“Mercy?” Gideon’s voice broke, drawing her mind away from Rafe’s scent. “Tell me you’re all right.”

“I’m fine. I promise. I’m not bleeding anymore.”

“Where are you, exactly?”

“In an SUV. The back seat. Right side.”

There was a huff, then a shaky laugh. “Right. I forgot. Miss Literal. I guess you must not be too hurt or you couldn’t make jokes.”

Mercy wasn’t joking. She’d simply answered his question, but after giving it a few seconds’ thought, she could see where he might have thought she was joking. She’d never quite gotten the hang of humor.

“Right. I’m only a little hurt, like I said.” She hesitated, then pushed forward. “I came back to see you. To . . . explain some things. Can we schedule a time to meet? I know you must be busy—”

“Mercy, stop. There is nothing that is more important to me than seeing you. I’m already in my car.”

“With me, Mercy!” a female voice called out. Daisy. “Hi!”

The memory of Gideon’s fearless girlfriend made Mercy smile. The woman bubbled joy. “Hi, Daisy.”

“We’re on our way to the Sokolovs’ house,” Gideon went on. “If that’s okay.”

Her smile faded. No, no, no. It was not okay. I’m not ready. I’ll never be ready. But Rory was purring in her arms and Rafe was smiling at her encouragingly. “Yes, of course. I mean, if it’s okay with the Sokolovs.”

“It is,” Gideon said with the assurance of someone who knew he was always welcome.

Mercy had that with the Romeros. And with her brother. Her other brother, anyway. The half brother whose green eyes matched her own.

And Gideon’s. It was time she told her brother that she’d found their father’s family. And admitted that she’d hidden the information because . . . I’m selfish.

“Then I guess I’ll see you soon. Bye.” She handed the phone back to Rafe, cuddling Rory closer, nuzzling his soft fur. His purr was a relaxing sound on a good day.

This wasn’t a good day. Dread hung heavy, weighing her down like a lead apron.

“Yep,” Rafe was saying. “Plan on staying for dinner. Mom will be happy to have a full house.” He ended the call and reached out again, stroking Rory with tentative fingers. “It will be okay, Mercy.”

She forced a smile. “Of course it will.” She drew a deep breath. Be brave. “And for you,” she murmured, because she needed him to know.

He leaned in closer, his scent a balm to her frayed senses. “For me?” he whispered.

She nodded. “I came back for Gideon. But also for you.” To tell you that this will never work out. She needed to say those words, too. But the look on his face had her mouth closing, blocking the grim pronouncement.

It was a wonder that he didn’t light up the entire vehicle, his grin was so bright. He was . . . golden.

But his voice was still barely audible when he replied, “I hoped so. I missed you.”