Page 24 of Julian

Angie would likely say that Kiara had been brave and protective, but that didn’t mean Kiara had felt no fear during their years at the homestead. She’d just chosen to shift her fear for her own wellbeing to Angie. Knowing she had to take care of her younger sister and protect her had given Kiara a bravery she might not have otherwise had.

Unfortunately, it had resulted in a more… stressful life for Kiara. She didn’t regret having protected Angie the way she had, but it had made things more difficult. There was no doubt she’d also protect her child in the way she’d protected Angie, but living on the estate, she didn’t think it would be necessary.

Turning from the construction site, Kiara continued her trek along the road. She passed Annie’s house, then headed back in the direction of the main house.

By the time she reached the back door, she was ready to get off her feet. She stepped into the mudroom and removed her jacket and shoes before heading further into the house.

“Kiara.”

She turned to see Duncan coming from the direction of the breakfast room.

“How are you doing today?”

Whenever he saw her, he asked that, concern on his face. He’d wanted her to be seen by the doctor he used for family medical concerns, but Kiara was quite happy with Doctor Misha. The woman was gentle, and any concern she had was for both Kiara and the baby. She wasn’t just concerned about Kiara for the baby’s sake, like it felt Duncan was.

“I’m doing okay. Just enjoyed a nice walk.”

Duncan smiled. “That’s good. Did you go by your house?”

“Yes. They’re making great progress.”

“They are,” Duncan agreed. “I’m hoping it will be ready a couple of months ahead of the original schedule. Have you been making decisions about the interior work?”

Kiara nodded. “Yes. The interior designer has been sending Angie and me lots of options. Almost too many.”

“It can be overwhelming, so if it’s too much, just tell her. Perhaps she can narrow things down a bit more for you. By the way,” Duncan said as he held out a white envelope. “This came for you.”

Taking it, Kiara looked down at the front of it. Her name was scrawled in bold black ink. There was no return address, which concerned her.

“I believe it might be from Julian,” Duncan said. “The postmark is from near where he is.”

“Julian? Really? I didn’t think he was allowed to contact anyone.”

Duncan nodded. “I think he’s limited on access to a computer or his phone, but writing and receiving letters is permitted.”

“Oh.” Kiara pressed it to her chest, not certain if she was excited or anxious about what it might contain. “I guess I’ll go read it.”

“Uh… listen.” Duncan shifted in a way that made him seem so unlike himself. “I don’t need to know the contents of the letter, but will you let me know if you have any concerns?”

Kiara had understood why Duncan wanted Julian to get help. It was clear to anyone who spent any sort of time with him that he had an alcohol problem. Julian might have felt like Duncan was manipulating him, which was probably true, but Kiara was certain that it was motivated by love for his son. Hopefully, Julian could come to understand that.

“I’ll let you know,” she said with a gentle smile.

“Thank you.”

As she climbed the stairs, she heard Duncan’s steps heading down the hallway to where his office was located. Clutching the envelope in her hand, she hurried to her room.

Once inside, she went to the loveseat by the window and sank down on its soft cushions. Smoothing the envelope on her lap, she stared at her name.

Kiara Burke…

Duncan had helped her submit the paperwork for a name change after confirming it was what she wanted, so it was official now. It wasn’t that she wanted the Burke name necessarily, but she wanted to have the same last name as her child. And since she was entitled to it by marriage, she’d taken Duncan up on his offer.

Kiara had no idea why Julian would choose to write to her instead of Duncan or someone else in the family, so she opened the envelope with some trepidation.

Taking a deep breath, she turned the envelope over and slid her finger under the flap, carefully unsealing it. Once it was open, she pulled out the contents, hoping she’d get a glimpse of how Julian’s time in treatment had gone so far.

She unfolded the letter to find two pieces of premium thick paper filled with the same black scrawl that was on the envelope.