Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,35

as detailed and breathtaking as the painting Mavyn held. Mavyn had noticed it, but she’d been so focused on Ren during the short amount of time she’d spent here that she hadn’t taken time to study it or ask about it. “She did a rendition of the Savior calming the sea that she gave to Jay.” She nodded to her son, Cruz, and Cat’s dad. “Then she gave this one to Ren shortly before she passed.”

Mavyn glanced around. Everyone’s eyes were on her. She felt the significance of this painting and Ren’s family trusting and accepting her. Horror rushed through her. Here was further evidence of Ren’s goodness and ability to trust, be open, and care deeply for her. He’d given her his mother’s painting, one of three in existence. And she couldn’t even tell him the truth. How many times did she have to be reminded how unworthy she was of him? “I can’t take his painting from his mom.”

She glanced up and met Quill’s blue gaze, so similar to Ren’s. “If he gave that to you, he must love you very deeply,” Quill said softly.

All the family seemed to be congregating around now, looking at the painting, looking at Mavyn. She loved this painting, loved that it meant so much to Ren. She didn’t feel right about keeping it. She feared Quill might be right and Ren might love her as deeply as this present seemed to intone. She’d told him she’d wait, but right now she wanted to run.

“Read the note,” Iris suggested.

Mavyn wanted to go hide in her bedroom to read it, but she nodded and slid her finger under the flap to open it. Pulling out the note, she read it to herself.

Mavyn,

Last night we reconnected again. I knew then, as I’ve known since I met you four months ago, that you’re the one for me.

So he’d written this before she’d run off yesterday morning. Before she’d discovered God cared for her, at least enough to send Ren when she needed him the most. Before she lied to him.

I didn’t know it was possible to love someone as much as I love you.

She put a hand to her throat, but she couldn’t breathe. He loved her. He’d already loved her after she ditched him four months ago and then kissed him in the bedroom the night she tried to unbutton his shirt. Shame filled her. She didn’t deserve his love and she didn’t know how to return it.

For Christmas, I wanted to give you my most treasured earthly possession. My mom painted this for me. She told me it was a representation of Christ’s open arms and the knowledge that He will never turn His back on us. It also represented the man she thought I was and always wanted me to be—loving, accepting, and willing to forgive and forget.

I know you don’t think you believe, but I’m praying hard for you to learn to trust God and let Him love you. To learn to trust me and let me love you as well.

No matter what happens between us, please keep this painting from my angel who’s now in heaven and know that the Savior always has open arms for you.

I love you,

Ren

Grams was sniffling next to her and she knew her own eyes were bright with unshed tears. Something shifted inside of her. Could it be possible that the Savior truly did have open arms for her? Ren had shown her unconditional love and so had Cora. Pastor Johnston had broken her when he’d explained she couldn’t be forgiven and her baby dying was evidence of that. Was it possible he was wrong? He was a good man, but he was still a man susceptible to human frailties. Mavyn had tramped on his last nerve repeating her sin over and over and then lying about it. When she’d revealed her lies and told him she had been pregnant and her baby had then died because of Bruce’s beating, he was obviously fed up with her. No wonder she was terrified to tell Ren she’d lied.

“Grams,” Iris chastised her. “Did you read Mavyn’s note?”

Mavyn glanced up in surprise. She’d been lost in her own worries and introspection. Grams looked a little belligerent as she glared at Iris. “So what if I did? He’s my boy, you know.” She looked over at Mavyn and a repentant light snuck in. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I was sitting right here.”

Mavyn wiped at a tear that snuck out, but she