Predestined Hearts

Hours later, I left the hospital with Winston. Colleen and Steven were still with Amelia. She needed them as she grieved for the loss of her child. I’d be there for her when she needed me. After Winston and I had left the room, he’d insisted on taking me to Amelia’s house for a real shower and rest. With the resolve in his voice, I knew there was no winning. I’d been putting him off for four days.

Making it to the entrance where Harris had blindsided me, Winston touched me on my back. “Let me go get the car. Wait here. You look exhausted, Ashlin.”

Fatigue encapsulated me. Amelia coming through put me one step closer to being able to break away from Harris. I couldn’t yet with all his other threats looming over my head. Plus, looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life was no life at all. A nurse approached. “Is your name Ashlin?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t go. I have something for you.”

The brunette headed nurse in purple scrubs headed to the front desk. Intrigued, I followed. She handed me a bag. “A man gave me your picture and asked that I find you to give this to you. He said it was important for you to get it. He gave me your name, a picture, and your number. My son got sick with pneumonia and it’s been in the back of my car. I was going to call you today. I’m so sorry.”

“Picture?” There was no telling what this was about. I hoped Harris wasn’t up to something. I still had three more days before my required lunch date.

The nurse reached in the bag and showed me the picture. I gasped. It was of one Gael had taken of me from the door of his house as I looked out onto the ocean. He’d said my name. I’d turned his way and gave him an adoring smile as he took it. Since then, he’d carried it with him everywhere in his wallet.

“Thank you—” I glanced at the nametag—“Nurse Ronnie. I appreciate this. I hope your son is doing better. By chance, do you remember when he dropped this by?”

“He is. The gentlemen came by three days ago.” The nurse’s station phone rang as Winston pulled under the covered area. I waved good-bye and headed to the car.

As I got in, Winston looked at me. “You seem to have new life in you.”

Knowing Gael had left me something was exhilarating. “I do. Amelia’s going to be fine and someone I care very deeply made my day.”

We drove out of the covered entrance area. “Amelia told me about Gael. We can’t wait to meet him.”

“Hopefully you’ll be able to soon.”

Winston nodded and we drove in silence the forty-five minutes to Amelia’s home. We both had a lot to think about. Their house appeared down the street as we entered the neighborhood. My car sat in the driveway at Amelia’s. Harris had it delivered along with the rest of my belongings. Steven’s truck had been in the shop and they’d been using it lately.

Once I rested, I’d head back up to the hospital to help where I could.

Parking in the driveway of the small blue siding home outside of the city, Winston handed me a house key. I loved it here. Steven and Amelia both worked in the city, but loved having a small yard and being away from all the hustle and bustle.

“Get some rest, Ashlin. Let us know if you need anything.” Winston patted my leg.

Reaching for the door, I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before he let go. “You too, Winston. We have a lot to be grateful for today.”

“Yes, we do.”

I got out of the car and unlocked the door. Winston stayed in the driveway until I was safely in the house. Being here and knowing that Amelia was awake was easier than if she’d been in a coma.

The open floor plan was furnished the same as I’d remember. A small gas fireplace was in the corner. A red couch with a black and red chair furnished the living room. The kitchen had the table for four.

On weekends, when Harris had worked straight through, I’d come here and stay. Running to the couch, I opened the gift bag. It was the journal.

Daniel’s journal.

I exhaled quickly as I ran my fingers over the engraved letters. Right below them, was a sticky note.

My heart knew that there was hope for us. Gael, be patient. I’m working on coming back to you. It was time to finish this journey. First, I needed to feel human again. I shuffled to the bathroom to take a shower.

The hot water helped loosen my tensed muscles that were simply running on adrenaline. Finding some of Amelia’s sweats and a sweatshirt, I made myself a cup of coffee. The journal called to me like a beacon as I made my way back.

Sitting, I opened it and finished this journey where I’d found love.

SITTING ON THE bench, I watched as Colett sat on the grass and played with Annabelle. Colett reached over and placed her hand on Annabelle’s cheek and said something to her. My heart felt as if it would burst within my chest as I watched the two of them. A part of me was jealous that Devlin had a part of Sophia and I did not.

Clearing my throat, I said, “I found out why Sophia and my parents never received the letters and telegrams.”