Broken(13)

The older woman stroked her hair, squeezing Jocelyn’s petite frame against her massive bosom. “There’s no need for tears, sweetie.”

Jocelyn raised her head to meet warm, smiling brown eyes. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been in contact for so long. I should have called at least. Can you forgive me?”

Aunt Earlene pulled back to brush away the tears dangling from the corner of Jocelyn’s eyes. “Aww, sugar, there’ll be none of that. This is a celebration. You’re home and that’s what’s important. Let’s leave the past where it belongs.” She looked past Jocelyn’s shoulder with lifted brows. “And who’s your pretty friend?”

Thankful for a chance to change the subject, Jocelyn held out her hand to her friend and brought Kyla forward. “This is my very best friend, Kyla. Kyla, this is Aunt Earlene, she’s the glue that holds the Devlin family together.”

Kyla held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Earlene. Jocelyn’s been singing your praises since our arrival.”

The older woman waved her hand dismissively and pulled Kyla into her embrace. “We don’t stand on formality in this home. You can call me Aunt Earlene as well, everyone else does.” A frown turned down the corners of her lips. “Have we met before?”

Kyla stiffened slightly but just enough for Jocelyn to catch the movement. “Uh, I guess I just have that kind of face.” Nervous laughter trickled from Kyla’s throat and her dark eyes widened. Jocelyn likened it to a deer caught in headlights. She knew it well.

Aunt Earlene wasn’t so easily swayed, giving Kyla a long, hard look. “No. I’m almost certain of it. Are you related to the Cartwrights by any chance?”

Kyla shook her head. “No. I don’t have much family. Just my mother.”

“Hmm, but I just know I’ve seen you somewhere. Are you sure we haven’t met? I may be getting up there in years, but I never forget a face.”

Kyla shifted uncomfortably. “Well I…”

“Umm, shouldn’t we be going in?” Jocelyn intervened, hooking her arm through Aunt Earlene’s.

“Where are my manners? Of course. Come on in, you two. Dinner is ready. Gertie will have a fit if we let it get cold.” Earlene sighed.

Once Jocelyn stepped inside the house, memories came flooding back to her. Not much had changed. The family portrait still rested in the same silver gilded frame on the table when you walked into the hallway. It still smelled like cinnamon and coffee and most of the furniture was still in the same spot. The house was large without being ostentatious, looking lived in and welcoming rather than cold and museum like as many of the large houses she’d been in.

Now that she’d hurried them all inside, Jocelyn wished she hadn’t. A knot of dread twisted in the pit of her stomach as they drew closer to the dining room. They’d all be there. He’d be there.

“Look, who’s come and joined us.” Earlene was all smiles.

Ridge and Decker pushed away from the table and stood before striding toward her. “Squirt, is that you?” Ridge made it to her first, all smiles. He’d filled out a bit, but for the most part he looked the same.

Releasing the deep breath she’d been holding on to, Jocelyn smiled, allowing him to lift her off the ground in a big bear hug. “I’m hardly a squirt. You’re just really tall.” She laughed hugging him back as hard as she could. “Good to see you again.”

“You’ve been gone way too long, squirt.” Ridge placed her back on her feet and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t let the next visit take so long, okay?”