Free Storm of Desire by Cara Marsi, Laura Kelly, Sandra Edwards Page A

law school was one of the proudest moments of my life. You’ve always been so smart, like my sister Rosie. At times I envied you both for that.
    My sister was always the smart one, the one who got all the praise from our parents, especially our father. I was the pretty one that no one expected much from. I learned early on that my looks got me a lot more than any smarts could. I had one thing men wanted, and I used it. I enjoyed the feeling of power I had over them. That was until I fell in love with your father.
    I’ll tell you about him one day, Samantha. You deserve to know the truth. He was older than me and seemed to offer the glamour and wealth I’d always craved. I loved him desperately. I foolishly thought I’d have a life with him, that he’d take care of me. But he broke my heart and wasn’t the man I’d thought he was.
    I may never have the courage to give you this letter, but I had to write it—to tell you how I feel. You and I could never talk to each other. You were always closer to Rosie. It hurt me that you could share your feelings with my sister but not with me. I realize I’m to blame for not trying to understand you, for trying to be more like a friend than a mother. I’ve always been a selfish person and I’ve paid for it, believe me. But what hurts the most is I’ve lost you.
    I want you to know how very much I love you. As bad as my behavior was at times, I tried to protect you. When I sensed a man might be looking at you in the wrong way, I got rid of him. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you.
    Samantha, you’re a sweet, intelligent, beautiful daughter any mother would be proud of. I hope someday you’ll let me into your heart again and we can be a real mother and daughter. Somewhere there’s a wonderful man worthy of you. I wish you love, real love, laughter, and children. I hope I can be part of your life, part of your children’s lives. But I’ll understand if I’m not.
    Your loving mother.
    The paper slipped from Sam’s hand. She bent over, her breathing shallow. The tears poured freely, dripping onto the papers strewn about. Unable to stop the flow of tears, Sam rocked back and forth as low, keening sobs wracked her.
    Her mother was a deeply flawed woman, but she’d always loved Sam. Lisa was proud of her, proud to have a daughter like her. Why couldn’t her mother have told her this before, or shown her how much she loved her? Sam didn’t know if she could completely forgive her mother for her betrayal with Kurt. The futility of it all pierced her heart, bringing a fresh round of tears.
    She pressed a fist to her mouth, trying to suppress her sobs. She’d come to Fenwick to be alone, to think. Yet, she’d found so much more. She’d discovered a part of her mother she’d never known, discovered a bit of her history. Most of all, Aiden was back in her life. Was he back for good, or was their affair just that—a fling?
    “Sam?”
    Gulping deep breaths, she turned toward the doorway. Aiden stood there, his brow furrowed. She opened her mouth to tell him she was okay, but no words came.
    “Sam. Sweetheart.” He sank onto the bed and gathered her into his arms. “I don’t know what’s wrong, but it’ll be okay.”
    He held her close while she cried tears of anger, hurt, and frustration—cried for the mother she’d never known, for a lonely childhood that hadn’t had to be, for the mother Lisa could have been, and for her own stubbornness in not really having tried to know her mother.
    She cried too for the closeness she’d felt with Aiden these days. And the knowledge it had to end.
    Finally, with the help of the tissues Aiden offered her from the nightstand, she managed to stem the flow of tears. Sniffling, she pulled away from Aiden and swiped at her eyes. “I got your shirt wet.” She rubbed a hand over his T-shirt.
    He took her hand and held it against his heart. “The shirt will be fine. What’s going on?”
    She waved a hand over the mess of papers. “I found