The Price of Forgetting

Chapter 33

The remainder of the ride was pleasant...well, maybe not as much for Lily, but it didn't seem to take very long at all. Before I knew it, I was beginning to recognize houses and other landmarks, and I got that wonderful sense of being right where I was meant to be. I was home.

The carriages pulled to a stop in front of Grandmother's house and a few moments later, the door opened. Annie was the first one outside, but the others quickly followed. By the time we had all stepped down from the carriages, everyone was hugging everyone else.

Grandmother gathered me in a hug and then pulled Lily and Evie close. "My beautiful girls," she said with misty eyes. "It's been much too long since I've seen you two," she lightly scolded Lily and Evie and then focused on me. "And you're feeling better, Sweetheart?"

"Yes, Grandmother," I said, hugging her again. "I'm so much better."

"I'm so glad." She pulled away with a kiss to my cheek and then began ushering everyone inside with instructions for Annie to set the table.

I was ready to go in with everyone else, but Matthew took my hand and held me back. I looked at him curiously, but as soon as I saw his face, I knew what he was thinking.

"Aren't you coming in?" Lily asked.

"In a while," I said.

Evie frowned. "Can't you two wait?" she complained. "We just got here."

"Grandmother will be upset if you disappear," Lily said.

"She'll understand," Matthew said simply and began pulling me away.

"Fine." Lily smiled despite how silly she thought we were being.

"Have fun, lovebirds," Evie called before they disappeared inside.

Matthew and I grinned at each other and continued on, not needing to communicate any more than that.

The trip was just as I remembered it. It was strange. A week ago, I couldn't have found my way through the woods to save my life. Now, it was like I'd just made this trip a few days ago. I almost didn't even have to think about where to go.

Matthew held my hand, helping me over the rougher spots and across the river. When we finally arrived, I stopped and just gazed at it. It felt like a lifetime since I'd been here last. It was still so beautiful - my favorite place in the world.

"It's been too long," Matthew said, apparently sharing my feelings.

I nodded and happily made my way over to our little castle. Matthew did a quick check to ensure it was safe and then gestured for me to go first. I wasted no time and eagerly climbed to the top, drinking in the view. It was just as magical as it had been all those years ago.

Matthew climbed up and hugged me from behind and for a few minutes, we just savored being here together.

"Shame it's too cold to really stay and enjoy it," he said.

"That's probably for the best," I said, turning to face him. "Everyone will be upset if we stay away too long."

"True." He nodded. "Well, I guess there's nothing else for us to do but..." He leaned in and kissed me. When he pulled away, I smiled, thinking it was incredibly sweet that he wanted to come all the way out here just to kiss me in the most perfect place in the world.

Matthew backed up a step and took my hand. Curious about what he was doing, I looked down and gasped, seeing him slip a ring on my third finger. It was gold with a round diamond and small blue stones on either side. It was the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen.

"Oh Matthew," I said, admiring the way it caught the light.

"Now it's official," he said, pulling my attention back up to his face.

"It was official before," I disagreed. "But now everyone will know."

He smiled and I leaned in to kiss him again.

"Thank you," I said hugging him. "It's perfect. Everything about this is absolutely perfect."

"Mmm hmm. Especially the girl wearing it."

I laughed, but when I shivered from the cold, he pulled away.

"Come on. We'd better get back. We'll come again when the weather is nicer."

I wasn't thrilled to have to leave so soon, but he was right. I definitely did not need to get sick again.

As we walked back through the woods, I had a difficult time keeping the grin off my face. Any time I glanced at my left hand - which was frequent - I'd smile dopily and give a happy sigh or feel the urge kiss Matthew again.

Suffice it to say, the return trip took far longer than the previous one had.