Fractured Sky (Tattered & Torn #5)(106)

I returned her grin. “Coming from the farmers market?”

She nodded. “Told Mom I’d make her favorite pasta primavera.”

“How’s she doing?”

Gretchen’s smile faltered for a moment. “She’s hanging in there, but her heart’s still struggling. We’re just making the most of all the days we have together.”

God, Gretchen had been through enough. Targeted the same night I was, she lived with those nightmares every day. But she never let them skew her outlook on life.

“Why don’t I bring you guys dinner next week? We can have a real catch-up,” I suggested.

Gretchen beamed. “That would be great, and Mom would love to see you.”

“Wren,” Grae called from across the street, holding up a takeout bag from the deli.

“I’d better run,” I told Gretchen. “I’m meeting that one for lunch.” I hitched a thumb in Grae’s direction.

“Have fun.”

I waved and then looked for traffic before darting across the street. I pulled my best friend into a hug. “I thought we were going to Wildfire.”

An expression passed across her face so quickly that if I hadn’t known her all my life, I likely would’ve missed it.

“Grae…”

She started walking. “I thought we could do sandwiches in the park instead.”

I hurried to catch up with her. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” Her pace quickened. “Just hungry.”

I grabbed Grae’s elbow, slowing her to a stop. “Grae Hartley, I’ve known you for my entire life, and I know when you’re lying to me.”

She shuffled her feet as I studied her. “We need to talk about Holt.”

I dropped Grae’s arm as if it were a branding iron. “We shall not speak his name. That’s the rule, remember?”

She’d tried at first, wanting so badly to fix what had been irrevocably broken. Then I’d started avoiding my best friend of forever, not answering her calls, making excuses for ducking out of plans. We’d finally been forced to come up with a ceasefire of sorts, and this was what we’d settled on.

Holt didn’t exist for me. I knew his family talked to him. Saw him, even. But they never mentioned his name in my presence. Until today.

Grae worried her bottom lip. “Emergency exemption requested.”

A lead weight settled in my stomach. “Did something happen to him?” The words came out in a rush of barely audible breath. I knew what he’d done when he left Cedar Ridge. He’d gone into the military. Then private security. Throwing himself into one risky situation after another, and all of them as far from home as he could get.

My heart hammered against my ribs as blood roared in my ears. Even though I hadn’t seen Holt in nine years and seven months, I still knew that he was here. On this Earth. Breathing. I’d have known if he weren’t. Some part of my soul would’ve registered it.

Grae blanched. “Oh, God, no. I’m sorry. It’s nothing like that.”

Relief blazed through me like an ice bath after third-degree burns. “What is it?” There was a snap of annoyance to my words. Anger surged at the reminder that no matter how much time had passed, I still cared.

Grae met my gaze, uncertainty filling hers. “He’s back.”

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS





So much life happens while books are written. The happy. The sad. And everything in between. During the writing of this book, there was a lot of hard. I got leveled with one thing after another, and it was truly the love of amazing people that got me through.

So many kindnesses were heaped on me during the season, I honestly couldn’t fit every person at the end of this book. But if you sent a card, a gift, a Facebook message, or an email, THANK YOU. Love and kindness can truly change someone’s world.

There are some folks I’d like to say a special thanks to. First, in my writerly world.

Sam. For holding my hand from across the ocean. Cheering me on to finish this book when I thought there was no way in hell it would happen…and helping me find the love for it again. Your friendship is a true gift. Just remember you promised half the year in Oregon…

Laura and Willow. For letting me snot-cry when my heart was in pieces and life was one hit after another. And for somehow managing to make me cackle-laugh in the midst of it all. Thank you for sprinting and cheering and making sure I crossed that finish line. #LoveChainForever.

Emma. Your kindness in the midst of your own struggles just shows what an amazing heart you have. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thank goodness for the wormhole and that random thread in Inkers!

My Slackers: Amy, Kristy, & Rebecca. I love you all to pieces. Thank you for rallying around me every single day while I was writing this book. And during the many editing passes, too. This little corner of the internet has brought me such joy, laughter, and incredible support.

Second, in my non-writer world.

My STS soul sisters: Hollis, Jael, and Paige. Your love never wavers. Nor your support. In the hardest moments and the happiest. It is such an honor to do life with you. I love you so very much.

The Lex Vegas Ladies. Thank you for your kindness and check-ins and for making me feel so loved, even when we’re so far away.