Page 89 of Edge

“Oh, yes, you are. You’re Edge’s woman. Even if you weren’t with him, I’m pretty sure Irene would claim you as her daughter. Since she’s more or less Byte’s mom, that’d make you Byte’s sister. It doesn’t matter how you slice it, you’re family now.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I nodded in acknowledgment while I let her words sink in.

“They were talking about watching a movie to pass the time, but I think story time would be better,” Harper said. “I’m going to get some snacks and round up the old ladies. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.”

She came back several minutes later with a bag full of junk food. Reese was trailing along behind her carrying a bag filled with various types of drinks. While they were arranging the snacks and drinks on the table, Ember, Annabelle, Macy, Keegan, Gabby, and Irene joined us.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Harper smiled. “I thought it might be helpful for you to hear our stories. Somebody could probably write a book about each one of us.”

I listened intently as each woman shared their story. Irene had told me a good bit about what happened with Gabby, but I had no idea about the others.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “Hearing your stories really did make me feel better.”

“We just wanted you to know that we’ve all been through stuff, and we understand how you’re feeling right now,” Harper said.

“Did your husband put you up to this?”

She smiled. “He may have dropped a few not-so-subtle hints.”

“Please thank him for me. I don’t know that I would’ve reached out on my own.”

“That’s completely understandable. We’re new to you, but now you know you can,” she said and clapped her hands together. “So, how about a movie?”

“Sounds good to me.” Even though I hadn’t been doing anything other than sitting, I was exhausted. The doctors told me I would feel tired even with light activity for several weeks, and they were right.

“Do you need anything?”

“A blanket, if there’s one around.”

She lifted the top of the ottoman and pulled out a blanket for me. “You’re going to fall asleep, aren’t you?”

I grinned. “It’s highly likely. Will you wake me if there’s any news?”

“I will,” she promised.

Shortly after the movie started, I was sound asleep.

“Evie, wake up,”Edge said softly next to my ear.

When I opened my eyes, it took me a few seconds to remember where I was and why. “What happened? Is everyone okay?”

He smiled. “Everything’s fine. I’ll tell you what happened when we get back to the house.”

“Fine,” I grumbled and slowly got to my feet. After waiting all day for news, I didn’t want to wait any longer.

“I can tell you now, but we might miss out on dinner.”

“Dinner? What time is it?”

“Almost seven. Since everyone was busy all day, we’re having dinner delivered. It’ll be here any minute.”

When we reached the stairs, I wanted to cry. After struggling to walk down them that morning, I didn’t think I’d be able to climb them.

“I got you,” Dice said from behind me. He gently scooped me into his arms and carried me to the top of the stairs.

“Thank you.”