Page 151 of Finding Redemption

“I saw her bruises but until he killed her, I didn’t realize what it was.” Riley holds Ava close. “Walker, you’re not alone. We all had that gut-wrenching pain telling us it was true but none of us knew what to do.”

My dad stands, moving toward me. When he grabs me, hauling me into a bear hug, I’m not ashamed to say I was a five-year-old again. My heart needs it but my soul deserves it. I held him close for the first time in ten years. Our family joins us, and our healing finally begins.

“Now, how are we gonna get our girl to come home?” Mom asks, wiping her face.

“I have a few ideas but until I know what it is she’s hiding, I can’t be sure any of this will work.”

“Do you have any idea what could be so devastating to her?”

I shake my head at my Mom’s question. “No doubt it has to do with her dad but other than that, no clue.” I pop my knuckles, sitting back to relax. “I have to show her I’ll always be here.”

I lay in bed, wracked with guilt over Reese. I want her home, I need them home. I have lots of plans for us, and I can’t wait to share them with her. I reach for my phone, typing her a message. She may not answer but at least she’ll see it.

I miss you.

My side of the bed isn’t the same.

I prayed today that she’d look like you.

34

Katie bounds through the door with a brown paper bag and a cup. “Good morning. Your delivery is here.”

I quirk my brow. “Did I order?”

“Apparently. Smells good.” She sets it on my desk, taking a stack of files with her.

I open the bag to hot oatmeal, fresh fruit, and milk. A smaller bag is marked Snack and filled with cheese, apple slices and grapes. My belly growls and I dig in. I usually hate breakfast but not today. By noon, my stomach rumbles when my phone rings and I meet with a client.

I get back to the office around one thirty and to my surprise, I have lunch waiting. But I didn’t order any, did I? I take a step back into the hall. “Katie?”

“Yes?” She looks up, wide-eyed.

“Did I order lunch?”

“I’m not sure but there was some delivered about thirty minutes ago.” She shrugs.

I shake my head. “All right, it doesn’t matter. I’m starving. Thank you.” I round my desk and open the box. Glazed roasted chicken with sweet potatoes. It smells divine. I eat until full and still have leftovers. I need this place in my life on the daily.

I climb into my Jeep, ready to go home, but It won’t start again. “Why have you decided to start this again? It’s been a year. Be nice.” After several tries, it finally starts. By the time I get home, I’m ready to eat my chicken and fall into bed. I open my door to Alden filling my fridge.

My mouth drops. “You bought groceries?”

He eyes me. “Sure.”

“Good. Thank you,” I say, setting my food box on the table. “I’m gonna shower, eat and fall into bed. I’m exhausted. I ordered food today and didn’t remember I did it.”

“You need rest. I’ll let myself out, Reesie Cup.” Alden leans over the refrigerator door, kissing me on the cheek.

“Wow.” I pull the door open wide. “You bought the store out, huh? You should try my food. It was to die for.”

“That’s good to know.” He kisses me again, heading toward the door. “Reese, are you ever going to tell me why you can’t let yourself be with Walker?”

His question brings me up short. I want to tell him. I need to say it but not yet. “Soon. When he knows, everyone will understand.”

“All right, babe. Love you.” Alden kisses me and heads out the door.

I’m showered and in bed by nine. Although I’m tired, I can’t sleep. My phone buzzes around ten. I hate to look at it. Makes life easier when I tell Mom I didn’t get her text. When it does it again, I rise up out of bed. By the third text, I begin to worry. I flip on the light on my nightstand, reaching for my phone.