Page 153 of The Promise Of Rain

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Dishes clattered down on the counter, then Maggie and Maxine moved in, taking Laurie and Mrs.O’Leary’s place.

I tried to rein it in, but it was all too much, and I cried the tears of a broken child.

Maggie sniffed, tears running down her face as Maxine, her face pale, rocked me back and forth.Together, they led me into the family room and snuggled down onto the couch with me.

Laurie and Mrs.O’Leary set up platters of cookies, pastries, muffins, and sandwiches.Some went on the kitchen table, others into the fridge for later.

I appreciated their efforts, but there was no way I would be able to eat all of it.

“Put the kettle on, would you, Laurie?”

“Done.”

“Anybody want coffee?”

Thirty minutes later, Miller and Baxter showed up along with John, Vera, Eric, and Julie.

Laurie walked over and took my hands in hers.“I’ll be back to check on you later.Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything at all.We’re here for you.”

“For me?”I stated blankly.

“Of course,” Laurie answered, her eyebrows crunching together.“Like I said, we look after our own.”

I looked over the people gathered in my family room and moving around the kitchen.

Moose Lake was my home, and these were my friends.

My family.

Only Deacon was missing.

Everything was out now, no more secrets between us, and he wasn’t here.

I wanted to call him; I just wasn’t sure if he was ready to come.

But he would.

I hoped.

30

Amends

Deacon

Leaving Jenny fairly shaking like a leaf nearly killed me, but I’d never been so angry nor had I ever felt so out of control.

Disbelief warred with the certainty I finally held all the puzzle pieces in my hands.

I saw how they fit together, but I still didn’t want to believe it.

Because if what Jenny’s mother said was true, my parents had manipulated me away from Jenny to their own advantage.

I spent the night on my knees praying for strength.

Praying for wisdom.

I woke up with neither.

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