Page 2 of Stolen Mate

Lara smiled sadly and took her finger with her own. “Pinky promise.”

They hugged each other tight—neither wanting to let go. “We can do this, Lara.”

Releasing her sister, Lara stepped back and looked into Tess’s eyes. “We don’t have a choice. I’m just glad you and Mom worked out your differences.”

Tess gave a half-hearted laugh. “We were both just being stubborn. I’m sorry we put you in the middle.”

“It’s okay. I really did understand where both of you were coming from. Just so you know? Being an adult sucks.”

Tess laughed, softly. “Sometimes, but sometimes it’s a whole lot better than being a kid or even a teenager.”

“You’re talking about sex, aren’t you?” Tess nodded, and Lara made a face. “Eww. You’re so bad.”

“I know. That’s my job. I’m the bad sister; you’re the good and virtuous one.”

Lara shook her head and headed toward the door. She stopped as she put her hand on the knob but didn’t turn around. “I love you, and nobody ever had a better big sister.”

She didn’t wait for Tess to reply and simply exited the loft. Tess moved to the door, ensuring it was locked and set the security system. Then wrapping her arms around herself, she walked to the expanse of windows and looked out. Closing her eyes, she tried to soothe her frayed nerves. As she had expected, her spirit guide chuffed softly to her in consolation.

* * *

CATHY

Cathy leaned over Mary Dixon. It wouldn’t be long now before death came to take her to the next plane of existence.

“You must tell her,” she whispered with a sense of urgency.

Her patient shook her head back and forth. “I can’t. She’ll hate us. She’ll hate herself.”

“She won’t. She has a right to know…”

“You don’t understand…”

“I do. I do understand. I understand you made a mistake, one for which you could never have guessed the consequences. I know that you absolutely did the right thing, and you have more than atoned for what happened all those years ago. But she has a right to know.”

Recognition dawned. “You know.” Mary’s fingers moved agitatedly on the covers. “How do you know?”

“Not all of it, but I’ve been able to piece together what must have happened. I’m part of a group that can help her…”

Mary glanced around the room, and Cathy shook her head. “I’m not with any of the authorities—just a group of women who help other women like Tess. I’ll make sure she and Lara both have a safety net.”

“Lara isn’t like her. Tess is adopted. I gave birth to Lara. I love them both, but…”

Whatever else she might have said was cut short as Tess wandered out of the bedroom.

“She doesn’t have long,” said Cathy. “She seems to be drifting in and out of lucidity. She wants to be alone with you. I’ll be over at your desk. My computer shows me all of her vitals, but if you need me, just call. I’m going to call Lara.”

“Thanks, Cathy. I’m not sure what we would have done without you. You’ve been a godsend to all of us.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

* * *

TESS

Cathy quietly left the immediate area and Tess sat down in the chair beside her mother’s bed.

“Tess?” her mother asked softly, seeking her daughter’s hand.

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