This time, Theo pauses. “That she doesn’t belong anywhere,” he eventually says. “That if she lets herself settle, it’ll get taken away.”
The hallway feels suddenly too small. Like the walls are closing in on me. There’s not enough air in here. Not enough space. Tears are falling, unbidden, down my cheeks. And I’m drowning, drowning, drowning.
“Thank you, Mr. Strickland.” I hear the squeak of chairs against the linoleum, along with footsteps, and I hastily wipe my face, fighting to regain control.
Suddenly the door opens and Theo is there, but his smile falters just a bit when he sees me. His eyebrows crease as his eyes search my face. He opens his mouth, but I stand, clearing my throat and asking pointedly, “You done in there?”
He nods slowly. “She wants you to come back in.”
I nod, walking past him and into the office, praying to God that my eyes aren’t too red. Thankfully Officer Rollins doesn’t seem to notice as the two of us settle back into our chairs and she shuffles through some papers on her desk.
She folds her hands. “Last question.”
I nod.
“What did you do after your wedding ceremony?”
Theo answers instantly. “Bought cake. Ate it for dinner.”
I nod. “Chocolate. Grocery store bakery.”
Officer Rollins smiles—this time for real. “Congratulations. Your application will move forward. You’ll receive notice by mail.”
For a moment, I don’t understand the words. I think I was expecting another question, more grilling, or perhaps that we’d be sent back to limbo, waiting for months to hear back.
Then Theo’s hand finds mine again, firm and warm.
“Thank you,” he says.
“Yes—thank you,” I echo, my voice shaking.
The next few minutes are a blur as Theo asks follow-up questions, Officer Rollins offers further information, and then the two of us head back out to Theo’s truck.
His low chuckle is the only thing to pull me out of my haze. “You look shellshocked,” he says.
I huff out a breathy laugh. “It was so … easy.”
He smiles softly. “Of course it was.” He glances down at the concrete below our feet, then he braves another look at me. “Welcome to legal inhabitance of the United States.” He’s teasing me, but it’s true.
I’m getting a green card.
I get to stay.
And for the first time in weeks, my heart unclenches just a bit.
Chapter twenty-three
Cora
Istareoutthewindowas we begin our silent drive home. The initial relief of passing the interview and getting to stay has been somewhat short lived. While it’s still there, it’s been overshadowed by something bigger and heavier and … scarier.
Because what happens now? Between me and Theo. Between all our friends. My home at Thatcher Ranch.
At some point along the drive, Theo’s low voice pulls me from my thoughts. “You want to stop by that Thai place on the way back?”
I clear my throat before shaking my head. “No. I’m not hungry.”
“You sure?” There’s a pause, then, “I didn’t see you at lunch.”
