Page 29 of Everlasting Promises

Hope’s posture visibly softens, and her features relax. She mouths the words, “thank you” and I feel her appreciation fill the space between us. Supporting her in that moment felt right, and I know I’ll strive to always do so. I’m drawn to this woman like I haven’t been to anyone before her. The connection I feel to her and Evan is too strong to ignore, and I’m going to make it my mission to become an integral part of their lives.

It sounds weird, but I believe I was destined to meet Evan and Hope—to make them mine and keep them forever. I glance up to the clear sky; maybe Tahlia had something to do with it.

I pop a chip into my mouth and chew. “So, Evan, what’s your favorite subject at school?”

He pauses and looks at his mom, a frown marring his features. “I don’t like school.”

“I wasn’t a fan of school either, but I always loved PE and social studies.” I shrug. “There must be something you like.”

He drops his chin to his chest. “I like writing stories,” he mumbles, and my eyebrows shoot up. He brings his warm brown eyes to mine. “Don’t tell the other kids. Mom’s the only person who knows.”

“I won’t.” I glance at Hope. “Your secret’s safe with me. What types of stories do you like to write?”

His eyes brighten as he sits up straight. “I like to write crime stories with twists and turns that you don’t see coming.” He looks at Hope. “They’re like the books Mom likes to read.”

“They’re really good too,” Hope says, pride warming her voice.

“I bet they are. Well, if you need any help with the law enforcement side of things, I’m always happy to give advice,” I offer.

He pushes his shoulders back. “Really? That’d be awesome.”

I turn to Hope. “So, who are your favorite authors?”

She rolls her eyes to the roof above us. “I haven’t read for several years now, but I loved John Grisham, James Patterson, and Patricia Cornwell. I still buy their new releases, even though I’ve lost my reading mojo.” She forces a chuckle, like it’s no big deal that she’s lost her reading mojo, but as she tucks her curls behind her ear, I sense she misses the hobby more than she lets on.

“I have to admit, I’m not a huge reader. I find it difficult to sit for long enough to enjoy a book. I’m more inclined to watch a show on TV.”

“Mom always has the TV on, even when she’s not watching it,” Evan declares.

I look at Hope, wanting her to open up and tell me something else about herself, but I don’t want this to be an interrogation, even though I want to know everything about her, so I keep my mouth shut.

She raises and drops one smooth shoulder carelessly. “I like to have it on for background noise. When Evan’s upstairs doing his schoolwork or playing his games, it’s too quiet downstairs.”And lonely, I suspect. I hear exactly what she’s not saying.

14

HOPE

I pressmy hand to my stomach, feeling fuller than full. The salty breeze coming straight from the ocean is cool, sending goosebumps scattering across my flesh, and I shiver.

Ben notices and stacks our dishes in the middle of the table, then stands. “We should head out. You’re cold.” Like the obedient dog he is, Rex immediately makes his way to Ben’s side.

I watch as disappointment washes over Evan and wave off Ben’s concern. “I’m okay.” I stand and position the strap of my purse across my body. I’m sure he wants to be on his way. “Evan, do you want to walk along the beach before we go home?” It’s such a gorgeous afternoon, and if I can keep Ev busy here for a little while longer, it leaves less time for him to spend cooped up in his room.

He looks out at the waves and along the shoreline, taking notice of younger kids making sandcastles under the watchful gaze of their parents, while bigger kids toss a ball with their dads. His brows furrow, and he shrugs. “If you want to.” His voice lacks enthusiasm, and I know he’s only doing it for me.

Great, it seems he’s only enthusiastic about things when it involves Rex and Ben. “Evan, what do you say to Ben?”

He raises his head to Ben. “Thanks for today. And for lunch. I’m sorry I forgot my manners.”

Ben chuckles and raises his hand to Ev’s head, messing up his hair. “You’re welcome.”

My heart skips as I watch their easy companionship. Shane’s been awesome with Evan, stepping in as much as he could when Wyatt died. He’s been determined to keep his promise, but we couldn’t keep relying on him. We were holding him back, and I couldn’t live with the guilt. Thankfully, since I asked him to give us space, he has, but Evan’s missed him terribly. Guilt has been my constant companion, but I needed to release Shane from his obligation to us. He needs to get on with his own life, not be weighed down by a promise he made more than a decade ago.

Watching Evan with Ben, as he soaks up his attention like a sponge, is heart-wrenching. At the same time, it makes me happy that he’s made a new friend. Maybe I should be wary that Ben’s so much older than him, but I think he’ll be a wonderful role model, and I know he’ll encourage Evan to make good choices.

“Thanks for lunch. Are you sure I can’t pay for some of it, at least?”

He waves off my offer. “Nah. It’s cool. But do you mind if Rex and I join you for a walk?”

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