Pauline's POV
Polly.
The nickname still rang in my ears like an echo that refused to fade. It wasn't just the name, but the way he'd said it. Something in his voice had shifted, become softer, more intimate than I'd ever heard before.
I forced myself to shake off the memory. I had more pressing matters to deal with.
I'd returned home for a reason, and despite every instinct screaming at me to stay by Windsor's side until she was completely stable, someone else needed me more right now.
"Echo!" The word tore from my throat the moment I spotted her.
My daughter sat curled up on our cabin's front porch, her small frame trembling with each sob that wracked her body. Lem and Daisy knelt on either side of her, their faces etched with helpless concern as they tried to offer comfort.
The sight nearly brought me to my knees.
"Thank God you're here," Daisy breathed when she saw me, her relief palpable.
