She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I needed to tell you something. I’m...I’m trying to tell the truth as Darryl suggested.”
Chloe leaned forward and laid her hand on top of hers. “Whatever it is, take your time. I’m not in a rush.”
“Thanks, Chlo.”
Michelle stared into her mug, trying to gather her thoughts. Please, help me get this out, Lord. She looked up. “Okay. You know how Guy and I dated senior year?”
“Yes. I remember you telling me.”
“Well a month after my parents’ death, I was feeling awful. I couldn’t keep anything down. I was tired. I thought I was in severe depression, so I went to see a doctor. I was hoping he could prescribe something, anything really, to right my world. Plus, I was upset because Guy had disappeared so suddenly.”
Her friend’s eyes filled with sympathy.
She rushed on, hoping to get through before her expression turned into disdain. “Turns out I was pregnant.” Chloe gasped but Michelle couldn’t bear to meet her gaze. So she continued. “I was stunned. I didn’t know what to do. I went to Guy’s home to see if his mother knew how to reach him, but she didn’t want to speak with me. She blamed me for his departure.”
She laid her hands against the table, trying to keep up momentum and finish the story. “I didn’t know what to do. My mother was gone. I didn’t know what you or Jo would think, so I did the only thing I thought was feasible at that time. I had an abortion.”
Tears fell freely at her admission. Inhaling a shaky breath, Michelle looked up from the table and looked at her friend.
She was stunned.
Chloe sat there, tears pouring down her face, a hand clapped over her mouth. Was she that disgusted with her?
Chloe lowered her hand. “You couldn’t come to me because you thought I would judge you...right?”
She nodded, too stunned to hear her thoughts spoken aloud.
“I am so sorry, Chelle. You should never have had to make that decision alone. I’m sorry I wasn’t the friend you needed.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You’re apologizing to me? Don’t you realize what I did? Don’t you know what kind of person that makes me?”
“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Chloe leaned forward. “Don’t you see? You are exactly who Christ came to save. We all need Him, Michelle. No one needs Him more than the other. We have all been found lacking in His eyes, but with His sacrifice comes salvation. And most importantly comes love.”
The sob came out, unchecked, uninhibited. Then another. They followed one after the other until she cried herself hoarse. Only then, did she recognize she was wrapped up in the arms of the friends who loved her. The friends who didn’t judge her. The friends who covered her with their grace.
Chapter Thirty-One
Guy peered through the blinds, loving the way the world seemed to beckon. Having Michelle in his life brightened his days. Or rather, unveiled his eyes so he could notice the brightness of the day.
He took a sip of his coffee, contemplating his feelings. At first, the turn of his thoughts unnerved him, but Guy now realized an examination was needed. He couldn’t go through their relationship afraid to love again. It wasn’t fear of losing Michelle rather a fear she would replace the memories of Charlene.
Her memories needed to be preserved. Not to the point where they would keep him from living in the present. No, he needed to keep them alive enough for his little girls to know they had been loved from inception. That there wasn’t anything their mother wouldn’t have done for them. They should be comfortable knowing he’d answer any questions they had about Charlene. Entering a relationship with Michelle didn’t mean Charlene would be lost to him or his girls.
Somehow God had decided to bless him with another chance to love. To love a woman he had wronged so many years ago. Thankfully, she had forgiven him. It was amazing how much God’s grace had covered in his life. Fortunately, he no longer bore the guilt of hating his daughters’ birth. He knew now it had been the grief talking. Every day showed Guy how much he loved his girls. He would never trade a moment with them. They were his world, a gift from God.
Lord, I don’t know if Michelle will be a permanent fixture in my life. I ask that You would give me wisdom in that direction. Please let me know if she will be a part of my future happiness. And please help her to trust that I won’t abandon her again when times get tough.
“Papa! Miz Chelle is here!”
He turned, a smile already on his face. He squatted down and Rachel came barreling into his arms. “Thanks, Peanut. Did Grann open the door for her?”
“Mmm-hmm. Can we go paint now?”
“Sure can.”
He walked down the hallway toward the stairs. The smell of cinnamon pancakes greeted him. “Did you help Grann make breakfast?”
“Yep. Bekah too.”
“Where is Bekah?”
“With Miz Chelle.” Rachel stopped on the stair and looked at him. “Is she going to be our new mommy?”
“Why do you ask that?” He hadn’t even figured that out yet.
“Bekah is praying she will.”
“I don’t know, Peanut.” He squatted down to eye level. “When I know, I’ll tell you.”
She watched him. “Promise?” she whispered.
“Promise.”
She kissed his cheeks and then skipped down the stairs.
He rose slowly, wondering when his girls had started to grow up on him. Sure their birthday was nearing but it was more than another year on earth. They were beginning to show a maturity he wasn’t ready for. Lord, please keep them kids a little longer.
The sight in the kitchen warmed his heart. His mother was plating the food as Michelle placed the dishes on the table. They were quiet but the harmony was evident. There was no tension.
“Bon
