An Unsinkable Love

chapter 46


The police left in the wee hours of the morning, taking Eldon's body with them. Elizabeth retired to her room, but not before Malcolm glimpsed a gentle embrace between his mother and the police chief.

He stood with Bree in the doorway and watched the convoy of vehicles roll down the drive, then urged her down onto the lawn. They slowly made their way around to the garden where they wandered hand in hand, enjoying the mild weather and soothing quiet. The faint lavender tint of dawn backlit the big oaks lining the drive. Gravel crunched beneath their shoes.

"You know, this might be the first peaceful moment we've had since we met," Bree said.

Malcolm snorted with amusement as he pulled her into his arms in the shadow of a huge rhododendron bush. She melted against him. He felt the instant response in his heart, and his body. She turned her face up to him and he eagerly accepted the invitation. After several long, satisfying moments, he raised his head. "You know, my love, we've weathered more disasters in the weeks we've known each other than most people do in a lifetime. If the seas couldn't take us, and Eldon didn't manage to do us in, I think we've got smooth sailing ahead."

Bree touched the cross at her neck. "Amen to that."