Who was she to be living this life? And yet, who was she not to? Like anyone else, she’d had to make sacrifices and accept her limitations, but her ability to choose her perspective and find joy in even the broken bits was as whole and as real as anyone else’s too.
And while Duncan might have a more literal brain than most people, and some odd mannerisms, those things did not prevent him from being the best man she’d ever known. The people who cast him side glances and snickered at his out-of-context comments were far less important to her than those who were drawn to him. Delores. The people at church. Dr. Randall. Lord and Lady Howardsford. And, oddly enough, Harry, who came to visit every few months and had a grand time debating Duncan on whatever topic he’d tried—unsuccessfully—to educate himself on in the months between.
Duncan and Harry would never hunt together or race carriages or fence, but why was that the only way to build a relationship?
Why, indeed?
“I am returned.”
She looked up to see Duncan standing in the doorway, hat in hand and shrugging out of his jacket. He hung the garment on the hooks he’d insisted be installed inside the doorway just like the hooks in his old rooms.
Leon had nearly fallen asleep, so she placed him on her lap and did up the buttons of her dress. “You’re home early.”
“As I have an early appointment in the morning, I thought it reasonable to come home early tonight to make up for the extra time I shall be in the office tomorrow.” He crossed the room and sat in his favorite green chair beside her. He looked at their son a moment before looking up at her, staring slightly past her left ear. “I was very excited to see you today.”
She smiled. “Were you?”
He met her eye. “I just said that I was.”
“Right,” she said with a laugh. Precise language. “Why were you particularly excited to see me today?”
“Because it was exactly two years ago today that you and I made vows to one another, which makes it a good day to reflect on the companionship we have enjoyed since that time. I bought you a gift.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
Hazel was embarrassed to have forgotten their anniversary, but then, in her mind, their marriage hadn’t truly started that day. She shifted Leon so Duncan could hold him while she took the small box Duncan offered to her.
Duncan gently took the baby and rested him over his shoulder. Touching their child had not been a problem for Duncan, and he was completely delighted with fatherhood. Duncan stood and began to pace, patting his hand against Leon’s back.
She opened the box to find a silver pendant in the shape of the infinity sign. A thin line of diamonds studded the surface and caught the afternoon sun with a thousand points of light.
“Duncan,” she said softly as she lifted the necklace from the box. “This is beautiful. However did you find something this perfect in Ipswich?”
“It is not from Ipswich. It was crafted by a silversmith in Italy.”
“Italy?” Hazel said, looking up as Duncan hit his seventeenth step and turned, still patting Baby Leon’s back.
“I mailed the design and payment to the silversmith eight months, two weeks, and three days ago. It arrived in September. Physical tokens can become a symbol of a person’s devotion and affection, especially when given as an association of a significant date.”
She looked from the symbol of eternity to Duncan. “This is a symbol of your devotion to me?”
“Yes.”
“Because you love me.”
“Certainly.”
She fastened the chain around her neck, then fingered the pendant. “I love you too, Duncan.”
“Wonderful.”
The baby burped, and Duncan held him out at arm’s length, hands under the baby’s arms so they braced Leon’s head. He smiled widely at the baby, who blinked back at his father.
“Life is a fascinating experience full of unexpected adventures and exciting discoveries.” He pulled the baby back tenderly to his chest and turned to look at Hazel. “Would you be interested in physical intimacy tonight? Dr. Randall says that it is acceptable if you feel sufficiently comfortable, but that I am not to encourage you if you feel you need more time to properly recover from childbirth.”
Sometimes it was all she could do not to laugh out loud. She shook her head at the thought of anyone overhearing their conversations. “I would like that, Duncan.”
“Wonderful. Now I shall take Leon with me to see Elizabeth in the kitchen. Delores has sent her some fish.”
He began to leave the room, then stopped and returned to her, bending down to kiss her. He pulled back slightly and met her eye. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
And she knew he meant every word.
I have loved writing the Mayfield Family Series and am so grateful for those readers who have enjoyed them as well. Hazel and Duncan’s story was one I had looked forward to, as it provided me with new challenges and an opportunity to write unique characters. I loved showing how they grew together through their struggles and found that place where they could be the best version of themselves within a fulfilling partnership.
The wonderful Jennifer Moore (Inventing Vivian, Covenant 2021) and Nancy Campbell Allen (The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart, Shadow Mountain 2021) were, as always, my cheerleaders and brainstormers start to finish.
Brittany Larsen (The Matchmaker’s Match, Covenant 2018) read the manuscript in its entirety and gave me essential feedback, as did my sister, Jenifer Johnson. She helped me get Duncan’s character sorted out thanks to her experience as a Special Ed teacher. Leah Garriott (Promised, Shadow Mountain 2020) helped me find math puzzles as needed.
Each of these women helped this book become something I could be proud of, and I am so grateful for their support, both professionally and personally.
Thanks to the team at Shadow Mountain—Chris Schoebinger, Heidi Taylor Gordon, Lisa Mangum, Heather Ward, Breanna Anderl, Troy Butcher, Callie Hanson, and Haley Huffaker.
This book was written during the most difficult period of my life, which perhaps makes me love it even more because it helped me remember that, though shadows come and dark corners exist within every experience, we can choose to find our way to brighter horizons and accept the beautiful imperfections of our lives.
I am grateful for the love and support of my children, my family and friends, and the dear readers who allow me to do what I love and love what I do. Much thanks goes to my Father in Heaven for helping me to see the step ahead, even if I only get to see one at a time.
1. Did you find Hazel a likable character at the beginning of the book or did it take time for you to connect with her character? Was there a moment when your feelings toward her changed?