Page 82 of Hidden Chance

“It’s true, isn’t it?”

“I’m pretty sure you don’t like not getting your own way either, but you somehow manage to get one up on me more often than I’m comfortable with.”

“I can’t help it if I’m right most of the time.”

Robby shook his head but couldn’t hide his smile. “Let’s go.”

“Do you mind if I drive with Peter? It’s been a long time. I’d like to catch up.”

“You just don’t want to look at my grumpy face over the next several hours.”

“That too.” She bumped his shoulder in play as she walked past him, following Peter out the door.

When they were driving down Peter’s long driveway, he slowed more than was necessary.

“You should be prepared,” he said. “Jemi’s at the end.”

“I know. Who’s been staying with her while you’ve been away?”

“Mostly the nurse. She’s become a very good friend of ours over the years. She’s been so supportive. Especially in the last few months.”

“Peter.” She put her hand on his arm. “Are you sure you want to leave her? We’ll understand if you don’t.”

“I want to stay with her more than anything.”

“Then you should.”

“Don’t do that to me. Don’t tempt me. I’m not strong enough. God’s made it clear. There’s nothing more I can do for her anyway. All I’ve been doing for the past several weeks is sitting by her bed mourning. That’s the last thing she would want. Me hanging around waiting for her to die. And one day—” His voice cracked. “One day we’ll be together again. Forever.”

He parked in front of the house.

“Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom,” he said.

“Is that a scripture?”

“Psalm ninety, verse twelve.”

“Do you want me to give you a minute?”

“No. It won’t make this any easier.”

He got out of the car and nodded to Robby, who’d parked beside him. Then, they climbed up to the frontdoor. Hannah could see the weight Peter carried. He’d had a breakthrough, but that didn’t mean the grief wasn’t still real.

With his hand on the door handle, he turned to her. “I’m glad you get to see her one last time.”

“Me too.”

But before Peter could open the door, it opened for him.

“Wha—,” he said, tripping back into Hannah. “I can’t?—”

“What is it?” Robby whispered into Hannah’s ear.

“It’s Jemi…she’s—” Her words cut off as tears poured down her cheeks.

Chapter 20

Peter’s face was white,and he began to shake. Robby stepped up beside him and supported him in case his legs gave way.

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