“Wonderful,” Mom whispered. “I’d like a few minutes alone with my daughter.”

“We talked about this.” Dad jutted his jaw.

Mom shook her head. “Clay, I’m dying, and I want time with Shelby. Go, all of you.”

“I’ll take your purse.” Dad held out his hand.

I gave it to him. Did he think I carried something to hurt Mom?

The bedroom cleared, and when the door closed, I turned to her. A tear dripped down my cheek. “I love you, Mom. I’m sorry to have disappointed you.”

“I hear you’re now a Christian.”

“I am. Jesus has my life. I remember when you used to take Marissa and me to Sunday school. You read us Bible stories, prayed with us. I wish I’d found Him back then.”

“But you have now.” She winced.

“Would you like me to call the nurse?”

“No, dear. The angels have been in my room. They’ve told me soon I’ll be with Jesus. Oh, they are beautiful.”

I smiled. “I hope our mansions in heaven are side by side.”

She touched my cheek. “My lovely Shelby. I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you too.”

“Your dad forbade me to see you or write.”

I leaned my cheek into her hand. “It’s okay.”

“His mandate was wrong, especially when I suspected the truth.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m certain you sacrificed your life for Marissa or someone else.”

“Of course not. I—”

Her fingers covered my mouth. “Hush. I must hear the truth before I’m gone. I’m not angry if you paid another’s debt. Just sad you took it on.” She gasped.

“You need to rest, save your strength.” Another tear trailed over my cheek. “I’m sure you’d rather think a stranger destroyed our family, but that’s a delusion. You heard my confession and the evidence against me at the trial. Why would you think any differently?”

“You never asked for money. You worked for every penny you spent. Shooting Travis because he denied you a loan makes no sense, especially when you despised guns. Two months before the shooting, you had changed. Your eyes softened. You were kinder, gentler. I remember your asking me about college and how to obtain funding. No more slipping out when we were in bed.” She drew in a breath that looked painful. “You took a blame that wasn’t yours to take.”

“My being here is upsetting you, and I promised Dad I wouldn’t do that.”

“You aren’t. You’re giving me joy. Promise me one thing.”

I nodded.

“Bring the truth to light. Your dad’s blinded by too many things, and sweet Aria is confused about where she fits. Justice is light. Will you make sure your dad—?”

The door opened, and Dad stepped in with the nurse. “Shelby, you’ve had long enough with your mother.”

I fixed my attention on Mom. “I love you.”

“And I love you. You’ll make sure the truth is made clear?”

I was unable to make a promise I couldn’t keep.

“You are the bravest young woman God ever created.” She smiled and closed her eyes. “I understand your reluctance.”