Page 63 of Every Star that Shines

Adelaide tilted her head and regarded him over her mug. “It’s not what I’d selfishly want, obviously, but if that’s what you feel you have to do.” She set her coffee cup on the table and leaned forward with an earnest expression. “But consider this: no matter where you and Emma end up, she’ll always be part of your life. She’s your daughter, and I know you. You’ll make sure she knows you’re there for her, no matter how many miles lay between you at any given moment. But what happens if you let Delanie go this time? I know how you feel about her. If you let her walk away, you’re not likely to get a third chance. And you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what you two could have had.”

Caleb glanced at his parents’ conjoined hands. That’s what he’d always wanted—a marriage as solid as theirs, the kind he knew would last a lifetime and outlast any disagreement. And every time he had pictured that imagined future, where he was holding hands with his wife of thirty-five years or more, it was always Delanie’s face he saw.

“She dumped me, though. Twice. I’m starting to get the message she doesn’t think we’re worth fighting for.”

“Or,” Marcus said, raising his brow, “maybe she just wants to see if you do.”

Caleb stared at his father, thunderstruck. I just want you to choose me first. She had told him that outright. How had he not heard it before?

He tossed back the last of his coffee and stood. “Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. I gotta go.”

His mother chuckled as he bent over to kiss the top of her head. “Where are you going?”

“The Fletchers. You’re right, Dad. You’ve always been the smartest guy I know.” Caleb swung his jean jacket on. “See you at church, but I might be a little late.”

The last thing he heard before he closed the door behind him was his father calling, “Good luck, son!”

Caleb gunned the engine all the way to the Fletchers. They lived on the opposite side of Peace Crossing, and the miles had never passed so slowly. But when he pulled into the yard, Delanie’s little coupe was missing.

He pulled out his phone to send her a text, then hesitated. Texts and phone calls were too easy to ignore, and he wanted to have this conversation in person. He hopped out of the truck and climbed the stairs to the front door, then knocked.

Cheryl answered the door. She had her coat on, and Bill stood in the entrance behind her, putting his on too. They were probably about to leave for church.

“Caleb! What’s going on?”

“Good morning, Cheryl. I’d hoped I could catch Delanie. Do you know where she is right now?”

Cheryl’s face clouded. “She left early this morning, on her way to Kamloops for that acting gig. Didn’t she tell you?”

“She left already?” Caleb resisted the urge to smack the door frame. “Do you happen to know where she’s staying tonight?”

Bill came up to the door. “I think she planned to drive straight through today. She needs to be on set tomorrow morning. That’s why she left so early.”

“What time was that?”

Bill looked at his wristwatch. “Oh, about three hours ago now, I’d say.”

A three-hour head start? Well, he would drive all the way to Kamloops if he had to.

“Okay, thanks.” He smiled, then rushed back to his truck.

“Caleb?” Cheryl called as he was climbing in the cab. He looked up to see her standing on the stoop.

“Yes?”

“She’s staying at the Thompson Motor Inn. I’ll be praying you catch her.” Cheryl smiled knowingly.

“Thanks, Mrs. Fletcher. Happy Sunday!”

“And a happy Sunday to you too.”

As Caleb backed up and turned around, he hit speed dial on Monica’s number.

He needed to tell Emma why she wouldn’t see him at rehearsal this afternoon. Then he would call Amber. Delanie was right—Amber Leclerc probably could have run the entire production herself. For the sake of the kids, though, he hoped she wouldn’t have to. Not this year, or any year soon.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.”

He turned west on the highway and hit the gas.

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