Frozen

“Kierra,”

She said softly, voice trembling with both shock and awe.

“Yes?” Kierra responded, her eyes narrowing as realization began to take form.

It all started to click.

“She’s Kierra... your Kierra.”

Kelly nodded, barely blinking, her eyes locked onto KC like she was afraid she might disappear.

“KC, can I have a hug?”

Without hesitation, KC launched herself into Kelly’s arms like they weren’t strangers separated by years and heartbreak.

Kelly wrapped her arms tightly around her, burying her face into KC’s curls.

God, she’s warm. She’s real. She’s mine.

Kelly’s heart was pounding so fast she could barely hear herself think.

“Leave room for me!” Sebastian huffed with mock indignation, clearly jealous. He jumped into the hug too, wrapping his small arms around Kelly’s waist.

The moment felt almost... normal. Briefly. Until it wasn’t.

The front door swung open, and in came Kelly’s dog, tail wagging furiously, followed by Alex—and James, right behind him.