Shadow and Skulls (Rebel Skull MC Series Book 6)

23. Chapter Twenty-Three

My heart aches to step out from behind this tree. To grab her and spin her around. To share in her happiness that she’s finally stepping into herself. To hold her as she says goodbye to the era of living at home with her parents. To kiss away her tears as her soul longs for mine.

But we agreed we would respect her parents on this. They’re good people. And even though I might be able to see a part of her they can’t, I know they know her better than I do … eventually I hope to change that.

When she goes inside and the lights turn on, the colors of the old windows come to life. Same as her. She’s remembering who Kelsie is, and she’s finally shining a light on the parts of her she’s kept hidden. Her new family helped her heal physically and mentally, all while she kept those vulnerable parts of herself tucked away. I’m glad she’s letting them see more of her.

I walk the perimeter of her new home, tugging on the door gently to make sure she locked it. Good girl. I’d like to scold her for not closing the curtains, but I think it’s her way of inviting me in.

She’s curled up in the middle of a four-poster bed, reading.

Occasionally her eyes lift from the page, and she stares out the window. I wonder if she can feel my gaze upon her beautiful face.

Eventually the book falls from her hands, and she drifts to sleep. I stay until her father steps out from the shadows, repeating my steps, checking the door quietly.

I slide into the darkness, smiling to myself. I’d wondered if he would make an appearance. He loves Kelsie as if she were his biological daughter. He’s a man of integrity.

I’m happy in the thought that one day, he’ll be the grandfather of my children.