Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Shaking with laughter, she embraced her sister. “I missed you, little darling.”
“Missed you too.” Odette kissed her cheek and pulled back before turning her gorgeous, beaming smile on Elijah.
“E!” She threw her arms around him and Elijah hugged her hard.
“O. Missed you.”
“Mom baked banana bread!” Odette had taken to calling Nancy Mom a few months after the battle, and it seemed to heal something in Nancy.
Elijah’s expression brightened. “Why are we still out here, then?” With a quick glance around to make sure they were alone, Elijah flicked his wrist, and the luggage disappeared, presumably now in their guest room.
“Ugh, do you know how much easier my life would be if I could do that?” Odette looped her arm through Elijah’s and took Echo’s hand, pulling them toward the house.
Not for the first time, as Odette chattered away, Echo viewed her sister as a miracle. She’d been brought into a world of darkness as a child, but she hadn’t let it take away her light. And right now, that light was warm on Echo and her mate as they walked up the steps to greet Nancy.
Her mother-in-law took her by the biceps, expression affectionate, and kissed both her cheeks in welcome. Then she opened her arms to her son who went into her embrace as easily as he had as a child. Elijah hugged his mom and squeezed his eyes closed, features tight with something more than homecoming.
Finally, when they were settled in and seated around the dining table enjoying Nancy’s amazing banana bread, Echo sensed Elijah’s sharp sadness soften.
Was it the future they’d hoped for when this all started? No.
Bill should’ve been there with them.
However, the tragic reality was that he was gone.
Nancy had forged a new chapter because she’d had to, and she was busy and content.
Odette was studying to become a microbiologist with the goal of finding new and better ways to treat infections. She had a boyfriend, Max, whom Echo had thoroughly investigated, and she begrudgingly agreed adored her sister. Odette was safe, happy, and productive.
Elijah had spent five years doing what he loved and genuinely seemed excited for the future if sad to be here without his father.
Their family was doing well, despite the past.
And this was home.
For the first time in her life, Echo had a real home.
The eternity she’d been so afraid of no longer terrified her.
Because Niamh Farren had been right all those years ago.
Elijah suddenly turned to look at her, as if he’d actually heard the thought. He reached across the table, covering her hand with his. While Nancy and Odette discussed which restaurant to eat at for their homecoming, Elijah’s gaze roamed Echo’s face. “It is,” her mate whispered, and she knew now for a fact he’d known her thoughts. “You’re not afraid anymore.”
Echo slipped her hand over his and gave him a wry but meaningful look. “If I was afraid, and I’m not saying I was—”
Elijah snorted because he knew she was full of shit.
“Then yeah … I’m not afraid anymore.”
“Good.” His gaze smoldered. “Because I’ve got plans for our eternity together, Echo Webb. Beautiful plans.”
At that, Echo’s smile was slow and sincere.
It had taken years at Elijah’s side for Echo to finally feel free of her past. Of her fears. But now she sat comfortably in her freedom. Blessed that Elijah had emotionally and quite literally brought her into the light with his love and with his very blood.
Now she couldn’t wait.
She couldn’t wait for their forever to start today.
Niamh Farren was right.
Love really was true immortality.