Chapter 35

Kieran’s POV

“I kept her in my mum’s place,” Tobias said as we left the packhouse.

The journey down there suddenly felt so long. My fingers clenched into trembling fists at my sides, heart hammering so loud I was sure Tobias could hear it. Every step toward the house felt like walking through quicksand. Will she forgive me? Will she allow me to hug her again? What if she didn’t want to see me? What if she hated me?

“She… she doesn’t know I’m coming, does she?” I asked, trying to sound casual, but it came out hoarse.

“No,” Tobias said quietly. “I didn’t think I was going to tell you today or that you’d want to see her tonight.”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure. My hands were trembling.

When we reached the house, Tobias paused and looked at me, “You ready?”

“No,” I said honestly, then took a deep breath.

We got to the doorstep, and Tobias knocked. Mrs. Monroe opened it, and her eyes instantly welled up when she saw me. Her lips part