Chapter 45

Finally, she stopped trying to deny it. Backing away a step, then two, she slapped a hand over her mouth to try to stifle the scream that tore from her throat as her legs gave out and she collapsed.
I caught her before she hit the balcony, gathering her up in my arms and carrying her to one of the chairs. Sitting her on my lap, I held her tight, but even I couldn't contain the explosion of grief that burst from her. Her sobs wracked through me, her entire body convulsing violently with each one, a slave to her heartbreak. I rubbed her back and let her cry. She didn't even notice when Lisa opened the patio door, concern etched on her face. I waved her away, certain Veda wouldn't want anyone else to see her like this. She popped back out with a box of tissues, then disappeared inside the house.
Veda cried until the front of my shirt was soaked with her tears and she was too exhausted to continue. Even so, I expected her to jump out of my lap as soon as she realized who was holding her, but she didn't. She stayed where she was, her blonde head tucked under my chin, and accepted the tissue I offered. "How did it happen?" she whispered.