A LITTLE TWIST OF FATE

Chapter 46

Danielle was standing in the ruined garden staring at what was left of the greenhouse when she heard someone call her name. She turned toward the voice and found Henry by her side.

"I'm truly sorry, Danielle. I know how much she meant to you. I loved her as well. I will miss her greatly."

Danielle nodded turning back to the face the ruined building. "It will be rebuilt," she said, "as a tribute to, not only her memory, but my father's as well."

Henry nodded. "A bright memorial for all to see and remember her by."

Danielle shook her head. "No, Henry, that's not the only reason that I wanted this place rebuilt. "

Henry looked confused.

"She's alive, Henry," Danielle answered his silence. "Thérèse will be watching over all of us for the reset of our lives. She'll need a place to live, a wonderful little place that she'll be able to stay as long as she remains on this earth. I want this to be her home, her legacy." Henry smiled. "And it will be, Danielle. I promise you that. " He looked at her and touched her cheek.

"I always wonder how well you would do as my servant."

Danielle frowned. "Henry Francis! Are you referring to me as a servant again because if you are."

He smiled and shook his head. "I only meant that.."

"I don't care what you meant. There is no reason to keep bringing it up all the time. That was the last thing that ."

Her sentence was cut off by Henry's kiss. When they came up for air, their eyes locked together. He leaned his forehead on hers.

"I know it was the last thing that Thérèse wanted. She told me that the day I set out to find you, before all of this happened. She told me that I was I wrong about everything and it took me a long time to admit it, but I was. I should never have listened to anyone but my heart for it was always right. I knew all along that you weren't a servant. I am so sorry I hurt you, Danielle, and I don't ever want to hurt you again. Not as long as I'm alive."

He was still staring into her eyes. "I've always loved you, Danielle. You must believe that."

"I can only believe what I see, Henry."

"Then see only me, Danielle. See me for what I really am. See me for how much I really do care.

"Can you prove it?"

"If it takes the rest of my life, Danielle. I'll die trying."

Danielle smiled and shook her head. "Promise me that you won't die and leave me alone. I love you too much and I don't want to live without you."

Henry smiled and closed his eyes. He moved his face closer to hers. "I promise, Danielle," he answered and his lips closed around hers.

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