After the calamity years ago, Maraâs brief time around Alyssa left her feeling like Alyssa was distant, almost unreachable. Alyssa even mentioned that she had changed.
Those words haunted her for years, leaving her restless. Thus, she barely touched ground in her homeland before fleeing abroad.
Now, years later, returning filled her with unease.
Somehow, she had this gut feeling that this old lady would be tough to get along with.
Seeing Maraâs nerves, Balfour offered, âDo you want to postpone the visit?â
She forced a smile. âNo need. I want to see them right off the bat. Theyâll be thrilled. Otherwise, it might seem impolite. Besides, Balfour, I donât even have a place to stay yet. Can I crash at your place for a while?â
Mara was curious about the life Balfour and Ivy had built together. She wanted to grasp the threads that might reveal Ivyâs place in his heart.
Balfour hesitated when she suggested staying with him. âIâve got other places. Maybe I could set you up somewhere else? Youâre worried about Grandma, right? It might be more uncomfortable under the same roof.â
His reluctance irked Mara. âBalfour, donât you want me to be a part of your life? Or is it that now you have Ivy, you donât care about me as much? I thought coming back would mean being closer to you.â
Her words were laden with longing for him.
But Balfour, ever so focused, did not take it in a romantic direction. He was all about responsibility.
She had just returned with hardly anyone she knew around. The thought of her being alone bothered him.
âAlright,â he finally soothed, âyou can stay at our place for now. Weâve got the space.â
His agreement brought Mara great joy. âGreat, thatâs settled then. And Balfour, youâll have to back me up in front of your grandma!â
âSure.â
Mara steeled herself before getting out of the car, but standing at the doorstep with her luggage, she could not help but hesitate.
Just as she contemplated turning back and trying another day, Alyssa and Dean spotted them from inside.
âBalfour? Why are you home now? Arenât you supposed to be at the hospital with Ivy?â
Alyssa frowned, not yet noticing Mara behind Balfour.
Dean looked disapproving, too. Even though the VIP ward would have top-notch care, nothing replaced Balfourâs presence for Ivyâs peace of mind.
Why was he home now? Everything they needed was already at the hospital.
Realizing how much the grandparents cared for Ivy, a twinge of jealousy sparked in Mara.
That was when Balfour stepped aside, revealing her presence.
âIâve brought Mara over. Sheâll stay with us for a bit. Once sheâs settled, Iâll head straight back to the hospital. Ivyâs not well; I would not dream of leaving her alone. Donât worry.â
Alyssaâs brow furrowed as she recognized Mara, the youngest daughter from the Lewis family from years past.