Timeless Waltz

Book Series: Keane Family Saga  

Publishing Date: 2005

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Category: LDS Contemporary Romance

Point of View: Third Person Limited- Alex and Jane

Chapter Count: 14

Page Count: 250

In gratitude, for those gone before me.

Chapter 1

       Alexander "Alex" Keane is a busy young man. Tall and lean with thick, dark hair, he works part-time as a server at a nice restaurant in a small college town, thousands of miles from Salt Lake City, where he hails. His non-member friend and fellow worker, Brent, teases him about his Jack-Mormon status before requesting a big favor. Brent is on the college ballroom dance team. One of the male dancers broke his leg and since Alex used to be on the team years ago as a student, coach wants to know if he could help them out. It would only be for a few weeks, until the big competition. His female partner is a student who just started on the team this year. She's really good so Alex should have no problem calling up the old "mambo magic" talent. Just like riding a bike! Alex groans but agrees to help out because he's a nice guy.

      Before he can start worrying if his partner will be equally nice, Alex's break is over. He returns to his section just in time to serve the newly seated young, college-age couple; obviously on their first date. 

      Alex is struck by how incredibly lovely the girl is: shoulder-length, curly blonde hair and poised countenance-this girl is SOMETHING! Her date, unfortunately, is anything but. Alex can't help overhearing their argument about egalitarianism in a relationship-he says women belong in the kitchen with the babies because they lack the intelligence to work outside the home. Men have careers, women don't. End of story. She respectfully disagrees. 

    Wow. What a (stereotypical) chauvinist! Alex interrupts to take their drink orders. Margarita for him, lemon and water for her. As he continues to serve them, Alex becomes more and more aware this date is not going well. Two margaritas later and this guy can't hold his liquor. He pays the bill, albeit grudgingly (no tip either!). She demands the car keys, since he can hardly walk a straight line. He refuses.

     Unable to resist, Alex intervenes. The lady asked you for the keys. The guy snarls and takes off. Alex can have her! 

      Because smartphones are ALMOST HERE, Alex offers her the restaurant's landline and while she calls a friend to come pick her up, Alex boxes up one of their specialty chocolate desserts (he WAS a cheap date) wishing he could find a way to get her number. She insists he take a ten-dollar bill for going above and beyond his waiter duties and leaves before Alex can refuse.

     Jane Layton is the girl's name. She can't stop thinking about that cute waiter from last night. He even included a nice note with the complimentary dessert. Will she ever see him again? No time to think about that now. Ballroom dance rehearsal is about to begin and Jane's new fill-in partner should be arriving any minute now. Not wanting to make a bad first impression, Jane pops a breath mint into her mouth just as her friend points out the incredibly handsome guy who just walked in as Jane's new partner. 

    

Chapter 2

     Jane swallows the mint and starts choking. She recovers enough to be introduced to Alex Keane who can hardly believe he's face-to-face with the same woman from last night. What a small Anita Stansfield world this is! The music starts and they rumba like they've been dancing together their whole lives. Their female coach can't stop gushing over their charisma. Now for the waltz number. Alex finds it incredibly easy to dance with Jane just as Coach taught him-as if she were the love of his life. When the music ends, he kisses her. Jane is surprised to discover she doesn't mind this at all. The kiss is brief but full of sincerity, almost sacred. 

     Exiting the studio, Alex gives her a weak apology for what happened. Jane tells him he has nothing to be sorry for. She felt it too, yet, she's curious as to WHY he kissed her? Alex can't really explain except to assure Jane he's not a player. He offers to drive her home. She accepts. 

     They share stories about how they both found a hobby in ballroom dancing. Alex's single mom used to do it in her college days, signed him up as a young boy and he ended up loving it. Now he's working as an intern at the local hospital, on his way to realizing his dream of becoming a doctor, waiting tables on the side to earn a little extra money. In two months he's moving to Detroit for his three year residency. Jane finds herself feeling depressed about this. But Alex does want to see her again. Conflicting schedules force them to get creative and they make a breakfast date for next Saturday morning.

Chapter 3

     Oh, by the way, Jane is probably the only single member of the church in this small town. Filled with nerves over this "first date" her aunt and uncle (also LDS) remind her of the risk of dating outside the church. But this guy is so AMAZING!
    Alex and Jane spend several pages deconstructing what it really means to be in a relationship. It takes them a very long time to be honest with each other. While Jane admits to Alex she's gone out with several guys (including that jerk from last night) she's never been the romantic, flaky type and if Alex ever dated anyone seriously, we'll never know. He's always been so busy with school and work, he never had time to look at all the cute single girls throwing themselves at him thanks to the skewed dating pool numbers. Until now. The kiss he gave her was genuine and he is genuinely attracted to her. Jane says she doesn't believe in premarital sex. Alex says he doesn't either.
    After breakfast (which Alex insists on paying for) they visit an art museum, then take a walk holding hands. Unable to stand the suspense any longer, Jane sits Alex down on a bench and comes clean. She is a devout member of a Christian church and (premarital sex aside) has very high standards about dating someone not of her faith. Alex tries to guess which church and lists several denominations before landing on the church he was born and raised in-did he mention he's from Salt Lake City? The irony is so incredible, Jane bursts into tears. The man she fell in love with is already a baptized member and everything! That's when Alex reveals the deal breaker-while his name is still listed on church records, he hasn't taken the sacrament since he was fifteen.

Chapter 4

    Divorce is the reason Alex went inactive. When he was thirteen, his temple-married father came home one day to announce he'd been sleeping with a married woman in their ward. After many nights of heated arguments between his father and Ruth Keane, they divorced. The scandal and ward gossip was so destructive, Alex quit going. His two sisters kept it up but eventually one also went inactive and married outside the church while the other managed to achieve the ideals they'd been taught since Primary of eternal families. Ruth continued to stay active and set a good example for her children by overcoming her bitterness to come to terms with her single state, forgiving her cheating husband who left his family for another woman and another life. Meanwhile, his father's career took off and he started making lots of money, which they never saw as he didn't see any reason to pay child support to a woman who didn't accept his justifications for adultery. Ruth Keane went back to school, earned a degree to support her family and was part of Alex's inspiration to become a doctor. He assures Jane while he never slept around, he did experiment with smoking and alcohol, giving it up before he could become addicted and while he's always considered himself a spiritual man who still believes in God, he is not religious. Thus, he could never bring himself to go back to church.
      Jane weeps at this heartbreaking story. Alex wipes her tears before showing her the ring he carries with him always; being too small to fit any of his large masculine fingers. It belonged to his maternal great-great grandfather, Ruth's hero and Alex's namesake, a man who sacrificed much to join the church, cross the plains and build a beautiful home somewhere in the Avenues. Jane is impressed.
     Jane's turn. She's from California, born and raised in the church by happily married-in-the-temple parents who both served in prominent church positions throughout Jane's life. The middle child of seven siblings, Jane has an older sister, Lana, who married in the temple while the youngest still lives at home. Since Jane's mother was an elementary school teacher, that's what Jane is majoring in. (Why Jane! WHY?!)
     The date over, Jane goes home and tells her aunt everything. Then she calls her mother. Both aunt and mom agree, Jane is wise to take this relationship one step at a time. While Alex is *gasp* a LESS ACTIVE MEMBER! all women know a good catch when they see one.
    To prove Alex is the perfect man in every way (except his church activity) he is invited over for dinner. Aunt and uncle accept him instantly. They call Jane's parents, Walter and Louisa Layton, so he can officially meet them over the phone. Jane's parents also concur: any man this good, kind and crazy about their daughter, deserves not only their consideration but their full love and support until he decides to come back into the fold.
     But weeks pass and while Alex and Jane continue to see each other as often as they can, he hasn't kissed her since Chapter 2. Celebrating their one month anniversary at a nice restaurant, the happy couple wander outside where Alex pulls Jane into a silent dance to music only they can hear. He kisses her. Jane has to force herself to breathe.

Chapter 5

       Alex lives alone in a studio apartment. Jane starts coming over in the evenings (Alex gave her a key) to have dinner all ready for him so they can spend more time together. One day, Alex goes to the bank to make his next student loan payment (he jokingly hopes he can pay it off before he retires!) only to learn an anonymous donor paid the entire bill in full. Alex almost passes out from the shock. Following the teller's advice not to look a gift horse in the mouth, he chalks it up to this incredible, life-changing, blessing of meeting Jane. Maybe God really DOES care about him.
      Next, Jane's oldest sister, Lana, hearing about Jane's new relationship, calls to remind Jane she is dating a *gasp* a LESS ACTIVE MEMBER! and is this really a good idea? Jane tells Lana, tactfully, to butt out and mind her own business. While she tries very hard not to let this conversation bother her, it does.
      Time for the big dance competition. Lana and Jane's parents all fly out especially both to cheer Jane on and meet her new boyfriend. Alex and Jane dance like Baby and Johnny-winning many awards and helping the team take the championship. When they all go out afterwards, Jane's parents are delighted to welcome Alex into the family while Lana gives him the evil eye. Jane tries very hard not to let this bother her, it does.
      One week later. Ruth phones her son to announce she's flying out to visit him. Being a poor, single mom she's never had this opportunity before. She especially wants to meet Jane. Both women take to each other instantly. There's really no reason for them not to get married but Alex wants to give Jane a temple marriage and is grateful to have the support of such good women in his life.

Chapter 6

       Tears trickle down Jane's face at the conclusion of her and Alex's "last date." Tomorrow he's leaving for Detroit and his internship at a renowned hospital where he'll continue to learn all the skills he needs to become the best ER doctor ever.
       But *sob* Jane still has no engagement ring.
      Alex promises to write Jane every week (you know, a REAL letter mailed in a REAL envelope) as well as daily email but weeks pass and his communication grows thin while Jane continues to faithfully keep up her end. To add to her stress, Lana continues to call Jane and rub her face in the fact she's been ghosted. To prove she's right, and only wants the best for her favorite little sister, Lana offers to fly her to Detroit to surprise Alex (then if Jane finds him cohabiting with another woman surrounded by empty beer cans, Lana can say, "Told you!") But Jane is very pleased to discover Alex has been true and faithful to her. His celibate apartment is clean and tidy; mostly because his twelve hour shifts leave him little time for goofing off. He's missed her. They go out to dinner where Alex unloads the stress of his new career on Jane-gang related injures, women suffering domestic abuse from their live-in boyfriends, children much too young dealing in drugs and suffering drug overdoses. But there are good things about his job, too; it's very rewarding. Jane is very proud of him.
      Two months later, it's Alex's turn to surprise Jane for a weekend visit. She begs him to come to church with her, just this once, but Alex is so uncomfortable he has to get up and leave before sacrament meeting is over (he did not take the sacrament either). Jane tries very hard not to let this bother her, it does.
     Jane graduates with her teaching degree and moves home to California to start applying for positions. She ends up landing a job in...wait for it...Salt Lake City, UT (one of the lowest paid in the country? She'll starve!) only twenty minutes away from Ruth Keane and the neighborhood where Alex grew up. After doing some research, Jane phones Alex with an inspired idea-he should apply to the U of U hospital and finish his residency there. Then they can be together.
     For Alex, this all just seems to good to be true as all of these plans fall into place.

Chapter 7
Three Years Later

      Three years later and Alex and Jane STILL aren't married yet! Dr. Alex Keane drives his dream Ferrari over to Ruth's house, the house he grew up in, to find his mother finishing her work on the computer (she's a medical transcriber). While they chat, Ruth gently chides her son for being a menace to society. Jane has been patiently waiting for him to come to terms with his testimony and has been wearing the engagement ring he gave her all this time, not to mention SHE'S not getting any younger and wouldn't mind some more grandchildren. Isn't it time to put his bitterness and anger against his father aside and come back to church? Her only wish is to see all her children enjoying the blessings of the temple. All these years, Ruth has never spoken so frankly to her son; Alex feels it.
     Knowing she's right, Alex heads over to Jane's house (That's right, folks, Alex co-signed with his fiancée on a house while he continues to live in a one bedroom apartment.) where Jane is the stereotypical kindergarten teacher, ABC jumper and everything. (Not sure how Jane managed to get a job teaching kindergarten as my own Professional Educator License for the state of Utah [2003] only allowed me to teach grades 1-8. Kindergarten requires an extra endorsement in early childhood development not to mention very few elementary schools in the Salt Lake Valley hire newly graduated applicants from out of state. If you don't have the right connections, this is is a tough field to break into.) Unfazed by her large classroom size or all the paperwork awaiting her this evening, Jane is happily preparing dinner, full of news about her day enlightening young minds-they learned the letter K and flew paper kites they made themselves. Ah, the good old days when elementary school teaching was just glorified babysitting and children were free of the rigorous government tests that require every child to succeed whether they want to or not, lest the teacher suffer the consequences.
      Trying to shake off the awful feeling of foreboding from what might very well be the last conversation he'll ever have with Ruth, (foreshadowing?) Alex sits down to the meal Jane has prepared and thanks Jane for being so patient with him. One of these days, he'll get around to marrying her. Oh, and he's seriously thinking about coming to church with her this Sunday, but don't push it.
     In the meantime, let's enjoy the free milk, shall we?

Chapter 8

     In true Anita Stansfield fashion, Alex can't believe his eyes when a female in her fifties who suffered a heart attack is rushed into the ER the very next day during his shift. She is DOA.
     Of course the woman is Ruth.
     Alex has to excuse himself so he can have his emotional breakdown in private.
     Jane is there for Alex every single minute (she got a substitute for her class) including supporting Alex through the process of getting Ruth's affairs in order. When Neil Keane himself has the audacity of showing up at Ruth's funeral, Alex tries very hard not to let this bother him, it does.
    Weeks pass and life goes on, yet Alex continues to suffer depression from the loss of his mother. A nurse (not LDS) from the hospital is throwing an informal party and invites Alex to bring his fiancée and try to enjoy himself. Alex is grateful. He calls Jane to let her know she doesn't need to cook dinner for him tonight, they've got a date.
    But contention arises in the Ferrari. Jane wants to get married, she's tired of waiting for Mr. "I'm Not Ready." They can't keep living this way. Alex sighs, wondering out loud why she continues to put up with him. He is SO not worthy of her. They walk up to the front door of the party still angry with each other.
    When it's time to leave, Jane is annoyed when she finds Alex with an alcoholic beverage in his hand. Outside, she demands the keys and gets in, understandably upset. She's seriously tempted to break up with him and is chewing him out about it while driving through an intersection with four-way stop signs.
    For the record, she did make the legal stop. Unfortunately, Jane never saw the large truck on her left, barreling toward the Ferrari.
    For Alex, everything goes black.

Chapter 9

     Alex only suffers some minor cuts and bruises, including some trauma to the head but he'll recover. Jane, on the other hand, is in a coma.
    Alex makes the necessary phone calls and tries to relax in his hospital room.
    Then his father walks in.
    The nerve!
    Before Alex can tell him where to go, Neil Keane monologues about mistakes and forgiveness (he's been enjoying a good relationship with his sisters all this time, can you believe it?). He thought, maybe, now that Ruth is gone, Alex might be needing a father in his life right now.
   Alex pretty much tells him where he can go.
    That's when Neil admits HE was the anonymous donor who paid off all of Alex's student loans that day. Alex is stunned speechless while Neil simply turns and exits the room.
    Alex calls his oldest sister, the one who left the church yet still managed to get married and live a good life. Charlotte tells him everything Neil said was true. While Alex was too busy wallowing in his own self-pity and bitterness, his two sisters accepted Neil's reconciliation. Remember all those times Alex thought his two sisters were out with their girlfriends-shopping or having sleepovers? Well, they were actually getting together with Neil for some daddy-daughter time. He really DID change and everyone was able to forgive him and take him back.
    Everyone except Alex.

Chapter 10

      Jane's parents surprise Alex while he's sitting by Jane's hospital bedside, holding her hand. They are full of sympathy and, of course, hold no hard feelings over what happened. Walter suggests he give his unconscious daughter a priesthood blessing and for the first time, Alex realizes what he's been missing out on all these years; not to mention the awkwardness of not being able to participate. Alex and his future father-in-law have a nice chat about choices and God's righteous consequences that come from exercising our free agency. Alex starts to feel a little better.
    Until Lana walks into the hospital room.
    After a brief, tense, discussion about Alex's shortcomings, realizing she's outnumbered, Lana backs off while Alex decides this might be a good time to excuse himself to attend that wedding reception Ruth got an invitation to and shared with Alex the last time he saw her alive.
    The backyard reception is being held at the old historic home Alex's great-great grandfather built. Seeing the handsome stranger walk in, the middle-age hostess walks up and introduces herself as Susan Barrett Clark. She is very happy to learn Alex is the son of Ruth Barrett and invites him inside for a tour of the house after Alex expresses his interest. Susan tells him all about the restoration of the home. Alexander Barrett built this house for his father before marrying Katherine, his fiancée. But, just before they could tie the knot, Alexander was unexpectedly called to Europe to take care of some family business, leaving his aging father alone for the entire duration of the trip. When he returned, his father's dead corpse was found upstairs in one of the bedrooms.
    This is a story Alex never heard.
    Susan is summoned away, leaving Alex alone in the study next to the large, heavy desk where this great man once sat to conduct his affairs. He takes out the heirloom ring, drops it and hits his head on the heavy structure. Hard enough to make him pass out.
   
Chapter 11

      Alex spends way too many pages, puttering around in this "dream" he's apparently trapped in, humming the Twilgiht Zone theme to himself for fun, just to have something to do (I'm not kidding). The study is now filled with 19th century furniture and other odd devices from that era-kerosene lamps, (Alex lights one) ink stands, dusty books. Alex notices his clothing is also appropriate for this time. It grows dark. Alex uncovers the sofa and falls asleep but when he wakes up, it's morning and he's still trapped in this time and dream. Finding himself completely alone in the house with no other company except the horse in the barn out back, he explores the upstairs rooms and finds the dead corpse of Alexander's father, which Alex takes the liberty of removing and burying. He even burns the mattress for good measure.
    Next, Alex decides to take a bath (drawing and hauling the water). He hears a noise, someone knocking on the front door, and hurries to dry himself.
     Katherine does a double take when she sees her beloved "Alexander," for Alex looks just like him. She is delighted to see him...but...why is he here? If he just got back from his six-month trip to Europe, why did he not come to see her first? And what about all that smoke they saw coming from the backyard? Alex explains he bumped his head and...he has amnesia...yeah, that's it! Oh, and he had to take care of his greatgreatgreatgrandfather's dead body that he found upstairs.
     Katherine has no problem with any of this (you poor thing!) and invites him back to her house for supper. Alex somehow manages the horse and buggy. They pass temple square. Katherine sighs dreamily as she can't wait to be sealed there with him. Such a great blessing to finally have a temple, isn't it, Alexander? Where they can worship in peace, free of mobs and persecution. Alex fidgets in his seat, clears his throat, and agrees.
    Mother-in-law turns out to be named Ruth, who was confined to a wheelchair thanks to her ordeal of frostbite while crossing the plains as a young child. She watches while Alex partakes heartily of the meal she prepared then teases him about Europe remedying his poor dance skills. Alex decides to give it a try, Katherine compliments his effort, but the adoring look she gives him while they dance reminds him too much of his other life. Suddenly unable to bear the wholesomeness of this entire ordeal, Alex rushes outside, mumbling he needs some air. Katherine follows him, witnessing his "I'm not worthy" breakdown, giving him a long speech about gospel principles-we all fall short of perfection; just trust in God and everything will work out.
     That's when everything gets hazy and Alex hears someone calling his name...

Chapter 12

     Susan found him and was trying to revive him. He was only out ten minutes and paramedics are on their way. Alex is too bewildered to argue.
     After spending the night at Jane's bedside, Alex wakes up a new man. Today is Sunday and he will attend church today-the whole worship service this time. He finds a random LDS meetinghouse and is surprised when the bishop stops him afterwards to chat. Learning his situation, he gives him a card insisting Alex call him if there's anything they can do to help. Alex is touched.
     Returning to the hospital to relieve Louisa and Walter so they can attend church, both Alex's sisters are also here to offer their support and Alex is grateful. Another week passes and Jane's coma continues. More weeks pass. A long-term sub is found to cover Jane's classes until the end of the school year while Jane turns into Sleeping Beauty-all of her bruises heal, she's taken off the ventilator and from all appearances she is not in a coma, but merely sleepeth. Meanwhile, Alex has been working hard to come back into full church activity. By week nine, plans are being made for Jane's parents to take her back to California where she'll live the rest of her life under home health care as a vegetable.
     Wake up, Jane! Nobody can afford these medical bills!

Chapter 13

    After being informed by his bishop that he is now worthy to be ordained an Elder, Alex phones his sister asking for Neil's address. He's ready to make peace with the man who single handedly tore their family apart. He knocks on the door which is answered by a woman Alex has never met. She is Roxanne (cue The Police song) and has been happily married to Neil Keane for years. Roxanne excuses herself so Neil can monologue to Alex about how he wasn't worthy of Ruth, so he found another woman. When she left him to go back to her husband, he wallowed in his own self-pity before getting help and counseling. He reconnected with Ruth and a strong bond of friendship was kindled. Roxanne was also a strong supporter of his long, hard road the repentance process requires. (she was divorced with four children when he met her but he accepted her just as she did him and, somehow, they managed to make it all work). The important thing is-Neil Keane found peace through forgiveness and the Atonement and feels he's earned it.
     With that out of the way, Alex declares he's come to ask for his father's forgiveness regarding his negative attitude toward him all these years. Neil is more than happy to give it. Both weep and embrace. The prodigal son has returned!
     But the real reason for this visit is so Alex can ask his father if he would be the one to ordain him an elder. Neil wipes away more tears and agrees.
    Shortly after the ordinance is performed, Alex gives Jane a blessing of healing. She is blessed that she will not only recover completely from her ordeal but go on to marry and have children (with him, of course!)
    At last, narration switches to Jane's POV as she slowly emerges from her coma and says, "Please tell me nobody kissed me!"

Chapter 14

      The following Sunday, Alex is sitting alone in sacrament meeting when his pager goes off. Fearing the worst, he hurries to the hospital to learn the glad tidings. Jane is awake! She smiles at him from her wheelchair. Alex falls to his knees and sobs in her lap.
     Jane's recovery won't be quick. Atrophy has set in, muscles long unused need to be exercised. Perhaps after a few weeks of rehab and physical therapy, they can get married. Jane looks in disbelief at Alex when she learns he was the one who gave her that final priesthood blessing of recovery. Alex proposes again and Jane accepts.
     But what Alex can't WAIT to show Jane is his reconciliation with his father. Cue Neil Keane and Roxanne who enter the room. Jane is pleased to meet them but more anxious than ever to know-just how long was I out?! Alex is happy to recount everything. As if the reader didn't already know.
     A wedding date is set. Alex's two sisters fly out, both to help plan the big event and go through Ruth's home and personal belongings. Charlotte is so impressed by the new Alex, she resolves to go home and start taking the steps to get active and temple worthy. Jane attends church with Alex and can hardly believe his new attitude.
      Just one more miracle to add to the ever growing list!
      The wedding is held in the Salt Lake Temple. A very long day for Alex as he received his own endowments first before being sealed to Jane in a room packed with family and friends. Jane has enough energy for a bridal waltz. Alex reflects on how they first met and it's a fitting

    THE END
   
     

Full Circle

Book Series: Gables of Legacy   (Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton)  

Publishing Date: 2005

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Category: LDS Contemporary Romance

Point of View: Third Person Limited- Emily and Jess
Chapter Count: 15
Page Count: 247

This book is dedicated to every reader

who has felt an increase of hope as they

have shared the struggles and challenges and 

triumphs of the Hamilton family.

Thanks for sharing the journey!

Chapter 1

South Queensland, Australia

     Emily Hamilton can't sleep. Six years since Michael passed and she misses him like crazy. Her ash-blonde hair is mostly gray now and she still wears her gold wedding band. She tries to read from 1 Nephi in the Book of Mormon but memories of the first day she ever saw (and heard) Michael Hamilton in a BYU Book of Mormon class cloud her mind... (see chapter 1 from First Love and Forever)

     The reader is treated to an embellishment of the familiar story. We get to see the day after they met, when Michael asked Emily out on their first date-one week from today. In preparation for that all-important first date, anxious about going out with *gasp* a Non-Member! Emily begins a 24 hour fast that weekend during her visit home to Idaho. Confirmation from the spirit received, (yes, Emily, it really is okay to date a gentile) Emily attends the BYU football game with Michael where they exchange all their background info. Michael tells Emily all about his proud heritage of family land ownership and horse breeding business. Emily is intrigued.

     Their second date, after shopping together for the needed items, they return to Michael's apartment for an Italian dinner which Michael prepares, serves and cleans up. They just can't get enough of talking about everything under the sun.

     A month passes and these two lovebirds are pretty exclusive. Except, despite many exchanges of "I love yous" Michael has yet to bestow that all-important first kiss on Emily who sheds a few tears as they talk about how much in love with each other they are and how right it feels. Micheal seals the conversation with a kiss which pretty much blows Emily's mind.

     Emerging from her deep thoughts, Older Emily smiles and is finally able to drift off to sleep.

Chapter 2

    Emily wakes up and joins her children and grand babies at the breakfast table. Jess and Tamra with all their children have never been better. Tamra's Aunt Rhea is still alive and still the family's go-to nanny and housekeeper. Emma and Scott had a baby girl they named Laura.

    Much later that day, Jess joins his mother outside on the veranda. He can't help but notice how...OLD his angel mother is looking. Emily sighs and admits she misses Michael. They go inside to their separate wings and bedrooms of the big house where Emily starts reminiscing to herself about the first time she was introduced to this incredible place. She gets lost in another flashback...

     Michael presents young Emily with a passport application. He's taking her on the trip of a lifetime to meet his family in Australia. At the sight of such fairy-tale wealth and lands, Emily nearly goes into shock. Her boyfriend is a prince! The idea of marriage to him is a bit intimidating but not altogether unpleasant. Michael kisses her goodnight and they retire to their very separate bedrooms with very single beds.

Chapter 3

    Young Emily is having the time of her life on her visit. LeNay Hamilton is a gracious hostess who makes Emily feel right at home. Michael takes her on a romantic horse ride-her first time ever on a horse-where he sits behind her, holding her safe with one arm while controlling the reins with the other. They have long talks on the veranda. Marriage is hinted many times which makes Emily blush and smile but she's not committing to anything yet, not until Michael officially gets down on one knee with a ring and proposes.

    As their visit draws to a close, Emily doesn't want to leave. She could see herself as mistress of all this and there's no reason why not. She and Michael share so many common interests and values. They love being together. Every minute of every day. There's no reason for them not to get married. If it weren't for that pesky religion issue...

    Older Emily comes out of her daydream to realize the sun has come up and it's time to join her family for the day's activities and duties. While washing dishes, Emily is disturbed by the temporary loss of her wedding ring which she finds in the bottom of the sink. Back in her room, she sits and stares at the band, it hasn't left her finger in years. 

    Could this be a sign it's time for her to move on, find someone new?

    Jess and Emma are appalled at such a suggestion. Their mother is WAY too old for Tinder and how dare she think about finding a replacement for The World's Greatest Dad! Tamra and Scott disagree. If Emily is lonely, she has every right to do something about it.

     Full of naïve enthusiasm, Emily goes online and starts creating her LDS dating website profiles. What a blessing living in this technological age is! In such lonely country, with few dating prospects, Emily will never be lonely again! Jess accuses her of "shopping" for a man. Emily just laughs before announcing she's leaving for an extended visit to Utah to stay with Allison's family. With such a high concentration of LDS people in Provo, Utah she's sure to find her man there!

Chapter 4

    Emily goes off on another daydream during the long flight. This time she remembers the day her middle daughter, the one from her first marriage to Ryan, was happily married in the temple. Until that marriage went sour and Michael had to step in and get a bit rough with the man who later agreed to a divorce from Amee who was devastated. Luckily, just a few sentences later, Amee met another man and they lived happily ever after. We are never told if it was in the temple or not.

    The plane lands and Emily greets her oldest child. Days pass and Emily recalls another memory of the day she and Michael were informed of the big car crash that killed their son, his wife, Jess' best friend and left Jess nearly for dead.

    No doubt about it. Through all the ups and downs and trials of life, Michael was there at Emily's side and somehow, they always managed to get through it together.

Chapter 5

    Jess finds it just a little disturbing, reading his mother's emails about the Provo mid-singles activities and dances she's making the effort to attend and the emails she's exchanging with men (who claim to be younger and thinner online until she meets them in person) in order to meet the man who will bless her life are not the best option. (For someone who not only watched her temple divorced mother attend such events, but later ended up attending them herself thanks to zero marriage prospects, I can truly testify Emily's following horror stories are TRUE!) The dating pool for LDS women at this stage in life is not very encouraging. One man is convinced he's James Bond. Another talks her ear off about his fascinating experiences traveling through time. This one hasn't held a job in two years and lives out of his car. But the real winner was the man who wanted Emily to join him in living a polygamous lifestyle. Never mind this man already had a wife at home. Funny how many men Emily has met who only want one thing out of a relationship, but they'd have to get married first before she would consent to such activity. So, yes, there are a LOT of frogs out there. Emily is beginning to fear her old fashioned dating standards might be a tad too high.

     One night, Emily calls Jess to announce she's flying home almost as they speak. She'll explain during the flight home on the family plane. Turns out Emily did meet an LDS man, a widower, who was actually a normal human being. But after five dates it became clear Emily's membership in the 1% club was an issue he just couldn't handle so he broke up with her. True to her nature, Emily cries some more while Jess sympathizes. Money is the world's curse, you know.

    Still, Emily has to admit her situation could be much worse. She could be divorced or what if Michael had been the kind of man who struggled with some kind of addiction, like pornography. It would've been a lonely marriage. The single (divorced) women Emily met in Utah during her visit inspired her to be strong and not let her situation define her. She'll just have to learn to be single AND happy. No more forays into the quagmire of online dating. She's done. She'll throw herself into service projects instead, like the announcement in Relief Society for anyone who would like to join the volunteer group at the local nursing home.

    That's when Emily meets Samuel Reid.

Chapter 6

      Almost giddy at the prospect of seeing Samuel Reid again, Emily arrives the following week at the nursing home where Samuel is also here as a volunteer. In fact, he lives in one of the independent living unit apartments which is part of this facility. He lost Arlene many, many years ago when she died giving birth to their second child who also didn't make it. Samuel did his best to raise his son, Trent, as a productive member of society. He's stayed celibate all these years, too, because no one could hold a candle to his beloved Arlene. They didn't sleep together before marriage, either. Trent is now living in England, happily married with a great job and a beautiful family. He comes often to Australia to visit his father. Now that Samuel's retired from a successful career and financially secure, he moved here to live out the rest of his life where he won't be a burden to his son. He misses his wife almost as much as Emily misses Michael. They have lots in common.

      It soon becomes obvious that Samuel is a Golden Investigator and why the missionaries never found him by now-a good man who never belonged to any organized religion, has no word of wisdom, law of chastity, or financial issues-is baffling because, he confides to Emily, if he could have anything in the world, anything at all, it would be to know that he and Arlene's marriage did not end at death. That he could be with the love of his life again. To have that knowledge, that assurance that there is life after death would truly be a pearl of great price. 

    Wow. Just, wow.

     While Emily struggles to jump right into a missionary discussion (she and Michael DID serve several missions together in their twilight years) Samuel hands her a box of tissues because her emotions have overcome her ability to speak. A nurse interrupts to ask if Samuel would mind helping them with something and Emily's missionary moment must be put on hold until the next time they see each other.

    The very next week Samuel asks Emily out. Up to this point, she hasn't said a word to her children about her new friend. Emily pulls out her cell phone and places a call to the house to let them know she's going out for dinner (yes, with a MAN) while Samuel smiles.

    We learn Samuel had his own battle with cancer so he understands how stressful it was for Emily to lose Michael to cancer. He holds Emily's hand as they walk into the nice steakhouse. Emily sips her water during the meal and tells him all about her children and the large family-owned station where they all pitch in running the family business. Samuel is a little envious. That's a lot of people all living under the same roof to assure nobody gets any peace and quiet in their old age. Emily is quite a woman to have raised up such a posterity who obviously call her blessed. They admit their growing attraction to each other.

    Outside, Emily takes the opportunity to tell Samuel that he CAN be with Arlene for eternity. With tears in his eyes, Samuel says he believes her. They exchange phone numbers, so she can call Samuel to let him know she got home safely (it's nearly an hour drive to town from the station). After parking the car, Emily is walking up to the house when she feels an overwhelming impression that Michael is with her. His voice comes to her mind, giving his approval. Her new relationship with Samuel is a good thing and they will bless each other's lives. Emily wants to shout for joy. She goes upstairs to her room and cries instead.

Chapter 7

      When the phone rings the next morning, Jess answers it to learn Samuel wants to see Emily again. In fact, since they both have nothing better to do, being retired and all that, he's inviting Emily to spend the entire day with him. He'll cook for her, after they shop for the groceries together (sound familiar?). Emily is not offended when Samuel purchases a bottle of red wine for himself and coffee for his breakfast tomorrow morning. He still doesn't know which church she belongs to. 

    Sitting down to pasta, Emily asks if she might offer a blessing on their meal? Samuel has no objection. He sips his wine while Emily tells him the story of why she married her first husband when she was so obviously in love with Michael. It was because of her church, she explains. The only thing Samuel knows about Mormons is that they abstain from liquor and coffee (not premarital sex? What cave has Samuel been living in?) but instead of continuing to enlighten Samuel about her religion, they decide to take a nap instead.

    On separate couches of course.

    When they wake, realizing it's nearly dinnertime, Emily invites Samuel to come home with her. Might as well meet the gang. Samuel agrees.

    Everyone has no problem being introduced to Samuel. Even Jess and Emma are cordial, polite and gracious. The children come roaring in. Samuel fits right in as a member of the family as he helps wrangle the kids and babies during the meal. The blessing even included "Grandma's new friend" would have a good time during his visit. Afterward, the adults gather on the veranda to chat and get to know Samuel better. He shares his story about how he lost his wife. All sigh and empathize before Samuel takes his leave. To Emily, everyone agrees Samuel has passed the family approval checks and from the puppy-love look on Emily's face, it's obvious he's capable of making her happy which is all that really matters. Sure, he's not a member of the church, but it's not like Emily could marry him in the temple anyway.

Chapter 8

    When Samuel phones the next morning, asking if he might come out and spend more time with Emily again, nobody protests, least of all Emily who offers to show him the grounds of the estate. They talk about more topics, including what happens to families after death as they stroll through the family graveyard where Emily explains all the names on all the headstones and tells him all the stories the reader is already familiar with.

     She offers to arrange a meeting with the missionaries. Samuel is fine with that. She takes him inside to present him with his own copy of the Book of Mormon. Samuel promises to read it. He asks if Emily might let him kiss her. He's been hankering to do it since the first day they met. Emily finds it exhilarating. After promising to call first thing in the morning, Samuel gets in his car and Emily waves while he drives away. He can't wait to start reading his new book.

    But Samuel doesn't call the next morning. It is nearly noon when Emily dials and a groggy voice answers. Samuel stayed up way past his bedtime last night reading, not realizing he'd fallen asleep until the phone woke him. (He was probably in the middle of the Isaiah chapters). Emily invites him out to the station for a picnic. Emily drives one of the SUV's over the rugged terrain to the famous spot because Samuel has never been on a horse in his life. Samuel is impressed with the scenery. He was also impressed by what he read last night in the Book of Mormon. He agrees to attend church with the family this Sunday and meet with the missionaries that night for a first discussion. Naturally, everyone is invited for Sunday dinner beforehand.

     The elders don't even have to invite Samuel to read the Book of Mormon. He already finished it so they simply invite him to pray and ask God if it's true before taking their leave. 

     Guess Samuel has no issues with the First Vision then or about Joseph Smith being a prophet of God instead of the leader of a cult who married young girls against their will like all the normal investigators have. Non-members like Samuel just...don't exist. But I digress, this is an Anita Stansfield novel, not real life.

     As the weeks pass, Samuel spends all his waking hours either courting Emily at the house or taking her on dates in town: they visit museums, eat out, and have family home evening both at Emily's home with her family or with the LDS mid-singles group Emily belongs to. After seeing him off one evening, Emily and Jess discuss the possibility of Emily actually marrying this man. Emily admits they really haven't talked about taking that next step in their relationship yet. While it's obvious he belongs here, he certainly can't move in with Emily until they are legally and lawfully wedded.

    He would also need to commit to a baptism date.

Chapter 9

    Emily is starting to get just tad impatient. Samuel should've received his answer by now about the Book of Mormon, her church and whether or not he should take their relationship to the next level. She goes over to his apartment where they have a long talk. While he agrees moving in together is out of the question, there is a BIG REASON he's been dragging his feet over this commitment issue.
    Samuel tells Emily years ago he was diagnosed with a degrading form of cancer that attacks the nervous system. Emily was lucky enough to meet him during his "good" period but the time will soon come when he might be a burden both to her and her beautiful family. And if there's one thing Samuel Reid will never be, it's a burden to the people he cares about. Emily is better off without him.
     Emily resists the urge to call him an idiot. She picks up her purse and leaves the apartment sobbing. Samuel lets her go.
     Learning why his mother came home so upset, Jess phones Samuel insisting he come first thing tomorrow morning where he and Emily will discuss this issue like two grown adults.
    Emily tells Samuel she's already been fasting and praying about this possible marriage and her feelings of peace over the decision have only grown stronger. Samuel needs to do the same. He agrees and they part.
    But weeks pass and Samuel doesn't call or come out to see her. Jess decides to take matters into his own hands. These two obviously need a little push.

Chapter 10

      

    Samuel is surprised to answer his door to find Jess. They spend a few pages talking about following God's plan in our lives, the importance of prayer, ect. Jess leaves and more days pass before Samuel drives out to the house so he and Emily can talk again. Samuel is ready to commit. In sickness and in health if Emily is truly ready for all that...
   Emily tells him to shut up and kiss her before he changes his mind again. All the adult family members are then summoned to the parlor for a family council.
   To everyone's surprise, Jess is the first one to welcome Samuel as their new stepfather and official member of the family. When's the wedding? They'll be having it here at the house, naturally. The bishop of Emily's ward will marry them. Oh, and since it might help if Samuel were also a member of Emily's church, Samuel wants Jess to be the one to baptize him.
   There's one more thing Samuel wants to clarify. So none of the Hamiltons would ever feel obligated to help pay any of his medical or living expenses, should Emily die before him, he had a prenuptial agreement drawn up. You won't catch him trying to snack off the family fortune. The adults are shocked, SHOCKED I tell you, that Samuel would even do such a thing. (Anyone else think of George from Seinfeld? When George who had no money, asked his wealthy fiancee if she would sign a prenup, knowing she had nothing to lose, she laughed in his face and said, "Sure I'll sign it!" and left the room hooting) Emily is more than happy to let Samuel take the patriarchal lead and financially support her and pay his share in everything. If Trent or any other family member comes sniffing around, trying to stick their hand in the Hamilton estate, they won't be able to touch it either. There. That's settled. Jess tells Samuel he now respects him more than ever. Welcome to the family, "Dad!"

Chapter 11 

    Trent comes to visit and is invited to the house to meet the family. Like they did with his father, Jess and the gang accept him without any problem while Trent looks uncomfortable until Emily and Samuel ask him what's wrong? Trent tells them. Knowing Samuel could die at any time, if Emily is marrying his father just so she can get her hands on what little money Samuel accumulated in their modest family estate, well, Emily has another thing coming.
    After choking back their laughter, Emily and Samuel show him the prenup and remind Trent of Emily's soon-to-be-maiden name. Trent is all, Wait! She's related to THOSE Hamiltons?! Thoroughly embarrassed, Trent apologizes and the issue is resolved, never to be brought up again.
    That Sunday, changes are being made to the ward bishopric. Guess who got called to be the new bishop? Jess is totally weirded out. Not only does he have to interview his own mother and new step-father before the wedding, but he'll be marrying them in the upstairs hall of the family mansion to boot!
    The night before the wedding, Jess and Emily chat about closing one door and opening another. Of course Emily will always and forever belong to Michael, but she's grateful for this one last chance to share the remaining years of her life with (yet another) man. Heaven forbid any woman should be alone without a man in her life.

Chapter 12

    Emily and Samuel are quietly married. Emily knows she felt Michael's presence during the ceremony. She and Samuel leave on their honeymoon, spending many weeks on a very long travel circuit visiting Emily's many children and grandchildren in Australia, California, and Utah, as well as Trent in England.
    Any readers curious about what Emily and Samuel's first night sharing the same bed was like will never know. Narration is mercifully silent. They return and Samuel settles comfortably into the daily routine of the family home and business where he simply rests, spending hours just holding Emily's hand. With his rapidly declining health, the family hires a full time nurse and moves the newlyweds to a bedroom downstairs to make it easier on Samuel who, miraculously, can still find the energy to attend the temple with Emily once a month. The family also gathers together when Samuel is sealed to Arlene by proxy (wonder who stood in for Arlene?) just before he is confined to a wheelchair. Everyone is pretty certain Samuel is going to be the first one to go. Thank goodness, with Christmas approaching, all of Jess and Emma's sisters are gathering together for one, last, family reunion.
     Who knows? It may be Samuel's last.
    But when the holiday is over and everyone is about to catch their flights home, it's Emily who has to be rushed to the hospital. Sudden chest pains.
    Emily dreams she's back at the house, surrounded by everyone she loves outside on the veranda, when Michael comes galloping up on the wild honeymoon stallion he just finished taming. Emily rushes across the lawn to meet him and as Michael is pulling her up Emily can't help but glance back at her family all still talking and laughing, not even missing her, except Samuel who watches with a sad, but accepting smile. As Michael steers the horse away from the house, Emily recognizes the welcoming party on a nearby hill as Michael's ancestors. She can't wait to meet them!
    Jess is trying very hard to keep it together. His mother is lying there in a hospital bed on the brink of death! The doctor wants to operate on her heart. Would you like to know the probability of a woman Emily's age and in this condition surviving such a procedure? Well, it's high. It's very high. How can he go on without her incredible strength and support to guide him? Everyone keeps telling him it's going to be alright. Even Samuel is at peace with what's happening. Jess isn't so sure.
     Emily comes awake long enough to say goodbye to everyone, including Samuel. All of her daughters who were about to fly back to their respective homes are grateful for the circumstances that prevented them from leaving. Looks like they'll be extending their vacation a little longer. Emily's timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Chapter 13

     In the waiting room, Jess remembers a passage from Ether in the Book of Mormon, Moroni's counsel about miracles. Jess feels the presence of his father and is comforted. Jess and Allison lead the others in praising Emily Ladd Hall Hamilton-Reid and the marvelous life she led. A perfect example to us all. The doctor appears to tell them Emily pretty much died on the operating table. Nothing more he can do. Sorry. Nobody is bitter or angry. They thank the good doctor and gather around Emily's bed for one last final goodbye to their comatose mother.
    Back at the house, the ward Relief Society and Jess' first counselor from the bishopric are taking care of everything the family might need during their time of grief. Now they can go through Emily's personal belongings, including journals, scrapbooks and the remaining pieces of "legacy lace" their grandmother and great-grandmother made for the female members of the family to pass down. Among these items, the adult children and Samuel discover an old tablecloth with lace edging that Emily had made into a new temple dress, never been worn, which she left instructions to be buried in. Everyone runs for the nearest box of tissues.

Chapter 14

     Everyone sits down to supper where Samuel announces he'll be taking his leave soon. With Emily gone, he'll just be in the way. Everyone protests but understand Samuel's argument that seeing reminders of Emily everywhere he turns is just too painful.
    On the day of the viewing, Jess and Allison are dismayed to discover two visitors from Utah are also here to pay their respects. Ryan Hall's brother, Uncle David and his wife are here to remind Jess how grateful they are that Emily is finally reunited with their deceased brother since Ryan Hall was Emily's FIRST husband and he married her in the temple, so, naturally, it's going to be Emily and Ryan for time and all eternity, forever and ever and how relieved this Hamilton clan must be feeling, knowing that second-rate Michael Hamilton is finally out of the picture, eh?
    Jess is seeing red. Allison and Tamra have to hold him back. Later, Jess remembers his own conversation from one of the previous "Gables of Legacy" volumes when he couldn't find a temple marriage certificate and confronted his parents about it. The whole conversation is repeated here, almost word for word. Just in case the reader doesn't already know the story about Michael's struggle with this very issue and how he finally found peace over it.
    Jess comes out of his daydream feeling better.
    Now, maybe he can finally get some sleep.

Chapter 15

     Emily's funeral is beautiful and over in just one paragraph. With everyone gone and only the immediate family left, Jess and ALL his adult siblings and in-laws (Samuel too) gather in the drawing room downstairs for one last "family council" before everyone leaves tomorrow for their respective homes. Samuel found a significant passage in one of Emily's journals he'd like to share and which might help everyone feel better after those disparaging comments made by Uncle David about the technicality of temple marriage.
     We all remember the incredible "Saturday's Warrior" dream Emily had in Now & Forever. She wrote it all down and as they read it out loud to each other, everyone has to stop to sniffle and exclaim how unbelievable it is that Emily knew all along that her marriage to Michael was always a literal match made in and ordained by heaven. Emily concludes with how blessed she feels being given this incredible dream, the reassurance of God's eternal plan for her and Michael, the love of her life. As long as she and Michael live worthily, she KNOWS they will be together forever. The fact these two did live worthily leaves little doubt this is something Uncle David and his wife could never understand. Everyone is now at peace with this issue. His work here done, Samuel leaves for England where he'll spend what time he has left with his son and his family.
    Almost one year later, word comes that Samuel passed away but never mind that because now, after all these years, the required wait time of one year met, all of Jess' sisters can fly back to witness the proxy sealing of Michael and Emily Hamilton in the Sydney Temple. With Jess and Allison standing in for their parents, kneeling across the alter, the sealer comments on the presence of two deceased brothers who are also here to witness this important family event. Amazed this man would know such intimate details, everyone says, yes, they do have siblings who passed on. Without further ado, the ceremony is performed and everyone is in awe of the sacred silence that follows along with the usual sniffles and tears. Nothing can separate Michael and Emily now.

 In this sacred room in the holy temple, everyone agrees-The Hamilton family has truly come "Full Circle" and there can be no greater love story than that!

THE END


    

    

    

Hearts Crossed

Book Series: The Buchanan Saga

Publishing Date: 2004

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Crosswalk Books

Category: Historical Romance

Point of View: Third Person Limited: Garret and Brandy

Chapter Count: 14

Page Count: 367

To those who are still in the boat. You know who you are.

Theme song for this book:

Brandy, you're a fine girl.

What a good wife you would be.

But my life, my love and my lady is the sea.

                              Looking Glass

Prologue

1787

      Just like the prologue in the last book, Garret Wentworth is standing on the deck of his merchant ship, the Phoenix, overlooking the vast Atlantic (sans cigar, he quit cold turkey at the end of the last book) wondering if he'll ever find someone to marry and settle down with.

     One of his shipmates, Timothy Ashton, steps up to chat. While Timothy has proven to be a good friend, he is old enough to be Garret's father-thin, wiry, graying red hair, hardworking, honest, yet, Timothy admits his side business has taken a dark turn. He fears his life is in danger; oh, and he also just happens to have a single daughter back in North Carolina. If anything were to happen to Timothy, he'd be especially grateful if Garret would inform her of his untimely demise as well as deliver all his personal effects, oh, and if Garret would make sure she was looked after-bring her on board if necessary. Garret solemnly agrees, doing his best to ignore Timothy's many hints about what a fine girl his only child is and what a good wife she would be...if only the right man would come along.

    Foreshadowing complete, Garret is seated at his desk in his cabin (with two single twin beds) going over his papers when a gunshot rings out from Timothy's cabin. He's very dead while the man in black with a gun who managed to slip on board without attracting any attention, is very gone.

Looks like Garret has a date with Brandy destiny after all.

Chapter 1      Farewells

     Brandy Ashton considers herself the luckiest twenty-six year old single woman in the world. Her longtime (going on five years now) boyfriend, the famous Captain Andrew Cross, (who always dresses in black) loves her and they are exclusive! They kiss passionately at the tavern where Brandy must scrape out her living as a barmaid, biding her time until this unbelievably sexy sea captain with the dark mustache and long flowing black locks will finally come to his senses and marry her. Unfortunately, today is not that day. Andrew must return to one of his three ships. He's made a fortune in the sea trade while Brandy barely survives on minimum wage.

   While they've never slept together, Brandy touches her lips as she watches Andrew exit. He LOVES her and it's only a matter of time before he pops the question, she KNOWS it! After working her shift, Brandy trudges up the streets of the quaint seaside town to the boardinghouse where she lives alone in two respectable rooms, taking her meals from the kind woman who runs the establishment who hopes one day either her father or that famous sea captain will come sweep this poor girl off her feet and carry her away. 

   Morning sunlight fills the sitting room as Brandy wakes from a deep sleep to answer a knock on her sitting room door. As the clip in his voice reveals, the tall, dark, handsome man with the neatly trimmed beard and gold earring in his left ear is unmistakably British. He introduces himself as Captain Garret. Brandy listens in shock as he sits her down and gives her the bad news about her father. 

    Garret stands when Brandy does, desperately wishing he were someplace else right now. The moment is awkward as Brandy turns to the window, in shock, obviously struggling to keep herself from going into hysterics. She breaks down sobbing and Garret is there to catch her, providing a shoulder for her to cry on. He asks, does she have anyone to look after her? Wiping her face with Garret's offered handkerchief, Brandy says yes, but he's...at sea. She thanks Garret and sees him out.

   With swollen eyes, threatening to burst into tears again at the least provocation, Brandy works her shift that evening where the drunken sailors make unwanted advances. Suddenly, Garret is there to punch them off. Brandy thanks him and leaves to walk home, ALONE, along the dark, deserted streets where she is, of course, accosted again and Garret, AGAIN, comes to her rescue. This time he sees Brandy all the way back to the boardinghouse. To their dismay, they enter to find her rooms have been ransacked; someone was obviously looking for something but didn't find it. Garret will spend the night on her sitting room sofa. Just in case.

    Next morning, Brandy goes down to breakfast while Garret is still sleeping, bringing him a tray when she returns. Garret needs to get back to his ship, they'll be sailing in a few days. Brandy promises she will send word if she needs anything.

Chapter 2    The Passenger

    As if we need another plot device to get these two together, Brandy is attacked when she answers a knock at her door the following evening. The two men with rotting teeth, reeking of body odor, wrestle her to the floor and force a drugged liquid into her mouth. They demand information about her father. Brandy has no idea what they're talking about before she loses consciousness. 

   Garret returns to his ship only to learn Timothy Ashton's cabin was mysteriously broken into and searched; just like his daughter's rooms. Trying not to panic, Garret turns around and runs all the way back to the boardinghouse where he finds Brandy in the condition her attackers left her in.

   He sends for Patrick, the ship's doctor, and prays out loud while making Brandy as comfortable as he can, until he arrives. Brandy was drugged with opium, a nearly fatal dose, but Patrick is certain she can pull through; if she has someone to sit with her, keep her awake, prevent her from falling into a coma. Remembering Timothy's last request, Garret announces they are packing anything of Brandy's that looks important and bringing her back to the Phoenix. They will sail with the next tide and Garret will personally see to Brandy's care. Good thing his cabin has separate beds.

   Like the perfect gentleman he is, Garret supports Brandy as she vomits, over and over, into the slop bucket. She cries, again, in his comforting embrace. Garret kisses her brow before tucking her back into bed. They hardly know each other, but, thanks to her father, Garret can't help but feel a special connection to this amazing single woman. Too bad her heart belongs to another.

   Patrick is a little put out with his Captain. This innocent young lady is not going to be very happy when she learns they are on their way to Bombay, India! What does Garret intend to do with her? They don't even know her given name.

   Sure enough, Brandy is not very happy when the reality of her current situation crashes down on her. Stuck at sea for so many months, seasickness already affecting her, away from the only home, people and culture she's ever known. 

Away from Andrew! 

No, she's not very happy at all with Captain Garret.

Chapter 3    Captain Cross's Woman

     Several days later, Garret is admitted into Brandy's cabin (Clutching her pearls, Brandy insisted she be given a private cabin of her own. They gave her Timothy's.) where he suggests her cabin fever and seasickness might be eased if she came topside for a breath of fresh air, for the first time since she came on board. He even brought hot, fresh water so she could wash up and make herself presentable. Brandy reluctantly agrees.

   Strolling the deck, they spend several pages talking. Brandy reveals after her mother died, a freak accident, swept out to sea from the beach she was walking on, she moved inland to live with an aunt who promptly died. That was six years ago. Her father was always away at sea, seeking his fortune, always promising one day he'd provide a better home for Brandy and her mother (before she died). Because of all this, Brandy has never liked the sea. In fact, she despises it. 

    Learning Captain Andrew Cross is the man Brandy told him about; that she is "Captain Cross's woman," Garret is not impressed. He's never met the man, only knows him by reputation: Andrew Cross is a notorious womanizer, a girl in every port, and when it comes to his business affairs, Andrew Cross is a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He's not worthy of Brandy.

  They join the rest of the crew for lunch in the galley where Garret finally gets around to asking Miss Ashton, what is her given name? She tells him. Garret, in turn, tells her his; refusing to reveal his last name. They are on first name basis now.

   Patrick can't help but notice Garret's obvious infatuation with Brandy; he's smitten. Patrick predicts Garret is about to fall head over heels in love and about time too. Garret frowns and they get back to practicing their fencing.

   In the galley, Brandy has decided to make herself useful, helping Cook (that's his name) prepare the meals for the crew. While she works, Brandy notices her thoughts are always wandering to Garret, wondering when she'll see him again. Brandy has to mentally shake herself-No! You're in love with Andrew, remember?! 

   Brandy wanders up to the deck and leans against the rail. It is twilight and the sea is lovely. Garret's hands appear on either side of her as he mummers sweet nothings into her ear. Brandy turns and reminds him her heart belongs to another man.

   Another man who is not worthy of her, Garret reminds her and proceeds to list all the reasons: Andrew Cross is a cheating cheater. There. He said it. Out loud.

   Brandy slaps him before excusing herself below deck to her cabin.

Chapter 4      Revelation

    They make up a few nights later when Brandy finds Garret stargazing on the deserted deck; making sure they don't go off course. He spends the next hour or so giving her a lesson on the night sky, walking her back to her cabin, leaving her with a chaste kiss on her hand.

   Their first date.

   Over the next several days, they begin spending more and more time with each other. When they arrive in Bombay, Garret invites her ashore. Brandy is intrigued. The natives think her fire-colored hair special. Strolling through the exotic marketplace, Garret buys her many gifts. When Brandy asks why, he reminds her she is much more than a barmaid. One day she will be a great lady living in a grand house her future husband will provide. Such a house needs a "Bombay room" a place where she can keep all these exotic knickknacks and souvenirs. Then, since such a room demands something equally special to wear when sitting in it, Garret buys her a white sari made of silk, the kind only worn by the wealthiest women in India.

   Brandy has never felt more cherished. She wears the sari the next evening as they are pulling out of the Bombay port. Brandy sees the love in Garret's eyes when he sees her and has a revelation-he really does love and care for her! They talk about their growing feelings of attraction for each other, but Brandy can't betray Andrew. They kiss anyway. 

   

Chapter 5     The Bargain

    Learning Garret was a turncoat during the war, Brandy asks him why he didn't settle in America? He tells her most of the story about how he came to be a ship's captain. His previous ship was destroyed by a man very similar to her precious Andrew Cross. Brandy gets defensive but Garret brushes it off, they can agree to disagree. Now come over here and kiss him. Brandy melts in his arms, like she always does. 

    Brandy admits her secret fantasy is that one day, Andrew will marry her and provide her with a nice home where she can raise children and live a quiet life: teach piano, tend the garden, keep house and be the happiest woman in the world. Garret knows he is just the man to grant that wish, but he keeps his thoughts to himself. If Andrew Cross were to appear right now, Garret would challenge him to a duel for Brandy's hand.

    Next stop, Hong Kong, where both Garret and Brandy recognize one of Andrew's men who locks eyes with Brandy in unmistakable recognition. Garret gives orders to his crew. Get the goods they ordered on board and prepare to sail with the next available tide. They are getting out of here.

   Too late! Cantonese police board their ship, following a tip about illegal opium on board. They do a search of the ship, but it's Brandy's cabin that gets the full brunt. They find the obviously planted drugs and are about to take Brandy into custody when Garret steps in, declaring her his fiancée. The men stand down, mumble apologies and leave.

   Brandy is furious. What right did Garret have telling them they were engaged! Garret reminds her it's pretty obvious to everyone by now that Andrew Cross is behind all of this and not a man to be trusted while he, Garret, is the right man for her. Brandy sighs, how many times must she repeat this? She LOVES Andrew.

   Garret asks her to marry him anyway. With her life in danger, she needs a man to protect her. As her legal husband, he would take her to England. She could live with his brother and wife, the people he told her about earlier. She would be safe there. In time, she would forget all about Andrew Cross, (and hopefully he would forget her as well) because she is a woman worth marrying and Andrew missed his chance.

   Brandy sniffles and wipes her tears. In her heart, she knows everything Garret has been trying to tell her about Andrew is true-he's into her, but not for the right reasons. She laughs and agrees to this bargain. She will marry him.

Chapter 6       Going Home

   Garret and Brandy dock in Cornwall, England and stop in town for lunch where Garret buys Brandy some new clothes to wear-she hasn't spent anything on herself in years. Brandy is impressed and intimidated by the size of the mansion when they pull up.

   It is nice to see Ritcherd and Kyrah again who gush over Brandy's loveliness and tease Garret about finally giving up his carefree bachelor life. Of course, Kyrah and Brandy become instant sisters immediately upon introductions. Brandy meets Cetty, two-year-old Linnet and, while Garret was busy rescuing damsels in distress, Ritcherd and Kyrah had another baby, a boy they named Christopher. 

    Over dinner, Garret announces he will post the banns tomorrow at church, explaining to Brandy (who should already be familiar with this custom) they serve the purpose of both informing the public of their intention to marry as well as provide any opportunity for objection. If, after three weeks, no reason is found why they should not marry, the wedding ceremony is performed.

   None of the adults can wait!

    After dinner, the happy couple decide to take a stroll on the grounds of the estate where Brandy reveals to Garret that Brandy was her father's nickname for her. Her REAL name is Eugenia Belinda, "Genny" for short. Garret likes it.

   And from this time forth in the narration, Brandy will be known as Genny.

    Garret shows Genny the cottage they will move into and reside after the wedding. Genny loves it. At last, she will have what she always wanted: a home and family. Garret always wanted lots of kids too. Life couldn't be more perfect.

Chapter 7     The Baronet

    The next day being Sunday, Kyrah loans Genny, (everyone accepted her new name without any objection) as the newest member of a respected family, something suitable to wear to the services.  Genny feels welcome at church but is confused when a woman greets her fiancé as "Sir Garret," for he is a Baronet. This upsets her so much she slips off for a brisk walk, furious her husband-to-be is actually one of those filthy rich, aristocratic snobs. Part of that British Order of Precedence America fought so hard to rid itself of. Everyone is equal in America! 
    Discovering Genny is gone, Garret mounts a horse and finds her at the church ruins where they first argue, then talk, resolving the issue of Genny's new social ranking and her fear of everyone gossiping about Garret marrying "down."

   They return to the house for a late meal then join Ritcherd and Kyrah in the sitting room to catch them up on how Genny ended up sailing with Garret around the world to Bombay and Hong Kong.

   Suspecting there's more to the story than Genny wanted to admit, Ritcherd and Kyrah wait until Genny has excused herself (to have a good cry) before confronting Garret for more information. Garret admits his suspicions about Andrew Cross, explaining who he is and his relationship to both Genny and her late father. Seems everyone but Genny understands the danger she is in. 

  But Garret isn't marrying her to be a hero, he really and truly loves her, yet Genny keeps bringing up the fact she is still in love with that jerk.

Chapter 8     The Captain's Wife

     After her long, hard cry, Genny is not disappointed when Kyrah comes knocking to initiate a woman-to-woman talk. After establishing the fact that marrying the men they are crazy about is/was the right thing to do, Kyrah returns to the dining room to report Genny will be all right.

   After sitting empty all these years, Garret spends the next few days readying the cottage which he and Genny will move into after the wedding.

   Kyrah keeps Genny busy with shopping, readying her trousseau for the big day. Garret takes Genny on a romantic horse ride to the beach where they frolic in the surf and plan their future. Garret intends to pass ownership to George and give up the sea trade forever. He can afford early retirement. All of their friends from the Phoenix are also just arrived in town for the wedding. 

    The day of the wedding is rather uneventful. That night, Garret asks Genny, straight out, about her conflicting feelings concerning Andrew Cross. He won't force her to share a bed with him. 

    Genny raises an eyebrow, "Andrew who?" That's all the encouragement Garret needs.

       He shows her the house the next day. Naturally, there's a piano. The walled garden will be a pleasure to tend and the Bombay room is all ready with all the things Garret bought for her during their trip and, very soon, he promises, he'll take her back to that exotic place for a proper honeymoon.

    Genny has to pinch herself to make sure she's not dreaming.

Chapter 9      To Sea

    Unfortunately, if Garret wants to retire permanently from the sea, he must make one last business trip to the Americas to personally say good bye to trusted business partners, sign paperwork, ect. Genny dreads his departure. Kyrah reassures her, she knows exactly how Genny feels.

   The night before his big trip, Garret asks Genny if there's anything, anything at all about her father she might remember that he could use to find out exactly what his enemies wanted from him. Genny does recall whenever her father came home to visit her at the boardinghouse, he often spent hours by himself on a solitary rock on the beach-a rock only accessible at low tide.

    Garret leaves and Genny spends the next several days in bed, weeping excessively, too depressed to participate in anything family-related.

   Her entire attitude changes after Genny discovers she's pregnant.

   Garret arrives safely in North Carolina and wastes no time starting his investigation. He calls on the boardinghouse to learn Genny's rooms were broken into, again, not long after they left. Seeing one of Andrew's ships newly docked at the pier, he visits the tavern frequented by Andrew Cross, it's not long until the man himself appears and joins him at the table. Over their drinks, Garret informs Andrew, in case he hadn't figured it out by now, his former girlfriend (Andrew calls her Brandy, Garret never bothers to correct him) is Lady Wentworth now. They know he's behind Timothy Ashton's murder. They are on to him. Andrew swallows his dismay, puts on a cocky face and warns Garret he will have Brandy and there's nothing Garret can do to stop him. And with that, Andrew gets up and exits the tavern.

    Garret has a bad feeling; he will regret playing all his cards at once.

Chapter 10     The Return of the Captain

    Frank, one of the young sailors who works for Garret, wants to come clean: Andrew Cross offered him a significant bribe to spy for him. Frank gave Andrew all the information he was after, including Garret's home address but his conscious has been bugging him about it ever since. Garret is so angry he orders Frank escorted off his ship. (This will be important later.)
   Hours later, Garret goes to the beach at low tide and finds the large rock Brandy described. Taking a shovel he starts digging in the soft, wet, sand and discovers the carefully concealed chest, waterproof, containing all the legal paperwork necessary to put Andrew Cross away for a long, long time. He brings it back on board and they set sail for home.

   But, "merciful heaven" just as they are pulling up to the shores of England, George informs his Captain their ship has a shadow-one of Andrew Cross's vessels has been following them for weeks and, yes, they only just noticed it now.

    They dock at Cornwall anyway. Garret finds Genny in the Bombay room, seated at the piano. She and Garret have a very romantic, tearful reunion. Garret is thrilled to learn he's going to be a father.

    Andrew Cross left something for Genny at the boardinghouse and it is with some misgivings Garret hands over the items: a package containing a braided chain and, yes, it's made of finest silver from the North of Spain. There's also a letter from Andrew in which he declares his undying love for Brandy. 

   Garret watches Genny's face carefully as she reads the letter. She admits her heart still won't let go of her former beau. In a cynical voice, Garret wonders if maybe it was a mistake for them to get married. With that kind of attitude, Genny can't help but agree. 

   Next, Garret tells her about the evidence he literally unearthed and brought home. He's decided if Andrew Cross ever threatens them again, he intends handing over the incriminating papers her father was holding as blackmail. Anything to get Andrew to leave them alone. See, Andrew Cross tricked Timothy into getting involved in the illegal opium trade, using his relationship with Genny as leverage to assure her father's cooperation. That's why Andrew murdered him.

    Brandy is shocked, shocked I tell you, that her husband would even suggest such terrible things about her former boyfriend. Sure, Andrew could be callous and mean, but murder? Impossible!

    Unbelievable as it sounds, at that very moment, the glass door leading outside from the Bombay room into the gardens shatters to reveal none other than the murderer himself. Without saying a word, Andrew aims his gun at Garret and fires, point blank, at his chest. Garret flies backward. Genny screams.

    With so much blood, there can be no question Genny's beloved husband is dead. Nobody could survive such an attack. (or could they?) Genny kneels over the lifeless form lying spread-eagle on the floor, devastated. Andrew, as casually as if he burst into rooms like this everyday, scoops her up and carries her out.

     Genny has already fainted.

     She comes to in a moving carriage. Andrew is sitting with her and expresses relief he was able to rescue her from that horrible beast she didn't really love. Genny has to pick her jaw up off the floor. At first she is furious, demanding Andrew take her back, NOW! But the more Andrew talks to her, the more brainwashed she becomes. 

     At the Inn, Andrew orders the best room, food is brought up and a seamstress from town enters to measure Genny for the new traveling clothes he is having made just for her. In time, Andrew promises her, she will forget Garret. They belong together. She's always been his. Genny never bothers to correct him on her new name. Andrew is not very happy to learn she's pregnant with another man's baby, but he'll do his best to be a good father to it.

    To spite Andrew, Genny orders all her new dresses to be made in black. She is a widow in mourning. Nevertheless, Andrew is taking her back to America. He is her knight in shining armor who just rescued her and that's the end of it. Genny is still too overcome with shock and grief to even think about escaping. She never realized just how much she loved Garret until he was so cruelly taken from her.

Chapter 11    His Eyes

     Genny soon realizes Garret wasn't kidding-Andrew Cross is disgustingly rich! Everything he buys her for their upcoming trip is the finest. The ship he brings her aboard is more luxurious than the Phoenix. But all the money in the world won't bring back Garret. Andrew scowls when Genny points this out. Oh, and she has no intention of sharing the captain's cabin with Andrew. She'll take a private cabin, thank you very much. The more Andrew tries to be oily and charming, the more Genny notices his eyes do not reflect the same honest love and adoration as Garret's did.

   With another sob, Genny flees Andrew's presence and retires to her cabin for another long cry.

    As the days and weeks at sea pass, Genny finds it harder and harder to resist Andrew's passes. He makes several attempts to kiss her but Genny has discovered being "Captain Cross's Woman" has lost all its thrill. She decides the minute they arrive in America, she will demand Andrew turn around and take her straight back to England. Garret may be dead, but his baby deserves to be raised with the people she's come to care for most.

     Garret comes to in a glaring world of blinding light and pain. (Silly reader. Did you really believe Garret was dead? This is an Anita Stansfield novel!) Learning everything that happened, he and Ritcherd begin planning their rescue mission. They will set sail on the Phoenix for America. Somehow, they will find Genny and Andrew Cross.

How convenient Andrew's bullet merely went straight through Garret's lungs, just missing his heart, and exited his body without being fatal. Everyone thinks he's crazy wanting to tag along on this mission, but Garret is anxious to find his wife. He will just have to finish his recuperation during the voyage. What a trooper!

Chapter 12     The Malevolent Captain Cross
    

       The men say goodbye to Kyrah and leave for their journey. Ritcherd practically has to carry Garret everywhere on board the ship, tending to his every need while Garret scowls at being treated like a baby.

     Not sure how Genny found out but she is appalled when she discovers Frank the Traitor is on board Andrew's ship. She slaps him and cusses him out for betraying, even murdering, her late husband. Andrew tries to calm her down but she shrugs him off. Genny spends the next few days avoiding Andrew, giving him the silent treatment if they happen to be around each other.

    When Andrew does try to talk, he gently suggests Genny think about marriage to him. Next, he urges her to spill any information she might have withheld about her father. This sounds so familiar to what those thugs who drugged her were asking, she asks Andrew if had any part in that. Andrew looks away and denies it.

    A few days later, he again confronts Genny in her cabin, insisting she agree to marry him. Genny reminds him Garret was more of a man than he ever was to her when they were dating. Andrew strikes Genny hard enough for her to see stars. Captain Cross's malevolent true nature is revealed as he sexually assaults Genny, forcing her to the bed intending to take advantage of her. Genny struggles and cries out just as the door bursts open and one of the older sailors enters to put a stop to Andrew's wicked intentions. Genny wonders what kind of power this man has over Andrew who exits in a defeated huff without further argument. 

   From then on, Andrew's orders, Genny's cabin is under guard 24/7 and when they arrive in America, she is not allowed to leave or go anywhere without an escort. She makes one attempt to escape but Andrew catches her. She grabs his pistol and points it at him, but can't bring herself to pull the trigger. Not yet. As the ship sets sail for New Orleans, Genny is confined to her cabin.

    Following their arrival in The Big Easy, Genny gives birth to a baby boy in her cabin. Andrew was nice enough to allow a midwife on board to assist with delivery as Genny insisted she didn't want his ship's doctor anywhere near her.

Chapter 13     The Captain's Ghost

    Throughout this entire rescue mission, Garret has been biting his nails. What if Andrew seduced Genny into marrying him? What if he, the gallant hero, comes bursting in, and she laughs in his face? The shores of New Orleans come into view.  Garret can hardly believe it when he sees Andrew's ship docked at the pier. Now this "only semi-thrilling" plan to rescue Genny from their enemy can commence. Here's how it plays out:

    Docking several miles away from the main ports, Garret and Richard take a carriage into the city. Garret sneaks on board Andrew's ship and finds the cabin with the sleeping baby, but no Genny who was allowed shore leave to purchase some necessary items for the next leg of her kidnapping.

   It's a wonder Genny's discovery of Garret, stretched out comfortably on the bed, snuggling the sleeping baby in his arms, didn't alert everyone to his presence. A few needless pages are spent as Garret gives a long speech why he understands if Genny doesn't want him, now that he's back from the dead and would rather stay with Andrew Cross.

   Genny is all: "Are you freakin' kidding me? I love you MORE!!!"

   And with that out of the way, Garret can slip off the ship with the baby carefully concealed under his cloak while Genny gives a lame excuse about a forgotten errand, promising to be right back so there's no need for anyone to go with her. Since Andrew is whooping it up at his favorite tavern tonight and isn't here to enforce the rule, nobody stops her. In fact, nobody suspects anything. They are never followed and no one challenges them even once. Ritcherd picks Genny up in the carriage and they meet Garret at the rendezvous where Patrick and George are waiting to row everyone safely to the Phoenix for more joyous reunions. Garret and Genny agree to name the baby Timothy and make plans to set sail for England as quickly as possible.

   All too easy.

Chapter 14     The Double Cross

    As they stroll on the deck in the warm sunlight, surrounded by open water, Genny informs Garret she saw Frank, that dirty double-crosser. That she slapped him but Andrew was rough with her when he intervened. He left bruises. That was when she knew Andrew Cross was not the kind of man she ever wanted to marry. 
    Garret heaves a sad sigh and tells her about the day of Frank's confession and his impulsive decision to fire Frank. He regrets sending the enemy camp a bonus as it's pretty obvious Frank continued to give information to Andrew. They must be very careful. Andrew's threats to have Genny are real but Garret swears, (despite being too weak to even lift a pistol,) he will never let Andrew Cross hurt her again. Genny takes Andrew's braided chain which Garret hands her and tosses it over the rail into the ocean. (I'll skip the Titanic reference. You get it.) 

    Returning to the Bombay room is poignant for Garret. Ritcherd and Kyrah finally come over from the big house to celebrate Genny's safe return, not to mention the newest addition to the family. Everyone does their best to be positive but...the inevitable shadow of Andrew Cross looms over them all. He's coming! And this time he's not leaving until Garret is really and truly dead. 

   Just one page later, Andrew is announced and brought in. As planned, Genny is alone while Andrew cranks up the charm to get her to come away with him and this is when Garret makes his appearance. Andrew CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

     Garret tells him to take the bundle of papers he was originally after all this time and leave them in peace. Andrew fires his gun at Garret, takes Genny and the incriminating papers and flees to South America. Without another word, Andrew picks up the papers and exits the house just as Garret requested.

     Wow, was it really that easy?

     Over the next several days, Garret is very nervous and anxious. Andrew Cross hates him, he really really wants Genny, will stop at nothing to make her his, yet, all they can do is watch and pray. Genny hopes Garret is right; that if Andrew returns looking for a fight, they will be able to stop him.

     Word comes from the Phoenix. They were boarded, just like in Hong Kong. If Garret doesn't go down there and defend himself against the charge of illegal opium smuggling, he will be arrested and the government will take everything. Genny insists she is going with him. Garret just shrugs.

     Entering the captain's cabin, everyone takes a step back seeing a smirking Andrew Cross rubbing his hands. The men in charge will be entering any minute to arrest Garret. Andrew just couldn't resist coming to watch while Brandy will, of course, be coming with him. 

    The authorities enter, but, to Andrew's great dismay, the man in charge merely greets Garret before turning to arrest Andrew Cross for everything those papers proved about him to be true. Everyone follows the dramatic scene topside. Once the shock wears off, Andrew suddenly punches himself free, grabs one of the soldier's pistols and holds Garret in a fierce lock, pistol firmly pressed against his back. 

   Silently uttering a quick prayer, Genny slips the gun out of George's holster and points it at Andrew. He just laughs, calling her bluff. Silly woman, it is HIM she really loves and they would've been so happy together if only...

     Genny fires the gun, just to shut him up.

     Back at the house, everyone is wondering. How did Garret manage to double cross, er, Cross? And why is Frank here, looking so sheepish? Garret sits everyone down and explains:  
     Little did anyone know, back in Chapter 10, Garret's public display of firing Frank in front of the rest of the crew was just a big bluff. He and Frank planned this whole thing. Of course, Garret didn't expect Andrew to come bursting in like he did, leaving him for dead. Even Frank thought Garret was dead. But, "odd's fish!" Garret is just full of clever little tricks like this; he left notes in predetermined places for Frank to find and thus Andrew Cross was led (most conveniently) into their trap. Why leave everything to chance? They seek him here, they seek him there...The ladies laugh in delight. Garret really should change his name to Sir Percy Blakeney.
    He takes Genny and baby Timothy on a picnic to the beach instead. Genny declares she has learned an important lesson-recognizing the love in a man's eyes is all any woman needs to know he's THE ONE. 

THE END

Author's Note
     The original Captain of Her Heart draft was written in 1986 but it took until 2004 to finally get published. The author is so glad readers have come to love the Buchanan family (as well as Byrnehouse-Davies and Hamilton and Trevor families) as much as she has. Anita is also very glad her fans keep begging her for more and while Anita promises she still has plans in the works for more Buchanan family saga books, (while she promises Volume 5 will come out "very soon" The Captain's Rose won't be published until 2012 and will only be available in ebook/Kindle format only) she feels the time has come to put all of these beloved characters aside and focus on a BRAND NEW project
THIS IS THE STORY ANITA STANSFIELD WAS BORN TO WRITE EVERYONE!!!!

Excerpt from Behind the Mask Vol I of The Horstberg Saga follows

Not published until 2013 and you won't find it under Anita Stansfield but Elizabeth D. Michaels. Available at your local library and published by yet another independent, non-affiliate Deseret Book, publishing company