Page 128 of Falling Back to You

Trying to keep up pretenses, I followed him inside. Ruby, wearing an apron and slicing a loaf of bread I’d brought, was soon chatting up a storm.

I tacked on a smile, but Quinn’s words looped on repeat in my brain.

Some things aren’t forgivable.

And I wasn’t even sure how to fix that.

Dinner was excellent—Dad really nailed the pot roast—but indigestion churned in my stomach. After forcing down just enough to keep either of them from commenting on it, I helped Ruby wash up while Dad dished out apple crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Needing a minute to compose myself, I slipped away to the bathroom. The sink no longer dripped, and the chipped, trifold mirror had been replaced with a modern, beveled-edge one. I inhaled deeply, gripping the counter until my knuckles turned white.

Quinn’s words hit hard. Mostly because they sounded a lot like my own doubts. But the accusations hurt, too. I hadn’t tried to move on like nothing happened. I’d tried to make amends. Tried—

You’re trying to do My job.

The still voice in my spirit caught me off guard. What?

My child, I forgive you. That’s what matters. Healing hearts and softening them is My business. I called you home to make amends, and My grace is sufficient for that task. But leave the timing to Me. Trust that I’m working for your good.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as hot tears pooled in my eyes. Trust His timing. His plans for my good. Wasn’t that what Marcel said? Right the wrong but live going forward. The bartender should really charge for his therapy sessions.

I’m sorry, Lord.

Squaring my shoulders, I pointed at myself in the mirror. “Noelle Shepherd. Let. It. Go.”

Quinn’s response wasn’t my burden to bear. I couldn’t make her react a certain way—that was between her and the Lord. But I could move forward with the right attitude. You’re forgiven. It’s time you live like it.

Starting with not hanging on so tightly to what I couldn’t control. I cringed just thinking about it. Lack of control scared me. But maybe doing what scared me was exactly what I needed.

Impromptu mirror pep talks and prayer sessions did wonders. Highly recommend.

On my way back to the kitchen, the den caught my eye.

“Dad, is that a murder board?” I called through the open door as I ran a finger over the glossy 8x10s and red string tying suspects and newspaper clipping together.

He appeared in the doorway, grinning sheepishly. “Yeah, well, we get a murder mystery subscription each month.”

“We?”

“Ian, John, Myles—”

“Pops and Pastor John are in on this?” I could picture Myles as part of the group, given that his mom had been a cozy mystery author.

“Sure.” Dad rattled off a few other names.

I stared, dumbfounded. “I’m sure Dallas loves you guys.”

Dad chuckled. “He pretends not to know about it as long as we let him do his job.”

Middle-aged small-town dads were the new murder-board extraordinaires. Who’d have thought?

“Can I take a picture? Macy would love this.”

“Sure, sure.” He waved me off.

I texted her the picture but didn’t expect a reply since she was on a date. Better check on her location. Yup. Pho for You, her favourite Vietnamese restaurant. Exactly where she was supposed to be.

Except she did reply immediately.