“Lexi, I would never do anything to harm you or Cole,” Sahira said.
She believed that; she truly did, but still, her arms didn’t move. Maybe her sense of betrayal and distrust ran a lot deeper than she’d realized.
“Thank you,” Cole said as he lowered his hand from the doorway and crossed the kitchen. He took the bottles from Sahira.
“Yes, thank you,” Lexi murmured.
The sorrow in Sahira’s eyes clogged Lexi’s throat with tears, but she still didn’t move. Time would help her get over this, but she wasn’t sure things would ever be the same. With a sigh, Lexi decided to focus on the bigger issue at hand… returning to the Gloaming.
“We’ll be back soon,” Cole said.
“I’ll be here,” Sahira murmured.
“See you soon,” Lexi whispered.
She walked with him from the room as her dad descended the stairs. Lexi stopped and smiled when she saw him. He was still too thin, but he’d trimmed his hair and shaved the beard from his face. He was much like the man she remembered, and the sight of him warmed her heart.
“What do you think?” he asked as he stopped at the bottom.
“Much better.”
His grin lit up his face and caused his eyes to twinkle. Then he glanced between her and Cole, and his smile faded. “Are you leaving already?”
“I have to get back, but we’ll return soon,” Cole said.
Her dad nodded and opened his arms to her. Lexi hesitated for the briefest of seconds before hugging him. She was still upset, yes, but he wasalive.She’d been granted a miracle, and she couldn’t turn away from that.
“I’m so glad you’re home,” she whispered.
“Me too,” he said and squeezed her. “Be careful.”
“You too.”
She released him and stepped back to take Cole’s hand. Her dad glanced between the two of them before walking into the library to rejoin Brokk and Orin. They would be leaving soon too.
“Come on, let’s go get Torigon,” Cole said.
She followed him outside and to the barn. George, the man they’d hired to help with caring for the horses, had gone home already. Even though George recently fed them, all the horses stuck their heads out and nickered when the barn door opened.
“I know, I know,” Lexi said as she released Cole. “You’re all starving.”
She walked into the feed room as Cole closed the door. Gathering carrots, she gave one to each horse and took the time to talk to and pet them. She’d been away from her friends far too often lately.
“I have to figure out a way to keep paying George to care for them,” she said as Darby took the carrot she offered him. “We don’t have much money left.”
“I will pay him,” Cole said.
“I can’t let you do that.”
“You’re notlettingme do anything. I’mofferingto do it. You’re my mate, Lexi, and I’m not going to let you worry about this. You never have to worry about money again.”
She stared at Darby as he nudged her hand for more treats. Finally, she turned to look at Cole. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Don’t thank me for this. I love you, and I’malwaysgoing to be here for you.”
Tears burned Lexi’s eyes as she walked over to hug him. His strong arms swept her off her feet, and he crushed her against him.
“You don’t have to worry about the horses or anything else,” he told her as he kissed her temple. When one of the horses kneed their stall door and nickered impatiently, he set her down again. “Go give them some more treats before they break out.”
