Spellbound

Original Edition: Twenty-Six

"Archer isn't going to appreciate me crashing his time with you."

"Seriously, it isn't that big of a deal. And besides, when is the last time you had a big family Thanksgiving?"

"Never."

I scrunched my nose at my blunder.

"Don't make that face. Thanksgivings were fine with me, Arch, and Hazel."

My heart constricted in my chest. They may not have had the picturesque Thanksgiving, but it sounded perfect to me. The twins had the best company and Hazel was one hell of a cook. I'm sure they ate, drank, and laughed the entire night. I would have taken their small family meal any day.

My voice felt thick in my throat as I said, "I wasn't making that face at you. It was a stupid question, and I'm sorry for speaking without thinking. I wish I could have been there with you guys." The guilt I felt for abandoning Hazel flared, and tears sprang to my eyes. I wanted to somehow make up for my absence.

Not just on Thanksgiving, but for all those times Hazel had needed me.

"You would have been a welcomed addition to our small dinner." My chin trembled at that, and Soren leaned forward, his forehead crinkled with concern. "Gemma?"

I shook my head and batted the tears from my eyes.

"Tell me what you're thinking; what has you so upset?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking. "I just feel so fucking guilty for not being here more for Hazel. Not just for holidays, but for..." My voice cracked, tears spilling over my cheeks. I didn't even bother to wipe them away. The question I both needed and dreaded the answer to fell from my lips in a broken whisper. "Did she die alone, Soren?"

His lips parted and his blue eyes filled with compassion. "No, Gemma, she didn't die alone. Archer and I were there with her. We sat day and night at her bedside and held her hands. It was fast and peaceful." He hooked his finger under my chin and lifted my tear-streaked face. "Her intentions were clear: She didn't want you to know about her illness until it was almost time. She didn't want you to see her like that. She loved you until the end."

The relief that flooded my veins was insurmountable, and the gratitude I felt toward Soren for easing my mind couldn't be expressed in words, but I had to try to show him somehow.

"Thank you, Soren. You have no idea what that means to me." I wiped my eyes and cheeks with the heels of my hands and asked again, "Come to dinner. Please? I want you to be there; don't throw away the tradition you all had for so many years just because she isn't here...or because you don't want Archer to get pissy," I added with a smirk.

"I have a feeling that I really don't have a choice." One side of his mouth tipped up and he shot me a playful glance.

I grinned and bumped him with my hip. "You catch on fast. Let's go."

When we reached my suite, we glanced at each other and laughed when we both took a deep breath. "He's your brother," I whispered. "He can't be too mad."

"Wanna bet?" he hissed, but I was already opening the door.

"Hey, guys!" I called cheerily, kicking off my shoes and walking into the dining area, inhaling deeply. "It smells delicious." I smiled at my guests as I passed, making my way to the kitchen.

Archer wiped his hands on a dishtowel and a grin stretched across his face. He closed the space between us and leaned down for a kiss. I made it quick, just a barely-there touch. "You will never go hungry in any way with me around," he whispered.