Page 64 of His Unforgettable Bride
After their kiss, she had rarely left his mind. Thoughts of her filled him whether he was awake or asleep, whether working or resting, whether with her or not with her.
He supposed she had consumed much of his thoughts even before the kiss. But something about how she responded to him had sealed their connection, made it permanent, and confirmed that she was the perfect person for him.
Of course, he still struggled with the need to kiss her again. There were intense moments around her when the temptation was entirely too strong.
He stretched and glanced around the nearly completed room as a strong sense of accomplishment settled inside him. Hopefully, despite Cy’s injury, they would finish in time. But now they needed to paint the walls twice.
With no time to waste, Gray bent to dip his brush into the paint, the strong linseed oil fumes rising around him. With a swipe of his hand, he added another streak of pink. Only one-third of his wall remained unpainted with the first layer.
Juliet backed through the door, carrying a plate with bread, cheese, and orange slices. Today, she wore her hair high in a bun, almost like a crown. “I’m delivering a treat, and Tabitha will join us momentarily.”
“Thank you, and I shall finish this last section of painting if you do not mind.”
“Go right ahead.” She balanced the nourishment onto the seat of a nearby weathered chair before straightening. “Unfortunately, I don’t have an update on Cy yet.”
“Icala left to check on him, too.” Gray changed his strokes from horizontal to vertical. “I had a memory after Cy fell off the ladder.”
“Good news, indeed. The memory part, I mean. I hope it was a pleasant one.”
“Not exactly, and it is still hazy around the edges, though less so than before.”
She helped herself to a piece of yellow cheese. “Did the recollection confirm your identity?”
He added more paint to his brush, ensured nothing dripped, and straightened. “No, but I am accepting that I am Alex Sherwood. After a slow start, I now believe carpentry is my calling and I harbor a kinship for Tabitha and Livy. If not their nephew, where is my counterpart?”
Her face fell, but then she regained her composure. Or had he misread her reaction? “That’s something Tabitha and I want to discuss with you.”
He cocked a brow at her. “What do you mean?”
“I prefer to wait until she comes before I say more.” She glanced at the door, which opened as if she willed it to obey her wish.
How odd. Juliet generally spoke freely in his company.
Tabitha whisked into the tearoom, the sheen of raindrops on her overcoat. “Doctor Pooley confirmed Cy has a broken forearm. Fortunately, his pain is not severe, and Livy has calmed herself but wishes to remain by his side. Therefore, we’ll hold this discussion without her.”
Intrigued, Gray lowered his brush to a rag, ready to focus on whatever was about to unfold. “Please continue.”
Juliet drew to his side, her face wreathed with concern. “Most likely, you’ll find this news unsettling.”
“Just tell me.”
“Of course.” Tabitha slowly removed her coat. “A young man came to the door this afternoon. He presented himself as Alex Sherwood. After answering multiple questions, I believe he is our nephew.”
Gray felt the blood draining from his face.TheAlex Sherwood had come to the house. Their nephew. The real nephew.
“I’m sorry, Gray.” Juliet reached out a hand to comfort him but then dropped it. “I know that might be disappointing, perhaps even frustrating.”
It was both of those emotions and more.
“We completely understand if you’re overwhelmed. Please know”—Juliet’s voice broke—“that we all care about you and your welfare.”
“Indeed we do.” Tabitha stepped closer, her forehead puckered and her eyes filled with kindness and concern. “Our nephew is sailing back to England soon and has already left for Victoria to catch a steamer. You are welcome to stay under our roof for as long as you choose, Gray.”
Did he want to remain in Everly? Perhaps for now. If he left, where would he go? It would take time to determine his next steps, wherever they led.
“Are you fine, Gray?” Juliet asked.
“Caught off guard, I admit.”
