She opened the door to find the four people she loved most besides Lucia and Mia on her doorstep. Her heart stalled in her chest for one long moment then pounded out an irregular rhythm against her ribcage.
Her gaze met Austin’s who stood at the back of the group.
His brow wrinkled a little and he chewed on the edge of his bottom lip.
“Hi, Debbie.” Little Cody swept through the doorway. “I made a Mother’s Day card for you.”
Cody’s words swept all the air from her lungs. And when he thrust a yellow paper in her hand and wrapped his arms around her waist, a rushing, tingling sensation filled her body.
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back. “Oh, Cody. I love it. I can’t wait to hang it on my fridge.”
“I made you one too.” Dallas stepped in and hugged her next.
A sudden rush of emotion clogged Debbie’s throat and threatened to spill out of her eyes. The pain she’d been experiencing the past week of a broken heart suddenly reversed, and her ribcage grew tight as her heart expanded.
She studied Dallas’s picture as she returned his embrace. “How did you know blue was my favorite color?”
He pulled away. “I didn’t when I made it, but Dad told me today.”
She looked up at Austin who still stood out on the porch.
He gave her a soft smile.
Before Debbie could say anything, Savannah stepped inside. “I have something for you too.”
Savannah held out two watercolor paintings that didn’t show features but there was no mistaking Debbie’s red curly head next to Noah’s black hair. The second image blurred as Debbie lost her struggle against the tears, but she recognized her red hair again, this time tucked between two dark-haired toddler girls; one dressed in pink, the other in purple.
“They’re beautiful, Savvy.” She pulled the girl into her arms.
“I’ve missed you,” Savvy whispered.
“I’ve missed you too. Thank you for sending me pictures of your prom. You looked absolutely beautiful.”
She’d been relieved when Savannah texted her to tell her that her dad had agreed to let her continue working on Debbie’s paintings on Saturdays. The text, even though it excited Debbie, had made her cry. Because she didn’t just want Savvy to come work on her projects, she wanted the whole Reed family.
This was the first time she’d seen Savvy, though, thanks to prom and Debbie’s family celebrating Mother’s Day yesterday, because her sisters were out of town today.
“Please forgive my dad,” Savannah whispered before pulling back.
Debbie released her and looked at Austin again who still stood at the edge of the porch, holding a file folder in his hand.
He cleared his throat. “May I come in and talk to you?”
A swarm of butterflies erupted in her stomach, making her nauseous. She stepped back and waved him in. As he stepped inside, his masculine scent combined with fresh air, sunshine, and fabric softener hit her. Her heart pounded so hard she was afraid he could hear it.
Of course she would forgive him, because she loved him. But he’d hurt her deeply by believing she’d intentionally do something that she knew would hurt his dignity.
“Savvy.” Austin nodded his head to the kids surrounding them.
Savannah nodded and picked up Lucia and turned to Dallas. “You bring Mia upstairs.”
Within seconds, Debbie stood alone with Austin in her wide entry way. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Did she invite him to sit in the living room?
No. That’s too formal.
The kitchen. It’s supposed to be the heart of the home.
She turned and walked toward the kitchen, hoping he would follow.
