Thunderbolt over Texas (15 page)

Grandma came to a stop at a back table, rattling something out of a paper bag.

She turned to face Sydney with a very serious expression on her face. “Sydney Erickson.”

Cole squeezed Sydney's hand. He loved her new name.

“It is my honor,” said Grandma, “to present you with the providence and chronicles of the Thunderbolt of the North.” She handed Sydney a large, leather-bound book.

Sydney's forearms sagged with the weight of the dark, heavy volume. Cole started to take it from her, then checked the impulse. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she stared down.

Cole blinked in amazement as well. He hadn't even known such a thing existed.

“It was translated in the mid-1700s,” said Grandma, patting her hand gently on the cover. “I've never been sure
if it was taken from a written account, or if Sigrid wrote down the oral history. In any event, it's all here. The life and times of the Thunderbolt.”

Sydney ran her fingers over the embossed cover. “This is absolutely amazing,” she whispered, glancing up at Cole. “It's priceless.”

Grandma smiled with obvious satisfaction. “And it's your turn to continue the saga.”

Sydney's jaw dropped open.

“And I suggest you start with the Thunderbolt's latest adventure.”

“Are you sure?” asked Sydney. “The
entire
adventure?”

Grandma patted the book again. “Yes. The whole adventure. The diary deserves no less than the truth.”

Cole wrapped an arm around his grandmother's thin shoulders and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “Thank you, Grandma.”

Her eyes shimmered bright as she smiled up at him.

“For everything,” he said.

“I was right about Sydney, wasn't I?”

“You were absolutely right about Sydney.”

“Good. Well, I'll leave you two alone now,” she said with a quick smile.

“I can't believe it,” said Sydney, her voice hoarse with awe.

“It couldn't be in better hands,” said Cole, loving her more by the second.

She shook her head, and her eyes shimmered jewel-bright under the lights. Then she pressed the big book more tightly against her chest. “I never thought it could happen,” she whispered. “But you did it, Cole.”

“I did what?” He searched her eyes. “I fell in love with you?”

She shook her head. “That, too.” Then she reached up
and stroked her soft palm against his cheek. “What I meant was, you found my silver locket.”

Ah.
His gaze went to the brooch, nestled against the beaded fabric of her wedding dress. “The Thunderbolt.”

She shook her head again. “No. It was never the jewelry.” She smiled. “It was never the things.”

“Then…”

“It was the heritage, the home. I finally realized.” She swayed toward him, and his arms automatically wrapped around her.

“I was searching for the family I never had. And you gave it to me.”

His chest expanded almost painfully.

She was his. She was here forever.

“Welcome home, Sydney,” he whispered against her hair. “We've been waiting for you all along.”