Before I could answer, my emotions overwhelmed me. To my complete mortification, tears welled up in my eyes and spilled over. I don’t want you to go, I said, my voice small and watery.
“Oh, sweetheart!” Meave’s arms were around me in an instant. “I’m just going home, not disappearing forever. If you miss me, just call, and I’ll come see you!”
I sniffled against her shoulder, feeling ridiculous but unable to stop. I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m being so emotional.”
Meave stroked my hair gently. “It’s alright. You remind me so much of Grace sometimes…”
Her voice trailed off, and I could feel her own grief rising to the surface. Grace–Gavin’s daughter Katniss Kennedy who now went by Grace Stark–was a painful subject for Meave.
“Please don’t be sad,” I said, pulling back and wiping my eyes. “I promise I’ll call you all the time after you go back. We can meet for coffee! Scarlett and I opened a small coffee shop together. I’d love to take you there sometime.”
Meave’s smile returned, bright and genuine. “I’d love that.” She turned to Brandon, who had been watching our exchange with uncharacteristic patience. “Brandon, I’m leaving Summer in your care. Don’t you dare mistreat her while we’re gone, or I’ll come back and set you straight.”
Brandon’s lips twitched. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Brandon, would you mind bringing our bags down?” Meave asked.
As Brandon disappeared upstairs, I made one more attempt. “Meave, why the rush? Couldn’t you stay a little longer? At least stay for dinner?”
She cupped my face in her soft hands. “Silly girl, there will be plenty of chances to see each other. I’m waiting for Brandon to officially bring you to the Stark family home. How about that?”
The ride to the Stark mansion was filled with Meave’s stories. Brandon drove while Meave and I sat in the back seat, her voice animated as she regaled me with tales of Brandon’s childhood.
“Summer, you wouldn’t believe it–Brandon was such a handsome little boy, but he always had this serious face!” Meave laughed. “All the little girls had crushes on him, but he was never interested!”
I couldn’t help sneaking glances at Brandon in the rearview mirror, trying to imagine him as a solemn–faced child. It was almost impossible to picture.
Meave continued, oblivious to our exchange. “He was so smart, too. While other children were still in middle school and high school, he skipped straight to university.
“You were the reason for that, Meave,” Brandon said softly, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror. “Without you, there would be no Brandon Stark today.”
9
“You two are meant for each other, Meave said, taking my hand. “No matter what challenges you face, never give up on each other. Trust each other, support each other. Promise?”
I understand, Meace, I said, squeezing her hand. “When I married Brandon, I committed to a lifetime together.”
In the rearview mirror, I caught Brandon’s expression softening, the hard lines of his face relaxing into something almost tender.
As we pulled up to the imposing Stark family mansion, Brandon turned to me. “Stay in the car. I’ll just help Meave with her bags
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Chapter 262
and be right back.”
“Okay, I agreed, watching as he helped Meave out of the car and retieved their luggage from the trunk.
Brandon leaned down to the window. “Wait here. I won’t be long.*
“Got it!” I smiled, settling back in my seat.
I was scrolling through emails on my phone when a melodic female voice broke the silence,
“Brandon! You’re back?”
My head jerked up. Elle Sinclair was rushing toward Brandon and Meave, her face lit with excitement.
“Aunt Jane, look who’s here!” she called out. “It’s Brandon! He came to see you!”
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