Page 138 of Samson

“Almost.”

Delilah swiped at a tear that slipped down her cheek. “I would say sorry, but words are pretty inadequate.”

“Areyou sorry?”

“What? Of course I am. I didn’t—I’m so ashamed of what I did. I was so scared to lose Luca, but to give up Riley… Every time I think about it, it makes me sick.”

“But she’s okay now.”

Delilah nodded. “Good. That’s good. I’ve been praying for her.”

“Have you?”

“Yeah. I know that probably sounds stupid, but I remember you saying you believed in God.”

“I do. You said you weren’t sure.”

“I wasn’t. But I am now.”

“What changed your mind?”

“Everything that’s happened. I realized how lost I was, and I didn’t know who else to turn to.”

“Smart.”

“I’m lucky He’s so generous with His grace.”

“We all are. Riley says thanks, by the way.”

“What?”

“She’d like to tell you herself, but she’s shy. I promised her I’d let you know when I saw you.”

“I only did what I had to.”

“She’d be dead if it wasn’t for you.”

“She also wouldn’t have been kidnapped if it wasn’t for me. And you wouldn’t have gone through what you did.”

“I know Marc would have killed Luca if you hadn’t.”

“Why are you making excuses for me? You told me your biggest secret, and I betrayed you. I chose Luca’s life over hers.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Uh, yes. That’s exactly what I did.”

“You used the information you had in order to save Luca. The only time you exchanged one life for another was when you risked your life to save hers.”

“I don’t understand what’s going on right now.”

“I forgive you, if that’s what you need to hear.”

“Why don’t you hate me?”

“I did for a second. Then my perspective changed.”

“I don’t deserve this.”

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