Page 87 of Shadows of You

“Mama, why are you crying?”

“I’m happy, Katydid. We got Dory back to her family.”

“We did, huh?” she mumbled.

“Not bad for a pre-school activity,” I said.

Cady groaned. “Do I have to go to school?”

My brows rose at that. “You love school. And Charlie will be so sad if you’re not there.”

“I know, but it won’t be nearly as cool as this.”

Roan chuckled. “Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new animal friend at recess.”

Hope lit in Cady’s eyes. “We did find a frog once.”

“See, more adventures to be had. Now, we need to get going or we’ll be late,” I said.

Roan helped me get Cady into my station wagon with her backpack in tow. As I closed her in, I looked up at him. “Thanks. For all your help and—”

“You don’t have to keep thanking me,” he grumbled.

My lips twitched. “Maybe I like thanking you.”

Roan only grunted. “Text me. Let me know how the drop-off goes.”

I read the subtext beneath his words. He wanted to know if Katelyn gave me any trouble. “I will. See you tonight?”

He jerked his head in a nod. “Drive safe.”

I climbed behind the wheel and headed down the drive. There was a war waging in my chest cavity, hope and fear dueling it out in epic proportions. My fingers gripped the wheel tighter as I turned toward town.

I wanted to let myself sink into the warmth that was having Roan in my life. Not to question what this was or what would happen. But that was impossible when I’d lived through what I had. When the person I loved most had been ripped away. It made me doubt that the good things had the power to stay.

Turning into the parking lot, I realized Cady had been talking the entire drive. I winced. Mother of the year over here.

As I pulled to a stop, I caught sight of Charlie waiting by one of the teachers. “Looks like you’ve got company.”

Cady grinned, unhooking her booster seat straps. She was already out and headed for Charlie by the time I rounded the car. He waved at me and grabbed her hand, leading her toward school. Leaving me in the dust.

The teacher smiled. “Those two are a love story in the making.”

I laughed. “You might be right there.”

I just hoped it had a happy ending.

Climbing back into my car, I headed for The Brew. There were more cars parked out front than usual, and I cursed. Zeke would not be happy dealing with all the customers alone.

There must be a tour group in town. They came through occasionally, led by outdoor guides who put the groups up at the B&B or Caden’s family’s resort, The Peaks, if the trip was fancier.

I hurried out of my car and toward the front door. The bell rang as I stepped inside.

The moment the door closed behind me, people were on their feet. Flashes went off, and microphones were shoved in my face.

“Tara, do you still claim that John is guilty?”

“Do you regret your testimony?”

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