Ruth nodded tentatively. She knew what Edward said was true, but she also knew she should have been stronger. The stakes had been too high. And she had failed.
She stood, wiped her tears, and went to the kitchen, where she poured herself and Edward each a glass of water.
“You have no idea how much it means to me that you came here yesterday. That you are still here.”
“I hope you know by now how much I care for you.”
Ruth smiled softly. She wasn’t sure she deserved to be cared for, but she felt overwhelming gratitude for Edward’s steadfast friendship.
“Edward Wilkinson, you are the kindest, most genuine man I have ever known. I am lucky to have you in my life.” She squeezed his hand. “If your schedule allows, maybe we can have dinner together tonight, here at Magnolia Bluff?” She felt her face suddenly growing warm. “You know I’ve always considered that guest room to be yours?”
“I would like that very much.” Edward smiled and kissed Ruth, tentative and tender, on the forehead. “I’ll just need to call Steven and let him know I won’t be home tonight.” He blushed and looked away.
“Or invite him along if you like.” She smiled back at him. She had been waiting years for him to be forthright with her about his private life. Didn’t he know she wouldn’t give it a second thought? “Now leave me to finish sorting through and packing this up.”
“Are you going to send it back to Robert?”
“I don’t think so. At least some of it needs to go to the review board; I want to be sure they have ample evidence to revoke his license. And some to the New York School of Medicine for their archives. Perhaps some research scholar can find a use for it all. And then”—Ruth’s face fell again—“I have a contact at the Times who would probably be very interested in this story . . . Now go! You’re distracting me and I want to get this done.”
Edward laughed and walked to the door. “See you for dinner. Although I might come back and bring you some lunch too.”
She smiled at Edward in spite of herself. The past few days had been agony, and she knew that the hardest part—the true reckoning—lay ahead. Yet, perhaps, with him by her side, the sting might not be quite as sharp.
Epilogue
One Year Later
“I think they’re here.” Ruth heard a car on the gravel. “Do you have the paper?”
“Of course I have it.” Edward followed Ruth to the front door of the carriage house, a crisp newspaper folded under his arm.
“And you really haven’t read it yet? Steven didn’t give you a preview?”
“No, he left this morning before I was even up. Had an early consultation. He was sorry not to be able to be here for you today. Anyway, we agreed, didn’t we?”
“Yes. And you are nothing if not a man of your word.” Ruth smiled appreciatively at him as she stepped out on the front porch of her little home.
The car had barely stopped before the back door burst open and John and Maisy leapt out. “It’s so warm today, can we swim in the ocean? Please? Please?”
“Kids! Give Auntie Ruth a moment before you bombard her. We’ve only just arrived.” Margaret laughed as she stepped out of the car and walked around to give Ruth a warm hug. “As you can see, the children have been waiting all spring for a warm day to play on your beach.”
“Well, aren’t we lucky that the weather has cooperated. As a matter of fact, I had a feeling you might like some time in the sand. Susie and Meg are already waiting down by the water with a picnic! Shall we head to the beach?”
“Hooray! A picnic! We don’t have to use forks!” the children yelled as they ran ahead of the adults.