Chapter 17
“Did you really have your work displayed at the MET?” Lottie asked as she set two paring knives and a bag of potatoes on the table in front of Jessie.
Jessie had never peeled potatoes with a cast on before, but she wanted to help with Sunday dinner. She’d chickened out on attending church today. The least she could do was help with dinner. She picked up one knife, and Lottie grabbed the other.
“It was a lucky break, really, but yes. It was only for one showing, and it only lasted for a couple weeks, but it was definitely a highlight of my time in New York.”
“I’ll bet. Your work is amazing, though, so I’m not surprised.”
Jessie smiled. Lottie didn’t say things she didn’t mean, so the compliment meant a lot.
“That’s impressive, Jessie,” said Emily, who stood at the counter making a salad. “I’ve always wanted to visit New York City.”
They continued chatting about some of New York’s sights and tourists’ traps, and Jessie shared some of her favorite experiences. Thankfully, no one brought up Patrick.
“Where is she?” A high-pitched, familiar voice floated through the swinging door.
Jessie tensed at the sound of Faith’s voice. She’d dreaded facing Robert’s family, knowing she had hurt him deeply when she left. Faith had been like a second mother to her. She’d accepted Jessie as part of their family long before Jessie became Robert’s girlfriend.
Jessie had never told anyone, but Faith visited her the day before she left for New York.
She hadn’t wanted to open the door when she looked out the window and saw Faith’s car. She was afraid Robert’s mother would chew her out for hurting her son.
Faith blinked red-rimmed eyes when Jessie opened the door. She pulled Jessie into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you to have this opportunity, Jessie.”
Faith released her but kept her hands on Jessie’s arms. “I told myself I wouldn’t ask you to reconsider because it makes me look so selfish. So, I won’t. But I couldn’t let you go without reminding you that you’re a part of our family. If things don’t work out for you in New York, don’t let your pride keep you away. You’ll always have a seat at our table.”
Jessie looked up when the kitchen door swung open.
Faith froze when her eyes landed on Jessie. The woman who had loved Jessie like her own had changed little over the past five years. Her blue eyes still radiated love and acceptance.
Warmth swept over Jessie.
Lottie lifted the pot of potatoes from the center of the table and carried them to the sink.
Faith pulled Lottie’s vacant chair around the corner of the table and sat facing Jessie. “Oh, my dear, Robert told me what you’ve been through.” Tears filled the older woman’s eyes as she took Jessie’s hand.
A band tightened around Jessie’s chest. She sucked in a deep breath.
Faith leaned forward. “I’m so sorry your dreams got derailed and life turned out like this for you.”
Me too.Jessie swallowed hard to dislodge the lump in her throat. She dipped her head so Faith wouldn’t see the tears building in her eyes.
But Faith lifted Jessie’s chin. “You don’t know how many times I prayed you’d come back to us, but I never meant for it to happen like this.”
Jessie lost her fight to hold back the tears. She tightened her grip on Faith’s hand. She’d come home, but had she really come back to the Winters family? Did she dare hope there was still a place for her at Faith’s table?
And maybe someday, in Robert’s heart?
Faith held Jessie’s gaze. “I meant what I said five years ago. You’ll always have a place here...” She placed her free hand on the table. “Well, this is Jake’s table now. But you’ll always have a place here.” She pressed her hand over her heart.
Faith’s love was as unconditional as Jessie’s own mother’s. Did that mean God could forgive her too, for neglecting her relationship with him?
“Thank you, Faith. You don’t know what that means to me.”
Robert may never forgive her, but Jessie would not turn down this opportunity to have Faith as a friend.
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