Light of my Life

Eighteen

EIGHTEEN

Christmas was getting closer, but for her, she'd already been blessed with the best Christmas presents ever. She'd found love and her family. Of course, she was still nervous to drop in and see her grandparents. Prudence had assured her that they would be anxious to see her and Bobby, but Pru promised she wouldn't tell them.

It warmed Amelia's heart that Prudence was no longer in fear of the ex-mayor of Astoria and that she could be a mother to the adorable little girl. Amelia didn't know if she would be as fortunate. Duke had told her that he'd sent a telegram to the boarding school where she'd taken Gracie, but they hadn't heard anything yet. However, she wouldn't stop loving Gracie any less.

Duke spent more time around her house helping to fix things that were broken or needed major repairs. Bobby and Uncle Theo helped, as well, but she enjoyed watching Duke when he rolled up his sleeves and carried a belt with a hammer and nails on it as he worked on the inside of the house. Between him and the other two men in the house, they were able to add on another room. Nothing was said to why, but she suspected it was for Gracie. After all, once Amelia and Duke were married, Gracie would not be able to share their bed.

Amelia sat on a rocking chair someone had donated in front of the living room's fireplace as she rocked Gracie to sleep. The little girl loved Amelia to read to her and then rock her afterward. This also helped Amelia to relax as well.

It surprised her that the little girl could sleep through all of the hammering, but she was relieved that she could. Perhaps the girl was just very tired. Then again, Amelia was getting to that point, too.

The floor creaked slightly and she looked over her shoulder. Uncle Theo walked in, wiping the back of his sleeve over his moist brow. He stopped in front of her and signed, I need to talk to you.

She nodded and motioned to Gracie. He picked up the girl and carried her to Amelia's bed. Within minutes, he returned. He stared at the fire blazing in the hearth, frowning. Something was weighing heavy on his mind. She hoped she would be able to help him since he'd always helped her out.

Sighing, he turned toward her again and signed, I've done something terrible, and the guilt is getting so heavy that I can't take it any longer. I must confess.

She frowned. You can tell me anything. We are family.

He nodded. I've always thought of you as family, too. He paused as his breathing increased. I want you to bring Duke in here. He needs to know this, too.

And Bobby? She signed.

Theo nodded. He can interpret for us.

"Duke? Bobby? Will you come in here?"

The hammering stopped and soon Duke was squatting beside her chair, holding her hand. Bobby sat on the couch.

"What's going on?" Duke asked.

She brushed a spot of dirt off his cheek. "I don't know. Uncle Theo has something to tell us." She glanced at her brother. "Bobby? He wants you to interpret."

"All right."

She turned toward Theo and signed, we are ready.

The older man nodded. I have a confession to make, and I'm ready to receive the consequences.

Bobby repeated what Theo signed and then exchanged gazes with Amelia. "What is he talking about?"

She shrugged. "I don't know, but don't interrupt." She signed to Theo, what is it?