Page 60 of One Merciful Moment

"I'm not saying this because I want you gone. I'm saying it because I want you safe. I want you to have everything you deserve and be happy."

Her tears spilled over.

He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his burning eyes. "I'll talk to Moe and Jillian. They'll help you through. They'll make sure you get back home. You won't be alone."

She sniffled. "Boone... please..."

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight, as if he'd lose her if he loosened his grip even a little. She buried her face in his chest. Her hands fisted his shirt.

Her shoulders shook as she cried. He pressed his cheek to her hair, heartbroken.

"I love you," he whispered.

He held her closer.

But love wasn't enough. He had to let her go.

Chapter 35

Ashley

––––––––

Moe and Jillian walked up the path to the house. Ashley held Boone's hand, refusing to let go. The cool night air gave her shivers, and her heart beat faster than normal.

Boone's fingers stayed threaded through hers, even though she could feel the tremor beneath his skin. He was trying to stay strong for her. But she knew him well enough now to feel the fear he refused to talk about.

Moe stopped a few feet away, Jillian beside him. They looked back and forth, clearly worried. Everyone was on edge with the dark cloud showing up.

Boone cleared his throat. "I need your help."

"Name it," Moe said.

"When the veil opens, Ashley needs to go through."

Her stomach dropped. She squeezed his hand, trying hard not to let the conversation cut right through her.

Moe nodded. "Of course. We'll do what we can."

Ashley licked her lips. "But how? How do I get home?"

Moe widened his stance. "We should come out at the right place. That's how it worked for me. Granted, a lot of years had passed, and I didn't recognize the place, but I returned to the area where I lived before Everstill. Jillian lives in the same area." He shrugged. "Finn and Kallie are from there too."

"Do we all live in the same area?" Ashley leaned against Boone.

"I'm from Vancouver. Vancouver, Washington," Jillian said.

"Oh my God, I live in Portland." She looked up at Boone. "It's right by Vancouver. The Columbia River separates the two areas."

Jillian stepped forward and threw her arms around Ashley. "This is incredible."

Ashley nodded, tears gathering. "I could practically walk to you."

Jillian laughed. Moe grinned. Ashley found herself smiling. Loneliness wouldn't swallow her. Moe and Jillian would still be within reach. She could touch them or call them. Close enough to remind her Everstill wasn't just a dream she imagined.

"I'll make sure you have my number before the storm comes," Jillian said. "In case we get separated passing through the veil. You can call when you get home, and I can drive to you."

"Same. I don't want to lose contact with you." Ashley inhaled deeply.