Page 59 of One Last Step

Claudia gives him the bemused smile that I’ve grown quite fond of.“Judging by the passionate kiss Mary just gave you, you must be Sean.”

“Well, I sure hope so,” Sean quips.“If I’m not, then the poor man has been used most rudely.”

Her brow furrows, and I say, “You’ll get used to his sense of humor.I’m afraid the poor man actually thinks he’s funny.”

He points at me.“You’ll get used to the vicious sarcasm.I’m afraid the poor woman delights in tormenting those she claims to love.”

Claudia laughs that time.“Wait until you hear about my mother.”

“I’m sure we’ll both be hearing a lot about Annie.”

“But later,” I interject.“Sean, tell Claudia where the nearest courthouse is.We both have British citizenship, so we can marry there.”

“Who will be our second witness?”Sean asks.

“We’ll find someone off of the street.You can bribe him with fish and chips or something.”

Sean laughs.“Who is this new Mary?I think I like her.”

“Well, don’t get used to her.I think my urge for adventure has been sated.I intend to become a sensible and perfectly ordinary governess from now on.”

Sean shakes his head.“It won’t ever happen.You have the nose of a bloodhound and the instincts of a wolf.You won’t be able to resist the scent of mystery when you pick it up again.”

I shrug.“Well, maybe not.We’ll see.But that’s for later.Right now, I would like to follow in Annie’s footsteps and change my name.The last one, anyway.”

He laughs.“All right then.If you’re so insistent, I’d better comply.”He looks at Claudia.“You don’t want to see this woman angry.Truly terrifying.”

I roll my eyes, but my beaming smile belies my exasperated sigh.There is no room for any feeling but joy right now.

Sean gives Claudia directions, and we start for the courthouse.I look out of the window at the setting sun, but I feel no grief as the light fades.For the first time in over thirty years, I know the dawn will come.

And somewhere beyond that horizon, my sister waits for me.I will see her again one day, and then I can tell her all about my own adventures.I dare say they are at least as exciting as hers are.

Maybe I will write them down if only to show others that the summit is worth the climb.I’ve endured hardship, and at times that hardship nearly broke me.

But I’ve come through it.And now, like Annie, I get to live happily-ever-after.