Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 63

Her voice softened, almost reverent, stars lighting up her eyes.

Kaelani smiled at her friend — not one of those fake smiles she’d been forcing for weeks, but something softer. Real. “Tess, that’s… beautiful.”

But as she listened to her friend gush about being cherished — touched with tenderness — a quiet thought drifted in.

What’s that like?

And then she felt it again — that dull ache curling low in her chest.

Because all she’d ever known was the animalistic kind.

Tessa leaned against the counter, sipping from a fresh cup of coffee. “Hey… do you know Michael?”

Kaelani looked up from her prep station. “Michael who?”

“You know, the one who works over at the pharmacy on Maple?”

Kaelani’s brow lifted. “Oh. Michael.” She nodded slowly, wiping her hands on a towel. “Yeah, I’ve seen him around. Tall, kind of quiet?”

Tessa grinned. “That’s the one. He’s Jeff’s cousin.”

“Really?”

“Yep. And apparently — he’s single.” Her tone turned playful. “And cute. I was thinking… maybe we could double date sometime?”

Kaelani let out a light laugh, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Oh, Tess. That’s sweet, but… no thank you.”

Tessa caught the subtle shift — the tight edge to her smile, the flicker of something tired behind her eyes. She didn’t press.

Tessa lingered at the curb. “Enjoy your time with the kiddos. And call me tomorrow, okay? I’ll come over, we can veg out and watch movies or something.”

Kaelani gave her a genuine smile. “Sounds perfect. I’ll text you.”

They parted ways, and Kaelani continued toward Tiny Trails Learning Center, nestled on the quiet end of Glen Road. The closer she got, the lighter her chest felt.

The moment she reached the gate, a chorus of cheers erupted. “Miss Kaelani!”

Several small arms wrapped around her legs before she could even close it behind her. She chuckled, steadying the wagon as she greeted each eager child by name. Inside, she helped the staff set up the snack tables, portioning out the sugar-free lemon muffins and low-sugar cinnamon swirls. Afterward, she settled into her usual spot on the rug, a book open in her lap, her voice animated as the kids gathered close. They played a few quiet games afterward — stacking blocks, tracing their names, giggling over Kaelani’s exaggerated storytelling voices.

By 2:30, she gave her goodbyes, promising more treats next Saturday, and began walking back toward the bakery. The wagon was lighter now, and the air was warm with just a hint of afternoon breeze.

She turned onto Sycamore Street, not quite halfway to the bakery, when she saw him.