Page 38 of Wandering Souls

“They can be dreary places,” Damien agreed. “I hope you think this was a good choice?”

Her face lifted and he thought he saw optimism in her pale blue eyes. “I think we can all agree my decision to come here has been life changing.”

Her gaze held his and the hopefulness that surged through his veins comforted him. Never, in a million years, would he have understood just how much he needed to meet her. Oh, there was no denying he’d wanted to. From the moment he learned he had another daughter, he could hardly contain his desire to get to know her. Meeting Abigail tonight had filled a hole in his life but more importantly, it gave him a new mission.

Damien lifted his glass into the air. “I’ll second that.”

Everyone at the table followed suit, raising glasses to celebrate the moment. “Here, here.”

They finished their meal with light-hearted small talk in a happy atmosphere, though as time ticked by, he noticed fatigue wearing heavily in Abigail’s eyes. She politely declined dessert though accepted a cup of tea and became quieter as the evening turned late. From across the table, Ray watched her closely. Damien found the concern on his face intriguing. Just how well did Ray know her?

“I really should turn in,” she announced when her cup sat empty. “It’s been a very long day.”

Ray pushed his chair back. “Would you like me to walk you to your cottage?”

Her face brightened. “I’d really like that.”

“Come on, Bruce.”

Under the dining table, claws scraped against hardwood floors as the dog scrambled to his feet. Damien hadn’t even noticed that Bruce sat on Abigail’s feet through dinner but the attention the animal paid her was impressive. Abigail patted the snout that rested on her thigh as Ray rounded the table. Damien stood as well and together, they each took an arm and helped her to her feet.

Abigail blushed when she turned to him. “Thank you. It was lovely to meet you.”

Damien shook his head. “The pleasure is all mine. We’ll talk again soon.”

She hesitated for a moment before she leaned toward him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. “I’d really like that.”

Watching Ray wrap an arm around her waist and help her from the home left him wanting to strangle whoever had hurt her. He hated being light on details but shoved the feeling deep down until they were out of sight and earshot.

“Damien?”

He retrieved his phone from his pocket to see who’d messaged him.Bob.He smiled. “It’s all good, Mia.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m just a little overwhelmed.”

She patted his shoulder. “You must be over the moon?”

He smiled. “That, too, but it’s a lot to take in. If I’m feeling this shocked, I can only imagine how she’s faring.” He held up the phone. “I need to make a call. Would you both excuse me?”

Damien stepped out onto the front veranda but was joined by Hollywood before he could hit dial.

“There’s something you should know, Damien.” Hollywood looked hesitant. “She’s in a lot of pain.”

“I saw.”

The soon-to-be father shoved a hand through his hair. “She survived a chopper crash and God-knows-what-else, but she’s not out of the woods, yet. There are fragments in her thigh that threaten her life.”

“And you only thought to tell me this now?”

Blood drained from Hollywood’s face. “Sorry.”

It really wasn’t the kid’s job to tell him and he realized he needed to be thankful.

“Can I ask a question?”

“Sure.”

Hollywood hitched a thumb over his shoulder. “Back there, during dinner. A really odd expression came over you. What were you thinking?”

Damien took a long breath. “Remember when you all came back from East Timor? How messed up you all were?”

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