Chapter 187
Chapter 187
“Someone in this group of misfits we’ve formed has to be,” he said, glancing toward Rae.
Rae laughed softly. “Well, I suppose it couldn’t be Lance p>
“When did this all happen between you two? Seems like just the other day I was teasing Rae about having a crush on my brother, now you’re all domestic p>
Rae gave a little shrug. “We really hit it off. Things just sort of fell into place p>
Cassian looked at her fondly and nodded his agreement. “It took a lot of dancing around each other to give it a chance, but once we did, it just worked p>
“I blame your charm,” Rae teased, turning back to the stove top.
“And I blame your wit,” Cassian replied smoothly. Rae responded with a laugh and a blush.
Their banter drew a reluctant smile from me. For a moment, I let myself enjoy it, the smell of breakfast, the soft light spilling across the table, the way Rae leaned against Cassian’s shoulder without even realizing it.
This was the kind of gentleness that I kept thinking about. Watching my brother and my best friend just enjoy existing in the same space together was bittersweet. I was so happy for them, but there was something else too.
Beneath the warmth, something sharp twisted inside me. Not envy exactly something quieter. Longing.
For the ease of it. The closeness. The way Cassian’s gaze softened when he looked at Rae, unguarded and sure.
I wanted that kind of love, steady and patient, without the constant ache of uncertainty.
But every time she tried to imagine it for myself, she saw Nolan.
The way he used to watch me when he thought I wasn’t looking. The warmth in his eyes when he’d looked at the boys. The pain in his eyes the last time I’d seen him.
The goddess doesn’t make mistakes.
I turned those words over in my mind like a stone in my hand. Maybe my mother had been right. Maybe everything, even the heartbreak, had been meant to bring me here.
Being with Nolan was difficult. We’d gone through more than our fair share of pain. But we were fated. So was all of that really a mistake?
I could spend all day dwelling on the ways that he’d wronged me, on the reasons that I shouldn’t feel anything for him, let alone guilt.
Still, the ache of missing him hadn’t faded. It clung to me, gentle and persistent, like the residual heat of a hearth.
Cassian’s voice pulled me back. “You working today p>
I nodded. “Long shift at the hospital p>
Rae perked up. “Do you want me to stay with the boys? I’m off today p>
“Would you? Claire was going to come, but she’s watched them so much lately. I’m
sure she’d appreciate having an afternoon to herself p>
“Of course,” Rae said. “It’s my favorite job p>
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Chapter 187
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I smiled gratefully. “Thank you. They’ll probably nap after lunch p>
Cassian leaned over to kiss Rae’s temple before heading toward the door. “I’ll stop by later,” he said.
“I’ll hold you to that,” Rae called after him, her voice light.
When the door closed, I turned back to Rae with a soft smile. “You two are… good together p>
Rae’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Yeah. I didn’t expect it, but he makes me feel safe.” My heart tightened again, but I forced a smile. “He’s always been good at that.” Rae tilted her head. “You okay p>
I hesitated, then nodded. “Just thinking p>
“About Nolan?” Rae asked gently.
I looked down at her coffee. “Always. He’s the only thing that I can think about lately p>
Rae reached across the table, her fingers brushing my wrist. “For what it’s worth, I think he’s trying. And you know that I am no fan of Nolan Silver Fang. I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t think it was true p>
I smiled faintly. “Cassian said the same thing p>
“Then maybe it’s time you let him show you,” Rae said softly. “If the goddess doesn’t make mistakes, maybe this is her way of giving you both another chance p>
The words lingered after Rae stood to clear the plates.
Another chance.
I wasn’t sure I was ready. But I also wasn’t sure I wanted to keep pretending I didn’t want one.
As I left for work later that morning, I paused at the door to look back at the twins cooing in Rae’s arms, the sunlight spilling through the windows, the quiet peace of my home.
It was all beautiful. But it wasn’t complete.
Not yet.
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