“I’m glad you’re happy with it. Laura must’ve asked me a thousand times during the renovation if Adele would be pleased with whatever decision we were making at the moment.”

“Adele is very, very pleased—and not just with the hotel, which is spectacular. I’m also extremely thrilled to see you so happy and in love with such a wonderful young woman.”

“She’s quite something, isn’t she?”

“Oh, Owen… She’s incredible. I already loved her from all our phone conversations, but to spend time with her and to see how much she loves you…” Adele smiled and shook her head. “It does your old granny’s heart good to know you have that in your life—to know you allowed yourself to have it.”

“I didn’t have much choice. She bowled me over from the first time I met her.”

“I can see why.”

“And PS, there’s nothing old about my granny.”

She laughed at that. “Whatever you say, you charmer.” Adele zeroed in on the movement of his hand on Holden’s back. “He’s a sweetheart.”

“He really is.”

“I’m so glad you and Laura can focus on your wedding now and all the exciting things to come. The past is now officially where it belongs. Finally.”

“It’s such a relief, but it’s also surreal. I never thought it would be resolved so easily.”

“I’m not as surprised as I probably should be. Mark’s ego is as healthy as it ever was, and there was no way he was going to let you, your mother and Eva drag him through the mud in public.”

“Thank God she showed up when she did.”

“He could’ve fought back against the two of you, and I bet that was his intention. But he couldn’t do a thing about her, and he knew it. His goose was cooked the minute she walked into the courtroom.”

“It’s amazing when you think about it. All those years, I thought no one knew. I thought people were oblivious.”

“They weren’t oblivious. They were as intimidated by your father as all of you were. He was a powerful man with a powerful temper. No one wanted to cross him.” She reached over to rest her hand on his arm. “I’m only sorry it took this long for someone to come forward on your behalf. It should’ve happened a long time ago.”

“It doesn’t matter now. All that matters is that it happened when it needed to, and now it’s over.”

Sarah came out to join them on the porch. She wore a pretty dress and had obviously spent time on her hair and makeup.

“Going out, Mom?”

“Charlie is taking me to dinner to celebrate.”

“He’s a nice man, Sarah,” her mother said.

“Yes, he is.”

“Will we be seeing you in the morning, then?” Owen asked.