Broken Hearts (Light in the Dark 5)

“Almost.”

She yawns and rubs her eyes. “I didn’t know I was so sleepy—I mean, I guess I should have. I haven’t been sleeping well.”

The plane taxis in and as soon as we can get off, we do.

We grab Nova’s suitcase and head to the parking garage where I parked my truck.

I can’t get home soon enough. I don’t think it’ll feel real to me, that she’s here, and back, until we’re home.

Nova holds my hand as I drive home, and I think maybe she’s afraid this is all a mirage too.

I park the truck, grab her bags, and she takes my hand once more, giving me a small, shy, smile.

Once we step into the elevator, I lean against the wall, sudden exhaustion taking over my body.

The doors slide open and she steps out first, her hand tugging me along.

We stop outside the door and I grab the key from my pocket, unlocking it.

I swing it open and—

We’re attacked by a little puffball.

“Oh, my God,” Nova shrieks, trying to climb up my body. “What is that?”

I laugh at her reaction and let go of her bags so I can pick up Sasha before she escapes down the hall.

“This is Sasha.” I hold her up and she meows at Nova.

“You got a cat?”

“Well, I kind of wandered into the pet store and they had some shelter pets, and this one—” I kiss the top of her head and she rubs against my scruff. “I couldn’t leave her behind.”

Nova smiles and reaches to pet her. “She’s awfully cute. Has she been alone while you were gone?”

I look at her like really. “I’m not a total idiot. I had Rae hang out with her some today.”

I hand Sasha to Nova and grab the bags once more, carrying them inside.

The door closes behind me and my shoulders sag with relief.

I’m home.

Nova’s home.

All is right with the world again.

I hook my fingers into the back of my shirt and pull it off.

“Let’s go to bed. I’m exhausted.”

She laughs. “I’m starving.”

I sigh. “Fine, snack first, then bed.” I head over to the refrigerator and peer inside. “What do you want?”

“How about an egg sandwich?” She suggests, sliding onto one of the barstools with Sasha still in her hands.

Sasha begins to wiggle and Nova struggles to hold on to her.