Chapter 121
Edith’s eyes shimmered with disappointment, but the feeling didn’t linger for long.
She reminded herself that these moments together were precious–far too valuable to waste on sadness.
“Edith,” Kearney said gently, “so much has changed in the past year. Things aren’t easy for me now, and I know your life must have gotten tougher, too. But remember what I’ve always told you: life is all about learning to be resilient, until one day you’re unshakable.”
The quarter hour they’d been given slipped away faster than either wanted.
Kearney glanced at his watch; it was time to go.
Edith’s heart clenched at the thought of saying goodbye. She didn’t want to worry Kearney, so she steadied herself, swallowing her emotions, and stood up to walk him out.
Jayne, uneasy about drawing attention, tried to intervene. “Edith, why don’t you stay and look after our guests? I’ll see your father out.”
She had barely finished when a tall shadow fell across the room.
Justin approached, a gentle smile curving his lips. He reached for Edith’s hand, fingers lacing through hers, catching a flash of crimson at the hem
of her dress.
“Come on, Edith,” he said softly. “Let’s walk Dad out together.”
Kearney shook his head, not wanting to make things complicated. “No need, really. I can see myself out.”
But Justin wouldn’t have it. “How could we not? At the very least, let us
see you to your car.”
Jayne shot a worried look at the guests mingling in the reception hall.
Sensing her hesitation, Justin reassured her, “Mom, the Hawksley family
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isn’t so bound up in formality. There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”
Hearing this, both Kearney and Jayne relaxed.
Hand in hand, Justin and Edith followed behind Kearney and Jayne, weaving through the corridors until they reached a discreet side exit, where a black car waited in the shadows.
Edith turned her face away, the ache of parting too familiar. She never could stand goodbyes.
Justin noticed her retreat, and gently tipped her face to rest against his shoulder. He whispered, “Dad’s about to leave. Are you sure you don’t want to say goodbye?”
She buried her head further into his shoulder, shaking it resolutely. “No. I can’t.”
Justin chuckled, soft and fond. She was like a child in these moments, needing gentle reassurance.
“Really? He’s getting in the car now. You’ll miss him.”
That did it–Edith lifted her head in alarm, only to see Kearney still waiting, eyes searching for hers.
She pinched Justin’s side in mock annoyance, turning to give him a playful glare and muttering, “You tricked me.”
There was a teasing lilt in her voice that Justin could never resist.
Even her little pouts made him fall for her all over again.
He gave her waist a reassuring squeeze. “Go on, sweetheart. Don’t keep Dad waiting.”
Edith hurried over, flinging her arms around Kearney. “Dad, Mom and I will be waiting for you to come home!”
Kearney’s smile was warm and kind. “Silly girl, you and Justin are a family now. If you’re waiting for me, it should be together.”
His words were a gentle reminder: Edith needed to see herself as part of
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Chapter 121
the Hawksley family now.
She froze for a moment. She’d never truly considered whether her
marriage with Justin would last, and she’d never planned for a future that included him–or his family.
Not wanting to trouble Kearney, she quickly corrected herself. “You’re right, Dad. Mom, Justin, and I–we’ll all be waiting for you.”
Kearney’s eyes softened, emotions swirling beneath the surface. He cupped her cheek, his voice thick with feeling. “Good. I’ll come home to you all as soon as I can.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.