Having let out her
frustration, Grace sunk into the chair behind her and covered her face with her hands. I looked at Verity, whose face registered deep concern. I gave her a questioning look and when she tipped her head toward her sister, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I got up and quickly moved around to where Grace was sitting and knelt in front of her.
"Grace," I said softly. "Listen to me. We're going to figure this out and make sure your family is okay. I promise."
"Don't promise me things that you can't guarantee!" she cried from behind her hands. "You don't know this community like I do! Uncle Amos controls everything, and there's no way that the three of us are going to be able to work around his edicts. It's hopeless!"
"Don't say that, Grace," I said taking her hands and pulling them away from her face. She looked up at me with damp eyes and tears running down her cheeks. I reached out and cupped her face as I held her gaze and said, "Grace, I promise that we are going to find a way to make sure your family is taken care of. I can't promise that I'll be good enough to sell my product, but I swear I'll make sure that your family has enough to keep the farm going."
"You promise? Don't lie to me," she said as her face crumpled. I let go of her hand and pulled her to me so that her sobs were muffled against my chest.
"I promise," I whispered as I kissed the top of her head and held her tightly. "No lies."
Chapter Thirty-Three
Grace
When the car pulled up in front of the house, I descended the stairs dressed in a blue sheath and nude heels that were meant for Chicago and I yelled for Danny to go get my suitcase. I ducked into Adam's room and closed the door.
"Whoa, you look totally different when you're dressed as a city girl," he said smiling as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.
"I'll take that as a compliment," I said leaning back and looking up at him. He smiled and nodded as he brushed the hair away from my face.
"It's a little jarring after being used to seeing you in your Amish dresses, but no matter how you slice it, you're a beautiful woman," he said before kissing me again. I felt my stomach flip at the compliment, and I kissed him a little harder in response.
"I should be back in the city by lunch, but I'm not sure how much time I'm going to have as I try to sort out the financials for Mike," I said looking at my watch. "You've got my number, so call me if you need anything."
"We won't," he said tracing my lower lip with his thumb. "You take care of business in Chicago, and we'll get all the pieces in place to do the sales pitch when you get back next week."
"Are you sure you can be away that long?" I said feeling concerned about his absence from his business partner. "I mean, weren't you supposed to be back after a couple of days?"
"It's fine, Grace," he said rolling his eyes. "I'm my own boss, and you don't have to worry about me. Besides, I still have to collect the Mustang and drive it back to Chicago."
"You could ride back to the city with me and have someone else drive the car back," I suggested, not wanting to let go of him. "Then we could drive back down together next week."
"Grace, someone needs to stay here and put the pieces in place," he said as his smile grew wider. He bent down and whispered into my lips, "Besides, it wouldn't be right for you to arrive at work mussed after three hours of backseat making out and groping."
"You are incorrigible!" I laughed as I kissed him quickly and snuck a glance at my watch. "I need to get going if I'm going to make it to the office on time!"
"Then go! No one is keeping you here!" he laughed as he swatted my backside. "Besides, I've got work to do around the farm, woman!"
"Oh my gosh," I laughed as I rolled my eyes. "You have lost your mind, Mr. Wallace."
"That's English to you, missy," he grinned as he pulled me to him one last time, kissing me deeply before he said, "I will miss you, Grace."
"I will miss you, too, Adam," I whispered as I looked up into his amber eyes and took a mental picture. "But I'll see you next week, and you can always call me if you get too lonely."
"I'll do that," he said as he released me and opened the bedroom door.
"Grace! The car is waiting!" Honor shouted through the screen door. "Hurry up!"
"I'm coming!" I yelled back as I detoured through the kitchen and found Verity finishing up the breakfast dishes. I reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into a tight hug as I said, "I'll be back. I promise."
"Oh, Grace, I know you will be," she said as she squeezed me tightly. "I will miss you."
"I'm coming back, Verity," I said. "I'll be back soon."
"Grace, I know you want to help," she said as she stepped back and held me at arm’s length. She wore a look of concern as she said, "You don't belong here, Grace. Don't set your sights on coming back and staying. You belong out in the world where you're free. Mamm and Dat always said that they were happiest knowing you had found freedom even though they missed you terribly."