Echoes of Edinburgh (18 page)

“You're completely impractical sometimes, too. Shelby Harmon Reed,” she said, testing the name. “I like it. Sounds like a board member of the Miriam Foundation to me. A board member who'll keep your penchant for overspending in line.”

Harrison laughed. “No cost is too high to spoil my wife and our future children. With your blessing, Shelby, the Miriam Foundation will continue with Harmony Lane as its home base. I'd like to bring my dad and sister here soon for a visit so they can fall in love with you, too. I want you to know them. We can trade family legends and secrets.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way,” she said. “It's what I know your mother and my parents would have wanted.”

“I can definitely see us growing old together here.” Harrison's grin was wide. “We'll give the horses for the therapy program great names like—”

“Tattie, Neeps, Bannocks, Crowdie—”

Harrison's laughter was rich and hearty. “Let's not forget Haggis and Auld Reekie.” He kissed her forehead. “One more thing.”

Shelby pushed away from his chest with a playful giggle. “I know. Don't call you Harry. Sorry. I can't promise anything.”

“Believe it or not, that's the thing. The name's really grown on me,” Harrison said, that telltale huskiness in his voice surfacing. “I kind of like it. Feel free to use it anytime, especially when we're alone.”

When she raised her lips for his kiss, Shelby knew they wouldn't wait long to join together as husband and wife. No reason to wait to start the rest of their lives together. And what a
blessed
life it would be, too.

Thank you, Daddy
.

A few minutes later, Harrison draped his arm around her shoulders as they walked into the house. Standing in the white-marbled front foyer, he swept his gaze over the large hall and grand staircase. “What a great house. You must have loved growing up here.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “I did. It was the best.”

After her father's death, Shelby wondered what her life would bring. To think the promise she'd made to him would lead her to this moment: love, reclaimed faith, a renewed purpose for Harmony Lane and the blessing of
family—
Lily and Pops, Harrison and hopefully one girl and one boy, and maybe even a few more. Children who'd hopefully come to love the Lord, find the inherent good in others, and serve their fellow man with integrity, sensitivity, and compassion. They'd learn to work the farm, tend to the horses, help with the foundation work and—when they were old enough—they'd take them to Edinburgh so they could see where their parents fell in love.

“Welcome home,” she said, treasuring Harrison's gentle smile.

“Home in our hearts,” he whispered, brushing a kiss across her cheek and angling toward her mouth with purposeful intent. “To have and to hold. Always, Shelby love.”

“From this day forward. I love you, my sweet Harry.” His name left her lips on a sigh, lifted by hope, love, and the promise of forever.

 

 

 

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