Page 56

“We’re calling it a night then,” Jameson said.

“I second that,” Remi chimed in. “I’m tired, but I didn’t want to be the first one to say it.”

Hadley shrugged with her palms in the air. “And I think that makes Brett and Thea our winners.”

Brett slapped his palms on the table and whooped. “I knew we were a winning team!”

Thea rolled her eyes, but her grin said she was pleased with the praise. “I think we just got lucky.”

“Luck? We won that game fair and square.”

Hadley stepped up to the table beside Brett and Thea. “I’m gonna stay a little bit and help Vera clean up the kitchen.”

“Oh no. You go on home,” Vera said. “I’ve got this.”

“I actually wanted to talk to you about something,” Hadley said quietly.

Brett chuckled. “Now no one is curious.”

“I like secrets!” Colt said.

Hadley rolled her eyes and leaned in to whisper, “I wanted to talk to her about Ava’s baby shower. Will you kids keep your voices down?”

Brett put a finger in front of his lips. “Sorry.”

Hadley turned to Thea. “I know you’re tired. This won’t take long.”

“I’ll take her home,” Brett offered.

Thea opened her mouth–probably to object–but Hadley was already heading toward the kitchen. “Thanks! I’ll be there soon.”

Brett grabbed the crutches and handed them to Thea. “You ready?”

“Thanks.” She adjusted herself above the crutches and started toward the door without missing a beat, waving good-bye to everyone she passed.

Apparently, Thea was skilled in using crutches and making friends.

It was dark when they stepped out of the dining hall, and Brett walked in front of Thea, making sure the path was clear and the truck door was open and waiting for her.

When they settled into the truck, Thea shivered. “It’s so cold. I’m not used to this anymore.”

“Did you bring more layers? I can go into town tomorrow to get you a new phone and some clothes.” He didn’t glance at her in the dark cab. It had to be bothering her to hide out in her hometown. “I’d say you could go with me, but–”

“I know. Thanks for offering. I think I’ll take you up on that if it won’t mess up your day.”

“Not at all. What size do you wear?”

“Medium, usually. I’ll give you some money.”

Brett shook his head. “It’s on me. I don’t have many reasons to spend money, and I’d like to help you out.”

“You have been helping. Too much.”

Brett sighed. Despite his efforts, he was still coming on too strong. “I’m sorry. I just want to make things easier for you. I can’t change what happened, and I can’t heal your injuries, so I’m just trying to do whatever I can.”

“I know, and I’m thankful for everything you do. You’re so sweet.”

Sweet. He was sweet. It was a far cry from the “I love you” she used to say. He got it. They were different people. Older and wiser and all that. But if there was a part of the old Thea that still remained, it could only be better now. They’d both found Christ and learned from a lot of mistakes. That had to equal something.