But the thought of missing time with her nephews — of distancing herself from Lena — immediately felt worse than any discomfort.
She exhaled slowly, steadying herself.
Lana Pearson did not retreat from life.
Not for fear.
Not for longing.
Not for a man.
Get a grip.
“You know what?” she said lightly into the phone. “Count on me. I’ll be there tonight.”
They exchanged a few more warm words before ending the call.
The silence returned once more — but this time it carried anticipation rather than emptiness.
Lana set the phone down and stood by the window, gazing out at the sweeping gardens below.
Tonight she would walk back into the home where her sister had built a new life.
She would see the love she both cherished and envied.
She would face the man who unsettled her without try
