One More Storm (Mistletoe Matchmakers of Clearwater County #6) - Bonnie R. Paulson Page 0,18

all of this. I was old enough to understand what was happening and why.” She reached out, placing her hand over Amanda’s. “None of this had anything to do with you. This wasn’t your fault, honey. None of this was.”

Amanda’s throat constricted with emotion. The warmth from the woman’s hand surprised Amanda while also comforting her. She hadn’t realized just how much pain she’d been in and how much she’d put on her own shoulders. Of course, on paper, her father’s infidelity and her mother’s actions weren’t her fault, but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel the consequences of their decisions.

She blinked back tears and glanced up into Mrs. Wilson’s eyes. “I hear what you’re saying, but it’s hard to accept, you know?”

“Oh, I know. I feel the same way. I feel like this was all my fault. But at the same time, I know this was Simon and Jennifer. I just want to make sure that you understand this isn’t on you.” Mrs. Wilson’s gaze sought answers and Amanda wasn’t sure what to give her.

“How do I… I mean, I’m half-Wilson and half-Dean. But I’ve never felt more alienated. Isn’t that weird? I don’t know you guys. I was raised with all of you as our rivals. And now, what? I’m part of the family? It’s not like I’d be welcome. I’m the reminder of what your husband and their father did in the past. His sins. How can any of you look at me without being filled with hate?” Amanda felt that way toward herself.

She wasn’t sure how to love herself when she was the product of something so sordid, something that was designed to tear apart families.

Not just one. But two.

Mrs. Wilson stood from the stool and moved around the end of the counter. She approached Amanda and placed her hands on her mid biceps. “Amanda, you belong to both families. It is going to be weird and that’s okay. Getting to know new family members always is. But we’ve known you all your life, so it’s not like you’re a stranger. You’re Taylor and Lily’s sister so you’re already related that way. This is just more cement between the Wilsons and the Deans, making us a more formidable family with stronger ties. Heaven knows I’ll never get Colt and Tanya to match.” Mrs. Wilson wrinkled her nose and grinned as she pulled Amanda into her arms. “This isn’t your fault. And it’s not a bad thing. Not anymore.”

She squeezed Amanda close and gently rocked her side to side for the space of ten, fifteen, and even twenty heart beats. “You mean so much to both of us. I never had a daughter. Maybe this way, I’ll get to claim you partially as my own.” She pulled back and tucked a stray chunk of curls behind Amanda’s ear, her eyes gentle. “Take your time with this. I just wanted to come by and let you know what I was thinking.”

Amanda’s nerves had lessened exponentially with every moment that passed. She wiped the back of her hand against her cheeks and nodded. “Thank you so much. And I’m sorry this happened.”

“I’m not.” Mrs. Wilson winked and turned toward the front door. “You wouldn’t be here, if it hadn’t.”

Amanda started laughing, and she couldn’t put a finger on why. “Mrs. Wilson, you’re done more for me in these few minutes, than my own mother did my whole life. Thank you.”

“It’s Elizabeth, dear. And the pleasure is all mine.” She turned back to Amanda; her expression thoughtful as she continued softly. “Isn’t it amazing what kind of a mess a dead person can leave behind? The thoughtless actions of others can tear apart whole towns.” She winked and wagged her finger. “But not Mistletoe. Nope. Not this town. We have Christmas spirit.” She laughed and shook her head as she turned back toward the front door, humming a Christmas carol.

As Mrs. Wilson left, Amanda couldn’t stop the warmth coursing through her, if she tried.

Maybe Jennifer and Simon had messed up. But Mrs. – Elizabeth was right. Amanda wouldn’t be around, if they hadn’t.

There had to be something good in all that. Right?

Chapter 10

Brock

“Babe, your curves are just adorable.” Brock lifted the sheet and duvet cover to climb into bed beside his pregnant wife. Lily rested on her left side, facing the middle of the bed.

Brock rolled to his right side to face her. He reached out, gently running his fingers through her hair. She just watched him, her eyes big