Part 45 (1/2)
Cameron rubbed his face and stared at the surface of the water. ”Tell me,” he said to it, even though he knew there would be no answer.
Jessie. She was right. It was his choice to live or not to live.
Cameron gazed at the mountains, the trees, and finally the lake before looking at Taylor.
”So what future will you choose?” Taylor finally said.
”I don't know.”
”Yes, you do.”
”Life.”
”Does that life include Ann?”
”I don't know. She has her choices to make. I have mine.”
”Well said.”
Cameron closed his eyes, lifted his head, and drew in a long breath of the pure air surrounding them.
”We need to head back,” Taylor said.
As they made their way out of the valley, Taylor threw his arm across Cameron's shoulders. ”You're free, my friend.”
”As are you.”
Taylor turned for a last look at the lake. ”I'll see Annie again soon.”
”But not yet.”
”No, not yet.”
CHAPTER 48.
I didn't hear you leave this morning.” Tricia shook out the porch mat and flopped it back down next to the front door as Taylor meandered up their walkway. The setting sun framed his silhouette. And even though his face was obscured, she saw something about him had changed.
”I left rather early.”
”Just you, or did you bring along a guest?”
”I brought a guest.” Taylor rubbed his chin with his forefinger.
”Where did you and Cameron go?”
”I took him to see the Book of Days.”
Tricia smiled and took his hands in hers. ”And what did you find?”
”I made an amazing discovery.” Taylor grinned and wrapped her up in his arms. ”I found the Taylor Stone you used to know. Apparently there is nothing that can't be forgiven.”
”I've suspected that for a long time.” Tears welled up in her eyes as she squeezed him as hard as she could.
After separating, Taylor stood with his hands in his coat pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels. ”How would you like to go for a walk with me?”
”On a gorgeous summer evening, why is that something I'd want to take the time to do?”
”Because you love me.”
She reached into his coat pocket and slid her hand into his. ”Well, there is always that.”
They strolled down the street, Tricia not knowing where they were going and not caring. Her husband had come home. The change in his countenance was stunning. Even the air around him seemed lighter.
Taylor slid his hand into hers and squeezed twice as they continued down the road. She kicked a stick out of their way. ”So the Book of Days is is real.” real.”
”Very.”
”And it shows you every memory and your entire future.”
”No, the book shows you what you need to see. I didn't need to see the future, but I did see some things from the past.”
”Like Annie.”
Taylor nodded.
”And?”
”It's okay.” He squeezed her hand again. ”I'm okay.”
”Why do I sense a hint of regret in your eyes?”
Taylor ma.s.saged his forehead, then left his hand covering his eyes for a long time.
”It looks like Kirk Gillum killed Jason.”
Tricia stumbled. ”No ... no.”
Taylor nodded and told her what happened at the lake.
”I'm sorry.” She leaned into his chest. ”Are you all right?”
”I will be. Even though Jason didn't ... we didn't ... I found my peace.” Taylor sighed. ”Let's talk about Cameron, okay?”
”Did he see his future?”