Page 35 of Relentless

Their lighthearted camaraderie was precisely what Oakleigh had missed while Maeve was away.

They settled into silence, quietly enjoying their coffee in peace.

Oakleigh sat up and crossed her legs. She ran her fingers through her blonde hair as she considered. “We’ve been praying for her,” she shrugged. “Maybe she’s here for a reason?”

Maeve nodded, collecting her thoughts on the matter.

“Not every prayer gets answered the way we hope, Oakleigh,” Maeve finally replied. “I just want you to remember that.” She stood to her feet and headed to the door. “I’m going to make a late dinner,” she informed. “I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

“Maeve?” Oakleigh said, stopping her before she left. “Was your trip amazing?”

Responding with a warm smile, Maeve leaned her shoulder on the doorframe.

“The best.”

The aroma of chicken pot pie and freshly brewed coffee wafted into Oakleigh’s room, signaling that it was dinnertime. Powdery snow coated her bedroom window, jarred loose by theshudder of the front door slamming below, always a surefire indication that the boys were home.

Stepping into the hall, Oakleigh quietly closed her bedroom door behind her. The new hardwood flooring was slick, and she knew better than to traverse the stairs in her plushy, soft socks.

Just because she knew better didn’t mean she woulddobetter.

Skipping down the stairs, she reached the last step and felt her footing betray her. Grasping onto the railing before her feet could slip from under her, she was relieved to find herself caught in the brawny arms of hercute cowboy.

“Hey there, love.” Crew looked down at her with a charming smirk. “You’re sure a sight for sore eyes.”

She clung to his shirt while clumsily finding her balance.

“Nice catch, cowboy.”

“I’ll tell you,” he drawled, leaning in to kiss her after their long day apart. “It’s colder than your mother’s heart out there.”

Oakleigh bit her lower lip. She looked into his trusting blue eyes, preparing to dash his spark of optimism with news of their unwelcome guest.

“Funny you should say that,” she began, interrupted by the sound of sharp footsteps clacking down the stairs behind them.

Crew’s eyes went wide as Oakleigh silently mouthed—

“Sorry.”

“Um, hello again, Mrs. Davenport.” He swallowed hard. Adjusting his posture, he extended his hand to greet her.

“Please, call me Harper,” she replied with a saccharine smile that made Oakleigh shiver.

In the nick of time, Maeve popped her head around the corner, announcing that dinner was ready.

Crew appeared on edge, lowering his voice to a panicked whisper. “Do you think she heard that bit about her cold heart?”

“No, I’m sure you’re fine,” Oakleigh reassured, although she was absolutely positive that her mother had heard every word.

They quietly sat beside each other at the table, and to Oakleigh’s horror, Harper took Maeve’s usual spot next to Crew.

Crew’s eyes went wide with a silent cry for help, but she was powerless to assist.

The front door slammed again, reverberating through the spacious living room. Sawyer looked nearly frozen, heading straight for the roaring fireplace.

“Hey Mom, I saw the truck outside,” he announced, his voice shaking from the cold. “I’m glad to see you home.” He rubbed his hands together, gathering friction to thaw his frozen fingers. “Boy, does dinner smell great — Oakleigh just about had us starved.” Raising his eyes, he finally noticed their guest reclining at the dining room table.

“And why’sshehere?” Sawyer challenged, his eyes narrowing. The words had barely left his mouth before Maeve yanked him into the kitchen by his elbow.

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