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Oh, so they actually had to be parents. Miranda resisted the eye roll. “I’m glad you’re all here, anyway.”

“We didn’t mean to interrupt a party.” Sandra stepped forward, glee shining in her eyes at the prospect of a party, belying her half-assed apology.

Miranda couldn’t find words. Had her parents really abandoned their own plans to get Tierney? When had that ever happened before? So many thoughts collided around in Miranda’s brain, but she needed to focus. Tonight wasn’t about her family, despite how many questions she wanted answered. And the last thing she wanted was drama that would ruin Tori’s birthday.

Tierney stepped forward, her arms outstretched to take Rebel. Rebel curled in tighter to Miranda, who stepped to meet Tierney. She lowered her voice but made sure it was gentle and held no judgment or bitterness, “She’s tired, T. And it’s been six months since you saw her. Give her a day or two to catch up.”

“She’s my baby.”

“She is, and she’ll warm up to you, but right now, she doesn’t know you. Please trust me on this.”

Tierney looked like she was going to object, but instead, she stopped short. Also a first. She nodded and put her hands at her sides. “Okay. So what’s the party for?”

Right. That. She hadn’t told them. She was so grateful to find Tori looking directly at her from across the yard, keeping everyone away from them. Tori immediately came when Miranda nodded at her.

“It’s a birthday party,” Miranda answered.

“It’s not your birthday.”

“No, it’s not.” Miranda smiled as Tori stepped up next to her. “It’s my girlfriend’s birthday. Tori, this is Tierney, and my parents, Emmitt and Sandra. Everyone, this is Tori.”

“Girlfriend?” Tierney squealed and raced forward, wrapping her arms around Tori. “Are you the reason Miranda looks so happy and isn’t killing me for being away so long?”

Tori laughed, and Miranda reached her free hand out to squeeze Tori’s forearm gently.

“I’m so glad you’re home safe, Tierney. I really am.” Miranda lowered the walls holding back her emotions and let relief fill her words.

“Has Rebel been very difficult?” Tierney let go of Tori, dropping her eyes to the ground and rubbing her left arm with her right hand.

“She’s an amazing kid.” Miranda’s voice was gentle, and she saw the glistening reflection of Tierney’s eyes when she looked back up. “We can talk about Rebel later when we all have some time to sit down and talk.”

Tierney nodded, and Miranda was certain she could almost hear the lump her sister tried to swallow.

“Come join the party. There’s plenty of food and drink.”

“Perfect,” Sandra said as she started toward the tables.

Miranda smiled as she and Tori exchanged a sideways glance. She led the way to the tables still overflowing with too much food. She wasn’t going to put Rebel down so long as she had a chance. Then again, maybe Rebel would go to her mother if she did.

Miranda took a deep breath and steeled herself for the pain.

She put Rebel down. Harley raced over and with words too quick for Miranda to understand led Rebel away to get up to some sisterly trouble.

The air was electric. The magic Miranda had harnessed for Tori couldn’t explain all the emotions she could articulate right then. She knew they threatened to overwhelm her, but having faced so many fears over these last months, she took another deep breath instead. She could tackle them, one at a time, tomorrow.

“I’m so proud of you,” Tori whispered into her ear after Miranda had ensured her family were all fed and busy mingling. She would give them credit, they had always found it easy to slip into a crowd, charming with their small talk and easy banter.

“Me?” Miranda leaned into Tori as they watched the laughter and enjoyment around them.

Rebel continued to follow Harley around, while Harley looked as though her chest might swell so much she would float away.

“Oh yes, I’m so proud of you.”

“What did I do?” Miranda narrowed her eyes, trying to understand.

“You could have told them to leave, you could have been angry and yelled. I understand how hard the last few months have been for you. With being Rebel’s only caregiver, with worrying about Tierney’s safety, that doesn’t just go away when she comes back.”

“I guess I’m not as angry as I used to be.”