57

They rode in silence. When they reached the funeral home, the sight of the black hearse and limos made her breath catch in her chest.

“It’s going to be okay, sweetheart.” Alaric patted her hand. “I’m right here.”

She nodded. There were already a few other cars in the parking lot, even though the memorial service wasn’t for another hour. She and Christopher's parents had been asked to come early.

Once Alaric parked, the three of them walked into the somber but elegant lobby of the funeral home. A tall, gaunt man wearing a suit that clung to his bones greeted them and directed them to the proper area.

Vanessa's heart sank when she saw that Steven and Lois Wesley had already arrived. They were deep in conversation with Jeremy Blackenstock, who hurried over the instant he caught sight of her. She could have sworn he appeared relieved to see her.

“There you are,” he said, his dulcet tones conveying the right mix of sympathy and comfort. “How are you holding up?”

Dragging her gaze away from