in meetings all day, but still he’d have had time for a quick text at least. The whole drive back to Whelk’s Island, he wanted to call her, to hash out whatever she wanted to talk about, but her message had been adamant. He wanted to respect that.
He pulled in front of her cottage. The living room and kitchen lights were still on.
He walked up to the house and tapped on the screen door.
She jumped from the couch. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Nothing could keep me away. Are you okay?” He walked inside and guided her back to her seat. She looked like she’d been crying. He swept his thumb beneath her eye.
She caught his hand, leaning her chin into it. “Sometimes life can be so confusing.”
“It sure can.” Worry etched his face. “Are Hailey and Jesse okay?”
“They’re fine.”
He let out a long breath. “Thank goodness. My mind has been reeling through a hundred scenarios.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that to you.”
“Can I look in on them?”
“Yeah.” She reached for his hand, and they walked to Jesse’s room together. Paul twisted the doorknob and peeked into the room. Under the soft glow of the night-light, he saw the kids. They lay in tangles of sheets and limbs.
She put her hand on his arm, hugging his bicep. “My precious babies.”
He patted her hand, then backed out of the room, almost holding his breath until the door clicked shut. “Remember that prayer you used to say when Hailey was just a baby? It was so sweet.”
“Oh gosh, I haven’t said that in a long time. Yeah, ‘Two little eyes to look to God…’ is how it started.”
“Yes, that’s the one. I can still hear you saying it softly to her those first times you put her to bed.”
“You were always there for the important moments.”
“I could hear you over the baby monitor when you and Jack went to tuck her in. Your voice was like a melody.”
“I didn’t know you were listening. I’m surprised you remember.”
“Like it was yesterday.”
Amanda walked over to the couch and sat down.
“What’s going on?” He took a seat next to her.
She leaned over and fell into his arms, crying.
“Hey there.” What in the world? He put his arms around her, stroking her shoulders and neck. “What? Whatever it is, we can work it out. Tell me.”
“It’s Maeve.” She sniffed back tears. “She’s dying.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I can’t fix that. “What happened? She seemed fine.”
“Apparently, she’s been sick a long time. Her organs are beginning to fail. Her sister wants her to go to Macon, to let her take care of her until…”
“I’m here for you.” He pulled her closer, caressing her back and planning to sit right there until morning if that’s what she needed.
“The kids love Maeve so much too.” Her tears dampened his shirt, each one a weight on his heart.
“Shh. I know. I hate this. She’s great. Like a grandma.”
“I’m going to have to tell them. She’s leaving next Friday.” She gobbled a sob. “They are going to be so heartbroken.” The tears came with jagged breaths.
“So soon?”
She nodded. “I’m really going to miss her. Their hearts have scars already. What am I going to say to them?”
“We’ll find the words. I’ll help you. I’ll be right here. I promise.”
He held her until she fell asleep in his arms. He sat there looking at her, knowing where his heart was. He couldn’t let her down. He wanted so badly to make all things right in her world. Desperately, he wanted to.
* * *
—
Paul’s arm had gone numb hours ago, but he wasn’t about to move. If Amanda woke, she might ask him to leave, and right here was where he wanted to be. With her. With Hailey and Jesse sleeping peacefully in the next room. All of them safe.
Rain began to fall, spattering against the porch and trees outside. He could feel that the hot air had cooled a bit, but it hung heavy and damp in the house.
Soon lightning snaked across the sky. The frenetic flashes strobed through the house. The heavy downpour gurgled down the gutters.
Just before morning, a roll of thunder shook the foundation. Amanda sprung up.
He stretched his arm, the prickly, tingly sensation almost painful as the blood brought his arm back to life. He clenched his fist, then spread his fingers wide for relief.