Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 168

Chapter 168

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She smiled at her daughter and swallowed the lump in her throat Emma couldn’t show her fear; she couldn’t let her daughter know just how scared she was to lose her. “You are so brave, sweetheart,” she whispered softly, brushing her hand across her daughter’s cheek. “Mommy’s so proud of you.”.

Emily’s smile widened slightly. “I’m okay, Mommy,” she murmured in her soft, tiny voice. “You don’t have to worry.”

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But Emma couldn’t let go of her worries. To think of anything happening to Emily, of her little girl slipping away because of something she couldn’t stop, was just too much to bear. She had done all she could: brought them back to the city, faced Alexander in spite of everything that had happened in the past, and begged for his help. But what if it wasn’t enough? What if her daughter’s fate had already been sealed?

Her eyes darted to Ethan, who was stacking blocks in one corner of the room, humming a little tune to himself. His joy was infectious, his energy a stark contrast to Emily’s stillness. Ethan loved his sister, and he always tried to get her to laugh and always wanted to share his toys or stories. The bond between them was unbreakable, and Emma knew that if something happened to Emily, Ethan’s heart would shatter.

“Mommy?” Ethan called, his head turned over his shoulder with a brilliant grin spreading castle!”

Mares

his face. “Look! I built a

help but smile, nodding to encourage him. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart.

with his creation, his laughter filling the room. Emma looked at Emily again. She was fast asleep now. Emily seemed so peaceful, but that gnawing in Emma’s

ached with a mother’s guilt and fear. If Emily didn’t get better, if Emma lost her, she would never forgive herself. She would blame

now, however, Emma had hope. She held on to

said in a light and cheerful voice as she looked from Ethan to Emily. Ethan’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, and even Emily, who had been sleeping, immediately opened her

curiosity. “What are we going to do, Mommy?” he asked while bouncing around the

over, a mischievous smile on her lips. “Give Mr. Handsome’s mommy a surprise visit,” she said, her voice warm yet uncertain as she gauged their

second to process her words, and immediately he did; he

in circles. “Mr. Handsome! Mr. Handsome!” he shouted in loud–giggles. Mr. Handsome was

her little son

looked at her with big, wide doe eyes. “Mommy, does this mean I finally get to be

she hadn’t been fully prepared for but Alexander was their father,

Jan

Chapter 168

place now.

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back in mock surrender and smiled, “Yeah, sweetheart, you can be friends with

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