The Meaning in Mistletoe - Rachael Bloome Page 0,55

in a sharp breath before asking, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I—I couldn’t. Not without…” Her cheeks flamed as all her guilt and shame flooded to the surface.

“Not without what?” Penny’s tone softened, exuding compassion.

Her kindness made Kat’s confession all the more difficult. Once she revealed the terrible truth she’d been hiding, her sister would never see her the same way again.

“I’m the one who found her,” she finally admitted in a ghostly whisper.

“Oh, Kat.” Penny placed a hand on her forearm, her eyes glistening.

“I thought she was sleeping at first. I called her name a few times, and when I finally realized she wasn’t going to wake up, I—” Her voice broke, and she buried her face in her hands, unable to go on.

Penny wrapped an arm around her protectively.

“I yelled at her,” Kat confessed with a sob, her heart wrenching at the ugly admission. “I hated her for leaving me. I was so angry.” Tears slid down her cheeks, but she didn’t bother wiping them away. “How could I admit something so awful? I honestly wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to speak to me again.”

To her surprise, her sister wrapped her arms around her even tighter, holding her for several still moments as their tears fell in tandem. “I’m so sorry, Kat. No child should have to go through something like that. And for what it’s worth, I was angry at her, too.”

“Was?” Kat sniffled.

“I held on to my anger for a long time. But honestly, it was exhausting. And it wouldn’t bring her back. She’d left us without a second thought. Or at least, that’s what I’d always thought.” Kat’s gaze drifted to the brooch, now resting beside her lukewarm tea on the nightstand. In a strange way, it had given them both a piece of a different kind of puzzle—their mother. Maybe Helena wasn’t as cold and callous as they’d always assumed.

“Will you tell me about her?” Penny asked softly, her tone tentative but hopeful.

Kat had resisted for so long, but unexpectedly, a smile rose from somewhere deep within her.

“We’re going to need some more tea.”

They went through two pots of tea, laughing and crying on the chaise lounge in the living room as Kat shared her memories. And as she told each story, Helena began to take shape in her mind as a more rounded, nuanced person. Perhaps things weren’t as black-and-white as she’d once believed.

Although the experience was cathartic for both women, Kat needed more. Her picture of Helena still seemed incomplete.

She set her teacup on the coffee table, and turned to Penny. “I have to go.”

“Go?”

“Back to Starcross Cove.”

Penny slowly set her cup beside Kat’s. “For how long?”

“Long enough to find some answers.” She didn’t elaborate, knowing her sister would understand. Some pieces of the puzzle remained missing.

“What about Jack?”

The mere mention of his name sent a pang of remorse rippling through her. It had only been a few hours, but she already missed him. “Can you give him something for me? It will explain why I have to go.”

“But you’ll be back?” Penny’s voice strained with a mixture of hope and hesitation.

“Of course. My only sister has a wedding on the horizon.”

“We’ll set the date for tomorrow, if it’ll bring you back.”

Kat laughed softly, despite the ache in her heart.

Saying goodbye to Penny and walking out of Thistle & Thorn felt like leaving a part of herself behind. And a fresh tear escaped with each footstep that led her farther away.

She might be heading back to Starcross Cove…

But she was no longer heading home.

As Jack strode briskly down Main Street toward Thistle & Thorn, his legs itched to break into a full-on run. He couldn’t wait to see her, to hold her … maybe more. The kiss they’d shared beneath the mistletoe had replayed in his mind since last night. He didn’t use the term life-changing lightly, but that’s exactly how he would describe it.

His steps slowed as he neared the entrance and a familiar fabric arrested his attention. A houndstooth scarf dangled from the doorjamb. It must have gotten caught when Kat went inside.

He smiled to himself, recalling the afternoon they’d met.

When he turned the knob, rescuing her scarf once again, he noticed a long tear. His heart sank. He’d have to find a way to fix it.

“Jack.” Penny called his name as he entered, but her voice lacked its usual warmth.

“Hey, Heart.” He glanced around the shop, scanning the festive decorations and unique knickknacks and collectibles.

Before he could ask,