Everlasting Embrace (Embrace Series) by Charlotte Blackwell Page A

I ’ ve felt a connection between us since the first time we met. ”
    The rest of us stand in absolute shock as Dakota places his hands on either side of Ebony ’ s face and kisses her.
    “ Dakota, I … I … I can ’ t . I ’ m married. ” She pushes him away.
    “ Ebony, I ’ m so sorry , but you were married . Matt is gone , and no one knows when , or even if , he ’ ll return. ”
    “ He promised me . I have to hang on to that. ” A tear runs down her face . “ H e ’ s my soul mate . I ’ m so sorry Dakota. I felt a connection to you too, but it was always Matt — and it always will be Matt. I ’ m sorry …but some little crush can ’ t compare to the love of a soul mate . ” Ebony turns and retreats to the main house.
    Dakota stands there , broken hearted . “ W hat was I thinking? ” He turns to go back to his room.
    “ Dakota, she cares for you too . I t ’ s just too soon. She ’ s still waiting for Matt to come back , ” I try to console him, to no avail.
    Once Dakota closes the door to his room and everyone allows the shock to wear off a little, we continue with the greetings. The students are excited , and seem to want to show us all they ’ ve learned. I can ’ t stop thinking about Ebony , and decide to join her back at the ma i n house with Florence and the babies. The rest of them can explain the events of our trip. I need to help my best friend th r ough whatever it is she is feeling right now.
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    “ Ebony , where are you ? P lease talk to me , ” I say , searching from room to room, then I realize she ’ s in the guest house. I take the tunnel to go see her.
    Ebony and Matt lived in the guesthouse with Elyn for a short period of time after they were married. It ’ s connected to the main house via a hidden tunnel. I race through the tunnel and barge in the door. Ebony is sitting on the sofa with her knees pulled to her chest, sobbing hysterically.
    Racing to her side , I wrap my arms around her . “ Ebony , hun ny , I ’ m here for you. ”
    She nuzzles her h e ad into my shoulder . “ Sophia , I kissed another man. I ’ m a horrible person. ”
    “ Aww , kiddo ; Matt is gone , and we don ’ t know when he ’ ll come back. I know him , and I ’ m positive that he would never want you to suffer like this, or be alone. Matt would want you to be happy. ”
    “ He could come back anytime , though. ”
    “ Yeah, but it could be a very long time , too. He had eighteen years of earthbound training . W e have no idea how long his greater training may take. ”
    “ Sophia, I like Dakota, I really do. I just feel so guilty . I t feels wrong ; Matt was … is my soul mate… I could never experience true happiness with anyone else. ”
    “ How do you know , i f you don ’ t try? ” I lift her chin so she ’ s looking into my eyes . “ Ebony , I will stand behind whatever you decide. This is your choice . I just want you to consider your options. Dakota loves you — we all see it , and he loves Elyn too. He would never want you , or your daughter , to forget Matt, but he might make you happy. Just think about it. ”
    “ Do you mind if I just have some alone time? ” She asks with tears flowing freely down her face.
    “ Sure, but I will be back to check on you. Ebony, I love you like a sister , and I just want you to be happy again. ” I kiss her on the forehead and take my leave.
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    I do a quick check on Florence and the kids before heading back to the school. They seem to be doing fine . I notice Elyn has a slight edge to her and wonder if her empathy is kicking in again. Maybe the spell Ebony and Eliza placed on her is losing its mojo. This will be something to investigate a little later; she isn ’ t too bad right now. With that , I take leave and go down the mystical elevator to the school.
    Things are qui et in the halls , but I hear a voice speaking in the auditorium. I follow the voice and see the students all intent