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And he didn’t before?
Feigning a nonchalance he didn’t have, Jahleel cradled the back of his head and leaned against the swing back. “Everyone loves a good party.” And maybe he wouldn’t miss the one he’d normally throw back in Texas.
“Like children?” Her green eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight.
“Especially the kids.” He could imagine Hope twirling in a Christmas dress and talking Bebe’s ear off in the process. He held back a chuckle and focused on her face. He couldn’t read her expression. Did she think the party should be kid-free? “You don’t think it was a bad idea, do you?”
“I did until you mentioned letting the children attend.” She leaned against the porch rail. “I’d hate for them to be left out. The whole congregation will love it. They really enjoyed last year’s potluck.” A soft smile brightened her face. “Plus, this allows us to dress up.”
“Ms. Barbara Ann still wear those huge hats? Looking like she’s going to the Derby?”
Bebe’s soft laugh blended perfectly with the atmosphere. “Of course. You should have seen last week’s. It looked like a birdbath.”
He laughed, leaning forward to catch his breath at the image. “I can only imagine.”
“Maybe you’ll luck out and she’ll wear it again.” Bebe snickered.
Jahleel shuddered. “I hope not. I won’t be able to keep a straight face.”
“Hope can’t either.”
Hope.It seemed a shame that little girl didn’t have a father around. He stared at his childhood friend. “What happened with Hope’s father?”Please don’t deflect.Maybe he shouldn’t try to connect with her again, but he couldn’t stop himself from caring and wondering what all he’d missed out on since their last parting.
Silence filled the air. Just when he thought she would ignore his question, she shifted against the porch rail. “He didn’t want me anymore.”
The smallness of her voice gutted him.
Bebe opened her mouth and then shut it. Did he even want to know what she’d been about to say? Because the situations were too close for comfort. It wasn’t that Jay hadn’t wanted to be with her. He’d just had other priorities.
Ouch. That’s worse.How had he been so self-absorbed?
Aren’t you still?
“I’m sorry, Bebe.”
“Not your fault.”
This time.But had he given her the impression he didn’t want her when he left for UT? He rubbed his chin. “How does Hope deal with his absence?”
“With optimism. The disappointment never lasts long. Though I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.” She picked imaginary lint off her sleeve.
“Does she get to see him at all? Talk to him?”
“No. Well, once a year. She talked to him last Christmas.”
“Wait, what?” His emotions teetered between rage and sorrow for the joyful little girl. “Why? How can henot?”
“He’s busy with his new wife, Angie. They head multiple charity organizations.” Bebe rolled her eyes.
“What about his own child?”
Bebe blew out a breath. “I tell Hope that God is a father to the fatherless. I don’t think she understands exactly what I mean, but I’m hoping the seeds will be planted and it’ll keep her from becoming bitter as she grows up. At least she’ll remember God was always there.”
“Oh, Bebe.”
“Don’t sweat it, Jay.”
Silence fell between them as he studied the girl next door. He’d always been able to tell how Bebe felt. Their communication had flowed freely up until he decided to cut all ties. All he could think of right then was how much of a mess he’d made when they broke up. How did you keep yourself from thinking what-ifs and wanting to kick yourself in the rear?
