“Are you ready to go real high, buddy?” Mike asked.
“Yeah, Daddy! High!”
There was another round of squeals, and my heart was so full of love it was ready to burst.
After Grandpa died, I thought I would be alone, but my life was the exact opposite. I was surrounded by family and love. The only missing piece was Wesley. After he left Salem, he never made contact again. I kept faith that someday he might be able to. Margaret said she’d try to pass along my messages if he reached out. But every time I asked, she said she hadn’t heard from him.
I suspected she was part of the Alchemists, too. I touched the bracelet that I wore all the time as a reminder of my friendship with Wesley. It didn’t matter how much time passed; nothing would change how much I cared about him.
“Sand! Daddy! Sand! Play!”
“Okay, buddy, let me get you out of the swing so you can play in the sand.”
Mike picked up Axel and kissed him on the cheek. He placed him in the sand with his bucket and shovel. “Stay right here where Mommy and Daddy can see you.”
Our picnic blanket was set beside the sandbox since Axel loved to play in it. It kept him entertained. While Axel played, Mike came over to sit behind me. I leaned back against him while he put his hands on my stomach.
“How’s our daughter?”
“She’s good.” Kick. Kick. Kick. “She loves the sound of your voice.”
Mike’s hands possessively held me as she kicked repeatedly against his touch. “I love her, too. Mom and Dad are coming up next week. They’re going to stay in a house they rented until our little girl gets here. They’re actually staying in the house I rented when I first came to Salem, so they’ll be close by in case we need help.”
I was seven months pregnant. Axel had decided to come into the world two weeks early, and he’d sped through all the different milestones. With the progression of this pregnancy, the doctors suspected I might go into labor early again.
“It’ll be nice having your mom and dad’s help with Axel. The new vet is working out nicely, so I’m hoping I can stay at home a little more. I’m going to decrease my days at the clinic from four to three.”
“I’m glad she’s working out.”
“Me, too. Marie likes her daughter working there, too, so it’s a win-win.”
The expansion had worked out nicely. We had a grooming facility and a kennel in addition to the clinic. Gladys oversaw the scheduling of the grooming facility. Still, after all this time, the job provided a good distraction for her. Due to our reputation, we were always booked. People came as far as Boston for the kennel. I had a full staff. The most problematic part had been finding a vet who didn’t have the corporate mindset. Hopefully Seraphina worked out well. Coming from Salem, she understood the needs of the town.
I yawned.
“You tired, baby?”
“A little. This little girl has been keeping me awake with all her kicking.”
Mike kissed my neck, and I felt goose bumps break out all over my skin. “Let’s head home. I’ll give Axel a bath and put him to bed.”
“You’re amazing.”
“Anything for you, baby. Anything.”
I sat on the couch and stared into the fire while rubbing my stomach. We hadn’t decided on a name yet and decided to wait until our baby girl came into the world. Axel thought Sky from Paw Patrol would be appropriate. I wasn’t so sure about that.
The flames flickered, and I stared at the fireplace, remembering how my journey started when I came back to Salem after Grandpa died.
Alchemists and Truth-seekers.
That seemed so long ago… yet not. Lately, Wesley had been on my mind a lot. It always happened around this time of year when the memories bubbled to the surface.
After the night we found out the truth from Wesley, Mike and I had never spoke of either group again. A few Alchemists trinkets had been found by members of the community and cataloged at the police station only to have mysteriously disappeared.
Mike played his part in the investigations, but they always ended up as dead ends.
I heard footsteps, and Mike appeared shirtless, in his lounge pants. I sighed at the sight. I would never tire of being with this man.
He ran his hands through his hair. “He’s asleep.”
“He loves his daddy singing to him.”
Mike took my hand, and I stood. He cupped my face. “Thank you for this life, Sydney. I love you.”
“I love you, too. You were the adventure I was meant for all along.”
Wesley
I stood on top of the hill and stared down into the distance as I watched Sydney and Mike walk toward their home. Sydney had a son and another child on the way. As she lifted her arm to touch her son, I saw the glint of metal in the sun and knew it was the bracelet I had given her all those years ago.
I miss you, too, Sydney.
At times, on my way back from a business deal, I was able to steal a glance into her life. Three years had passed since I left Sydney to take my rightful place. Three years since my heart was broken, knowing the woman I loved had fallen for another man.
Once I saw her with Mike Murphy, I knew I wasn’t the man to make her dreams come true. And I loved her enough to let her go.
I sighed as I watched her disappear into the distance. I had made the right choice.
The deal I was returning from had been fruitful, and I had come across another journal that was determined to have belonged to Quinn and purchased it for our archives. It had been part of a private collection, which was why we hadn’t found it before. Later, I would read what additional information it provided about Quinn’s life and how she set the Alchemists back on the right path.
I wish I could share it with Sydney.
But everything had a reason behind it. Sydney would have never survived in the world as I knew it. And I didn’t want Sydney to be changed.
In a world full of ugliness and deceit, she was a beacon of purity and beauty.
I clenched the compass tighter as a reminder that I knew my way even when the decisions I made were tough. She was my reminder.
After I had moved, I cut off all contact. The temptation to continue texting was too painful. At first, the council hadn’t believed my lies that Sydney knew nothing. They thought I was covering up for her. I had been challenged to cut off all communication so they could observe Sydney. I had, and Sydney hadn’t done anything out of character. After that, it was better, for Sydney’s sake, that I remained detached.
The ultimate goal was to protect the Alchemists.
She’d tried to communicate with me, like any friend would. Margaret passed along every message, but I left them unacknowledged.
Maybe someday.
Still… I ensured she was safe.
Sydney would never be at risk again.
As I promised Virgil, I would always take care of his Sydney, even if it was from a distance.
I embraced my position, knowing I helped make the world a better place.
I kept the dark from taking over the light.
Some might disagree as we can offer no tangible proof, but the world was a little bit better because of the Alchemists.
Quinn’s Journal
Part 1 - Quinn
A gasp slipped from my lips, causing every head in the room to turn in my direction. The heat on my cheeks was evidence of the blunder I had made. My mother motioned for me to join her at her side.
Reluctantly, I did as she instructed me to do. Her brows furrowed, indicating her displeasure.
“Quinn Elizabeth Soloman. Are you trying to cause a scene?”
With a shake of my head, I said, “I’m feeling rather tired this evening, Mother. May I excuse myself and retire to my chambers?”
“You most certainly will not. We have important guests. Do not think it slipped by my attention the note your abby gave you. Whatever you are planning, it will have to wait until after our guests have left.”
If I thou
ght I would get away with stomping my foot and pouting, I would have tried it. I knew my mother too well. She would simply ignore me and focus her attention on her guests. If there was one thing Mother was good at, it was entertaining her guests.
I scanned the room, desperate to escape. The corner of my mouth rose in a half smile when I saw Timothy Hues. When he caught my stare, he returned my innocent gesture with a wide grin, unaware that he was about to help me escape my mother’s watchful eye.
I crossed the room to him, making sure to greet my mother’s guests along the way. Mother was strict about one thing. Manners. She expected my utmost attention to them. Since I was a young child, she had told me to never draw unwanted attention to one’s self. It only fueled gossip.
“Ms. Quinn, you are looking lovely this evening,” Timothy gushed.
My gaze fell to the floor. “Why thank you, Mr. Hues.” Lifting my blue eyes to his, I delicately bit my bottom lip. It was not a gesture for a lady like myself to use, but I was desperate, and I knew Timothy desired to court me. I was about to do the unthinkable and flirt with a man I had no desire to court. Desperate times called for such actions.
I fluttered my eyelashes. “I could use some fresh air. You?”
He opened his mouth, but nothing came forth. Clearing his throat, he answered, “Yes, yes, of course.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I motioned for Ayana. She followed closely behind, yet gave us a bit of privacy as a companion would do. If I was courting Mr. Hues, she must have known the note caused me great concern.
“Let’s go out front and take a stroll; the exercise will do me wonders as I am feeling a bit… off,” I said, turning to my mother with a smile. She was likely to be happy to see me with a gentleman like Timothy Hues. After all, his family was from Boston and his father owned two banks.
The moment we stepped off the last step, I pulled out the letter Ayana had given me. “Timothy. I implore your help. It is very important.”
His expression turned grave. “Are you okay, my dear?”
My dear? He thinks one request for a stroll is enough to call me my dear? He is greatly mistaken.
I lifted my brow while tipping my head ever so slightly in a questioning manner. “I’m sorry, what did you call me?”
“I meant Quinn, of course. Are you okay, Quinn?”
This is what I get for flirting with the poor man. “Yes. But I must pay a visit to Mr. and Mrs. James Hathorne at once. Will you accompany me?”
Timothy gawked at me with wide eyes. “Now? Right this very moment, Quinn?”
“Yes, Timothy Hues. This very moment. If we hurry, we can make it there and back before dinner is served. But only if we hurry.”
“This is truly of importance?”
“Do you call me a liar, Mr. Hues?”
“No, I do no such thing. Please forgive me.”
“We must hurry, Timothy!”
Offering his arm, we quickly made our way down Charter Street en route to Chestnut Street. In short time, we arrived at the Hathorne’s home. It was one of the grander homes in Salem, as was proper considering Mr. Hathorne’s uncle was a very well-known author.
I inhaled a deep breath and gave a hasty knock on the door. My nerves had been rattled for days, but I was not entirely certain why. I had the oddest notion that I was being watched.
The door slowly opened to reveal Mr. Timmons, the Hathornes’ butler. “Miss Soloman, Mr. Hues. Good evening.”
With a nod of my head, I offered a smile and replied, “I received an urgent note from Mr. Hathorne stating I was to seek him out immediately.”
I could feel Timothy’s stare, but I ignored it as best I could. Mr. Timmons searched my face for a moment before stepping back and ushering us into the front hall.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hathorne are entertaining guests in the parlor. Please follow me to the library, and I will announce your arrival.”
“Certainly.” I studied the many family pictures around the room. My mouth rose into a smile when I saw the picture of Mr. Hathorne’s uncle, Nathaniel Hawthorne. One of my most favorite pieces of literature was his grand novel, The Scarlet Letter. My father would surely lash me if he knew I had read such a novel… three times.
The door quietly shut and Timothy appeared in front of me. “What else did the note say? From your reaction, I dare say it held something far more interesting than Mr. Hathorne requesting your attention at once.”
Narrowing my eyes, I gave Timothy an intense look, similar to the look my mother gave me when she swore me to secrecy. “Do you swear you will not utter a single word of what I’m about to share with you? If you do, harm will come to you!”
He nodded frantically. “I swear.”
The door opened, and Mr. Hathorne entered the room. A young man stood behind him, but I could not see who he was until they stepped further into the room. My breath caught at the sight of him.
Jonathon Young stood next to Mr. Hathorne, looking devilishly handsome. I had to place my hand over my stomach to settle the jitters.
“Mr. Young,” Timothy and I said in unison. I was positive Timothy had noticed my reaction.
“Mr. Hues, may I ask you to step outside for a moment. This is a… private conversation.”
Timothy stood taller. “I am her escort; it would not be proper for me to leave her alone in the presence of two men to whom she is not related.”
“Her abby is also here. I assure you, Miss Soloman will be fine.”
My body trembled at the way my surname came forth from Mr. Hathorne’s lips. As if it pained him to speak it.
Timothy turned to me, and I said, “I shall be fine, Timothy. Ayana is with me.” I glanced over at my dearest friend, and she took a step forward as if to reassure Timothy.
He nodded. “Do not be long, Quinn. We must return shortly.”
The best I could offer was a slight nod of my head. Fear gripped at my throat, but I had no idea why.
The door shut. I glanced to Ayana, and she smiled. If she wasn’t concerned, there was little reason for me to be.
“I’ll keep this brief as it seems you have snuck away from your dinner party.”
My mouth fell open, but I quickly closed it when I noticed Mr. Young smile.
Oh dear. He has dimples on each cheek.
My tongue swept across my dry lips. The change in Mr. Young’s smile and the way his eyes turned darker as a result of my actions were not lost on me. A strange feeling pulled from my lower stomach and caused me to sway on my feet. Ayana was by my side with her arm there to steady me.
“Miss Quinn, are you okay?”
With my eyes still fixed on Mr. Young, I swallowed hard before replying, “I am fine.” Focusing my attention on Mr. Hathorne, I asked, “How it is you are aware that I have left a dinner party?”
“There is no time for that, my dear. For what I am about to tell you is going to change your entire life and possible lead you into danger.”
“Danger?” I gasped.
“James, are you sure now is the time to—”
“I’ve stood back for seventeen years and kept my silence, Jonathon. I cannot keep my silence any longer. My daughter is in danger.”
My head pulled back in surprise. “Daughter, Mr. Hathorne? But you have only two sons.”
Taking a step closer to me, his face softened. “No, my dear. I have a daughter. A beautiful daughter and she is standing in this very room.”
Part 2 – Quinn
My parasol provided a much-needed relief from the blazing sun. I did not think I had ever experienced such heat before in the whole of my seventeen years. The citizens of Salem were nearly melting in the heat, and my mother’s only concern was if I was wearing proper undergarments. I adored my mother so, but at times we disagreed on a variety of things. Like today. It was too hot for a camisole, and she insisted that was even more of a reason to wear one.
She was my best friend and oftentimes felt like the only parent I had. Yet there were moments when she seemed to be a mi
llion miles away.
Standing next to me, my mother listened while her closest friend, Mrs. Gertrude Shaw, gossiped. The scuttlebutt was about a new family that had moved from Boston to Salem. The Young family.
I rolled my eyes at Mrs. Shaw’s insistence in noting that the Youngs were a very wealthy family from Boston, yet they had purchased a fairly modest home in Salem. There were whispers of the family hiding from something or someone due to the hasty move from Boston.
It was hearsay, as far as I was concerned. Yesterday evening, I had spoken with the very handsome Jonathon Young. My stomach had dipped each time he smiled at me. I would dare to say my breath even caught for a moment when he first spoke directly to me. But only a moment. I had no time to ponder such things. It would be foolish to even dare dream of that kind of happiness. Not now. Not with the information that had been thrust upon me last night.
Inhaling a deep breath, I pushed all thoughts of Jonathon Young out of my mind. I had more concerning things to worry about.
The truth.
“Quinn, are you sure you’re feeling okay? You’re not acting like yourself.”
Lifting my eyes, I attempted to smile at my mother. It was hard to act normal knowing she had lied to me all these years. Kept a secret so damning, it would surely ruin both of us were it ever to be exposed. Everything had begun to make sense last night while I lay in my bed, lost in my newfound knowledge. The way my father had treated me all my life. The disappointment in his eyes when he gazed upon me. I hadn’t noticed the distance when I was younger, but the older I got, the more it had become clear. Especially the last few months. My own father despised me. Now I knew why.
I was not his child.
Not of his own flesh and blood.
It was apparent after I looked more closely at Mr. Hathorne. Our eyes were the same deep blue. Our hair the same shade. I even carried his mother’s name of Elizabeth. A request he had made to my mother that she obliged, for it turns out James Hathorne and my mother were more than lovers. They were soul mates, bound by a love so strong they would continue to meet in secret over the years so that James could learn all about his daughter. Neither of them ever falling out of love with one another, yet tied to arranged marriages that had been thought to bring great wealth to both families. Because of the pain brought upon so many, I vowed I would never allow myself to be forced into a loveless marriage. Not if it meant living a secret life the way my mother had. Pregnant by her lover before she was even married to the man I’d called my father for seventeen years.
Dangerous Temptations Page 23
