Page 136 of Shadows of You

“She was more like your mom.”

My throat burned. “Yeah.”

We were quiet for a moment, Roan just holding me tightly and soothing the worst of the hurt.

“I think that’s why she stayed with John longer than she should’ve. Because she wanted the family we never had. She was so desperate to give her daughter a good life.”

Roan cupped my cheek, tipping my head back. “But now you’re giving Cady that good life. Look at how loved she is. How full of magic her life is.Youdid that.”

I swallowed, trying to clear the ache in my throat. “I’ve tried. So damn hard. But things really soared when your family came into our lives.”

The Hartleys had given us so much. Cady’s best friend. Women who had become like sisters to me. Kerry’s motherly nurturing and care. Nathan’s sweet gruffness. Holt’s, Nash’s, and Lawson’s brotherly ways. And Roan.

He had become the greatest gift of all.

Roan brushed his mouth against mine and then pulled back. His gaze bored into mine. “You’ve given me more than I ever could’ve imagined. Even before I knew you, you were this spark of light in the shadows. But being in your orbit? It’s so bright it casts out everything else.”

I pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the steady beat there. It wasn’t anI love you; it was so much better. It was raw and real and…Roan.

* * *

The woman staredat me for a beat too long as I offered her the bills and change in my hand. My stomach twisted. I didn’t recognize her as a local and hoped like hell she wasn’t a reporter.

She licked her lips as she took her change from me. “I’m so sorry about what happened to you,” she whispered. “Know that you’re believed.”

Her eyes shone, a glimmer of tears there as her gaze connected with mine.

My throat tightened. There was an understanding in her expression. Something that told me she’d seen the effects of abuse in one way or another. “Thank you. I can’t tell you what that means.”

She nodded and shoved the change into the tip jar. “Stay safe.”

“I will.”

And then she was gone.

A weight lifted off my shoulders, something I’d carried for years. And all it took was one stranger telling me she believed me.

“You okay?” Jonesy asked from his usual table.

I cleared my throat and shot him a smile. “I’m good. Better than good, actually.”

Elsie’s lips twitched. “That got anything to do with the big, burly man in your bed?”

I snorted. “It doesn’t hurt.”

“I bet.” She grinned and turned back to her computer, getting to work on editing her newest batch of photos.

I frowned at the computer screen. “You’re still holding off on going up into the mountains, right?”

Elsie sent me a sheepish smile. “I went on some trails yesterday—but close to my cabin, I promise. There haven’t been any more incidents, so I think it’s fine.”

I pinned her with my best motherly stare. “You should at least wait another week or two. And bring a Taser and bear spray when you go.”

She grinned at me. “I promise I’ll bring both.”

“Thank you,” I said, letting out a breath.

I turned to grab my rag and cleaning spray. Tackling the bathrooms was my least favorite task at The Brew, but someone had to do it. And it was better to get it done while things were quiet.

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