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“You haven’t forgiven them, have you?”

He blinked slowly. “The best I can do is not think about them.”

She squeezed his hand. “But it still eats at you. And it will until you forgive them.”

“Easy for you to say.” He withdrew his hand.

She flinched. Maybe not the best time to tackle this subject.Too late.She lifted her teacup and cradled it between her hands.

“Not really.” She took a sip. The cooled liquid slid soothinglydown her throat. “I had to forgive the guy who caused the car accident that killed Derryck. The terrorist who blew up my dad in Afghanistan.”

Eric’s expression softened. “Point taken.” Not exactly an apology, but she hadn’t been fishing for one. His jaw worked. “I’m a little broken, Allye. Maybe a lot broken. I’ve got a lot of baggage, and I’m jaded when it comes to trusting people.”

“I’m broken too. I think everyone is to some extent.” And she wasn’t just talking about her health. “Maybe the more important thing is that we do the hard work and let God mend those broken places.”

“Maybe you’re right.” He gave a slow nod and finally turned to face her again. “So where does that leave us?”

“Is there an us?” She realized that’s what she really wanted, but she needed to know they were on the same page.

“I’d like there to be. Can you give me another chance?”

“Yes.”

40

Allye replenished her display yet again.The temp had dropped overnight, and her fingerless gloves, hats, and mittens were selling like hotcakes.

She’d been worried that the few hours’ sleep she’d managed with her head resting on Eric’s shoulder wouldn’t be enough to get her through another busy day, but so far, she was doing surprisingly well. They’d gotten moving early so Eric could log last night’s evidence, then follow her out to the festival. She would have preferred to have just come together, but though he was off duty today, there was always a chance he could get called in if a major crime occurred, and she didn’t want to risk getting stranded here without her car.

Eric smiled as she sank back into her lawn chair. He’d brought an extra chair for himself, and they’d spent the last few hours enjoying each other’s company in between customers. They’d kept their conversation light, and it had been nice not to talk about attackers and intruders for a while.

Someone with a brisket sundae passed near the booth, and Allye’s stomach gave a loud rumble as the scent of rich layers of mashed potatoes, gravy, and smoky brisket wafted by. Her cheeks warmed, but Eric chuckled.

“I’m hungry too. Want to get lunch?”

She glanced at the crowded tent and the woman browsing her wares. “It’s not a great time to leave my booth.”

“I could grab food and bring it back.” He surveyed the area. “I really don’t like leaving you alone though.”

“I didn’t have any issues here yesterday. I’ll be fine.”

He frowned but stood. “Still . . .”

“Seriously, I won’t wander off by myself.” She gave him a teasing grin.

“All right. What do you want?”

She gave him her food order and watched as he walked away. She appreciated his concern, but there were too many people around for the men after her to try anything.

A woman who’d spent several minutes eyeing her canvases asked about where one of the photos was taken. Happy to share, Allye chatted with her for several minutes about the nearby farm and the couple who had given her permission to photograph their property. The woman ended up purchasing the canvas, and Allye wrapped it for her before tucking the payment into her cashbox.

When she looked up, she caught sight of Wesley rushing toward her. His expression made her stomach drop. Something was wrong.

He reached her a few seconds later and braced his hands on the table. His breaths came in pants. “Hailey just got a call from your mom. Bryce and Corina are on the way to the hospital. Something’s wrong with the baby.”

“Oh no. Why didn’t anyone call me?” She checked her phone as she asked the question, then blew out a breath. “Never mind.” No signal again.

She looked for Eric. People filtered into the tent entrance, but he wasn’t among them. She glanced at her screen again. One fifteen. Prime time for the food vendors, meaning extra long lines. How long had he been gone already?