Page 472 of Hidden Depths

“What?”

Elanore smiled through her tears.

“He knew Nathan was protecting us.”

Thomas snorted.

“That isn’t what he meant.”

Nathan glared at him.

“You’ve been shot once this month.”

Thomas leaned back in the chair.

“And I’m still not afraid of you.”

Mom continued reading.

“Nathan, you are not responsible for your father’s sins. You proved the man you were every day you chose loyalty when betrayal would have been easier. Stop punishing yourself and accept the family that has already chosen you.”

Nathan turned away.

Mom caught his hand.

He looked at her.

The years between them seemed to disappear.

Then Elanore kissed him.

Not on the cheek.

Not like a friend.

The room erupted.

Hazel cheered.

Willow laughed.

Ivy lifted her camera.

Calle told her to put it down.

Thomas shouted, “About time.”

Nathan didn’t appear to hear any of them.

His arms closed around Elanore.

He kissed her as though he had spent half his life waiting.

He had.

Storm slipped away while everyone surrounded them.

I followed her onto the dock.