He spent over an hour talking about his growing up years, sharing both
humorous and poignant stories with her. The warmth in his eyes and his
voice indicated the love he felt for his family, and by the time he
finished, she ached with her own loneliness. She yearned to belong .
.
. and to be loved.
"We joined together to become a family, " Cole said. "And never once
did I think any of them would run out on me. That's what you think
always happens, though, don't you? " "Experience has taught me not to
trust anyone else."
"What about your friend Grace? " "Oh, I trust her implicitly."
"And Rebecca? " "I don't know her well, but I could probably trust
her, I suppose.
She's been very kind to Caleb and me."
"The three of you have been loyal to one another."
"Neither one of them jumped to the conclusion that Caleb was
illegitimate, " she pointed out. She sat up and stretched her arms
over her head to work out the tension.
"I've decided that when Grace and I get to Denver, if anyone asks, I'm
going to tell them I'm widowed."
"One lie will only lead to another and another, " he told her. "Look
at the mess the three of you have gotten into by lying about being a
witness. If all of you had simply stepped forward and told the truth
before the reporter made you front-page news, your life would have been
far less complicated. The judge wouldn't have insisted that Daniel and
I haul you and Grace and Rebecca to Blackwater. I imagine you and
Grace would already be in Denver."
"I told you I was the witness, " she reminded him. "Grace and Rebecca
are going to Blackwater? " "They're on their way now." She was
flabbergasted. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? " "You were about to
leave your son. You had enough to worry about, " he said.
"Why does this judge want all three of us? I told you I was the
witness."
"Yeah, well, so did Grace and Rebecca."
"But that can't be, " she nearly shouted.
"All three of you have come forward to tell us that you were there
hiding under the desk."
"No."
"Yes, " he countered.
"No wonder you didn't believe me. You wouldn't let me tell you what
happened. I did try."
"I didn't want to hear any more lies." She took a calming breath and
tried not to get angry, for he had every right to doubt her. She had
lied to him in the past.
"Why would Grace and Rebecca say they were there? " "You tell me. "
She thought about it a long while before venturing a guess. "Grace
must feel she has to protect me . . . She knows I'd do the same for
her, but I still don't understand why Rebecca would lie."
"She didn't lie, Jessie. She is our witness. Now go to sleep. I'm