Page 60 of The Scars We Heal

“I guess, I just thought it was normal.”

“That’s the thing about abusive relationships. They’re so good at manipulating you to think what’s happening is normal, but it’s not your fault, Cait. The only one at fault here is him. You’re an amazing mother, and I think Whitley is proof of that.”

I nodded, looking down at the table. Our server brought our drinks out, in perfect timing, and I took a slow sip, debating whether I wanted to say what I was thinking. “Jake has been helping with that a little.”

She leaned forward. “Tell me more.”

I shrugged. “He just made this bucket list for me. Things to help me feel more like me again, I guess. Taking a solo trip was one of them, actually.”

Abby literally clapped. “I always knew I liked him. That’s what you deserve, Cait. Someone who reminds you who you are and of the incredible things you are capable of. Clay reminds me of them all the time. And I really think Colter does that for Ellison, too.”

“You don’t think it’s a little soon?”

She cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, everyone keeps going on about how much Jake likes me, but Adam and I just got a divorce. Isn’t it a little soon to be thinking about someone else in a romantic context?”

“There’s no correct timeline for healing, Cait.” Rolling her eyes, she added, “Yeah, some people might say you should wait whatever number of months or years, but when was the last time you truly felt something for Adam? Be honest.”

A long time. Years, probably.

“A while, I guess.” I spun the rings on my fingers. “But isn’t waiting what a good wife would do? Or a good mom?”

“Well, first of all, you’re not anyone’s wife anymore.” She cleared her throat. “Sorry, if that was blunt. I just mean, you don’t have to consider Adam anymore. He certainly wasn’t thinking about you, or Whit, for that matter. And I think in terms of being a good mom, only you can decide what that means. Yes, you have Whitley to consider, but if I’m being honest, I think she would be happy with whatever you decide to do. From what I’ve heard, she really likes Jake, too.”

Smiling, I nodded. “She really does. Did you hear about the cat she convinced him to let her have?”

Abby burst into a fit of laughter. “That sounds like our Whit. She must have him wrapped around her little finger already.”

“Oh, most definitely.”

After my day with Abby, I drove to the hot springs. It was about an hour out of town, but the views on the drive were well worth it.

It was attached to a resort tucked into the mountains, but you didn’t have to stay there to soak in the springs. The cost wasn’t bad either for being deep in the touristy area of Montana.

I walked across the pool deck, past some lounge chairs. A few people offered me tight-lipped smiles and subtle waves. I guess the water made everyone friendlier, too.

Stepping into one of the pools, I let my body sink down into the water, the warmth soothing my aching muscles.

The sun was starting to set, casting orange and pink streaks across the wide open sky. Most of the families who were here to enjoy the hot springs had begun to pack up, leaving a good amount of space between me and the next person, which I appreciated.

Apparently, the hot springs had live music performances tonight, but I didn’t think I’d stay long enough to listen. As fun as the day was, I was spent. My plan was to soak for a while then head to the cabin and be in bed by ten o’clock.

Tilting my chin toward the sky, I closed my eyes. This trip was honestly exactly what I needed.

The only thing that would have made it better was if Jake was here to experience it with me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

jake

Damn, Izzy Bee, how much stuff did you haul up here from Texas?” I huffed out a breath and leaned against the U-Haul. We had to have carried in at least five boxes already, but the end was nowhere in sight.

“Stop trying to make that nickname happen, Jacob. It’s never going to. Anyway, I brought pretty much all of my stuff, because what else was I going to do with it? Sell it?” She rolled her eyes as if selling any of her belongings was a ridiculous notion. “As if.”

“Yes.” Reid lifted one of her boxes with a grunt. “You know I love you, Honeybee, but people are going to think you’re a hoarder.”

Isa scoffed, giving us a dismissive wave as she disappeared into the house.