e's

arm glow around her. A pang of regret hit me, wondering if I'd just scared h

ught up the wedding? It was a stupid, impulsive move. The words seemed stuck in

t was I doing? I should turn back, go home, and beat myself up for the

t the porch railing. "Fuck!" I yelped, startled, an

e, concern and surprise etched on her face. "Jace?

feeling the sting of the bump on my head. Natasha's eyes w

ed, stepping closer, her concern genu

r word, she grabbed my hand, her touch surprisingly gent

ing room was sparsely furnished, with a comfortable sofa facing a small television

had been a long time since someone had taken care of me like this. I wish

e asked, her voice

downplay it. "Just a little bump. I

race. "You should be more careful. I can't have you

smile creeping onto my face. "I thought

t sincere. "I like having you around, even

her movements. Her fingers were deft and careful, and I found m

trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe you

ink I'll stick to my day job, thank you very much. But I do h

d, my voice sincere. "It's nice t

rough the playful banter. "You deserve it

connection forming, a bond that was both exhilarating and terrifying. I wanted to r

ing the spell. She placed a

from the lamp caught the curve of her cheek,

, her lips brushing against mine, t

, the sound of a child's voice bro

ear tha

he direction

three, with bright eyes and a mischi

d, throwing her arms

mmy?" I murmured to my

ttle girl squealed, h

meanor changing. I had never seen such warmth and love in her eyes before. Did she have a

believe it. Natasha was a mom? But she had told me she was single. I had so many qu

daughter," she said, he

up at me with big brown eyes, and I felt a p

Natasha continued, "And this is Ciara,

age, along with a woman who smiled at me warmly. I felt

y, standing up to int

"Sorry, can I pick it quickly?" I as

self, feeling like I w

ered, my voice

r a moment, m

here," I said and

rry, Natasha, but I have to go,

oncern etched on her fa

lied, trying to reassure her.

e, just turned and hurried ou

pounding in my chest. When I arriv

was in an accident," I told t

tically. "Let me check. A

ng with fear. When I burst into the room, I sa

med, relief writte

e of fear wash over me. "What happe

some idiot ran into me," she explained, wi

lief, feeling a weight

ister asked, looking at me pleadingl

ay anything. But you have to promis

, looking reliev

Natasha and her daughters. What was going on there? And why h