31. Kinsley

31

KINSLEY

We’re back at the cemetery. Tiberius stands by my side this time, while Maia and Xavier Edge stand opposite the caskets. The sun shines down as I swallow the hurt and heartache over the loss of my mother and Cannon, who loved each other so very much. I’ll never get to know my real father because of an evil man. However, I got my wish. Tiberius hired a diving crew to recover Cannon’s body. The police ruled the deaths on Rossi's land as a turf war.

The caskets are lowered into the ground—Cannon first, followed by my mother. Together in death, as they couldn’t be on this earth. Unbeknownst to everyone, my mother had listed Cannon’s name on my birth certificate. It was never checked before, as I didn’t have a driver’s license or a passport. A copy of the certificate was included with Cannon’s will, which also stated that I was his daughter. Because of this, Maia Edge had no say in how I buried her son.

She’d wanted him with her husband and daughter, but I stood firm that my father would want to be wherever my mother was. To my surprise, Xavier agreed.

I fix my gaze on what remains of the Edge family, and I see only sorrow. They have no idea Jock was the one who killed Cleo. They never will.

With the graveside service over, I stand to the side with my hand and fingers intertwined with Tiberius’s. Salem, Jock, and Nine stand with us.

Maia approaches, with Xavier assisting her. She looks frail.

“Kinsley,” Xavier says. “I hope you will come and visit us. Let my mother and me get to know you, and you us.”

“The past week has left me with a lot to process, but I’d like to visit in time. Thank you.” I offer a small smile.

Maia reaches out and clasps my free hand. “Our offer is genuine, Kinsley. If you would feel more comfortable, we can visit with you at your home.”

Too emotional to speak, I fight back tears and nod.

Tiberius untangles my fingers and wraps me in his arms. His lips brush my forehead as my arms snake around his middle. I breathe him into my lungs, and everything is right in my world.