A chorus of amens rose up at the table. Mrs. Worther looked around the table at them. “When I was growing up my family called me Jeanie since I never liked the name Beatrice. I’d like you boys to call me that. No more Mrs. Worther. After all we’ve been through together it’s rather formal, don’t you think?”
Jeanie. It made Mac feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that she was now an honorary member of the Donahue clan. Aunt Jeanie. From this point forward he would think of her that way, although it would take a while to adjust to the name change.
As they dug into the incredible feast she had provided, they enjoyed a companionable silence. After a few minutes Mrs. Worther began asking them questions about their lives, their careers and their significant others. In return they asked her about her hobbies and aspirations.
“One of these days I would love to travel around the world. I haven’t done a whole of traveling, but I’d like to make my way to Egypt. I’ve always wanted to see the Nile River and the Pyramids.”
The brothers exchanged glances. Wish granted. Between the seven of them they would make that dream happen. As well as any others she could drum up in her mind.
Jeanie turned toward him. “And you, Mac. Is there someone special in your life?”
Mac wiped his mouth with a napkin, then sat back in his chair. “Actually there is. It’s a really new relationship, but she’s amazing. It’s quite unlike any relationship I’ve ever known.” His felt his cheeks flushing. It wasn’t like him to discuss his feelings. Something about being here with Jeanie was bringing it out in him.
She patted his arm. “That’s wonderful, Mac. I hope it works out just the way you imagine. Love is the biggest gift we can ever be given. I had a chance once to get married and settle down.” She twisted her mouth. “I let it pass me by. And I’ve regretted it ever since.”
Regrets. He didn’t ever want to live with remorse or regrets about things he’d failed to do in his life. He planned to pursue this relationship with Delilah without fear or reservations. Something inside him was urging him on and telling him that she was the one. It was a scary feeling knowing that he was going to put everything on the line in his pursuit of love. But it was even scarier to think that he might blow this chance with Delilah by holding back or retreating from his feelings.
He reached out and grabbed hold of Jeanie’s hand and squeezed it. No words were necessary. Much in the same way as she had done twenty years earlier, she was once again pointing him in the direction of love.
“Knowing where your heart is leading you is an amazing feeling. Falling in love is never easy, but it sure beats the alternative.”
Brandon Donahue
Chapter Seven
Mac was back in Breeze Point! Ever since he’d called earlier and told her that he and his brothers had made it back to Cape Cod, she’d been happy and excited. She had been hoping to hear from him today and find out about his visit with Mrs. Worther. She couldn’t help but wonder if his search for Callie had gained any steam. Mac wanted to locate Callie so badly. It would be devastating for him if the search didn’t yield any clues.
While they were on the phone, Delilah had invited Mac to attend Shakespeare in the park with her this evening on the town green. The Breeze Point players were putting on a production of Othello, one of her personal favorites. Mac had eagerly accepted her invite and they made a plan to meet up in town at six thirty. He had teased her by telling her that he had some news that he was going to be sharing with her this evening. It was a little bit like torture to imagine what news Mac had uncovered in New Hampshire.
Dear Lord. Please allow Mac to find closure with regards to his sister. I know with Your divine wisdom you placed Mac with the family of his heart—the Donahue clan. But no matter what, Mac will always have a place in his heart that cries out for Callie. Please fill that hole in his heart, Lord.
By the time Delilah came home from work, took a shower and changed into her chic but casual outfit, it was time to head back to town to meet up with Mac for their date. Once she arrived on Main Street she had to circle around a few times due to all the congestion on the street. Tonight’s event was bound to be packed with townsfolk.
After finding a parking spot a few streets over from Main Street, she walked over to the town green. She had stuffed a blanket in her over-sized purse so they could sit on the lawn. She couldn’t miss Mac standing by the entrance as she walked up. She gave him a subtle once-over, admiring the way he looked tonight. As always he had a rugged, manly appearance. He was wearing a pair of khaki pants with a white, button down shirt. He was wearing boat shoes on his feet and he looked a little more preppy than usual. As usual, he looked gorgeous.