Chapter 19

December 1866

Cole POV

Since we have arrived home, it has been very busy. I was busy with the growing shipping company, while Charlotte was busy learning from her parents and at first, it consumed her. But then in October, something shifted. She realized that neither of us were spending time together so she cut her time with her parents short and was waiting for me at home, when I arrived after work.

I was delighted to learn that she had planned for us to have a quiet evening at home. No aunts, no parents, no talk of the future, no training. Just her and I in our own little haven of love. While she was explaining the bonding ceremony, she had a vision of it. It was the first time that she had seen her own future. I was happy for her, but even more happy when she said it was beautiful.

I knew that one of her fears was the Cordelia would return before we could become bonded. But Aunt Bea had assured us that Cordelia would stay away until after the new year. I trusted Aunt Bea but I a