Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

"Why go to the hospital? I've already called the family doctor. Sit down, let me get a good look at you. Honestly, what kind of mess have you gotten yourself into to end up like this?"

As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward Jane-barely hiding the accusation. She might as well have said it out loud: Jane must have sent someone to chop off Carson's finger.

Jane didn't flinch. Her attitude was always bold and upfront, never one to hide. "What's with that look? Listen, if I really wanted to do something, Carson wouldn't have come back at all. Trust me."

Jane never feared anyone except Fiona.

Mrs. Kidd's lips pressed together as Carson's mother jumped in, her voice sharp and defensive. "You hear that? What kind of thing is that to say? We're family, but all she ever does is wish us dead. I wouldn't be surprised if she really did have something to do with Carson's hand. She thinks just because we're alone, we're easy to bully."

No matter what she did, Carson's mother had never been accepted by Mrs. Kidd. She'd given the Kidd family a son, even been introduced to the family elders by Jane's father, but she was never allowed to call Mrs. Kidd "Mom."

When she first married in, she'd tried, but Mrs. Kidd shut it down fast-no morning greetings, not even allowed inside the family chapel. At best, she could kneel outside with the distant relatives. Everyone noticed, and plenty resented it.

family ever truly welcomes the mistress. That's just the way things

grow up. I know exactly what

turned to Carson, eyeing his injured hand. One look and she

That's the only way this

speak, but every time he tried, the image of that knife flashed in his

Carson shook his head hard, properly scared now. He wouldn't say another word about Golden Glow, wouldn't even dare to complain. Grabbing his mother's arm, he pleaded, "Mom, let's just go. Please. Do you want me to hurt even

mother insisted, her voice suddenly stronger. She was sure Jane was behind it, and to her, Mrs. Kidd was just letting her get away with

refused to believe the world was

the doorbell

fries on the coffee table; still warm. Perfect. Fiona