"Don't be," Jude said, unbuckling his harness. "That's what I'm here for."
He took their headsets and returned them to their storage spot, then helped both women with their harnesses. When the door opened, the crisp mountain air rushed in, carrying thescent of pine and wood smoke. Angela remained in her seat, and Jude understood why.
On the edge of the helipad stood a group of people. His quick glance over the group showed him that all the Burkes were there except for Benji.
He climbed out of the helicopter, then turned to offer his hand to Angela. After a brief hesitation, she grasped it and took cautious steps down the small flight of stairs. She held onto his hand tightly for a moment before letting go and stepping to the side.
Kiara also took his hand, but she released it as soon as she was on the helipad.
Angela glanced at him briefly, then she walked towards the group. At first, her steps were tentative, but as Kiara joined her, they grew steadier.
Jude wasn’t part of this reunion, so he stayed where he was, watching.
He had expected Duncan to be the one to approach Angela first, but it seemed Angela’s attention was on Annie. Since he’d stayed at the helicopter, he was too far away to hear anything that was said.
But it seemed that introductions were made, even without his help. There were, however, no attempts made to hug Angela, which Jude thought was perhaps a good thing. They were still strangers to her.
Thankfully, she had Kiara at her side. She wasn’t alone.
Jude struggled with the position he currently found himself in as he watched Angela meet her family.
For years, he’d been perfectly content to live his life on the sidelines, keeping watch for anyone or anything that might harm the members of the Burke family.
It had always fulfilled him to continue in the position his father had once held. He’d followed the advice the man had given him, both personally and professionally. And it had always brought fulfillment.
Until that moment.
There was an ache in his chest as he realized that in the current situation, he was no longer needed. He would be expected to step back. To fade into the shadows once again.
And he would do it.
But for the first time, he felt a strange reluctance to take that step back.
Which was probably why it was a good thing he had to. Being there to support her through such a challenging time in her life had felt good, and he’d gotten closer to Angela than was probably wise.
Now that she was back with her family, it was time for him to get back to his life. Such as it was.
Spotting a UTV approaching from the direction of the security building, Jude moved toward it. As he passed the group, his gaze caught Annie’s.
He could see the strain on her face and realized that perhaps this reunion wasn’t all sunshine and roses for her either. Giving her a small nod, Jude hoped that somehow, the two sisters would find some common ground on which to build a relationship.
They’d been close at one time. Inseparable as toddlers. Now, they were strangers with no memory of each other.
Sharing a bloodline didn’t necessarily mean people loved each other or got along. Julian and Annie were proof of that.
But Annie was a warm and friendly person, so Jude thought she might try to get along with her twin, even if they might feel like they had very little in common at first.
Jude just hoped that Angela didn’t get too overwhelmed by everything and everyone.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Angela clung to Kiara’s hand as they walked toward the waiting black SUV. Her stomach was a mess of nerves, and she was afraid she was going to be sick.
Glancing over, she saw Jude striding toward a waiting UTV. They’d had something similar at the farm, though it hadn’t looked nearly as nice as this one.
As he passed them, he looked toward their group. His gaze didn’t land on her, however. It went to Annie. Her twin.
Angela felt a swirl of something dark inside her. Jealousy?
