Everyone took turns talking with William and saying their goodbyes. Donovan and Lauren promised to check in on him later in the day, and then made their way out into the hallway.
“I love those people,” Lauren said, walking slowly as Donovan found a rhythm with his crutches. “Montero came over and thanked me for all of my support, and then she told me about the advice you gave her. You’re so sweet. Did I see Shannon hand you something?”
“Yes, she said it was for Abigail,” Donovan said as he stopped, held his crutches with one hand, and pulled the scroll from his pocket. He handed it to Lauren, who untied the ribbon. Inside he saw Shannon’s elegant handwritten script as Lauren unrolled the heavy paper.
As the brightness and clarity of the day fades, we ask you, Lord, to keep us safe until morning. In the depth of night, we pray that you will show us the path with your everlasting light. As always, Lord, we trust in you to protect us from danger, and in your wisdom, we pray that you’ll speed the dawn. Amen.
Donovan put his arm around Lauren’s shoulder and held her close. “It was the middle of the night in Pebble Beach, and I overheard Shannon saying this prayer. She explained that it was from Buck’s mother, told to Buck, who in turn shared it with Shannon. She made this for Abigail, as a gift from Buck, a reminder I guess, that he’s still watching over all of us.”
“It’s so beautiful,” Lauren said. “I’d forgotten she’s an artist. Abigail will love this.”
“Absolutely, we’ll have it framed for her room.” Donovan carefully rolled up the scroll and Lauren retied the ribbon. “I’m assuming Montero asked you for your relationship advice as well as mine. What did you tell her?”
“I told her I didn’t know Ethan very well, but I do know her. I reminded her to be strong, but not always the strongest. Bask in the good, repair the bad, and to be Ethan’s biggest cheerleader—and expect the same in return.”
“That’s perfect advice for Montero. Nicely done.” Donovan, balancing himself on his good leg, put his free arm around Lauren, pulled her close, and kissed her.
“What was that for?” Lauren asked after the embrace.
“For a million reasons,” Donovan said. “Perhaps the most important is the sheer exhilaration at still being alive, and my eternal good fortune to be married to you.”
Speed the Dawn Page 29