There was a whole new horror in knowing the injured woman in the picture was someone he’d known and loved. But as a documentarian, his personal view did not belong in the piece.

And, knowing it was going to be a two-day drive to get home, he’d already settled his bill at the B and B this morning. His car was packed and he was ready to go, all except saying his goodbyes.

He packed his camera back into the carrying case, the iPad with notes in his bag, and then they all stood.

“Johnny, thank you for the interview and the pictures. When I get a release date from Nat Geo as to when they plan to air it, I’ll let you know. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again, because Blessings is going to become a regular stop-off for me.”

“It’s been an honor to meet you, sir. I’ll look forward to seeing your documentary,” Johnny said. They shook hands, and then Johnny was out the door.

Marc turned to Lovey and smiled as he cupped the side of her face.

“Finding you has been the gift of a lifetime. You know I’m not going to fade out of your life again. And you also know I’m expecting all three of you to come meet the family, so please be figuring out a way to make it happen.”

Lovey felt the love in his touch and let it settle in her heart.

“I will, and there’s something I’ve been wanting to say ever since you appeared. Having you and Sully back in my life was a gift I never saw coming, but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I belong in Blessings. It’s where I’m happiest, and where my heart is. I don’t really belong to anyone here. I have many good friends, and Ruby is my best friend, only none of these people knew the real me. But you did. I once read an article on aging and there was a sentence in it I never forgot. When the last person who knew you as a child has died, when there’s no one left to say ‘remember when’ to, then you’ve lost that part of your life. I feel whole again. Thank you for forgiving me… Thank you for understanding why I gave our baby away.”

Marc frowned. “There is nothing to forgive. Everything you did, you did out of love. You were protecting me from the threat your parents laid down, and you protected our baby the best way you knew how. It was a good thing. Sully’s parents were good to him. They loved him. And they raised a good man. Yes, they lied to him, too, but people react differently to fear, and I know Dolly Raines feared losing the baby to you.”

Lovey threw her arms around him and hugged him tight, then gave him a quick pat on the back.

“I’d better get back to work or the boss will fire me. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”