Chapter 10

Together again

Anthony felt very happy, because his mother's promise had been fulfilled. And he was reciprocated by that sweet freckled girl. Vincent Brower spent a week visiting Lakewood, and made the most of it with his son. Of course, the boy had invited Candy to all the activities. At first she objected politely, not wanting to get in the way between him and time with his father. But, they insisted that she accept. The captain wished to know that sweet young lady well, and soon he noticed the looks of love between her and his son. They had gone horse riding, they sailed on Michigan Lake, and they spent a long time chatting in the rose garden, telling many anecdotes in detail. Among them, the reason the Leagan siblings were absent.

- I'm glad nothing happened to you, Candy. I don't understand how they could do that.

- Captain, It's already passed ... Don't worry. - The girl said timidly. –

- Yes dad, nothing happened and they won't disturb for a long time.

- Anthony...

- Yes?

- Son, you already know I must go to France early tomorrow. I have several pending business.

- I know dad, I understand.

- I know it was only a week, but I'll be back soon.

- It was an unforgettable week, dad, I thank you. - The blond said gently. –

- Son, there's something else to do today.

- What is it?

- We'll go visit your mother. - The captain smiled with melancholy. His son's eyes got cloudy. –

- Dad…

- Yes son, I should have done it with you a long time ago. But I know it's not too late yet, I want to tell her that we're together again, and that we'll be fine.

- Dad, she knows it. I'm sure, but we'll go anyway. I also want to talk to her.

- Then, I'll see you later. - Said Candy ready to retire.

- You don't have to leave Candy, you can come too.

- But Anthony...

- No buts Candy, she'll be happy if you visit her with us.

- You're right, son. Candy, you look so much like her... She'll be happy if you come.

- Captain…

- Finally, the blonde agreed to accompany them. Suddenly, her eyes saw a sparkle among the dry leaves of the rose garden, which would bloom again next spring. However, it was not empty yet.

- The last rose that remains is a Sweet Candy! How beautiful it is

- Is this your creation, son?

- Yes dad, the name came from Candy.

- It's beautiful, and its name is very accurate.

Mr. Brower commented smiling, which caused a tender blush in Candy.

- Anthony, let's bring your mom this rose. She'll love it.

- Of course.

The young man took the rose, and thanked Candy for that tender gesture. The three arrived at the cemetery at sunset. They soon found the tombstone where it read:

"Rosemary Andley"

Beloved daughter, sister, niece, wife, and mother. Always beautiful, like the rose in spring.

The first to speak was the captain.

- My beloved Rosemary... I'm sorry it took me so long to come see you dear. My pain was so deep when you left, that I walked away from our son. I didn't want him to suffer even more for my condition. But now, I realize that it wasn't right. That's why, today we are together again. I'll find a way to be with him longer. I know it's your wish, I love you.

The kind man smiled, wiping away his tears. He felt great peace after speaking to his beloved, and that the sadness that remained was finally healed. His son embraced him affectionately, and then he knelt along with Candy. Anthony spoke with great sweetness.

- Hi mom, here I am. I do not doubt you're very happy now. Thank you for all your love, it was not easy for me to be without you and dad being so small. But now, I don't feel lonely anymore. Thanks to you, to your promise fulfilled, and to someone I want to introduce to you, Candy.

- It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rosemary. With everything I've heard about you, I know you were a great person. I didn't have a mother, but I do receive maternal love, from two gentle teachers who raised me. You have a wonderful son, he is my best friend. Today we bring this rose to you, it was created by him.

- It's called Sweet Candy. See you soon mom, I love you and I always keep you in mind, as you told me that time.

The blond smiled with warm tears in his eyes like the sky. Like his father, he felt peace and relief in his heart. Candy embraced him sweetly, moved and happy. That is how they ended that special week.

The next day, the two blondes and the Cornwell brothers accompanied the captain to the port.

- Take care a lot, guys.

- You too uncle.

- Anthony, I'll be back soon, son. I promise.

- Good trip dad. - He replied smiling, with a hug.

- Candy...

- Good trip, captain. - The blonde said sweetly. –

At that moment, the man wrapped her in his arms with great affection, and whispered in her ear:

- My son is lucky to be with you.

Candy was amazed; she had never felt the embrace of a father. And just that morning, for the first time she felt it. It was warm, protective, and tender. She gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek, and whispered:

- He's my best friend in the world.

Meanwhile, in New York...

The Dandelion Troupe was progressing favorably. Well, they had been invited to appear at the theater all week, after the owner saw them performing in a plaza. They received great profits, and on Sunday, a visit.

- Hanako!

- Brother!

It was Kennosuke's younger sister. She was a beautiful and nice young lady who studied singing. Her voice was beautiful, and several years ago, she had met the company. She had missed her brother a lot when he had to leave Japan. But he kept his promise to seek her as soon as he was older. They were orphans when they were little, but since they met the troupe, they became their new family. Growing up, Hanako dedicated herself to travel around the world giving beautiful concerts. And whenever she could, she visited them. The two siblings hugged tightly.

- Sister…

- Kennosuke, I missed you so much.

- I missed you too.

- Hi, Hanako!

- Hello everyone, I'm glad to see you again.

On the other hand, the Leagan siblings were arriving to Scotland, the trip was hectic, and uncomfortable. Because they had gone through a strong storm, Eliza was dizzy almost daily, her face had turned pale green, and the beds were hard and they didn't sleep well. So, they were more cranky and rude than usual. However, even more unpleasant surprises awaited them.

Soon Archie's birthday came, it was celebrated happily in Lakewood. Annie was invited, and with a tender and at the same time shy smile, she handed the young man his gift.

- Happy birthday Archie, I hope you like it.

The boy opened the box. It contained a blue scarf, and a small card that read:

"Happy birthday, I wove it with all my love.

Annie"

- Thank you very much Annie, I love it.

- I'm glad.

- Do you want to dance, pretty girl?

- I'd love to.

Annie was happy to be with the boy she liked. And Archie, dancing with her on that occasion, felt something strange inside him, but it was also beautiful. He felt that he wanted to get closer to Annie; a beautiful feeling for her was born in his heart.

To be continued…