Chapter Twenty-Six

Abby

My foot tapped outa nervous rhythm while I waited on the porch of Charlotte's grand home, having rung the bell three times already. The setting sun at my back, the birds chirping overhead, and the breeze ruffling my hair made a fine backdrop to what would have been a pleasant evening. But tonight was not about pleasure. Tonight was about penance.

Why I hadn't come to my senses after my first brush with death, I'd no idea. But things were different now, for last night I couldn't close my eyes without seeing that crimson pool in the water or hearing Pedro's gurgling cries for help and the thrashing of the shark's fins.

Then there was that other thing I'd seen in the water. I still didn't know what it was, but of one thing I was certain—it was somehow connected to Safi, and Safi and her mother were not human. I suspected they'd been sent by the angels, not just to protect and heal the people of Galveston but to get us to change our ways. I had a lot to change, starting with the way I'd treated my dearest friend. I only hoped it wasn't too late for Charlotte's forgiveness.

After what felt like an eternity, the heavy door finally swung open, revealing Josiah, Charlotte's most trusted servant and Moses's brother. He was a few heads taller than me, and his broad shoulders filled the grand portico as if the mansion had been designed for him. He looked down at me with a wide smile.

"Good evening, Miss Abby."

I cleared my throat, which suddenly felt as grainy as a sand dune on a hot summer day. "Good evening, Josiah."

He ushered me inside. "Have you come to dine with the mistress tonight?"

"No, no." I slipped off my gloves and hat, handing them to Josiah. "But I must speak with her."

At the sound of a female calling to him, Josiah stepped back, revealing Charlotte standing on the bottom step of the grand staircase, clutching the banister like a lifeline. She looked even more beautiful than when I had last seen her, the blush of motherhood adding a pleasant pink to her porcelain skin, a fine contrast to her bright blue eyes and thick hair swept up in a stylish coiffure with little blonde ringlets trailing down her nape. She wore a shimmery gown of soft green, one that must have cost her husband a small fortune, for the material was of the finest iridescent silk and was accentuated by three ropes of pearls and matching earrings.

"Abby." Charlotte paused as if she was letting the shock of my presence sink in. "How nice to see you." She flashed a thin smile. "Teddy and I were just sitting down to supper."

I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to hang my head in shame and rush back out the door. Charlotte had always been so welcoming, so kind, and I hardly knew this woman standing before me. Not that I blamed Charlotte. After my last visit, when I'd told Charlotte her lace yoke made her look like a hen and paraded Safi about as my new best friend, I was surprised Charlotte was speaking to me at all.

"I'm sorry," I said, wringing my hands. "I won't impose on you too long. May I have a moment?"

Charlotte's smile faded. "Of course." She waved toward the parlor.

My legs felt like deadweights trudging through quicksand as I forced myself to follow.

Charlotte wasted no time with pleasantries as she lowered herself onto a chair, rubbing her bulging stomach with a groan while warily eyeing me.

Just as I sat on the edge of the brocade sofa opposite Charlotte, Charlotte's husband, Mr. Theodore "Teddy" Carter, entered the room with a purposeful stride. He looked as dashing as always, his thick, dark hair brushed back in neat waves and warm chestnut eyes alight with energy that seemed to light up the room. What I admired most was his strong jaw and full, kissable lips. Teddy could have been carved from granite, fashioned in the image of Adonis.

I shook my head, purging thoughts of Theodore Carter's lips. I reminded myself this Adonis had been claimed by another, one who'd proven to be very deserving of his affection.

"Dearest." He placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Your soup is getting cold." He turned to me with raised brows and bowed stiffly. "Oh, good evening, Miss Jenkens."

I was glad Teddy was a businessman, for he'd have made a poor thespian. It was clear he didn't wish me a good evening. In fact, the only thing he probably wished was that I'd leave their home and never disturb them again.

I stood on shaky legs and gave a slight curtsy. "Good evening, Mr. Carter."

He smiled warmly at Charlotte before turning a stoic face to me. "Please forgive me, but my wife is in no condition to accept visitors."

I fought the nervous tension which formed a knot in my throat. "I know, especially not visitors as unkind as me."

Charlotte gasped, but Teddy managed to remain impassive.

"I've come to apologize," I continued. "I've been the worst friend imaginable. I've let my jealousies rule my behavior with no care or thought to your happiness," I said to Charlotte, "and if anyone deserves to be happy, it's you." I fought the tears that pricked the backs of my eyes and swallowed hard. "You've been the kindest friend imaginable, always bearing my moods without objection."

It was true, for I had frequently been moody around Charlotte, who tolerated my behavior with a cheery smile. Ironic that I should've acted so when it was Charlotte who had more cause for complaint. I had grown up in a loving, stable home, while Charlotte had been raised by nuns in a crowded orphanage. Charlotte's dresses had been secondhand, and her meals had been scraps at best. Yet she'd endured without grievance. Now Charlotte was married to a kind and wealthy man, and she deserved every ounce of her marital bliss.

I turned to Charlotte's husband, forcing myself to look him in the eye, though the blush of shame that fanned my face made the task especially difficult. "Mr. Carter, I'd like to apologize to you, too, for any grief I've caused your wife."

My breath hitched when his thick brows drew together. It was clear Teddy would not accept my apology easily.

"You are a very lucky man," I continued, "for you have married the best girl in all of Galveston—perhaps the whole world." My throat constricted as I ended on a rasp. Oh, I'd no idea how difficult this would be. I had never been a humble girl, and these new sensations of humiliation and shame would take some getting used to.

I couldn't explain the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over me when I saw a crack in Theodore Carter's stony fa?ade, one corner of his mouth turning up ever so slightly.

"I know that, and I thank my lucky stars every day." When he squeezed Charlotte's shoulder, she placed her hand on his, her eyes alight with what could only be described as worship as she looked up at him.

I felt like the odd third wheel when Teddy returned Charlotte's starry-eyed gaze before kissing her forehead, his lips lingering long enough to make me blush with unease.

Not wishing to intrude on their privacy a moment longer, I slowly backed away, wondering if I could slip out the door without them noticing.

Just as I reached the threshold, Charlotte called, "Abby, where are you going?"

"I must return to my Nana before it gets too late," I said.

Charlotte shot me a knowing look and then nodded to the beam of light spilling through the window. Charlotte knew me all too well. I had always been one to push curfew, and the sun still hadn't set.

I cleared my throat, fisting my hands by my sides. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, Charlotte, but know that this apology is from the heart. I've done a lot of growing up in the past few days, and I promise to treat you with kindness from here on out. My only wish is that I might someday be as caring and compassionate as you." I barely choked out those last words, my throat closing up so tight, I could scarcely draw breath.

Charlotte quirked a brow. "Is that all?"

"Yes. I think so." I turned my gaze to the padded carpet beneath my feet. "I'll leave now."

"Wait!" Charlotte cried as her husband helped her from the chair. She held her tummy and waddled across the room, reminding me of a duck who'd eaten one too many fish. When she finally reached me, she clasped my hand in a firm grip. "Oh, Abby." Tears cascaded down her face. "You are my best friend."

I fought the urge to launch myself into Charlotte's arms as I took her in a tender hug, mindful of the child between us. "And you are mine," I sobbed.

We held each other for a long moment, mussing each other's hair while alternating between crying and laughing.

"I've missed you so much." Charlotte pulled away, wincing as she rubbed her lower back. "Won't you stay with us for supper?"

I worried my lower lip, casting a nervous glance toward Teddy. "I don't wish to intrude."

"Nonsense." Teddy strolled over with a welcoming smile, wrapping an arm around Charlotte and letting her sink against him. "My wife enjoys your company, and so do I." He squeezed Charlotte tightly, fixing a stern gaze on her. "You must sit back down, my dear."

He helped her to the sofa, and I followed.

"Don't worry," I said. "I'll look after her."

He coursed fingers through his hair. It was then I noticed lines of worry framing his otherwise youthful eyes. Charlotte smiled sweetly at her husband, but even I could read the suffering behind my friend's expression. I prayed the burden of motherhood wouldn't be more than Charlotte could bear.

"Thank you, Abby." Teddy's shoulders slumped. "I'll have Josiah set an extra plate." He kissed Charlotte on the cheek before walking out of the parlor.

As soon as he left, I turned to Charlotte, clasping her hands. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Charlotte nodded. "Just be my friend, Abby. That's more than enough."

I hung my head, feeling more shame wash over me. How could Charlotte gracefully bear so much suffering when I had spent most of my life complaining about the smallest inconveniences? And how could Charlotte so easily forgive me when I'd wronged her so many times?

I wiped away a stray tear. "I don't deserve your forgiveness."

Charlotte squeezed my hands, her tone urgent. "Please don't cry, Abby. There's nothing to forgive."

I couldn't help the sardonic laugh that burst from my throat. "There's a lot to forgive."

Charlotte frowned. "You loved him first, and I fell in love with him anyway."

My hand flew to my chest. I couldn't let Charlotte take the blame for this. "Teddy was never mine. He was always yours, Charlotte. You two were meant to be together. I was just too foolish to see it."

"Well, let us put the past behind us. The world is filled with enough heartache." Charlotte let out a slow exhale. "After the baby is born, you must come with us to Houston. Teddy has many bachelor friends there." Charlotte winked.

I laughed so hard, I snorted like a squealing pig. "Thank you, but no. I still have a bit more growing up to do." I patted Charlotte's knee. "Can you imagine me with a husband? Oh, the poor man. You must really despise Teddy's friends."

Charlotte snorted, too, this one much louder than mine. Before we knew it, we were both hunched over, laughing so hard, we were crying.

Charlotte winced before leaning back against the cushion. "Oh, Abby, how I've missed you."

And how I had missed Charlotte. I prayed the baby wouldn't give my friend any more trouble. Then an idea struck me, as I recalled the one person who could help Charlotte find relief. If Miss Fiona could heal my skull and Pedro's wound, she could ease Charlotte's suffering and maybe ensure she safely delivered a healthy baby. Now that I had reconciled with Charlotte, I didn't know how I could live without the sound of my best friend's laughter.

Yes, I decided, Miss Fiona simply must help Charlotte.

* * *

Safina

I HEAVED A SATISFACTORYsigh as I nestled in the crook of Gabriel's arm. After a filling supper of fish, roots, and fruit, we'd made love well into the night, and now I was thoroughly sated and exhausted, feeling as boneless as the fish Gabriel had filleted.

"Safi," Gabriel murmured into my ear while stroking my arm. "Is this what you want?"

I turned over, setting a hand on his chest and looking into his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Settling here in Cuba, or do you want to travel the world?"

I heard the restlessness in his voice as the ache in his soul made my heart beat wildly. Gabriel wanted to leave our sanctuary.

I leaned up on my elbow, frowning. "I'm afraid of the world."

He sat up, resting against the headboard, clutching my hand. "Why?"

I thought back to all the places Mother and I had traveled. Not long after we'd settled in a new home, we had to find another. Mortals feared us, and fear made mortals do very bad things, like threaten us with pitchforks and bows and arrows.

My shoulders slumped. "Because I do not understand the world, nor does it understand me." I was suddenly overwhelmed with guilt, for my mate wanted to explore, and my fears would keep him tethered.

"That's what books are for, mi amor. They help you see the world through a new pair of eyes. I wasn't able to bring all of my collection, but perhaps we can pick up new books on our travels."

He had that boyish gleam in his eyes, which made my heart ache even more. Who was I to deny my mate?

He squeezed my hand before nodding toward the nightstand beside me, which was piled with tattered books. "Would you hand me The Love Letters? I promised I'd read them to you."

I released his hand and worried my lower lip as I squinted in the darkness, trying to remember which book was the one I'd seen him carry to the beach, for all the books looked so similar.

"It's the one with gold lettering," he said.

He smiled softly when I handed it to him. I recognized that smile as one of pity. My chest and cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I loved Gabriel and wanted him to love me in return. As for pity, that was an emotion I could do without.

"Did your mother never teach you to read?" he asked.

I shrugged, averting my gaze. "I doubt even she knows how."

"Then I shall teach you."

I looked him in the eye. "Truly?"

He nodded solemnly.

"Will you teach me how to write as well?"

"Of course." He flashed a devilish grin. "We must find some way to fill our time when we're not making love."

I flushed again, but this time it was desire that made me do so, as fire pulsed through my veins at memories of our coupling.

Gabriel grabbed a writing pad and pencil off the table beside him. "Come here." He patted the bed.

I sat beside my lover, resting my head on a pillow. I watched with interest as Gabriel wielded the pencil, a writing tool made from graphite, making writing easier and faster. Back in my day, the only writing tools had been quill and ink, neither of which my mother could afford.

"We shall begin with your name," he said as he flipped to an empty page. "S makes the sss sound." He drew a long, curving symbol, reminding me of a snake basking in the sunlight. "A – F-I-N-A. SAFINA." He drew more letters, so fast I could hardly keep up with him. "And now for your surname. Even though we haven't been properly wed, since we are mated, your surname should be Cortez. C as in cat. OR-TEZ. Cortez."

I frowned as he scribbled more letters on the page. "My surname is Firesblood."

"Not anymore," he said matter-of-factly, as if the decision had been his alone to make. "You are my mate now, so you take my surname."

I arched back, looking at him through slitted eyes. "Why don't you take my surname?"

"Because that's not how it's done. The woman takes the man's surname."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Gabriel, you are worried about mortal tradition now?"

He tapped his chin with the end of his pencil, looking lost in thought. "You make a good point, but my family name is generations old. I can't just give it up."

"My family name is thousands of years old, dating back to the first dragon royal, the Almighty Mother. Do you really expect me to toss aside my royal heritage?

"You make another good point," he said with a wink. "What about Safina Firesblood-Cortez?"

He had that eager, boyish look in his eyes again, the dimple in his cheek twitching as he awaited my response. Damn Gabriel for being so irresistible. How could I deny him anything when he looked at me that way?

With a resounding groan, I slowly nodded. I supposed this mating thing would engender many more compromises. "Aye, I think that will do. And you can be Gabriel Firesblood-Cortez." I held my breath, awaiting his response.

His grin stretched nearly ear-to-ear, filling me with warmth and love.

"All right." He tapped the pad with the tip of his pencil. "But three names will take much longer to learn."

I couldn't help but smile at his willingness to accept my dragon-born name. I leaned over him, letting my lips linger on his flushed skin as I kissed his forehead. I traced more kisses down his brow before nibbling his ear. "Gabriel, if it's one thing a dragon has, it's patience."

He rolled me over with a growl, his hands roaming my buttocks and hiking up my shift. "Good, because we will have to postpone the lesson."