Page 80 of Julian

When Kiara’s phone beeped, she pulled it out of her purse and checked the message. “Jude and Angie are on their way.”

Julian got to his feet and went to the sink to rinse out his mug. Kiara finished the last of her yogurt, then put her bowl into the dishwasher.

“Got everything?” Julian asked as she picked up her purse.

“Yes. I think so.”

They walked out onto the large porch to wait for the SUV. It was a beautiful, sunny and warm morning, and Kiara enjoyed it in a way she never would have during their life on the homestead. Sunny and warm in Kentucky usually ended up being hot and humid in the afternoon, which meant they were sweaty and gross.

When the SUV pulled up, she saw Anthony and Lucy in the front seats, while Jude and Angie were in the second row. Jude climbed out and stood by the open door.

“Would you like to sit next to Angela?” he asked when Kiara reached him.

“No. I’m fine sitting in the back with Julian.”

Jude looked over at Julian, who gave him a nod. “I’m good in the back.”

Kiara sometimes forgot that Jude was technically Julian’s employee. She probably shouldn’t have said he’d be sitting in the back with her.

However, Julian apparently had no problem with the plan. Once Jude folded part of the middle seat forward, Julian climbed in and sat down, then leaned forward to offer Kiara his hand.

She took it and allowed him to help steady her as she stepped up into the SUV. As soon as she was seated, she let go of his hand so she could put her seatbelt on. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

Jude lowered the seat back into place, then climbed in and took his place next to Angie. From her seat behind them, Kiara saw Jude reach over and take Angie’s hand. She turned to smile at him, then leaned her head on his shoulder.

Emotion pricked at Kiara’s eyes, and she turned her gaze to the window beside her. She was so glad to see Jude offering Angie affection. He’d always been so reserved that Kiara had been concerned that he wouldn’t be affectionate with Angie the way she wanted without her being the one to initiate it.

Seeing the interaction between the two was bittersweet. She was happy that her worst fears hadn’t been realized, and that Jude had seen value in Angie. That he’d found her worth loving.

Something told Kiara that she wasn’t going to experience the same thing.

When she’d first been taken from her family, her eight-year-old self had been so excited. Finally, she’d be with people who wanted her. Who wouldloveher.

Only that hadn’t been the case. No matter how good she had tried to be, they never loved her the way she’d hoped they would. Sandra had always favored Angie, and though Kiara had initially resented Angie because of that, she’d soon realized that the sweet little girl with blonde hair and blue-green eyes actually loved her.

She’d followed Kiara around, trying to help her. When she fell or got hurt, she’d wanted Kiara to help her feel better. And when Kiara would get hurt or cried, Angie had been right there, hugging her and stroking her hair.

Angie had been the one person who had been there for her, regardless of what else was going on in their lives. She’d even stood up for Kiara when Sandra would get frustrated with her.

And now Angie had someone who loved and protected her. She’d been able to offer Jude a pure and beautiful love.

Kiara had made a bad decision and ended up in a loveless marriage that had an end date.

She moved her hand to rest it on her stomach. At least she would be left with someone to love. Someone who needed her, and who would hopefully, one day, come to love her. It wouldn’t be the type of love she’d dreamed of, but it would be enough.

But the first thing she had to do was pack away the bitter in moments like these, and just focus on the sweet. Overall, she was in a much better situation than she’d been in in Briar Hollow.

And for now, she needed to focus on preparing for her baby and figuring out how to be the best mom she could be for him, despite having had two very poor examples of motherhood so far in her life.

She couldn’t keep letting those thoughts and feelings drag her down. If Angie sensed that she was feeling even a little depressed, it would make her worry. And the last thing she wanted was to put a dent in her sister’s happiness.

While Angie might be currently distracted by her new marriage to Jude, it wouldn’t last forever. Sooner or later, she would focus on Kiara again, and as Angie’s big sister, it was Kiara’s responsibility to keep her from worrying.

No more feeling sorry for yourself, Kiara. You have so much to be thankful for. Focus on that. Your life is great.

“You feeling okay?”