The party continued, and I threw myself into hostess mode. There was only an hour left before everyone would head out. Even so, my Molly had not yet arrived. Presents and cake had yet to pass, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I sat Clara down in front of her gifts, and she shredded them. I set aside the gifts labeled Nora and the ones that were addressed to both girls. The pile of untouchable gifts grew with the times I checked my watch. Clara screamed over the dolls and stuffed animals while tossing the clothing behind her back. My cheeks burned as I reminded her repeatedly to be kind and thankful. When I looked out into the sea of parents, it was clear that none of them had expectations of graciousness at this age, and many of them laughed it off and nodded, saying their children were the same way.
When Clara’s chubby cheeks dimpled, I lost my stomach. The air had turned brisk, and a chill settled down my back. Her sister had arrived; I was sure of it. The loud chatter quieted until I heard nothing at all. Time slowed frame by frame as beautiful Nora swept through the crowd leaving a trail of glowing lights behind her. My heart soared seeing her wide smile as her eyes fell upon Clara and the gifts. Soft tresses of dark hair curled around her face and sprawled over her shoulders.
I watched her in slow motion pull from her mom’s hand and dash towards Clara. The sea of kids and parents parted, letting the second birthday girl through. And as the parents took a step back, my eyes stretched from the hand that was left behind. It was when I saw the doctor’s wife—the woman dressed in scrubs with blue eyes and dark blond hair—that time had frozen completely. Just for a moment. My heart fluttered . . . faltering. Because I had never foreseen that the mother of my child would be Lindsay.
My best friend, Lindsay, from my first life. The one I hid my cancer from. The one I loved so deeply that I was afraid to let her down with my diagnosis. The one I hadn’t seen in twenty-nine years. The mother of my child.
Time resumed, and the noise became deafening. I whipped my head away and ducked through the crowd. I ran from Lindsay. I raced into the house, heading for the confines of my bedroom, when John intercepted me along the way.
“Becca! I’m so sorry we’re late. I had a delivery mid-morning,” John said, giving me a quick handshake. I looked down at our hands, barely able to discern what he was saying. “Oh, and this is my mother, Mary, and my wife’s parents are coming, they’re just a little slow,” John said, motioning down our driveway. I shook Mary’s hand as my eyes stretched to see Lindsay’s parents pushing their walkers towards us.
“Nice to meet you. Um, make yourself at home. Everyone is out back. . .” I said as I backed up slowly before turning on my heels and running down the hall. When I reached my bedroom, I slammed the door closed and pushed my back up against it, breathing heavily. The door pushed open, and I lurched forward. Easton and I collided in a spell of panic.
“Where’s my hat?” he said, breathless. His eyes scanning the bedroom before landing on mine. I didn’t know where his disguise was, and in the moment, I couldn’t comprehend much more than the sound of my heart gushing in my ears. But one thing was resoundingly clear—this was the path that would set me free.
Thank You
Thank you for reading The Kindred Soul of Nora Faye. Please take the time to leave a quick review or rating. It would mean so much to me!
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Thanks for the support,
Laura C. Reden
Also by Laura C. Reden
The Tethered Soul of Easton Green:
The Tethered Soul Series, Book 1
https://books2read.com/TheTetheredSoulofEastonGreen
The Second Life of Everly Beck:
The Tethered Soul Series, Book 2
https://books2read.com/TheSecondLifeOfEverlyBeck
When I was Becca Green:
The Tethered Soul Series, Book 4
https://books2read.com/WhenIwasBeccaGreen
Vintage Embers: Sci-Fi Romance
https://books2read.com/VintageEmbers
For more information: LauracRedenBooks.com
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About the Author
Laura C. Reden is an emerging romance author who likes to add paranormal and fantasy twists while tugging at the heart strings.
Overcoming the struggles of dyslexia, Laura found that creative passion and hard work triumphs over her disadvantage.
Laura is a Southern Californian native, wife, and mother of two daughters. Her pastimes include video production, pottery, and horseback riding. While she received an education in social and behavioral science, she currently works as the chief financial officer for her family-owned law firm in San Diego.
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The Kindred Soul of Nora Faye: The Tethered Soul Series, Book 3 Page 19
