“To be honest, I had to learn that the hard way. I nearly ruined my sister’s wedding by refusing to budge on my beliefs.”
Her lips twisted into an amused smile. “I’d like to say I can’t picture that, but I almost can.”
He released her hand, chuckling as he leaned back in the chair. “Remember I told you my sister got pregnant in high school?” After she nodded, he continued. “The baby’s father, Scott, left, but he came back into her life two years ago and wanted to get back together with her.”
“How much time had passed?”
“Seven years.”
She arched a brow. “That’s a long time away before wandering back into someone’s life.”
“Right?” He spread his hands out and upward. “He’d become a Christian in that time and wanted to correct past wrongs and get to know his daughter. He and Tanya fell back in love, but I refused to believe he’d changed and was convinced he didn’t deserve happiness with my sister.”
“I’d have trouble accepting that as well.”
He let out a low whistle. “It wasn’t pretty. I walked out on their wedding.”
Her jaw dropped. “You didn’t.”
“Sadly, yes, but Scott wouldn’t have it. He followed me outside and gave me a verbal whipping.”
“That says a lot about him.”
“It did. I knew then he truly loved my sister, and I also realized that my sister was a grown woman and had to make her own choices. Her life wasn’t mine to live.”
Jessa swallowed. “Just like Hunter and Trixie’s aren’t mine to live. As much as I want to protect them, they have to make their own mistakes.”
“Trixie?”
“Short for Beatrix, my youngest sister.” She cringed. “When I say my family fell apart, I wasn’t exaggerating. Trixie’s always been a bit of a wild card, but after Hunter’s arrest, she snapped. Most people would have taken it as a warning to their own behavior, but Trixie went the opposite way and fell deeper into it. Four months ago, she and my parents got into an argument, and none of us have seen her since.”
His mind spun in circles. “Has anyone heard from her?”
“She calls Phoebe and me every few weeks to let us know she’s safe, but she won’t tell us where she is or when she plans to come home.”
The suspicion in Phoebe’s eyes the first time they’d met made sense now. “I wish I knew what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything, but I wanted you to know what you’re getting involved with if you’re going to be my friend.” She sighed. “My life is complicated, and my family’s hanging on by a thread.”
His heart and brain screamed in conflict as he came to a crossroad in this burgeoning friendship. He wanted to be there for Jessa. He believed he would be.
But there, hidden deep in his heart, pressed a nagging doubt.
Did he have it in him?
He’d stood by his siblings and Gran, hadn’t abandoned them in their times of need.
But they were blood, Jessa wasn’t.Did that make a difference?He wished he could curse his parents for placing these insecurities on him. He hated being unsure of himself, especially over an important issue or person.
He had to try. For his sake—and Jessa’s—he would put himself out there. He’d take the risk and be her support. His heart had jumped in too deep to wade out unscathed. He only prayed his selfish motives wouldn’t hurt Jessa in the process.
Lifting his gaze, his eyes met hers, and he offered a smile full of the confidence he lacked inside. “If we only had friends with perfect lives and families, we’d all be lonely.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“You’ve seen my family’s dysfunction.” He checked his watch, eager for his emotions to have a break. “Your parents will wonder where we’ve gone.”
Jessa stood. “We should hurry. Ever since Trixie left, Mom gets nervous if Phoebe or I are even a minute late somewhere. I feel bad about not hearing her calls today, but I’m glad she knew I was there, even if the gossip is irritating.”
