MasukI finished the story anyway, set the book on the nightstand, and reached over to turn off the lamp.Ivy’s hand shot out from under the blanket and closed around my wrist.I stopped.“Are you going to live here now?” she asked. She was looking up at me imploringly, like some small part of her was hop
Elena’s POVDebbie made pasta for dinner.It was simple and good, and the kitchen smelled like garlic and warm bread. We didn’t talk much, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable quiet. Mostly, it was just because I was too busy stuffing my face to have time to talk.Debbie, refilling my plate for a second t
Her father put his hand on my arm briefly, just for a second, and nodded. He didn’t speak. I understood.The following morning, it was time to go. Ivy needed her parents, and Kade couldn’t stay away from the pack any longer. I’d finished packing the night before. Just what I needed. I’d be coming ba
Elena’s POVMy father looked at Kade for a long moment. Then he looked at me.“Is this what you want?” he asked.“I know how it looks,” I said. “And I know what you’re thinking.”“Do you?”“Yes. You’re thinking that it’s sudden and illogical and that I’ve completely lost my mind.” I held his gaze. “
Kade let out a slow breath.“So what are you saying?” he asked.“I’m saying I want to try.” The words felt strange leaving my mouth, not because they were wrong, but because I had spent so long refusing to let myself think them. “I’m not saying it’ll be easy or that I won’t be furious with you somet
Elena’s POVThe magnolia tree at the south end of the courthouse yard had been there longer than the building itself. I knew that because my father had told me once, years ago, when we were walking on a day much like this one.I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now, that tree with its pink b
Serena’s POVThe nerve of that woman!Serena was so furious she saw red as she stormed out of the house. The morning grass was cool and wet with dew, dampening the hem of her skirt, but she hardly noticed. She needed to get out.She needed to think.Serena had spent so many years planning for her fu
Elena’s POVMy heart lurched painfully at the healer’s words.“Illness?” I whispered.Ivy was ill? My daughter was sick? With what?Kade didn’t seem to hear me speak, and if he did, he ignored me outright. Lips pressed into a thin line, he quickly followed the healer into the hallway, leaving me mom
Elena’s POV“Wake up!”The sound of voices and a baby crying jolted me out of my stupor. The pounding in my head was incredible. I felt like I’d taken six shots of vodka before I passed out and eaten a mouthful of dirt from the cellar floor in my sleep. The last thing I recalled was… What happened?
Kade’s POVAt first, Kade had been terrified and furious. Someone had tried to hurt his child—and that someone had been the very woman who was supposed to be gone by now! But seeing Elena’s face, so hopeful, so terrified, streaked with dirt and tears… It made something crack inside of Kade’s chest b







