Chapter Three
RIVER
I wasthe world's worst hostess.
Never had there been a time in my life when I needed to play the part or had I wanted to. However, when your house burns down and your new brother-in-law lets you use his lake house, you can’t really accept his generosity then shove him out the door.
Or your sister and all their friends either.
But I wasn’t aware I’d be having a housewarming party.
If I’d been thinking clearly, then maybe I’d have realized that the whole gang would descend upon us. From what I’d already witnessed and heard from my sister, along with Capri, whom I used to counsel until recently, they were always in each other's business. And I meant that in a good way.
The group of friends—more like family—were always there for each other.
Now they were trying to be there for me and the kids. I just didn’t know how to deal with that or their nurturing behavior. The ladies had even tried inviting me to their get-togethers before the fire, something I’d declined. Accepting their friendship and gifts was awkward for me.
Though, it was Huntley’s presence that truly rattled me.
Regardless, it was wrong to be locked away in my bedroom hiding.
Hidingagain.
Since I’d had a second to clear my head, I now knew that the man who got under my skin hadn’t intended to hurt or scare me moments ago. The realization came just seconds after I’d caused a scene, but then my kids were involved and that had changed everything.
My insecurities and past had caused them turmoil.
A frustrated sigh escaped me as I swiped at the tears that still streamed down my face, refusing to stop.
There was a soft knock on the door and my sister’s voice echoed through the aged wood, pulling me from my pity party. “River, can I come in?”
Taking a deep breath, I frantically wiped my cheeks once more and swallowed my remaining tears as I moved off the bed toward the door to unlock it for her. My stomach sank and nausea rolled through it at the look on Lake’s face after swinging open the door. Worry etched her beautiful features as she stood in front of me, her hand lying protectively on her still flat tummy.
Lake was in the early stages of her pregnancy, but I didn’t want the slightest amount of stress on her. Especially on my account. The sister thing may be new since we just found each other recently, but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t already feel a connection with her. But I’d be telling the honest to God truth when I said I didn’t have a clue how to show her what coming into my life meant to me. I didn’t even know how to explain my feelings to myself.
“Are you okay?” she asked softly.
That sick feeling in my belly intensified. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m sorry that I just left you and everyone out there. Just give me a minute to clean up.” I pointed at my face that I was surewas streaked from tears. “Then I will be right there to help with the food.”
Lake gave me a small nod but didn’t move. “I’m always here if you need anything… or just to talk.” Dropping her hand from her belly, she slowly took a few steps closer to me. When she was right in front, she stopped. “I will always be here for you.”
There was a lump lodged in my throat rendering me speechless. And with her next words, it was my turn to nod because I still couldn’t get any words to break free.
“Can I give you a hug?”
At my silent permission, something I’d surprised myself I had allowed, she wrapped her arms around me. For a moment I stood stiff as a board, my limbs pressed to my sides. As the warmth of her affection kicked in, I found myself hugging her back.
Lake pulled back and gave me a tender smile. “What do you say that I wait for you, then we walk out together?”
Still in a bit of a daze from all the emotions and touchy-feely stuff, I only managed to reply, “Okay,” but then added a small smile.
Deciding that the pity party I’d been having was over, I turned to walk into the master bathroom. It was time to stop hiding, find my kids and check on them, and play hostess for a little bit no matter how odd it was to me.
I heard Lake wander farther into the bedroom and I turned to see her sit down on the bed as she waited. That twisted feeling in my stomach subsided a smidge. It wasn’t going to be easy to walk back out there and join everyone, but as I looked at my sister, I realized I wasn’t alone.
Lake had my back.
I foundit hard to breathe.
