The Returned Read Free Page B

thought of her and Edward alone together, exploring a fun city like New Orleans, even having dinner with Henry—Edward’s best friend from med school—and his wife, Hannah, sounded like fun. But her heart ached at the idea of leaving Fiona; the only time they’d been apart overnight had been when Fiona had been taken by the oíche. That had been more than two years ago now, but . . .
    â€œI don’t know if I can get the time off,” she said. “You know how crazy busy the hospital has been.”
    â€œTaken care of,” Edward said.
    Caitlin sat up. “What?”
    â€œI had a meeting with Thomas last week, and I sort of mentioned—”
    Caitlin’s rising irritation must’ve been visible in her expression, because Edward drew back a little. Then she reminded herself that it was just Edward being thoughtful. She was still getting used to having someone else in her life besides Fiona.
    â€œSorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to presume anything.”
    Caitlin wrapped her arms around his slender body and kissed his cheek. “No, I’m sorry. It’s a nice surprise.” She stroked his hand for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, let’s do it.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    Caitlin nodded. “I’m sure. You’re right, the timing will never be perfect, so let’s just do it now.”
    â€œReally?” Edward said, looking like a big kid.
    Caitlin couldn’t help but smile at how cute he looked with his lopsided grin. “Really.”
    Edward traced his fingertips gently over Caitlin’s cheek. “We’ll call Heather and Harry tomorrow,” he said. “Fiona will love spending all that time with Carleigh.”
    Caitlin nodded absently, her mind churning.
    â€œWhat are you thinking?” Edward asked.
    Caitlin laughed a little. He could always read her like a book. She drew back a little and looked at him. “What do you think about asking your parents to watch her?”
    â€œNo way,” Edward said. “Especially not after the way my mom treated you at our wedding.”
    â€œI know, and you’re right. It was pretty tactless.”
    â€œBut?” Edward prompted.
    Caitlin shrugged. “But they’re your family. I don’t want you to lose touch with them or Fiona to miss out on knowing her grandparents.”
    â€œI—”
    â€œI saw how your mother looked at Fiona,” Caitlin said. “She smiled. Not much—I mean, it is your mother—but she smiled. We can always keep Heather and Harry as a backup plan.”
    Edward considered for a long while, never looking away from Caitlin. Finally, he sighed. “Well, if anyone can soften my mom, it would be Fiona.” He shook his head. “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. I grew up in that house. I know what my parents are like. My dad is okay, but he really just follows my mom’s lead.”
    â€œWhat have we got to lose?” Caitlin asked. “Worst thing that can happen is that we wind up right back where we are. But maybe, just maybe, something magical can happen.”
    Edward smirked. “Magic skips a generation in my family.”
    â€œWe’ll call her tomorrow, then?”
    â€œOkay.”
    Caitlin hugged him again. “Thank you.”
    â€œI’m only doing it for you and Fiona.”
    â€œI know. I’m still grateful.”
    There was another long moment of silence. Caitlin loved that they could share silence and not feel the need to fill it with inane talk. Then another thought occurred to her.
    â€œUm,” she began. “We should really let Dante know too.”
    Edward nodded.
    They both knew the Rogue Court regent had a protection detail looking after Fiona. The little girl had both Dawn and Dusk Court blood in her. Caitlin wasn’t sure, and Dante never said, but it was clear Fiona was important to the Rogue Court. Really, she didn’t