Still, Harley wished her mother could see her happy. She and her mother had been best friends for as long as Harley could remember. Letting go wasn’t easy, and she suddenly felt hollow. Sadness clasped her heart like a vise. She made her way to the kitchen, removing the lettuce, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts from the refrigerator. Nico followed close at her heels, obviously praying she would drop some food. Harley hurriedly fixed the salad, carefully pouring dressing over the finished product. Abisi was coming home for lunch. She glanced out the French windows and saw something snow white flutter past.
Nico, as if following her gaze, jumped at the window and barked.
Harley rubbed his ears. “What was that, Nico boy?”
Moving to the window, Harley scanned the backyard. Suddenly, the white dove fluttered outside the window and then disappeared when Harley threw open the back door and charged outside. The bird had settled on the ground near the rose bush Abisi had planted and was gazing at Harley. When Harley approached, the dove simply stared, unafraid. “Hey, don’t go away. I won’t hurt you. I think you’re trying to tell me something, aren’t you?”
The dove suddenly flew near Harley, wings fluttering. The bird’s wings sounded as loud to Harley as the propellers on a small plane. She hovered near Harley, gazing at her intently and then settling in the rose bush beside a yellow rose. Eden had loved yellow roses. Peace suddenly flooded through Harley’s breast. She smiled at the bird and drew close, gently touching the soft feathers. “It is you, isn’t it?”
The dove blinked and tenderly touched Harley’s hand with her beak, cooing softly.
“Harley, my love, did the electrician and plumber come?”
Abisi’s voice startled Harley as well as the bird. The bird flew to another branch but still stared at Harley. Harley glanced at her husband and smiled, extending her hand to him. “They came. We’ll have to shell out some bucks, but the problems can be fixed.” Harley slipped an arm around Abisi’s midsection.
Abisi tweaked her nose and kissed her forehead. He arched an eyebrow and asked gently. “So they didn’t find anything they couldn’t handle?” He smiled gently. “Nothing that’s attracting a curious bird, I take it.”
“No, nothing supernatural.” Harley beamed at him. “But.” She hesitated briefly, gazed into his face, and realized she could trust him with her deepest thoughts. “That’s the bird I told you about. I think she’s happy I’m moving on.”
“The bird you think is your mother’s spirit?” Abisi touched her face lightly and met her gaze. She read concern, but he didn’t ridicule her.
“It’s not that simple. It’s not as if I think she’s exactly my mother. I just think the dead use certain means to communicate with us.” She turned back to the bird. Peace flowed through her body when she gazed at the blinking creature, still staring at her. Suddenly, she heard Eden’s voice. You’re doing the right thing. It’s time you moved on. Be happy, my little darling. For once, follow your heart.
Abisi cupped her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “What’s the bird telling you? Anything?”
Harley lifted her face to his and kissed him. “She said I was damned lucky to find you and that I’d better fix you lunch before you changed your mind about taking me across the pond.”
Abisi laughed and kissed Harley’s lips and eyes. Harley went limp under his grip. Together, they made their way inside.
Harley turned back and stared at the rose bush, but the dove was gone. Harley suppressed an involuntary gasp. It was as if she’d vanished into thin air. Harley took a breath and leaned into her husband as Abisi drew her close. “No regrets, my love?”
“None at all. None at all.” Harley glanced back once and then turned her full attention to her husband.
The Doctor and the War Widow Page 23