Page 106 of Relentless

Sitting in the pew with her head down and arms tightly tucked to her chest —

Harper was a shadow of the woman she once was.

I’m not going to let her ruin the day.

Oakleigh focused her attention on the beautiful words of worship. The acoustics of the building accentuated the rich harmony as the congregation sang about the Lord’s neverending mercy.

Even with her eyes closed, she still couldn’t help but feel the negativity of her mother’spresence beside her. It was clawing under Oakleigh’s last nerve that Harper was so bitter she couldn’t even bring herself to participate.

“Mom, aren’t you going to stand?” Oakleigh finally dared to whisper, readying herself for whatever theatrics Harper would pull for being challenged.

Crew leaned over, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just,” Oakleigh began, “why is she even here if —”

Before she could finish her critical statement, she was interrupted by the sound of a whimpering sob.

Oakleigh swiveled around her at those singing loudly to the crisp strum of Sawyer’s guitar. She built up her nerve to glance down at her mother again, although she didn’t know why —

Harper was indestructible.

Oakleigh’s eyes went wide as there came another anguished cry. Harper quickly pulled her hand over her mouth as though attempting to shore up her crumbling dam of emotions.

Without hesitation, Maeve sat down in the pew and wrapped her arm tightly around her.

Looking down upon her mother’s crumpled frame, Oakleigh folded her hands tightly together to avoid wringing her fingers. She felt complex emotions battling within her, and was frozen in place with uncertainty.

She’s going to hurt me again.

Pulling in a swift breath, she finally understood what Maeve had meant all along. Oakleigh had to decide who she was going to be. She could choose to stay in her warm, cozy comfort zone, offering kindness when it was convenient — or, she could take the difficult path of authenticity, loving others like Jesus, and showing compassion to those who deserved it the least.

She had been loved like that.

Despite her jagged, rough edges, she had been accepted as she was.

She sat in the pew beside her mother, and asked the Lord to protect her vulnerable heart. Resting her hand on Harper’s quaking shoulders, Oakleigh did what she never had the courage to do before.

Oakleigh prayed with her mom while she quietly wept.

Even as tears dripped through Harper’s fingers, leaving wet marks on the brand-new hardwood flooring, one thing was certain.

Harper Davenport had shattered.

Chapter 29

Tomorrow Can Wait

Maeve was perched in her usual spot in the kitchen beside the brewing coffee percolator. She was patiently waiting for the water inside to bubble to a rich dark amber. After what seemed like the longest day, the peaceful, quiet night felt like a cool balm, recharging her empty battery. Even though she was enjoying the moment to herself, she was grateful when Dozer perked up. He ran to the door to greet Dallas, who met the pup with a gentle scuffle of his floppy ears.

“Hey there, buddy,” Dallas’ voice bounced playfully. “I love you, but there’s someone else I’m looking for.”

Dozer let out a low whine.

“I know,” Dallas chuckled. “You’re jealous.”

Eavesdropping on their sweet exchange, Maeve couldn’t help but smile.

She didn’t have to wait long before Dallas appeared in the kitchen. Not bothering to hesitate, he pulled Maeve into a close embrace. She couldn’t deny that being tucked in his arms was her favorite place to be.

---