“I know you do. My shoulder is always available for a good cry. You don’t need to be so strong all the time, you know.”

“Thanks, sweetie. There’s a reason you’re my favorite daughter.”

“I’m your only daughter and only child, Mother.”

“And therefore, my favorite.”

She rolled her eyes, grabbed her beer and took a few sips as her mom changed to a channel broadcasting the celebration in New York. She watched the revelers cheer and wave at the camera. But within minutes, her mind drifted and she thought about what she’d just learned. Over the years, her parents had argued too many times to count, but she’d never have called any of it fighting. They never stayed angry with each other for more than a few minutes. So hearing that her dad had stormed out was shocking. “Did you ever worry that Dad would run away again?”

“God no, never. People make mistakes all the time. It’s what they do and how you respond to them that matters. If people admit when they’re wrong, then hopefully that can start the path to forgiveness. And each person needs to decide which mistakes they are willing to forgive. Something I forgive might be something you never would, and vice versa.”

“So, you’re saying I should forgive Jill?”

“I didn’t say that. I can’t tell you what to do, honey. You’ll know in your heart whether or not you want to reply to her and ultimately forgive her. If you need more time, that’s fine. Or if you need her to be out of your life, that’s fine too. You just need to do what’s right for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome.” She rested her head on Reagan’s shoulder. “Now, think I’ll be awake at midnight?”

She looked at her watch. “Seeing as you still have an hour, I’m gonna say it’s highly unlikely. Especially since that was your third beer. I give you ten minutes before you fall asleep.”

“Pssh. I can beat that. I just need to sit up then.” She shifted her position and wrapped a blanket around her torso.

To her mom’s credit, she lasted almost forty-five minutes before she slouched to the side and fell asleep against the arm of the couch. Reagan gently lifted her legs onto the couch and adjusted the blanket. She slid down the couch so her mom could stretch her legs in her sleep if needed.

She stared blankly at the TV as she recalled her mom’s advice. Do what’s right for me. She hadn’t felt right for most of the year. First, with her dad’s illness and passing, and now, with the aftermath of the breakup. But she couldn’t deny that the times she had felt right were mostly when she was around Jill.