Page 53 of One Forbidden Moment

Chapter 20

Jillian

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By the time seven o'clockrolled around, Jillian had cleaned the kitchen twice, reheated the coffee once, and checked the window every few minutes like she was waiting for a storm to roll in.Moe paced, keeping his thoughts to himself, but she could tell he was anxious and bracing for impact.

When headlights swept across her living room wall, Moe stopped mid-stride.

"They're here," Jillian whispered, even though he already knew.

She opened the door before they could knock.

Finn stood on her porch, broad-shouldered and serious.Beside him was Kallie, soft-eyed and carrying the kind of quiet strength Jillian recognized instantly.

"Hi, I'm Jillian," she said, stepping aside.

Finn offered a polite nod.

"It's nice to meet you.I'm Kallie."Finn's woman inhaled deeply."We've wondered where Moe ended up."

Moe stared at Finn like he was trying to reconcile two versions of reality.Then he finally stepped forward, shoulders tight, jaw locked.

Finn clapped a hand on Moe's shoulder."Good to see you, brother."

Moe didn't say anything, but the tension in his body eased a fraction.

Kallie gave Jillian a warm smile."Thank you for having us."

"Of course," Jillian said, though she wasn't sure what "having us" meant in a situation like this.She led them to the living room, where Moe hovered close enough to her that she could feel the warmth coming off him.

Finn and Kallie sat on the couch, Jillian in the chair, Moe standing behind her like a guard dog who refused to relax.

Finn leaned forward, elbows on his knees."We spotted you running from the cops a few months ago."

"I lost you both after I went through the veil," Moe said immediately."How are you surviving?How did you get hooked up with the Brotherhood?Why didn't you come find me?What happened to Everstill?And how—?"

"Moe," Finn cut in gently."One question at a time."

Jillian touched Moe's hand.He didn't look at her, but he linked their fingers.

"First off, have you discovered how old you are?"asked Finn.