Several feet below, Amelia and Sydney stood conversing quietly as they watched the antics of a horde of children running around Somerton’s favored sunken garden.Somerton’s almost-betrothed’s exuberant daughter, Sophie, led the pack of wild ones around the tall hedges, flowing fountains, and thick vines of the garden. Joining Sophie was her friend, Teddy; Amelia’s son, Leo; and Giles Clarke.It was good to see them all scampering about. For the first few weeks after Latymer’s death, they wondered if Giles would ever speak again. If not for Sophie Ashcroft’s effusive and managing ways, he might not have done so for quite some time.The little girl had not only helped transition Giles into his new home, but she’d helped Leo as well.Amelia glanced up at Mac and smiled.He winked at her in return.Excusing herself, she climbed the expansive steps to join him. Sydney threw him a knowing smile before joining the children in the sunken ring of terror.Watching Amelia’s progress up the stairs, Mac’s heart began its familiar anticipatory rhythm.
