And when Dare pulled her close and kissed her she responded with a passion that told him, without a doubt, that every word she said was true.
EPILOGUE
“Thank you so much for coming, Dare.” Robyn clasped his hand for a second and her eyes brimmed with tears.
Then she turned to Erin. “And Erin how can I ever thank you?” She took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Erin in a fierce hug. Then she stepped back and dabbed daintily at her eyes with a handkerchief.
“I’m so glad you were able to make it for the funeral. Mom had a special place in her heart for you, Erin. You know that, don’t you?” She dabbed at her nose then tucked her hankie into her purse. “That’s why I was so distressed when I couldn’t reach you. Mom would never have forgiven me.” She looked over at Dare. “Did Erin tell you I was always jealous of her?” She gave a little laugh. “Mom was always comparing the two of us. Erin was the angel and I was the devil.” She shrugged. “It took me a long time to realize what Mom wanted me to learn from Erin - her strength, her determination.” Her eyes took on a faraway look. “During those last days in her battle with cancer we talked…more than we talked all my years growing up in the house. And that’s when I began to understand her and how much she wanted the best for me.”
She took a deep breath then pasted a brave smile on her lips. “I guess it’s time for me to grow up now.” She touched Erin on the shoulder then turned and walked across the churchyard to the limousine where the rest of her family waited patiently for her.
After she climbed into the car and they drove off Erin turned to her husband. “Thanks for coming with me,” she said.
"I wouldn’t have let you come alone,” he said with a smile. “Now let's get back to the hotel before Princess Soleil drives poor Francine crazy.”
With a chuckle he put his arms around her shoulder and Erin put her arm around his waist knowing that she had the greatest blessing in the world. She was loved.
THE END