Colleen’s heart tripped over itself, landed in the pit of her belly. What had Hallie endured even before the humiliation of learning about his infidelity and the heartbreak of moving out of their home? Damn him. Two sisters. One man. Two little girls whose home was broken. And enough heartbreak and betrayal to sink them all.

Colleen took Hallie’s hand. She was disappointed in her own reactions to what had been dealt her, what that river of life had brought to her and where it had carried her. She hadn’t trusted it, not one little bit. She’d taken things into her own hands, hardened her heart, set herself apart.

Was it too late to forgive? To become someone different? To love Hallie again?

Colleen reached through that sticky space between herself and her sister, to wrap her arms around Hallie and hold her close. It was a relief, holding her sister after pushing her away. It was a jump into a cool river on a steaming day; it was an exhale after holding your breath; it was falling asleep when you thought you might not. Colleen held her tight, held her just as she’d wished someone had held her many times during the past decade.

Hallie took a breath before asking the delicate question. “Haven’t you wanted a family? One of your own?”

“Oh, Hallie. I have, yes, but each time I thought about actually doing it, I panicked. I was terrified of choosing unwisely, of being betrayed again.”

“Then it’s my fault.” She closed her eyes, dropped her chin to her chest in prayer or confession.

“No.” Colleen tapped her sister’s chin until she looked up. “We each make our own choices; we each choose how we spend our hours. That’s what I chose. Of course I’ve thought about it, but I’ve also been really, really good at avoiding thinking about it. When I’d have a birthday, I’d wonder, ‘Is it too late now?’ and then I’d move on.”

“Don’t.” Hallie shook her head. “Don’t move on anymore.”

Colleen took a breath, wanting to find something wise and smart to say but understanding somehow that her sister had already said it.

The porch door creaked open and Gavin joined them. “Well, look what we have here. Now, let’s go inside and get you settled,” he said. “Let’s make sure we have this cleaned up before your mother comes home. You know how she hates messes in her living room.” He shook his head. “Good Lord, it’s not a mood I’m up for tonight, what with Mr. Jacob’s birthday party in the backyard.”

“We’ll get it cleaned pronto.” Hallie hugged her dad. “Promise.”

Gavin sauntered off, whistling.

•   •   •