The Grace Year Summary Novels & Stories

Cassie blinked back tears. “Her name was Grace,” she whispered. William nodded. “Then let’s fund the Grace Scholarship. For women who need their first second chance.” Cassie crossed the room and took his hand. It was the closest they’d come to healing in decades. And it was enough. That fall, the Grace Scholarship launched with full funding, changing the lives of over 300 women in its first year alone. At the gala celebrating the scholarship, Cassie stood before a room of graduates, each one holding a candle.

“Why is Grace so close to you and Grandma?” This time, he didn’t dodge the question. His voice was measured and casual as if the topic didn’t carry any weight for him. “Her mother worked for us for years, one of our most trusted helpers. Grace grew up around the estate. After her mom passed away from health issues, we supported her through school as part of the Martinelli scholarship program." He stopped for a moment. "She’s been working at one of our firms in Shenandoah ever since.”

"Sadly, right after Catherine had you, a fire broke out at the hospital. In the chaos, we lost you." "Did you search for me for eighteen years?" "We searched for the first ten." Edward's face flushed with a rare hint of regret. "Then... We had Alice." An icy laugh escaped me. "So you just gave up on me?" "Catherine was at her breaking point." He let out a weary sigh. "Every mention of you shattered her. That was until we found Alice at an orphanage, five years old and the spitting image of you." Edward seemed lost in the past.

"I'm here to light candles and pray for Grandpa and Grandma, not you. So, you have no say in this." Just then, someone tugged at Uncle Liam's arm, while others started whispering among themselves. "Why is this young man so stubborn?" "Hurry up and apologize to your uncle!" "We're all family here. Why are you kicking up such a huge fuss? It's embarrassing!" I placed the bouquet of flowers in my hands in front of the grave and bowed before Grandpa's portrait. "When Grandpa was alive, he told me that the children of the Graham family must stand tall and live with integrity. In the last five years, I haven't stolen, cheated, or taken advantage of anyone. I didn't leave because I was ungrateful;

"Grace was caught in between. Her instincts have been fighting since their father died in both of them. Meeting Devin and marrying him--it was a slippery slope. Eason's death basically was a ritual, timed well with his age... Grace had already gone through so much physically. As much as I hate it, there really wasn't much choice." Her jaw trembled. "I'd been working on a way to break the curse permanently for years. Aside from suppressing it, I hadn't gotten anywhere... That's why she lasted as long as she did." My eyes bulged. "You mean..." "Twenty-one," she said solemnly. "Twenty-one years from placement of the suppression. Eason was born in the Clans. The ritual was easily done, but Grace

And I did. From catering the weekly women’s circles, to hosting community brunches, I had started to believe that maybe my future lived in a kitchen, not behind someone else's shadow. --- Now, the Grace Project was celebrating its one-year anniversary, a beautiful evening gala held in their open garden space, surrounded by soft lights, music, and the women who had become sisters to me. Everyone wore white. The theme was rebirth. Dante gave a speech that made many of us tear up, especially when he spoke about Grace, his daughter, the gentle storm that had inspired it all. Her portrait stood beside him, her smile radiant and eternal.

Money well spent. We watched our mate from across the cafeteria in awe. Grace was anything but some nepotism baby. She just needed the right fire lit inside her. Watching her grow not only physically over these last few months but professionally has been a true thing of beauty. Etienne was helping her with the gifts and writing down who gave her what.

I enjoyed Eastern Springs Campout but after listening to everyone recount their summer experiences, I really hoped no one would ask me what I did over the summer. Britney was so excited about her delightful summer, partying and training with the cheerleaders. They are finally going to let her perform with them at the games. On one hand, I'm happy for her. On the other, I'm kinda mad she was MIA all summer. She just laughed it off.