Page 116 of Love in the Storm

“Thank you for this,” she whispered.

“I would do anything for you. I knew from the beginning that it wasn’t yours. I hate that Wendy got so close to a relapse, but I’m glad we found out before she went too far. There’s still hope for her.”

She wiped her face on his uniform and looked up to meet his gaze. The peace in his eyes calmed the shaking of her voice. “Is there any hope for us?” she asked quietly.

Asa cupped his hands around her face and threaded his fingers in her hair, directing her attention to him and only him. “I’ll never give up on you.”

40

LYRIC

Betty’s tea was like a cure-all. Almost.

Kendra flipped through the photos on the breakfast table in Betty’s kitchen, commenting on some and chuckling at others.

“That boy looks just like his dad,” Kendra said, holding up a photo of Jacob. His dark eyes were the same shade and hue as Asa’s, and the shape of his smile was a mirror image of his dad’s as well.

“Spitting image. It’s like raising the same boy twice.” Betty sat on Lyric’s other side and sipped her tea.

“Grandkids are the best, aren’t they?” Kendra asked. “I thought my daughter was the best, but grandkids…”

Lyric accepted the photo Kendra handed her. It was a very young Jacob riding on Asa’s shoulders. She could almost hear Jacob’s laugh–the one she’dcome to know well since she’d been living with Betty. She’d even heard his soft chuckles in her sleep once, only to check on him and find him sound asleep in his room at Betty’s.

But Lyric’s attention locked on Asa. The smiling man in the photo hadn’t been smiling today. He’d been worried, torn, and confused. Her stomach rolled thinking about the hassle she’d caused today. Well, she didn’t mean to cause it, but it had happened.

“You want more tea?” Betty asked.

Lyric couldn’t muster a hint of a smile right now. Asa wasn’t home from work yet, and she hadn’t talked to him since leaving the station. He’d promised to meet Lyric at his house after his shift. They’d have time to talk while Betty picked Jacob up from school.

“Thanks, but I don’t think I should have another.” Three cups of caffeine would have her jittery for her talk with Asa. He’d promised things between them would be fine, but what if he’d said those things in the heat of the moment to keep her calm?

“You’re welcome to stay, Kendra,” Betty said as she lifted her purse strap over her shoulder. “Or you can ride with me to pick up Jacob.”

Kendra stood and stretched her arms above her head. “I think I’ll head home. Thanks for having me. It was so nice to catch up.”

“You’re welcome any time,” Betty said as she embraced Kendra.

“I’ll put these away.” Lyric stacked the photos back into their places. They worked on the albums every time Jacob was at school or gone home for the evening, and they’d hopefully be ready soon.

Betty reached for the doorknob and looked back over her shoulder. “Tell Asa that Jacob and I are running by the church for a bit before we come back. You and Asa take the time you need this evening.”

“Thank you. Thank you for everything.” Lyric wasn’t sure if a quick good-bye was waiting for her, but she wanted to hope he’d give her another chance. She’d never had so much to lose before, and the thought of everything with Asa, Jacob, and Betty ending tonight had her voice shaking.

After cleaning up the mess, Lyric slowly walked to Asa’s house. It was only a few houses down the street, and she’d need the numbing wind later if her dreams of this beautiful life she was living got shattered.

She’d barely reached Asa’s porch when his cruiser pulled in the drive. Of course, he’d be home early on the one day she needed time to think and process before their talk.

He pulled into the garage, and she met him there. He was out of the car as soon as it came to a stop.

“Are you okay?” he asked as he strode toward her and wrapped her in his arms.

Her heart lurched toward him, banging against the walls of her chest in an attempt to reach him. If she lost him over this, her life wouldn’t be the same. She’d known true happiness, and a world without Asa and his family would be hollow.

“I’m okay.” The tears threatened to come again, but she pushed them back.

Asa grabbed her hand and led her to the door. “Let’s get inside.”

Lyric knew his routine. After work, he shed the uniform as soon as possible, but tonight, he led her straight to the couch.

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