Page 33 of Wandering Souls

To his surprise, she circled her arms around his neck and plastered herself to him. He felt her heart thump against her chest and listened as her breathing deepened and slowed. Wetness touched his cheek as her lips pressed against his ear. As if wanting in on the hug, Bruce nudged at their legs.

“It’s okay, Abi.”

Ray pulled back to look into her eyes. She frowned and touched her fingers to his cheek. “You’re bleeding.”

“It’s just a scratch. What about you? How’s your leg?”

“Ask me tomorrow when the adrenaline wears off.”

“We should get back. The others are worried.”

“Oh, I feel a little silly.”

He kissed her forehead and then became acutely aware of what he’d just done. It was his turn to feel silly. One glance in her eyes and he felt anything but. She stared up at him with an openness that made him want to kiss her properly. As if she’d been waiting for someone to see her, to know what she needed. An overwhelming desire to be that man washed through him and he smiled. Her features softened as she returned the gesture.

“Damien’s here. Are you ready to meet him?”

Her body tensed. “How? How do I meet the man I’d thought was dead? What do I say?”

Ray smoothed a hand down her hair to comfort her. As his eyesight adjusted to the low light, he saw hope in her eyes. Despite the discomfort of coming face to face with Damien, she wanted this more than anything.

He’d sensed it this morning, when she’d spoken about him with a reverence that told him how desperately she’d missed a father-figure in her life. Now the time had come, and her hesitation was understandable.

“Say whatever you want. He’s beside himself with worry.” Reluctantly, he set Abi back on her feet. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Damien McCafferty, it’s how important family is to him.”

“They’re all here. My mother. My sister.” She shook her head. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”

He cupped her cheek. “There’s nothing to fear.”

“Ray, I don’t knowhowto deal with any of this.”

Ray took her hand. “One step at a time, Abi. I’m right here if you need.”

He didn’t know why, but seeing her smile and feeling her squeeze his hand reassured him. It should be the other way around. “Thank you.”

“Come on. Bruce, lead us out of here.”

They turned back toward the estate. Abi’s limp had returned and was more pronounced as they climbed back up the slope. Ray slipped an arm around her for support and was surprised by how much she leaned against him. The faint grimace on her face suggested she was in more pain than she let on, and when they reached the gravel drive leading back to the house, she continued to hold onto him.

While Damien remained out on the veranda, everyone else had gone inside. He sat under the coach light, his face a picture of fear. Ray wondered if Penny and Stevie had come as well, and knew, without a doubt, it would overwhelm Abi if they suddenly appeared.

As they neared Damien, he was about to say something, when the old man stood and watched them climb the stairs. Terror crossed his face as he took in Abi’s slow, encumbered hobble.

“I probably don’t need to introduce you two,” Ray started, wanting to keep their meeting as light as could possibly be. “But, Damien, meet Abigail Winter.”

Once again, she squeezed his hand. When he glanced at her, he saw a small cut above her eye.

“I’ve got this from here,” Damien interrupted. “Would you give us a minute, Ray?”

He didn’t want to leave, but he tugged on Bruce’s leash and headed for the front door. He turned back and saw Damien daub a tissue to the wound on Abi’s forehead.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Abigail.”

She stared up into her father’s face, tears shimmering in the light. She reached into her sweater and pulled out a locket on a chain. Opening it, she unfolded the three pieces and turned it to him. Ray saw three photos and though he couldn’t see the details, he assumed they were of her family.

“My mother, my adopted mother, told me about you.” She sniffed as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I thought you were dead.”

Damien opened his mouth to speak but then shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Abigail. I wish things had been different.”

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