#Chapter 351: Family

When she awoke from her brief nap, Elva stuck to me like glue. She kept looking up at me with her big, tearful eyes. For a day that began with such high hopes, we were both feeling the lows now. I took her hand and did not release, very aware that I had nearly lost the chance to be her mom. If I had died, I wouldn’t get to see her grow up into the strong, independent woman I knew she would become. I’d miss graduations and weddings and maybe grandchildren. Even as we walked together toward the deck, I tugged her closer to me, afraid to let her go too far. If I was in danger, than so was she. Ronan was incensed. If he wanted revenge on me, he’d find it easier by attacking Elva. Then, when I couldn’t take the worry and the guilt at nearly dying anymore, I stopped, dropped to one knee, and pulled Elva into a tight hug again. “I’m sorry I scared you, Elva,” I whispered to her. Her tight fingers clawed hard at my shoulders. Was she afraid I would let go and leave her again? I wouldn