*
Rebecca thanked Michael and Maggie for inviting her, politely commenting on how wonderful everything looked and smelled. It felt like someone else, some hollow, automated voice, was speaking for her. She made her apologies, explaining how she had promised to serve dinner down at the church’s food kitchen, and that she really had to be going.
Aidan stood, muttering a similar excuse. He didn’t give her a chance to protest when he was suddenly beside her, his hand supportively at her back, leading her to her car with a promise to follow behind her in his. She was not happy about it, but she would not embarrass either of them in front of the others.
*
Angus was not at his post when Kane re-emerged in the hallway. No doubt he, much like Kane, found it difficult to keep his distance from Rebecca. Right now he was probably at her feet beneath the table, anxiously awaiting any scraps she might send his way. Kane knew just how he felt. He would take the smallest glance, the barest hint of a smile, anything from her, as long as it was directed toward him.
Rebecca had always been so ... he struggled for the right word. Loving was the only thing that seemed to come remotely close. Her heart had always been so open. Not just to him, but to everyone. But not today. Something had changed. It was as incongruous as if the wind stopped blowing or the sun stopped shining.
Was it because of him? Because of what he had said? God knew, not a grain of it was true. No matter how honorable his intentions, the reality was that Rebecca had become everything to him – his sun, his moon, his warmth. And he had turned her away. Turned his back on her when she needed him most. How much courage had it taken for her to reveal herself to him as she had? And how much had it hurt when he shut her down?
His chest ached so deeply he wanted to roar in agony. Because this was all his fault. If he hadn’t turned her away, she would not have been attacked. She would have been safe and warm and loved in his bed instead of lying terrified on a cold, dark floor while someone beat her and tried to rape her. Nothing like that would have happened if he hadn’t been such a blind fool, he was sure of it. Because he wouldn’t have allowed it.
Rebecca was no stranger to pain. He’d seen the scars. Since that morning, he had lain awake every night imagining all too clearly the ways she must have gotten them. But that was before she met him. Over the past few weeks he’d learned to rationalize the horror by telling himself that nothing would have hurt her if he was around. But he couldn’t say that anymore, could he?
Because of him, she was scared to trust anyone anymore. And that was simply unacceptable. She had opened up her heart and soul to him, and he’d packed her up and sent her home like a troublesome child.
When Kane entered the dining room, he searched for her. But she wasn’t there. Nor was Aidan. It was too quiet. And too many eyes avoided his.
“Uncle Kane, sit by me!” Riley’s voice rang out in the tense silence. Kane ruffled her hair, tried to offer her a reassuring smile. “Thanks, princess. But I can’t stay. I just stopped by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Are you gonna have dinner with Becca, Uncle Kane?” she asked. “’Cuz Mom says no one should spend Thanksgiving alone.”
Kane avoided looking at Taryn, not wanting to face the silent demand he knew burned through her unique violet eyes. “Your mom’s absolutely right, princess. Have some pie for me, will you?”
*
Aidan’s Benz pulled next to Rebecca’s in the parking lot behind the church. He sprung out of his car and was opening her door before she had a chance to do so herself.
“How could you, Aidan?”
Angry or not, she accepted the hand he offered her, wishing she had rented something a little easier to manage. It was a fine thing when she was feeling good, but as stiff and sore as she was it was difficult to get in and out of the small vehicle with any semblance of grace.
“How could I what? It’s Thanksgiving, Becca. I missed the last twelve of them with you. I’m not going to miss this one, too.”
Angus bounded across the driver’s seat – little more than a shift of weight for him – and landed quietly on the pavement. He leaned his big body against her thigh, instinctively offering comfort as he looked between them.
“Not that, Aidan,” she said with impatience, pinning him with an accusing glare. “You invited him, didn’t you?”
Aidan’s eyes widened as realization dawned. “Kane? Of course not.”
Rebecca snorted derisively.
“Michael’s house, Becca, not mine. Believe it or not, Maggie did not consult with me on her guest list.”