And as for French’s Fantastic Family Circus…
“Where do you suppose Harry will take the troupers after the winter is over?” she asked Morgan.
He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. “I don’t know. He will need to find replacements for Caitlin and Ulysses—and Tamar.” His lips wrinkled on that last name. Tamar and her serpents had been gone when Harry and Ulysses returned to Long Park, and no one had bothered with inquiries as to her whereabouts.
Only Ulysses, Harry had told her, seemed troubled. A few days later he had announced his intent to return to the Wakefield mansion in Tennessee, there to face his family for the first time in many years.
“It took great courage for Ulysses to stand before Denver society as he did,” Athena said. “I think that was what made him decide to go back home.”
“He has always hurt because of their treatment of him,” Morgan said. “It will not be easy.”
“But it is worth it.” She laced her fingers through his. “It’s worth it to know what you are truly meant to be, without fear. And yet—” She sighed. “I worry about Caitlin. If she went after Niall, she cannot expect happiness. He will have to change a great deal before he can accept love.”
“As I did?” Morgan gave her a twisted smile. “I didn’t think I needed anyone. You proved me wrong.” He kissed her fingers. “Do not be concerned for Caitlin. She can take care of herself. You didn’t think she was an ordinary woman?”
She peered up at him. “Are you saying… She is not… not—”
“No, not like us. She was traveling this country alone before you and I were born.”
Athena was well past the point of amazement at such revelations. “I see. And yet she chose Niall.”
They were silent for a while, watching light and shadow roll across the prairie beyond the city’s edge. Snow settled lightly on Athena’s hair. A new, increasingly familiar restlessness came over her, and she knew that the time of farewells was over. She tugged at Morgan’s hand.
He held back, scanning the horizon once more. “Are you sure, Athena?”
She knew what he asked. Quickly she stepped up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m sure, Morgan. As sure as I am standing here with the man I love.”
He twisted around and looked into her eyes. “Then let’s go,” he said. “The whole world is waiting.”