“The boys I brought in will keep the programs running, and they’ll run well. I’ll be in communication with them. I’m not abandoning the program.”
“Thank you.” Poppy looked like she didn’t know what to say, or if she should say what she wanted to.
“What is it?” he prompted softly, knowing his friend was concerned about him. “I’m good. I’ve had enough scotch to last a lifetime, but I’m good.”
“Did you ever talk to Elise?”
“No.” He didn’t bother to let her know he’d been by Elise’s place, because that would have been pathetic. He shrugged. “It’s over.”
Poppy didn’t say she was sorry, and for that he was grateful. He pulled her in for one last hug. “You take care of that wee one you’re cooking.”
“Will you come back?”
“I don’t know,” Link eventually said, knowing one of his best mates ever deserved honesty. “Maybe one day.”
The trip to Chicago was uneventful, and by early afternoon, they’d boarded their flight. Pepper crawled onto the seat beside Link, and with so many sleepless nights behind him, he closed his eyes and fell asleep all the way across the Atlantic. He didn’t wake up until they landed at Heathrow.
“You coming out to Grove Manor, then?” he asked Rose as they disembarked.
“No. I’m going to stay with Mum and Dad for the next little while and try to figure out what exactly it is I want to do with my life. I need some kind of purpose. Looking fabulous and put together is all well and good.” She gave him a smile. “But my God, it can be boring as hell.”
The two of them said their goodbyes, and once Rose was off Link headed to his rental, his aim to be back at Grove Manor by breakfast. London was still waking up, so the roads were quiet and he made good time. When he reached Berkshire, the sun was up, spilling over the countryside and cutting through the fog that still slithered in the ditches and along the roadway. Another half an hour and he spied the turnoff to Grove Manor, and ten minutes down the private road, the gates that led to the manor home.
As always when he arrived here, Link felt as if he were coming home. Probably because the only happy memories he’d had as a child had happened here. He parked the Land Rover and jogged up the steps, smiling when he spied Mr. Dalewood standing at the door.
“We’ve missed you, Lincoln.” The older man smiled and stepped aside as Link walked inside, Pepper hot on his heels. “Cook has your favorite breakfast bits hot and ready in the kitchen, and there is a sizable amount of correspondence you’ll have to wade through when you have time.”
Link set down his bags and followed Dalewood down the main hallway to the back stairs that led to kitchens below. He greeted Mrs. Dalewood and made her blush when he kissed her cheek. “Do we have some scones?” he asked, stepping back.
“And cream and jam.” She nodded to his seat, the same one he always used. “Hot tea?”
“If you’ll join me.”
“I don’t mind if I do,” she said with a grin, directing her gaze to her husband. “Danny, grab two more cups.” Then to Link, she asked, “Are you staying for long this time?” She got busy preparing his tea.
“I am,” he answered, finally making the decision. He wasn’t going back to Crystal Lake.
He was home. This time for good.