Rhett bridged the space between them and drew Vick into a hug, burying his face in his son’s soggy shoulder. He expected Vick to stiffen or pull away and nearly wept when he put his arms around him. How many times had he prayed for this moment? For a chance to hold his son? He’d been missing this piece of his heart for so long, he’d become accustomed to the emptiness. Could he handle this much happiness all at once?
“Hey, Dad. It’s getting kinda hard to breathe,” Vick teased.
Rhett chuckled to mask his burgeoning tears and took a step back. “And my shirt’s soaked.” He tugged the damp fabric away from his torso, using humor to temper his emotions.
“Whose fault is that?”
“Touché.”
“So,” Vick said with a meaningful glance. “What are you going to do?”
“About what?”
“About Donna.”
The question hung heavy in the air, as if it carried the weight of his future. And yet, at the same time, he felt as though a huge burden had been lifted. A grin swept across his face as an unorthodox idea sprang to mind. “Do you have a fishing pole I can borrow?”
CHAPTER19
CASSIE
Cassie refilled her cup of Colombian decaf, stifling a yawn. Most of their guests had gone home for the evening, but a few friends lingered around the long table. Colt and Jack playfully argued over which one of them would be the favorite uncle, while Lucy told Penny and Kat about her latest YouTube video series featuring the upcoming Founders Day Festival. Today’s video gave background information on Poppy Creek’s conservation group and their efforts to protect the local monarch butterfly population, which led to the beloved tradition, the Butterfly Stroll. Cassie tried to listen in, curious about the history, but she found her thoughts wandering.
Tonight’s gathering had been special. She’d never felt more loved, and she’d once again been reminded that she and Luke wouldn’t be raising their child alone. They literally had an entire village of support. But something was missing. Or rather,someone.
During every conversation, each shared laugh, smile, and embrace, she couldn’t shake a lingering, deep-seated desire: She wanted her mother to be there with her. Despite everything they’d been through—the years of heartache, disappointment, and dysfunction—she wanted her mother to be a part of the life she’d built in Poppy Creek. Permanently.
She knew there were people in the world who would consider her foolish. Too forgiving. Too naive. Her ex-boyfriend, Derek, had tried to convince her to cut her mother out of her life completely. He’d called her toxic and a lost cause, claiming no good could come from staying in contact.
To be fair, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Her motherhadbeen toxic at times. And there probably were situations similar to hers where it would be healthier for the family members of an addict to keep their distance. But in her case, that had never felt like the right decision—for herself or her mother. Almost as if part of her could glimpse a tiny window to the other side of her mother’s addiction. To a world where the prison doors swung open and she could finally walk through them, free and unencumbered. Free to experience a more whole and fulfilling life.
The vision had been vivid enough to keep her hope alive, even in their bleakest moments. And despite the odds, it had come to fruition right before her eyes. Although, there were still occasions she wondered if she’d wake up and realize it was all a dream.
“It’s a shame your mom couldn’t be here tonight,” Kat said with uncanny timing. She lifted the insulated carafe of decaf, refilling her mug.
“It is. I was just thinking about how much I missed her tonight. And Kat, I’ve been meaning to thank you.”
“For what?”
“For inviting my mom to stay at the inn as your guest.” When Kat opened the Whispering Winds Inn with Jack’s help, she’d vowed to reserve one suite for a woman in need. Most of the referrals came from Hope Hideaway, the women’s shelter where Kat grew up, although a few had come from other connections. Kat loved providing a place of calm, relaxation, and luxury to someone who needed an escape or a chance to recharge, and Cassie admired her generous, compassionate heart. She had no idea her friend’s kindness would eventually extend to her own mother.
“It’s been my pleasure,” Kat said warmly. “I love having her around. And I’m starting to wonder if I should offer morning yoga sessions at the inn. I think some of our guests would really enjoy it. I know I have.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” For a brief moment, Cassie pondered if a job opportunity in Poppy Creek would inspire her mother to stay. Perhaps she could teach yoga in the morning and then work at the café afterward? At the prospect, a tingle of hopeful optimism rippled through her.
“Plus,” Kat added, her tone softening, “spending time with your mom has made me think about my own.”
Cassie’s chest squeezed at Kat’s confession. How come the correlation hadn’t occurred to her before? She should have been more sensitive to the similarities. Kat’s mother had been an addict, too. Until the addiction took her life when Kat was only a child. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize. I should have—”
“There’s no need for you to apologize. I didn’t mean to imply that it’s a bad thing. It’s been cathartic, actually. During the past year, I’ve worked through a lot of the hurt and anger I carried toward my mom. And I can finally look back on some of the good times we shared together. It’s been…” She trailed off, searching for the right word. “Nice,” she said at last, then smiled, adding, “I may not be able to have a second chance with my mom, but it makes me so happy to know that others can with their loved ones. And if I can be even a tiny part of it, well, that’s even better.”
Overcome with emotion, Cassie wrapped her arms around her, pulling her into a quick hug. She couldn’t help feeling like God had been extra kind to her when He’d given her a friend like Kat. And the thought of her child having such an incredible aunt, friend, and mentor brought tears to her eyes.
“Cassie!” Penny called from across the room, her voice brimming with excitement. “Lucy solved our last clue!”
Cassie stepped back, drying her eyes with the sleeve of her cardigan. Gathering their cups of coffee, they rejoined Penny, Lucy, and the guys back at the table. “Really?” Cassie settled in her seat, her pulse thrumming at the possibility. This was the last clue, which meant she could be holding the diary in her hands any moment now.
“I’ll read the riddle again and let Lucy explain it.” Penny laid the slip of paper flat on the table, smoothing out the creases. “‘You’ve made it this far, the end is in sight. You’ll find the diary second to the right. Keep going till you reach morning light. Then I’ll bid you farewell; it’s been a delight.’” When she finished, all eyes turned to Lucy in anticipation.
