She still wasn’t sure what happened. If the things that Greylen and his family had told her were true. But if there was even the smallest chance that they somehow were, she wouldn’t take it for granted. She was in too deep already.

She picked up a candle and lit the wick from one that already burned. Then she ran her hands along the tops of the benches as she made her way toward the altar. She sat on her feet and entwined her fingers. And she just sat there not sure where to begin. But she looked up and saw the large wooden beams that ran from one end to the other. Every last detail was perfect here.

Her words came easily then. “Okay, so this is the way I see it. Somehow, I’m here. I don’t know how it happened, but if what Greylen and Gavin said is true, I think I know why.” Gwen paused, frowning at what had escaped her until now. “Please take care of Sara and Mr. MacGreggor. I know she’ll assume I drowned in the accident, but she was all I had left.” Oh, Sara. A tear slipped down her cheek. Would she ever see her again? She was suddenly hit with another revelation—Mr. MacGreggor. She’d found him outside her apartment five years earlier and had taken him in without hesitation. Oddly, she hadn’t had him more than a day before she started calling him by that name.

It took Gwen a minute to continue. And when she did the words came from so deep within, even she was surprised to hear them voiced. “Please let me stay here. It’s the most enchanting place I’ve ever seen, and I love the people already. I’ve been so good for so long, and I’ve worked hard my entire life. I don’t want to go home. I want to stay. Please keep Greylen safe. Bring him home to me.” She quietly whispered amen and wiped her tears as she stood. Gavin was standing in the doorway.

He looked at her so solemnly. “I meant not to intrude. ’Twas concern which brought me within, when you’d not come back out.” He walked to where she stood and knelt before her. “Forgive me, Lady Gwendolyn. I overstepped my bounds. I’ll relieve myself of your watch immediately.”

“No, you won’t. You’re Greylen’s best friend. You should know the truth.”

He seemed astounded at her graciousness and took her hands in his own. “He will return,” he implored. “You must believe me. The prophecy’s come true. This is where you’re meant to be. This is your home now, Lady Gwendolyn.”