I have to admit, it’s really weird pulling up to the house where I grew up, considering that the last time I was here I left in a helicopter clutching my half-dead mate’s hand. I glance in the rearview window at my two boys, suddenly realizing that this house is probably full of strange memories for them as well.

Was it wrong to bring them along?

But one glance at Ian lets me know that he, at least, is thrilled.

“Can we go in the basement?! Can we play in the jail where you were locked up, mama?!”

“Is that really what you want to do?” I ask, screwing up my face with distaste as I put the car in park out front.

Alvin bites his lip, looking at me, clearly not as eager to re-enact his trauma as Ian is. I laugh, shaking my head and starting to get out of the car. The boys join me in the driveway.

“Listen, you guys can both do what you want, but you should ask your grandmother first. See what she thinks.”

They both nod, starting to run up the stairs to the house. As they reach the top, the door opens and my mother’s beaming face appears. “Evelyn! Ian, Alvin! Lovely!” she calls, laughing as the boys run to hug her.

I smile, surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her…

Well, as I climb the stairs after my boys, I realize that my mother has always been the perfect Luna, which means answering the door with a gracious smile. Even a warm greeting like this would have made my father frowning at her, giving her the message – however implicit – that she was embarrassing him.

As I reach the top of the stairs and lean to give her a kiss on the cheek, I’m suddenly furious for her, that she’s lived a life so hemmed in she couldn’t even be excited to see her grandchildren. At least, not until now, when he’s locked away in a jail.

“Are you all right, darling?” she asks, peering at me closely.

“Yes, mama,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “I’m sorry – lost in my thoughts.”

always is,” she murmurs, glancing pointedly at my left hand. I laugh, spreading

sharp eye for diamonds,” I

extra squeeze and then releases me. “I think you two are good for each other. He has certainly proved that he’s willing to fight for you.” Her eyes sparkle a little at her understatement and I can help

of us into the parlor, where tea is waiting, the boys happily chattering to her about their lives and their school, Alvin telling her all about the fabulous Miss Georgia whom he plans to marry at first

I come in, Emma rushes across the room, laughing, happy to see me. I wrap her in a warm hug, holding

your baby is getting married,” she says, pulling back a little and grinning at the boys. “Putting Victor

smirking and holding up my hand so she can see. Emma gasps and then wraps me again in a hug, rocking me back

flip out – she’s been calling this for weeks – the

head. Honestly, I used to love

let her break the news on her social media if she wants,” I say, shrugging. “That way she can be

Emma says, her eyes going wide as we move to

about

to the press?” Alvin asks, curious, coming over to

say, pulling him close to me. “To

even asked her yet. I’m waiting

on the rear. “You two

the kitchen,” my mother says, leaning forward to smile at them.

to listen at the door in a

say, looking after them.

move quickly,” my mother says, looking at me seriously. I c**k my head to the side, suddenly

asked them to meet with me today, and I didn’t tell them why, but as I look between both of them I realize that I’ve been the only one not

my hands are pressed against my knees. “I haven’t done right

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