“You’ve taught her to be independent, and that can be a great thing.But do you really want to say no to something that will make her life a little easier?”He turned to Gen.“Having a safe, reliable new car would make your life easier, wouldn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Then we can go car shopping, whenever you want.”He glanced at Minnie.“And if you change your mind and want a new car too, then I’m happy to sort that out for you too.”
“Anewnew one?”she asked suspiciously.
“Yes.Or whatever you like.So if you prefer something ten years old, that’s okay too.As long as it’s safer than that thing you’re driving at the moment.”
“Do I get a new car too?”
He laughed, and ruffled Bella’s hair.“You might have to wait a few years, sweet pea.”
“You might have to get a job one day and pay for it yourself,” Gen said.
Or that too.That was a discussion to have down the track.The fact that they’d let him finally help them felt as much of a win as scoring the game-winner in a playoff game.
And fed hope that one day they might find a way forward to be a family.That was, if Gen ever let God into her heart.
Still, the fact she hadn’t freaked out when Bella had added herAmento his prayer was something.Even if he himself had felt like freaking out.He knew that there was a long way to go to help Bella find salvation, but it felt like they were at least on the right path.
Gen and her mother—and his own parents, for that matter—would be harder to crack.But that was okay.As much as he personally wanted them all to find salvation, he knew that God was even more invested in helping them find true peace and hope in Jesus.So Kyle didn’t need to stress.But he would mention this in the Northwest Ice group chat, and ask for prayers to help tip them over to faith.
Betsy the Cat slinked in, her tail twitching when she saw him.He ignored her, and sure enough, a moment later, she was rubbing his shin begging for attention.Too bad.
“So, have you told him?”Minnie demanded of her daughter.
“Told me what?”he asked.
“About my work,” Gen said, glancing at Bella, who was listening with wide eyes.
He saw the way the two women looked at each other, then at Bella.“Hey Bella, do you mind seeing if the washing machine cycle is finished?”
“Sure, Dad.”
Dad.His heart melted again.Then, when she’d gone, asked quickly, “What’s happened?”
Gen told him in a low voice, and his heart hurt for her, even as indignation raged on her behalf.No wonder she’d been unable to cope with this news.
But when she and Minnie expressed concern about what it might mean for her career, he shook his head.“From what you have told me I don’t think it can come to that.I don’t think they’d run the risk of potentially getting a lawsuit because they’ve blamed an innocent doctor.”
“A lawsuit?”Minnie scoffed.“How on earth could we afford that?”
He eyed her, then Gen.“You won’t have to.I could, with your permission, get a lawyer to look into things.”
“But won’t that just make things worse?”Gen asked.
“It gives you options,” he said.
“What options?”Bella asked, reentering the room.
Kyle glanced at the others then smiled at his daughter.“We were just talking about your mom’s work, and she mentioned that she’s got some time off for a while, which is nice.”
“You know what would be nice?”Bella asked.
“Let me guess: a puppy.”
“Don’t encourage her,” Gen warned.
