Page 140 of At the Edge of Surrender

It was fully a tease.

Though in it was understanding.

A gentle encouragement.

As if I was in the same position as she’d been.

“Don’t judge me,” Raven told her with a wry smirk. “I was only using thatpsychicthat absolutely affirmed you belonged with us.”

Then she turned her gaze on me. “I’m thinking you might, too, and I’m thinking you’re definitely not ready to hear that yet, but I’m going to say it, anyway. I can feel how lonely you are.”

That loneliness throbbed.

My head barely shook. “You know I’m not staying here. This isn’t where my family is. It isn’t where my home is.”

My family that was being pared down and torn apart.

Charleigh’s hand clamped down tighter on my arm, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “I don’t know…I think there’s something magical about this town. I think it calls to those who are supposed to come here. Reaches out when we’re lost and guides us where we’re destined to be.”

She turned her attention to Nolan who chased Maci across the lawn. “I think my very wise son has always said it best. Family is who you love most, and from my perspective? Home will always, always be with those you love.”

I had no clue how she could claim something like that.

As if it were that easy.

As if I was somehow part of that.

I knew there was no chance, but that didn’t mean everything didn’t quake when my gaze was drawn back out into the yard.

To Kane who strode our way.

I swore, the ground rumbled beneath his feet with each step that he took.

Stride easy and confident as he crossed the lawn, only there was something so decidedly concerned in his expression that for one foolish second, I thought I could be a part of it.

This was a man I’d all but hated when I’d found out who he was.

A man who set off every alarm bell.

Dangerous and brash.

The father of my niece.

The man who’d all but promised he was taking her away.

I had three weeks left.

Three weeks.

And all it took was him stalking up the porch steps to make my belly quiver.

“Ah, why does it look like you all are up to no good?” He might have said it like he was joking, but those intense eyes never left mine.

Searching.

As if he were…worried.

As if he’d noticed my moment’s distress and had come to check that I was okay.

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