Page 147 of Where Broken Wings Fly

Lola shakes her head. “I’m not sure she will be happy to accept a strange man and his children into her home. Given her circumstances.”

“It’s worth asking her. It sounds like this man needs your help.”

Katie beams at me, full of relief. I can’t smile back. I’m caught between falling at her feet in a sobbing mess and punching her in the face.

“I’ll speak to Aalia,” Lola concedes. “No promises though.”

“Thank you so much for trying.” Katie reaches across the table to squeeze her clasped hands. “As always, I’m indebted to you.”

“You know I’ll always try to help.”

I watch their exchange with my breath held. It’s clear to see the mutual love and respect that exists between them. Lola had years to get to know Katie and build a relationship with her. Years that I didn’t have.

Katie looks at me, her eyes trailing over my long black hair. “Have you been here for long, Melody?”

“About six months or so. My daughter and I came here looking for a fresh start. Lola has been kind enough to take us in.”

“She’s good at that. How do you two know each other? I know just how much Lola likes her privacy. If I wasn’t an ex-resident of Briar Valley, I doubt I’d be sitting here.”

“She’s… a family friend,” Lola rushes to explain. “Distant family.”

“Is that so?” Katie replies.

“You know me, I’ve always had a soft spot for strays.”

“Oh, I know. Better than most.”

Standing up abruptly, my chair bangs into the kitchen cupboard with a loud smack. They both look at me with surprise. I grab Arianna’s baby box and force a smile that physically pains me.

“I’ve got to go. It was nice meeting you.”

“And you.” Katie sticks a hand out for me to shake. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

It takes all of my remaining courage to take her hand in mine and shake. Her grip is warm and dry. I can feel the cold press of her engagement ring against my palm, the shining diamond capturing my eye again.

“Sure, maybe. Good luck with your work.’’

“Thank you,” she answers.

I race from the kitchen as fast as my feet will carry me. With the front door slammed shut behind me, I stumble down the porch steps and run at full speed into the thick woodland.

When I can’t walk any further, my knees slam into the ground. I drop the box and hide my streaming tears in my hands. She looked exactly how I remember her in my hazy childhood memories.

That was my mother.

If I had even a lick of sense, I’d run back in there and demand answers to my endless list of questions. But I’m imprisoned by fear and can’t move a muscle.

I’m not scared that I’ll hear something I don’t want to hear. No. I’m terrified that I’ll realise she was just like me—a mother, desperate and afraid, doing the best she could to survive.

I couldn’t hate her then.

And I’m petrified of needing her love.

CHAPTER 28

WILLOW

TREAD ON ME - MATT MAESON

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