Her Two Wilde Billionaire Bad Boys (Wilde, Nevada 3)

“You want her to live with us?” Chuck asked.

“I think spending time with my mom will help both of us heal.”

“That’s the first time you’ve called her ‘Mom,’ sweetheart,” he said. “I think the wall is coming down faster than you think.”

“It feels like it is. I always had those good memories of her before my dad died. I always loved her, but with everything that happened, my heart hardened against those emotions. Sometimes I have a difficult time opening up.”

“After all you’ve been through, no wonder.” Chuck’s gentle strength gave her courage and hope. It was easy to trust him. “We’ll be here for you through all of it. Trust me.”

“I do. Sometimes I want to grab her and hug her and tell her I forgive her everything. But it doesn’t feel natural. Maybe it’s just simply hard letting go.”

Lance kissed her. “Honey, one step at a time. For both of you.”

* * * *

Holding the book, Danielle knocked on the door of Pauline’s room.

“Come in.” The sweet woman’s voice sounded just as warm as it had all those years ago.

Her mother smiled. “You go, Danielle. Talk to her alone. If she’s willing to see me, I’ll come in after.”

“She’s right,” Lance said. “Chuck and I will stay in the hallway with your mom.”

She nodded and opened the door.

Pauline looked up from the chair she was sitting in. “Danielle, is that you, my sweet child?”

She remembers me!

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Yes, it’s me.” She ran over and hugged her. “I missed you so much.”

Pauline hugged her back. “I missed you, too.”

“I brought the book you gave me.” She held it up in front of her. “I took it with me everywhere. Whenever I was in trouble or afraid, I would read it and remember all the things you taught me. It made me stronger and gave me courage to get through the dark times. Oh, Pauline, I thought you were dead. Please forgive me for running away.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, young lady.” Pauline wiped the tears from her eyes. “You were in a terrible situation. You were a child. You did nothing wrong. I’ve missed you and prayed for you every day since the attack. Tell me everything that has happened to you, Danielle.”

“I live in Wilde because of the stories you told me about when you were a girl.”

“Oh my.” Pauline’s eyes lit up. “That’s wonderful. I have a cousin who lives there still. You may have met him. Jackson Wilde is his name.”

“Pappy Jack is your cousin? Of course, I’ve met him.”

“I haven’t seen him since Carol’s funeral. He’s the only family I have left.”

“That’s not true, Pauline.”

“I guess not. He has three sons and five grandsons, too.”

“That’s true, and they are all wonderful men. Your grandsons are married to a very dear friend of mine and they are happy as can be. But I’m not talking about the Wilde clan. I’m talking about me. I’m your family, too—and you are mine.”

“I love you, child. I’ve missed you so much.”

Danielle recounted what had happened the day she’d run away and everything that had followed. The sweet lady smiled when she talked about how she’d fallen in love with Lance and Chuck. Pauline listened intently when she told her about how she and her mother had been brought back together by Miguel’s death.

“My mother and my guys are right outside. She would like to talk to you, but that is entirely up to you.”

“Merle was in a very difficult situation, too, Danielle. You were too young to know, but I could see it every time you, she, and Miguel showed up to my house. I learned that a woman called the ambulance after Miguel attacked me. I have no doubt that was your mother.” Pauline sighed. “Yes, I want to talk to your mother, too. Bring her in, child.”