“Definitely.” The truth was he had never been this attracted to any woman before.
“Good for you, boys.” Ethel patted his and Josh’s hands. “I just love performing weddings.”
“Honey, don’t get ahead of yourself.” Sam raised his eyebrows. “They only just met the girl.”
“I know what I know.” She kissed him again. “And you know it, too.”
“That I do. You picked me and Patrick.”
“Or did you two pick me?” Ethel teased. “But let’s get back to Jacob’s request about you talking with Carrie. Like Jacob, I also sensed she was unsettled about something when Matt came in. What about you? You’re the psychiatrist.”
“I did notice something in her demeanor,” Sam said. “But I couldn’t put my finger on it. Even so, I can’t make her come to me. Still, I do have a few tricks up my sleeves. I’m sure I’ll be able to help Carrie.”
Chapter Six
Sitting at the kitchen table, Carrie still couldn’t believe she was in the house of her brother, his wife, and Sean MacCabe, Matt’s childhood friend.
Why couldn’t she remember Sean? She shouldn’t have lied but didn’t want to hurt him. She also didn’t want to let on that most of her memories were gone. Not just when she was three, but also many years after. There were entire blanks that consumed most of her guilty past. But since escaping Willie, all her current memories had remained intact.
With Jena’s help she’d found her brother and one buried memory suddenly had surfaced. Was she ready to face more memories? No.
“You were playing with matches that day, Carrie,” the bastard had told her time and time again. “Lots of people died because of you, including your parents. Your mother and father are dead because of that fire you started. Did you do it intentionally because they didn’t want you?”
Her answer had always been the same, screaming, “Of course I couldn’t do such a monstrous thing on purpose. I loved my parents.”
Then the slap came, stinging her face, followed by his cruel words. “But they didn’t love you, and you wanted revenge. Say it, Carrie. Say you did it on purpose. Tell the truth.”
More slaps from the bastard connected until she finally did repeat his exact words. “I did it on purpose.”
How can Matt forgive me for what I’ve done? Why does he even want me here?
“I can’t wait for Mom and Kimmie to come back from the Knight’s house so they can meet you.” Jena’s mother had left a note they’d found when they’d arrived. Apparently Jena’s mom and daughter had gone to visit Megan Knight, who had a new baby. “I just didn’t want to tell them over the phone. And they shouldn’t be gone long. I want to see their faces when they see you for the first time. Mom knew how hard I was looking for you.”
“Mom was in on this operation, too?” Matt grinned.
“Of course. I had to talk to somebody about it.” Jena kissed him.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sean asked. “I could’ve helped you with the search.”
“I love you, honey, but I know how well you keep secrets
.”
He hugged Jena. “I’m trained CIA. I do know how to keep a secret.”
“From Matt? I don’t think so.”
They kissed.
Carrie was beginning to believe a relationship with two men and one woman could work. It definitely did with these three. How? What held them together so tightly? What was their bond? Could it be that thing she’d always dreamed about but had never known? Love?
Will I ever find love like theirs? No. I don’t deserve it.
“Carrie, would you like some coffee?” Jena asked her. “We also have tea, juice and sodas.”
“Honey, this celebration calls for champagne.” Sean walked to the wine fridge.
“Nothing else will suffice.” Matt nodded, smiling. “Carrie has come back to us. My God, I still can’t get over it.” He gently placed his hand on her. “You’re here. My little sister. I’ll never forget this day.”