She’d been at the castle when the memorial had been delivered. She felt horrible over having missed the service, because Jinx had been a good friend. Yet her absence had been unavoidable. Slipping from her horse, she waded through the snow as Tanner and Walker discreetly moved away, giving her privacy. She fought to keep her distress at bay as she stared at the tall cross protruding from a snowbank. Jade fought for an even tone as she said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the funeral, Jinx. I got held up.” A wave of tormented feelings rose within her, despite her best efforts. Tears burned her eyes and her voice cracked as she said, “I always adored you. From the first time we met. You came to my fifth birthday party and told me you could read fortunes. Of course, you had to explain to me what that meant.” She laughed quietly, painfully. “You spun a silver coin on the kitchen table and when it landed on its side, you gasped and said, ‘You’re the little girl who will always be smiling’.”
