I stared at Lucas, my mind reeling, unable to process his words. Each time I’d drawn near him, a unique, healing warmth enveloped me, a fleeting fantasy flickering in the crevices of my thoughts—how different life might have been if my family were someone like Lucas, not Henry and his kin. Yet to think my greedy daydreams, and Willow’s half-joking speculations, were true?
Tears welled uncontrollably, spilling over, my voice choking as I asked, “Really? Are you my true family?”
Lucas nodded firmly, his warm, calloused hand enveloping mine, drawing me into his embrace. “Yes, absolutely. You’re my sister’s daughter, my true niece. There are many unanswered questions about your mother, and I’ll explain them slowly, in time.”
“Welcome home, Layla,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I k
