear if he released her. She gave into the sensations of his hands in her hair, caressing her face, pulling her into him.

Dimly, she thought of Valerie, holed up in her room with a bottle of wine and a book. She’d said she wouldn’t head downstairs unless the house was on fire, but the idea of getting caught again wormed its way into her brain.

“Bedroom?” she whispered against his lips.

“Yes,” he said, pulling off his shirt and leading her into the dark room.

The only light coming in was from the rays of dwindling sun that snuck around the edges of the closed shades. She watched the lines of his face as he made quick work of her long tunic and leggings. She fumbled with his belt and jeans, taking her time and enjoying his expressions. The denim was rough on her fingers as she pulled the button free and lowered the zipper.

His breath was harsh and held a hint of frustration. He’d barreled in and taken her, clearly illustrating his need, but she was slow, savoring the moment. His hands tangled in her hair as she lowered his jeans, placing a kiss on his stomach, where it was lightly dusted with dark hair that trailed downward.

“Grace,” he said. It was almost a plea.

“Patience, love.” She tried to hide her amusement at her terrible British accent by pulling down his boxers and nibbling his hip. Her distraction tactic worked. Drew sucked in a sharp breath and pulled her up to him. His eyes burned brightly. Without a word, she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. He groaned against her mouth and pressed her down onto the bed.

“I need you. I can’t wait any longer.”

His jaw was set and he looked into her eyes, asking permission. She nodded and crushed her lips to his as he pushed forward, giving her that exquisite blend of pleasure and pain the sudden fullness brought.

She cried out softly and he stilled.

“All right, love?” His eyes were filled with worry.

“God, yes, don’t stop.”

They moved together, slow and smooth, while the sun set behind the shades, bathing the room in slivers of golden light. Her heart pounded in her ears as she felt the beginnings of her release. She gripped his shoulders, urging him to quicken his tempo, begging him to usher her over the crest.

“Don’t close your eyes. I want to see you,” he breathed in her ear.

She trained her gaze on his, feeling warmth in those dark irises. As her release built, she saw in him such passion and love. He groaned deep in his throat and cried out her name. That was the moment she lost it. Her lips went to his neck, licking and nibbling, as they both reached the pinnacle of their pleasure.

They lay together in the quiet for a while, a light sheen of sweat coating their bodies. Drew traced a pattern of circles along her arm until she turned to face him.

“Drew?”

His expression was so sated, she held back a laugh. “Mm-hm?”

“The hearing?”

“Nope. Sarah’s gone, love.
Gone
. I don’t want to spoil this with talk of her.”

She snuggled into his body. “As long as you’re all right.”

“I’m so much more than all right.”

They slept together on her bed, the night passing, bringing with it the promise of a day filled with plans for the future and a romantic weekend.

The next morning over coffee and tea, Dre
w and Grace made their plans for heading off to Edinburgh. The day passed quickly. She had a few last minute details to finalize for the church and he had to pick up one of his delivery trucks from the repair shop. They’d planned to meet outside of Ten’s and walk to David’s for dinner that evening.

Drew was standing next to the display of fresh cut flowers at the facade of his family grocery when she rounded the corner.

“So, we’re taking dinner to your dad, right? He’s not cooking for us again is he?” she asked, remembering all-too-clearly the charred pot roast she’d had to choke down the last time they joined him for dinner.

“I ordered take away from Nirvana. Butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, curry, naan, all the best. Should arrive within an hour.”

“Samosas?” she asked, hopeful.

“Of course.”

She nodded and linked her arm in his as they walked in the direction of David’s house. It had been a while since she last saw him. David had been spending a large amount of time visiting with his siblings in Surrey and Drew honestly thought he might end up retiring there.

David was sitting in front of the television watching old episodes of a mystery show when they arrived and a sad smile found its way to her lips. The house just wasn’t the same after Mary died. There was a noticeable emptiness caused by her absence.

“Hi ya, Dad.” Drew greeted his father, crossing the living room and taking a seat next to him.

David switched off the television and smiled at the both of them. “Hello, there. Blimey, is that the time? Sorry, I got caught up.”

“Hi, David,” she said.

David rose from his seat and pulled Grace into a strong hug. “Hello, lovely. I’m glad to see you.”

David always made her feel like part of the family. From the first moment she’d met him, there was a layer of familiarity between them. She smiled, happy to be back in this town with people she loved.

“I called for some takeaway, Dad. It should be here shortly.”

David looked crestfallen. “I was gonna do bangers.”

Grace worked hard to control her grimace. She could almost taste the burned meat on her tongue.

“I wanted to make it easy on us all. It’s Indian. You like Indian.”

David’s eyebrows rose. “Samosas?”

That made her laugh. “Oh, yes, definitely samosas.”

“All right then. Anybody fancy a drink? I’ve got beer and wine in.”

“I’ll have some wine,” she said.

“Beer for me.”

“Right, me, too. Grace, love, I’ve got white or red.”

She thought for a moment and chose white, thinking it would go best with the bold flavors of the Indian food.

Drinks in hand, they all sat around the dining table, catching up and telling stories. Drew’s face brightened as he told a story of a hiking trip he’d gone on in high school. He was so animated and expressive it was hard to stop staring at him. She found a smile spreading across her face as she looked at him, almost unable to focus on the words he was saying. The bell rang as dinner was delivered and Drew hopped up to get it.

“I’m so glad it’s you, love,” David said.

“What?”

“I’m glad it’s you that loves him. I know you had your troubles, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy.”

She worked to control her blush. “I . . . thank you.” She didn’t really know what to say.

Drew returned, bringing the strong scents of Indian food with him and her stomach rumbled.

“Right, then. Here we are.” Drew smiled at her as he placed the brown paper sack on the table. “Dad, what’ve you been doing to make Grace blush?”

“Me? Oh nothing, lad. I’m sure it’s just hot in here,” he said, feigning ignorance.

As they ate, the conversation shifted away from the happy memories of childhood and focused on the future. David was beginning the process of putting the family home up for sale so he could make the move to Surrey. Drew’s weekends were rapidly being confiscated by his father, and Grace couldn’t help but smile at his willingness to help.

“Sorry, Grace, I’ll be occupying him for a bit.”

“It’s fine. Mind if I come help out, too?”

David’s face broke out in a wide grin. “Drew, you’d better marry this one. She’s a keeper.”

Silence fell thick in the room. She looked at Drew, who was studying his empty plate seriously.

“Another beer, David? Drew?” She faltered as she reached to pour herself a second glass of wine.

“Yeah, that’d be great,” Drew said. “I’ll get them.”

David shot her an apologetic glance as he followed his son into the kitchen.

While she sipped at her wine, she tried to tune them out, but couldn’t help overhearing the hushed conversation.

“Drew, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, really. Let’s just have a nice night.”

“Did you get it picked up yesterday?”

“Yes.”

“And, how is it?”

“Perfect.”

“All right, mum’s the word from me.”

“Thanks.”

The exchange confused her, and left a twinge of suspicion in her thoughts. She knew Drew had errands to run after the hearing yesterday, but he hadn’t mentioned having anything special to pick up. The men came back from the kitchen with fresh pints and easygoing expressions. Her shoulders released some of the tension that had begun to build. Their almost-engagement was still a sore topic for both of them, and now it was clear that Drew had not shared that particular tidbit with anyone else.

She needed to change the mood of the room, and fast.

“So boys, who’s up for a little Texas hold ‘em?”

Drew grinned. “I’m in. Dad?”

“Can we play for biscuits? I don’t want to lose all my money to you, love.”

She laughed. “Biscuits it is.”