Until Tomorrow

by Kari Lee Harmon

  “I thought I was doing the right thing by leaving,” he admitted, staring down at their hands and looking ashamed.

  “I know.” She tightened her grip. “And it’s okay.”

  His forehead wrinkled. “No, it’s not okay. I thought it would be easier not seeing you, and that I would protect myself from getting hurt. But I came back missing you terribly and hurting something fierce anyway. I thought you’d left. When you hadn’t, I thought I’d been given another chance even though I didn’t deserve it.” He looked her in the eyes. “But when I went to your house yesterday—”

  “I knew someone was there,” she said weakly. “I felt you.”

  He continued to stroke her hair tenderly. “I should have stayed and confronted you. Instead, I thought I was setting you free and giving you what you wanted. Mark.”

  She shook her head a little. “I didn’t want Mark. I don’t think I ever did.”

  “No?” Logan’s voice sounded raspy.

  “No, Doc. I want you.”

  “But Mark’s so perfect.” Logan frowned. “He has a great job. He has a great background. He—”

  “Isn’t you.” It took a lot of effort to lift her hand, and she tried to hide her pain as she stroked his jaw, brushing his lips with her fingertips. “I don’t love him, McGiant. I love you.”

  Logan covered her hand with his own and turned his face into her palm to kiss it. “Well, that’s good because I love you, too. That’s why you need to fight to stay with me.”

  Tears pooled in Emma’s eyes. “Do you really love me? I know I’m not Amanda, but—”

  “No, you’re not, but that’s also okay. Amanda was my past. You are my future. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  “But what if I—”

  “Don’t say it.” He cut her off. “You make me happy. When I’m with you, I feel alive. With you I have fun, which is something I never thought I would have again.” His voice hitched, and he cleared it. “I can’t believe that would be taken from me twice.”

  “It won’t happen,” she said, trying to reassure him now. “I promised Trevor one heck of a story.” She glanced around and a weak laugh escaped from her lips. “I’d say this will do.”

  “I say we take time to have more adventures until we grow old. What do you say, sweetheart?”

  Emma blinked, her throat clogging with emotion at the implication his words incited. “What do you mean?”

  “Marry me, Emma Hendricks. I know we’ve only known each other for a little while, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. After the adventure we’ve been on, don’t you think we owe it to ourselves and to Kathleen and Joseph not to waste any more time?”

  “But…” she couldn’t finish her thought as the room around her began to spin. She vaguely heard the sirens of the ambulance grow louder.

  “No buts, just fight.” Logan gripped her hand and didn’t let go as he added urgently, “I’m gonna make sure you marry me, Lois.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that, Doc,” was the last thing Emma remembered whispering before she slipped into unconsciousness.

  8 Months Ago: Boston, Massachusetts

  Katy Ford lay in her bed at her quaint home on the waters of the Boston coast, surrounded by her daughter Josephine Ruth Ford-McDonald, her daughter’s husband, her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Katy was ninety-eight years old and had lived a long full life, just as Joseph would have wanted. She smiled when thinking of Joseph Henry Rutherford III, and thought about who she had once been back in those days.

  Kathleen Connor.

  A married woman, abused by her husband, forsaken by her family, and shunned by the town. She’d had nothing left to live for, all because she’d stood up for herself. But then she’d met Joseph and her life had changed. He’d become her reason for being, and he’d saved her from a life of pain. If it hadn’t been for him and the hope he had given her and the lessons he had taught her, she never would have had the will to go on and become something more. And become something more, she had…

  World famous poet, Katy Ford.

  On top of all of that, he had given her a precious piece of him. A daughter she’d named Josephine Ruth Ford after him. Kathleen had changed her name and started over in Boston with their baby girl, leaving her family and his to wonder whatever became of them. But Kathleen had put the past behind her, living for the moment and in the future, where her daughter had given her a family. The only one she needed. Kathleen had been happy. She’d never remarried, content with her memories of Joseph and her grandbabies. People connected with her poems and her writing had taken her on many adventures.

  Joseph would have been so proud.

  When Kathleen was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, she’d known she didn’t have long at her age. She was too old and frankly, her heart was tired. It was ready to be rejoined with the love of her life. She’d waited a long time for this, having always known one day they would be reunited again. She’d stopped dwelling on the past a long time ago, but had always known in her soul, when the time was right, the truth would come out. She didn’t know how or when, but she knew it would.

  She could feel it.

  And with that, she was free to be at peace with her love. “It’ll be okay, sweetheart,” she said to Josephine. “I’m going to be with Daddy, and everything will be all right. You’ll see.”

  Her daughter had been a college professor of women’s studies, publishing many of her own pieces on women’s rights and feminism, now happily retired having led a fulfilling life of her own as a strong independent woman. Kathleen had never been prouder. Her work was done here now, and it was time to go off on her next adventure.

  Kathleen remembered back to the night she’d lost her love. After she’d set fire to Joseph’s boat and given him a burial at sea, she’d placed the final map into a glass bottle and sealed it with a kiss, tossing it out to sea with an, “Until Tomorrow, my love,” vowing one day she would be reunited with him.

  Joseph had given her so many gifts. He came into her life when she needed someone the most, making her believe she had value and it was okay to speak her mind and long for something more. And she had given him happiness in a time when he was so lonely and wounded. He’d never really gotten over the war or his nightmares, but for a while, he had been happy with her. And now he was at peace. She would be forever grateful for every second they had shared together and would never regret a moment of her time with him.

  Now that it was time for her to join him, she blew a kiss to her daughter as she said, “I love you, my darling Josi Girl,” and then she closed her eyes, whispering to the man of her dreams, “I’m coming, my love.”

  And then she was gone.

  “We’re too late,” Emma said in the present, while standing with the help of crutches on the deck of Kathleen’s cottage by the sea. Emma and Logan had thought about buying the old place, but it had already sold to someone else according to the sign in the yard.

  “That’s okay, babe,” Logan said from behind her as he slipped his arms around her waist and slid his hand over her tummy. “This place wouldn’t have been big enough for Trevor, you and myself, now that we’re expecting our little surprise.”

  She placed her hand over his, feeling thankful to be alive and for her second chance at happiness. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

  “I’m more than okay with being a father again. I love you.” He kissed her neck. “I was dead before you came into my life. You’ve saved me in so many ways. Knowing we are having a baby together is a blessing. I was actually shocked I didn’t feel afraid like I thought I would. In fact, I think you’re more afraid than I am. I’m so ready for this: you, the baby, our life together. I want it all.”

  She leaned her head back against him. “I’m so happy to hear you say that, and yeah, I’m scared to death.” He chuckled as she continued. “I didn’t even know I wanted children until we were on the island. But as much as I love the idea of being a mot
her, I never would have done anything to make you unhappy.”

  “I know, and I love you for it.” He leaned down and kissed the side of her neck. “And I love this baby. It’s going to be okay, Emma. It’s going to be more than okay. You’ve changed me for the better, and I owe you everything. Seeing you this happy fills me with joy.”

  Suddenly her phone buzzed from inside her pocket. She pulled the phone out and read the text. Looking up at him in surprise, she said, “I won an award. Can you believe it?”

  “That doesn’t surprise me. Your story on Kathleen Connor and Joseph Rutherford was award-worthy. You told the truth and set the record straight all while being sensitive to both sides. Your compassion for the multiple parties involved was clearly evident, as was your way with words. You have a real talent. You should be proud. I know I am.”

  “Thanks. Still, I feel like something’s missing. We know what happened with Joseph. I just wish there was a way we could find out what happened to Kathleen. We know she left, but it’s like she vanished. I hope she found the peace and happiness she deserved.”

  “She did,” came an unfamiliar voice from the side of the house. A woman Emma didn’t recognize walked around the cottage and onto the deck. She looked familiar, but Emma couldn’t place her.

  “I’m sorry, who are you?” Emma asked, eying her curiously.

  Logan stepped around beside Emma in an equal show of support, but she knew he was ready to protect her at a moment’s notice. As independent as she was, she secretly loved his chivalry.

  “I’m the one who should be sorry. Forgive my manners.” The woman held out her hand. “I’m Josephine Ruth Ford, aka daughter of the famous poet Katy Ford.”

  Emma’s mouth fell open.

  Logan looked at her with wide eyes when the woman’s words registered.

  Emma closed her mouth and shook herself out of her stupor. “Sorry, that’s my favorite poet. I’m Emma Hendricks and this is my fiancé Dr. Logan Mayfield.”

  Josephine shook both their hands. “I know exactly who you are. You’re the woman who wrote a story about my mother.”

  Emma frowned. “I’ve written lots of stories, but none about Katy Ford the poet. Trust me, that one I would remember.”

  “Ah, but Katy Ford wasn’t always a poet.” Josephine carefully said, “She was formerly known as Kathleen Connor.”

  Emma gasped, her stomach jumping into her throat. She stood there for a moment in silence, and then a slow smile spread across her face. Kathleen had gotten her happy ending after all. Emma took a minute to process everything she’d heard before replying, “So Kathleen Connor changed her name to Katy Ford when she left?”

  “Yes. My mother knew my father’s parents would have never allowed her to keep me if they had known about my existence. If she’d lost me, it would have killed her, and Joseph Rutherford would not have wanted that. So she changed her name to Katy Ford and me to Josephine Ruth Ford and never looked back. She never remarried or had any other children, but she most definitely became the something more my father would have wanted.”

  “I’ll say,” Emma said, still in shock.

  “She talked about my father but never told me the whole story. You don’t know the gift you’ve given me. You’ve cleared my mother’s name and reputation, and given me a piece of her past I never thought I would have. I am the one who bought this cottage. It helps ease the acceptance of her passing.”

  “I hope you don’t mind, but can I ask what happened to her?”

  “My mother lived a long full life. She was ninety-eight. Nine months ago, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She knew she didn’t have long to live, but she held on until suddenly she was at peace. She said something like, ‘It’s done. I can go now.’ I didn’t understand at the time, but now I’m beginning to think I do now. She was waiting for you to write her story.”

  Emma sat in shock over Josephine’s words. Suddenly everything made perfect sense. “Nine months ago, my life was completely turned upside down,” she confessed. “I felt so lost and alone, I didn’t know what I was going to do. But then I discovered this poetry by Katy Ford. I could relate to her voice in so many ways. She wrote about the coast of Maine a lot, so I followed my instincts and decided to spend my summer in Beacon Bay. That’s where I found the bottle with the map in it, and that’s what started my quest. I became obsessed with Kathleen Connor, feeling a connection to her I couldn’t explain. In telling her story, I found the greatest treasure of all.” Emma took Logan’s hand in hers. “Love.”

  “That sounds just like my mother.” Josephine smiled. “She was the most compassionate, caring woman I’ve ever known. So proud and brave and independent. Very much like you, I must say.”

  “I always thought we were a lot alike, and she helped me more than you’ll ever know. I was only repaying the favor. I don’t know how she managed to live in a time that didn’t value her independent spirit. I’m so happy she was happy. She deserved that. She truly was an amazing woman.”

  “She was. And now because of you, the whole world knows it.”

  Epilogue

  One Year Later: Beacon Bay, Maine

  “You okay, Dr. Worrywart?” Emma asked while standing behind the wheel of Logan’s new boat. Her crutches were long gone, but she was left with a permanent limp. Strangely, she didn’t mind because it made her think of Joseph and reminded her every day of how lucky she was to be alive.

  The boat was a gift from Logan’s father-in-law he couldn’t turn down—most likely so he wouldn’t risk the Mandy Marie again. Logan’s son Trevor was delighted because he instinctively knew it would be his someday. That was probably why he’d named it the Trevinator.

  “Very funny, Mrs. Worrywart,” Logan said dryly while standing behind her with his arms waiting and ready should she slip up and need his assistance. “I still don’t like the water, but at least I compromised and agreed to start our honeymoon with a quick trip to our island.”

  “And I appreciate that,” she said with a soft tone. “You know how important it is for me to thank Kathleen.”

  “I know.” He hugged her, adding in a tender voice, “It’s also where we fell in love.”

  Her voice turned serious as she looked up at him with everything she felt in her heart. “Have I told you how lucky I am to have you in my life?”

  His expression softened and he wrapped his arms around her tight as if he never wanted to let go. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too. And I promise, as soon as we throw our bottle into the sea by the island, we can fly away to our honeymoon in Hawaii and never look back.”

  “Deal. Now let me ask you. Are you okay with leaving little Katy for a whole week?” He eyed her knowingly, and she knew he would turn the boat around in an instant if she wanted him to. He always put her first, even though she knew how much he was looking forward to a week on a gorgeous modern island with all the amenities.

  Emma could feel her face pale when his words sank in. “I know little Katy will be in great hands with them. Besides big brother Trevor is on duty. It’s all good, right?” Emma swallowed hard and repeated, “Right?”

  “She’ll be fine.” Logan cupped her cheek. “I promise.”

  Emma took a deep breath, suddenly realizing why her husband worried so much. Being responsible for someone else’s life was a heavy burden. One she welcomed with more love than she ever thought possible, but feared nonetheless. She couldn’t imagine raising a baby alone like Kathleen had. Focusing on the task at hand, she put her worries and fears aside and decided to enjoy the first of many adventures with her new husband.

  They pulled up as close as they could to the island and threw the anchor. This time it stuck. Finally, something was going to go right for Emma, but she was still worried she would never be able to do enough to show her gratitude to Kathleen. Emma had been so lost, and Kathleen had grounded her, the connection between them powerful and strong. She’d shown Emma that it was okay to be herself and had taught her not t
o settle. To go after her dreams and fight for what she wanted. But mostly Kathleen had taught Emma that everything was going to be all right.

  “Okay, this is it. Did you put the map in there?” she asked Logan.

  “Yes, honey.” His voice was filled with patience.

  “A blank map with no code?” she clarified just to be sure.

  “Yes, Emma. Whoever finds this bottle will be free to create their own journey by following a map to anywhere. The point is the journey itself, right?”

  “Exactly. And what about the letter?” She needed to make sure everything went right for Kathleen. Emma owed her that much. She owed her everything.

  “I’ve got the letter, too, sweetheart. Don’t worry so much. It’s all here. She knows you’re thankful, Emma. You’ve done enough.” He cupped her cheeks in his hands and made her look him in the eye. “It’s okay to let go now.”

  Emma squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath, then nodded. “I’m trying.” Emma kissed the bottle and so did Logan, then she tossed it as far as she could, saying, “Until tomorrow.”

  No sooner had that happened than a rare double rainbow appeared across the horizon, looking like lovers embracing in an ethereal glow. Kathleen had found her Joseph. It was a sign. Tomorrow was today, and life couldn’t be better, so don’t waste it. A gust of wind picked up, carrying the scent of pine. Emma breathed deeply and a feeling of being blessed filled her. She shared a knowing smile filled with the promise of happiness and a world of possibilities with her new husband as they wrapped their arms around each other.

  Thank you was a whisper on the wind.

  Kathleen had given her blessing for Emma to embrace life and seek out her next grand adventure. And Emma vowed never to let herself down again, and to carry Kathleen’s message forward with her own daughter.

  Staring up at the rainbow, Emma whispered back, “You’re welcome,” finally feeling free to let go and live the life she was meant to live.