Page 154 of Shadow

“Thank you,” Nadine whispered. “For saving my son. For loving him. For being here.”

She pulled back. Held Daphne at arm’s length. “Cross,” she said, studying Daphne. “That name sounds familiar. Are you from Renegade?”

“I was. Before my father died.”

“Your father?”

“Daniel Cross. He was a police officer here. Died when I was sixteen.”

Nadine blinked. Smiled. “Oh, honey. I went to school with Danny. Such a good man. Honorable. Brave.” She paused. “He was one of the best people I knew.”

Oh.

“And of course he’d have a brave and beautiful daughter.” Nadine still had hold of Daphne’s hand and now squeezed softly. “I’m sure he’d be so proud of you. Of the woman you’ve become.”

Daphne couldn’t speak.

“You know, we were good friends. I think I might even have a few forbidden stories of his youth.” She winked at her.

And now her throat filled. “I’d like to hear them someday.”

Nadine gave her hand another squeeze, then turned to her son. “You ready?”

“Yeah.” Asher took the wooden box.

Daphne made to step back, but Nadine hooked her by the arm.

They stood together at the edge of the overlook.

Asher’s hands shook, just a little.

His mother put her hand on his shoulder.

“Gemma,” Asher said. Voice rough. “You always loved this place. Said you wanted to wake up every morning and see mountains and valleys and know you were home.”

He paused. Breathed out, and Daphne ached for him. But she didn’t move.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to bring you home. Sorry I couldn’t save you. Sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me.”

His voice broke. His mother’s hand tightened on his shoulder.

“But I know you’re okay. That you’re at peace and…home.”

He tipped the box, the ashes catching the wind. Swirling. Dancing. Dispersing across the valley below.

Gray against gray. Released. Free.

Nadine took a breath. Then, “‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.’”

She paused. Looked at Asher. “We’ve walked in darkness too. All of us. Grief and pain and fear and loss. But the sun always rises. And God never forsakes us.”

The clouds began to shift. To part.

And light broke through.

Brilliant. Sudden. Streams of gold pouring down into the valley. Illuminating the ranch. The creek. The pine forests. The mountains.

Daphne gasped.

Asher took her hand. Daphne, standing between them, felt Nadine let go of her hand to reach for Asher’s.

“The light shines in the darkness,” she said softly. “And the darkness has not overcome it.”

And they stood there. Watching God keep His promise.

“Now,” Nadine said after a moment. “How about some pancakes?”

Asher laughed. “Pancakes sounds perfect, Mom.”

Then he looked down at Daphne, and she laughed too and nodded. Yes, yes, it did.