Page 167 of Dancing for the Minotaur

Terra lowered her voice.

“Mom…”

Lucy poured lemonade into a glass.

“That man loves those children.”

Terra looked toward the living room.

“I know,” she said softly.

“And they love him.”

“I know.”

Terra sighed.

Lucy’s eyes softened.

“And, sweetheart, you love him.”

Terra felt heat rise into her face.

“Can we please not do this right now?”

Her mom arched an eyebrow at her.

“When would you like to do it? Christmas?”

“Mom…”

Lucy gave her a look Terra knew well.

“Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?”

Terra sighed.

“Because I don’t know how he feels anymore. I rejected him, Mom. Not a lot of men come back for more of the same when you do that to them.”

Her mother stared at her as though she had just said something extremely foolish.

“You don’t know how he feels? Just look at him!” She gestured to Taurex and the children. “He belongs in this family, Terra.”

“I know, but I hurt him,” Terra protested.

“Yes, you did,” her mother said gravely. “But a man in love will forgive a lot.”

“Thank you for the support but I’m not ready to take a risk on making a fool out of myself when he might not feel the same way,” Terra said shortly.

Her mom put a hand on her hip.

“You want honesty or support?”

“Couldn’t I have both?” Terra asked.

Her mom frowned.

“Not when you’re acting foolish.”