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The faint scent of cigarette smoke drifted toward him.

“Was it because I thought you wouldn’t come?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Felicity snapped.

A deep sigh.

“If you didn’t want to come, you could’ve just said so.”

“Now who’s being snappy?”

“Jeez, Felicity. You disappeared for four months without telling anyone where you were. Forgive me for expecting you to stand me up.”

Silence.

Ronan edged closer, staying in the shadows.

“It’s … complicated,” Felicity said eventually, her voice rough.

“Is it about Ronan? Because if it is, then I’m sorry for inviting him and spoiling your homecoming. But, Liss, the man loves you. And he’s been worried about you. Like all of us. He doesn’t deserve the dark looks you’ve been shooting him all evening.”

“You don’t understand.”

“No, I probably don’t. But I can see that you’re angry at him.”

A brittle laugh escaped Felicity. “You have no idea.”

“No,” Rae agreed softly. “I don’t. But taking it out on the people who love you isn’t fair either.”

“I know.”

“This … this Thanksgiving … it’s important to me, Felicity. Our past is finally done. It’s the start of our new lives. You’re my sister. And you’re back. And I am very thankful for that.”

Silence stretched between them.

“I’m sorry,” Felicity said finally, her voice thick. “I’m just … struggling.”

A throat cleared.

“I think it’s best if I go.”

“You’re not … leaving leaving, are you?”

A long, weary exhale.

“No.”

The relief at hearing that single word nearly brought Ronan to his knees.

A moment later, the patio door slammed shut.

Ronan stepped out of the shadows.

Raegan gasped. “Ronan.”

He held up his hands. “Sorry. I know better than to sneak up on people.” Especially women who lived with danger on their heels for so long. His gaze shifted to the closed patio door. “Is she okay?”

Raegan studied him for a long moment. “Did something happen in New York? Or Hartford?”