Ashlynn took a slow, steadying breath, closing her eyes for a moment as she fought to still the beat of her heart.
This wasn't supposed to be a day to fight over old hurts, she reminded herself for what felt like the third time in as many heartbeats. She and Jocelynn had worked hard today to make this a joyous moment of reunion, but their mother had worked just as hard, coming all this way.
Unlike Jocelynn, who had spent several days adjusting to the woman her sister had become, everything was coming at their mother at once, and there'd been no crisis or dramatic confrontation with Owain to shock her mother out of her old perception of witchcraft.
"Mother," Ashlynn said, stepping forward and pulling Jocelynn with her as she reached out to take her mother's hand. "I love you. I'm glad you came all this way, and I know it was hard. I promise, I'll explain, and I hope you'll understand."
