Page 207 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

There was more applause.

“I want to take a moment to acknowledge all of the supportive people who surround me—Marion has been a guiding light on this journey, and I can never thank my wonderful family and friends enough for their unconditional love.” She smiled as her gaze wandered from Molly to Gwen and Julian. “But most of all, I want to thank someone very special.” She glanced toward the cameras and reporters like Valerie Vanburen, who was eager to tell her story to the world, and realized she no longer gave a damn. “Nate Carter makes me smile at least a hundred times a day. Plus, he’s pretty handsome.” She smiled as Nate grinned, and a round of aw’s filled the room. “Oftentimes great strife brings a silver lining. I found mine the day I arrived on Carter Island. Thank you all again for coming.”

Another round of applause filled the room as Nate walked to her and wrapped her up in a tight hug. “That was one hell of a speech.”

She beamed her happiness, finally free in so many beautiful ways. “Thanks.”

“What do you say we go hide and make out for a little while?”

She laughed. “How about a rain check?”

“You’ve got it.”

She chuckled, taking Nate’s hand, and got back to mingling among the crowds.

~~~~

Nate stood back from the throng, watching Callie chatting with Elizabeth and his sisters in the center of the room. It was odd seeing his past and present standing side by side in the small circle the four ladies had made, yet it was exciting to think about his future with the stunning woman who’d surprised the hell out of him when she told him she loved him. He’d waited nearly five years, despairing on more than a few occasions that he would never find what he was looking for after the divorce, but as he studied the pretty redhead he’d loved for most of his life and the gorgeous blond he planned to spend the rest of his days adoring, he finally understood that what he’d had with Elizabeth had never been “the big love.” Never once in over a decade together had he ever felt about Elizabeth the way he did Callie. As he studied his ex-wife’s big belly, he understood why she carried another man’s child—because Nate hadn’t been her “big love” either. They’d been young. In some ways, he imagined they’d both felt obligated to take a step that hadn’t been right for either one of them. He would always be grateful to Elizabeth for having the courage to speak up and put an end to their charade. Finally, he had the life he’d always wanted.

“Nathan.” Leah sidled up next to him, touching his arm.

“Hey,” he said, smiling. “Are you having fun?”

“I am.” She hooked her arm through his. “What a special sendoff this is for Callie.”

He nodded. “She deserves every second of it.”

“Yes, she does.” Leah cleared her throat. “I hope this hasn’t been uncomfortable.” She gestured toward Elizabeth. “When I sent the invitation to Aubrey and Bill, I had no idea Elizabeth would take their place.”

He shook his head. “It’s fine. We’re both doing our own thing. Elizabeth has what she wants, and I can say the same.”

Leah’s eyes went soft. “I’m happy for you, honey.”

He grinned. “I’m pretty happy for me too.”

“Now if only we could find my son someone as lovely as Callie. At this rate, I’m going to have to pretend your future children are my grandkids—adopt-a-grandma or whatever.”

He chuckled.

“You think I’m kidding.”

“Brad will find what he’s looking for eventually. His perfect woman is out there somewhere.”

“We can only hope.” Leah sighed. “Nathan, I feel like I should apologize for Thomas—”

He shook his head. “Leah—”

“No. Kay and I had lunch earlier last week. She mentioned your confrontation with Thomas and I can only say I’m sorry. You know how stubborn he can be—foolish and prideful.”

“I insulted him. Not intentionally…or maybe a little because he pissed me off.” He sighed. “I could have handled the situation better.”

She huffed as she shook her head. “I recognize your position, and I don’t envy you one bit. Poor Callie’s been through so much. You’re following the path you think is right. Thomas understands. You just give him a little time to forget the whole thing, and everything will be right as rain.”

He nodded, but he doubted Thomas would be forgetting anything. Sanderson’s top dog knew how to hold a grudge.

Leah stood straighter as her gaze wandered to one of Callie’s pieces tucked in the dining room’s darker corner.

“Are you okay?” he asked.