He sobered. “I’m really sorry, Trixie. I messed up royally, and I’ve spent many nights blaming myself for your leaving. I’m your big brother and should have set a better example.”
“You’re not to blame for my actions, any more than I’m to blame for you driving drunk. We both messed up and paid a price. Now, all we can do is move forward.”
“Amen to that.” His smile surfaced again. “I thank God every day that I didn’t hurt or kill anyone with my stupidity. It’ll take time to rebuild my life, but I will. I’ve even thought about talking to the local schools and asking to share my story with their students.”
“That’s a fantastic idea.” Her heart beat with pride for him. “You’ve really grown up.”
“I wasn’t given much choice.” He blinked once. “We don’t have much time. Tell me about my niece. I can’t believe you’re a mom.”
“You’ll love Alice. She’s full of life and into everything.”
“She turned a year last month, right?”
“Yes. We had a party at the church to celebrate.”
A frown played on his mouth. “That’s the hardest thing about being here, missing out on family events.”
“I heard it won’t be long now. June, right?”
“If all the paperwork goes through. My lawyer says everything’s in order, but the process drags on forever.”
“It will be here sooner than you know it.”
“I hope so.” He leaned back. “Tell me more about Alice. Does she look like you?”
“Yes. Everyone calls her my mini-me.” She wished she hadn’t had to leave her phone in the locker. “Mom pulled out my baby book, and she looks exactly like I did at that age, but with brown eyes.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. You should show her pictures of me now, and tell her it’s Uncle Hunter so she’ll know me.”
She chuckled. “I’ll make sure to do that.”
He asked more questions about the time she’d been gone, and she shared stories of Alice’s antics that made him laugh. Too soon, their time ended, and a guard escorted Hunter back to the cell.
Trixie blinked back tears, promising herself to come as often as possible in the next two months. She gathered her belongings from the locker and drove home, replaying their conversations in her mind. They’d had a good visit, and she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed him. There had been serious moments, but also lots of laughter and heartwarming ones. The smile stayed on her face the entire trip home to Jasper Lake.
Until she pulled into her parents’ driveway and saw Elijah’s car.
She’d temporarily forgotten about him, but now the confusion rushed to the surface. Why was he here already? The dash clock read three-thirty, and she knew it was accurate.Ugh, ugh, ugh.She didn’t want her good mood ruined.
Was it possible to avoid him the entire afternoon? What would they talk about outside of church? She could give him an update on Lara although nothing had changed since they’d discussed her last. Aiden tried to get back together with her, but they’d decided they needed to progress slowly. That was at the beginning of April, and Trixie hadn’t spoken to her since.
One thing was certain—she couldn’t stay in the car all afternoon. After all she’d gone through, facing Elijah outside of church shouldn’t be this big of a deal. She’d lived by herself for over a year and had given birth with no one to help her. She’d lived off nothing, and she’d swallowed her pride to come home.
She’d developed an inner strength and independence that contradicted the weakness in her stomach when she thought about Elijah.
If only she could go back to that night and pull away before their lips had touched, then she wouldn’t be in this predicament.
Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for whatever was to come, and got out of her car. She didn’t exhale until she had a hand on the front doorknob. Female voices drifted from the kitchen, and Trixie walked directly there with tunnel vision. If Elijah was in her path, she didn’t want to know and didn’t care how much of a chicken that made her.
Jessa spotted her first. “How’d it go?”
“Really well.”
“I couldn’t believe it when Mom told us you went, but I’m glad.” Jessa stirred a pot on the stove as she spoke.
“Me too.” Phoebe poured the carafe of hot brewed tea over a pitcher of ice. “How is he?”
“Good. Excited to get out.” She handed Phoebe the lid. “He looks so much better than I expected.”
