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

Even if she was a sly old fox-so what?

Jane watched it all unfold, barely able to believe what she was seeing. The woman she'd called Grandma for years was standing there, choosing someone else over her. Was this really what Fiona had always warned her about?

Her hand shook, nearly spilling the chicken soup she held.

"Grandma, are you really going to take her side?" Jane's voice was quiet but sharp.

The silence between them stretched on, heavy and suffocating, before Jane finally broke it. She was only asking out of habit now. If Mrs. Kidd was really going to protect Carson, then what was the point of Jane pretending to lead this family anymore?

Suddenly, a hundred memories flashed through her mind-every moment she'd shared with Carson, every time Mrs. Kidd had seemed to favor her. On the surface, it always looked like Grandma supported her, even spoiled her. But looking back, Jane realized there was never any real difference between her and Carson. She'd just been too blinded by trust and hope to see it.

She'd been wearing rose-colored glasses for far too long.

"Jane, you're a Kidd. The family always comes first," Mrs. Kidd said, her tone final.

"Is that so, Grandma?" Jane's disappointment was impossible to hide. "And Carson? Doesn't he have to put the family first too? He's the one burning through our emergency funds."

Mrs. Kidd, putting space between them that felt

was all in Mrs. Kidd's hands. Of course, the Kidds were one of the most established families around. Her father's arrest couldn't have ruined them overnight. Even with trouble, the

they'd been lying to her.

into every

ragged, chasing deals, desperate to save

her, heavy and cold, stealing her breath and leaving her dizzy-like she was drowning and couldn't

put on a great show. I actually believed you," Jane laughed, the sound brittle as tears

else was in on, left in the dark while they

willing to believe everything Mrs: Kidd said? She'd danced to

I love you both the same," Mrs. Kidd said, letting out a heavy sigh as if

make up for the money, don't worry," Mrs. Kidd said, pulling a bank card from her purse and placing it in Jane's hand. "I'm

7.ne

safe and for

the card, her heart numb. She didn't