It took a while for her to respond.
Hadley
But that’s not enough for you?
Contemplating, I rolled my bottom lip between my teeth.
Me
I just need certainty, Hadley. I need to know, no matter what, my children will be taken care of.
I could feel her pain from across the miles. Her regret and her love.
Hadley
You know I would care for them if I could. I’m so sorry that I can’t do more.
Me
Don’t you dare apologize. I’m just thankful to have you back.
I’d thought she was gone. Forever. Succumbing to the grief of losing our mother all those years ago. Blaming herself for what had happened.
I’d felt so alone without her for all these years. Abandoned by everyone that I loved.
But she had finally gotten to a place where she was emotionally and mentally well enough to make contact, a miracle in itself, though there was no question she was still struggling.
In it, though? She was the one who gave me the ultimate courage to find Cash when I drove around aimlessly after I fled from West Virginia. She had helped me sift through the few clues we could find on his whereabouts. The old memory of what he’d once told me of how I could always find him bringing up a result I really hadn’t expected. So I’d taken this long shot and turned my car in the direction of this small town in Northern California.
Moonlit Ridge.
Me
Who knows where we would be right now if it wasn’t for you encouraging me to take this step.
Hadley
Well, you sure wouldn’t be with that hottie. Tell me he’s still as gorgeous as he was.
A grin pulled at the edge of my mouth, and I looked around as if Cash might catch me doing something scandalous.
Me
Holy crap, Hads. He’s glorious. Like gazing up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, mouth hanging open as you stare at its beauty.
Was that sacrilegious? I chewed at the inside of my cheek. I mean, no offense to Michelangelo or anything, but the man was a masterpiece.
Hadley
Ah, now I know the real reason you wanted to find him.
Me
Eww. I did not need that vision. And don’t get excited. That is not going to happen. Believe me. He was not thrilled to see me.
Hadley
Pssh. I bet he wanted to jump your cute little bones the second he saw you.
