When Faith and her sisters settled in Providence, Grandpa and Grandma Whittaker bought land out by the lake and built a cabin on it. Most of the Whittaker Family get-togethers took place at that cabin. Uncle Lincoln rarely made it.
“He was appointed to the state supreme court a few years ago.”
Riley had forgotten that. Probably because they didn’t associate with Uncle Lincoln’s family very often.
“I don’t know that it would have done any good. Collin made the police believe that we’d only been having a passionate make-out session.”
Jessie stepped forward. “With Collin’s father being a senator, it would have become very public. I’m not sure Riley would have wanted that.”
“No, I wouldn’t have.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Robert gave her a gentle look. “Can I give you a hug, Sis?”
“I’d like that.”
Once again, Riley found herself enveloped in an accepting and comforting hug, and she chided herself for not telling her family sooner.
“I’m so proud of you, Ri. It takes a lot of courage to stand tall in the face of something like this.”
And here came the tears again. “I don’t feel very courageous.”
“But you are. Emily told us how you fought off Ainsworth.”
“I didn’t fight hard enough.”
“Sh…” Robert’s arms tightened around her. “You did the best you could under the circumstances.”
When Robert released her, Jake waited with open arms. The moment she stepped into them, he apologized. “I’m sorry for being so hard on you. I had no idea what you were going through.”
“It’s not your fault. I should have told you all sooner.” She gave atearful chuckle. “I’m the one who needs to apologize for repeatedly blowing up at you.”
Jake chuckled. “I’m just glad to know you didn’t revert back to your hormonal teenage years.”
Riley shoved his shoulder as she left his embrace. She soon found herself wrapped in one hug after another until she’d made the rounds that brought her back to Daniel. Everyone thought of Daniel as family, but because of their shared history, he was so much more than that to Riley.
The way he held her hand last night comforted her in ways nothing else could, but was she ready to hug him?
He took a small step back, clasping his hands in front of him, letting her know he didn’t expect her to hug him. Or maybe he was protecting himself, in case she suddenly freaked out.
She wanted her best friend back. The one whose shoulder she cried on after her dad died, and the one who picked her up and swung her around when he won first place in steer wrestling at the state high school rodeo championship.
Before she could change her mind or give her brain a chance to come up with a reason why hugging Daniel wasn’t a good idea, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
He tensed, like she expected him to, but then he relaxed and slid his arms around her. He rested his chin on top of her head and let out a deep sigh.
Something inside Riley melted, and a strange sensation of expansion filled her chest. She let go of the belief that to protect herself she needed to keep everyone at a distance. Then she chided herself for believing Daniel wanted her to walk away from her dreams so he could follow his all those years ago. She should have known Daniel would do anything for her and that he would have made sure she reached all her goals.
They were good for each other. They always had been. And they could be again. Warmth flooded over her as she considered a second chance with Daniel. One thing was for sure; she wouldn’t walk away this time.
She clung a little tighter when his arms loosened, not ready to let go yet. “Thank you.”
“For what?” His whispered words tickled her scalp.
“For being you.” She released him finally and turned around to see a mixture of pleased and surprised expressions on everyone’s faces.
Robert recovered first, his sly grin disappearing as he clapped his hands. “Alright, starting next week, the sheriff’s office will be holding self-defense classes. I need all of you to help me spread the word.”
CHAPTER 14
