“You’re talking like you forgive her,” Jennifer said warily.
“I do,” Emma said softly. “I don’t expect either of you to understand or accept it. But for my sake and my sister’s, I forgive so I can…”
“Move on?” Christine added.
Emma sniffed and nodded. The years she had spent in Chicago hadn’t been a waste. But she knew in her soul that they had been destined to lead her here, to this moment, when she was ready. Forgiving herself would be harder, for the years of blame that caused her to block out precious memories.
“You’re so sincere. You believe what you’re saying,” Jennifer continued, her voice full of wonder.
“Lyndes aren’t liars,” Emma replied softly.
“How?” Jennifer asked.
The single word held pain and hope. Emma didn’t want to force herself into her friend’s situation. Whatever happened at home wasn’t her business. If she could encourage the woman to open her heart like the Lord wanted, she’d have done her part. “I have to first forgive myself for what I missed or didn’t want to see. For blocking out everything from my childhood, the good and the bad, in a misguided attempt to heal.”
Concealing the scrap of paper ended up hurting Emma more than anything else. The lies she’d convinced herself were the truth crushed and restrained her. Honesty and vulnerability healed.
Emma gave herself a shake. “I don’t forget, and I want justice for Owen and Liz. I’ll be in the courtroom every day. I want both Margaux and her husband held accountable. I want them behind bars. And I pray they can find Him in lockup.”
Jennifer returned Emma’s small smile. “Thank you.”
Emma nodded and took another sip from her cooling coffee. Silence stretched between the trio, a companionable pause providing comfort. From her perch, she studied her surroundings, letting the memories flood her. The time she and Liz tried to choreograph a kick line for the talent show, and Emma slammed her shin into a bunk. The buzz of conversation and chatter every night at lights out. The time a note from Daniel slipped out of one of her books, and the girls confiscated it and teased her about her obvious crush. The emotions tied into each moment no longer choked her.
“I feel like in all of this chaos and grieving, I haven’t even started to mourn what we’re losing here as this place closes up for good,” Christine said. “We have a lot of memories here. For so many years, Camp Promise was as good as its name. Offering to always be here whenever we needed it. My parents invested money so I’d have a place to come back to. After their divorce, I never returned. I should have. I’ve missed this place and the good people I’ve known here.”
The mystery investor revealed. Emma was glad the money hadn’t been an attempt to clear someone’s guilty conscience. And Emma agreed. The camp and the owners had been a real ministry in her life. She’d grown and changed and become a woman here. She hated that other generations wouldn’t get the same experience. But even more, she was sad to think about all the good that kids like Daniel missed out on because of the girls-only set-up.
“Are you ready to face everyone today at Owen’s service?” Jennifer asked.
“I’ll be fine,” Emma vowed.
And she kept the phrase in her mind like a mantra as she showered and changed. Walking arm in arm with her friends, she held tight to them as she nodded at passersby gathered at the mess hall.
Through the words, Emma sat still. She was numb to what was happening around her as a fantastic thought took hold, growing on the fertile soil of her conversation with Jennifer and Christine at the cabin. She waited patiently until the end of the memorial, remaining in her seat on the bench as the campers paid their respects to the Thomases and filed out of the room.
When only a handful of people remained, she rose and crossed the room. Jennifer and Christine quickly fell into step beside her.
“It was beautiful,” Jennifer told Mrs. Thomas as she reached for the woman’s hands and squeezed.
“Absolutely,” Christine chimed in, smiling kindly at Mr. Thomas.
“I don’t know how to find the words,” Lucille said, staring straight at Emma. “But we had to honor Owen and Liz.”
Emma bit her lower lip. She didn’t want to lie and heap praise upon the Thomases for speeches she hadn’t heard. A newcomer saved her from an immediate response. She didn’t need to turn to know he’d arrived. Her body relaxed at his nearness.
“Sheriff, thank you for coming and for all of your help,” Mr. Thomas said.
“I’m sorry we didn’t solve the crime earlier. We could have saved everyone from so much grief,” Daniel said.
Emma glanced at him then. Sincerity was etched across his face. He was a good man. Anyone would leap over every obstacle to be at his side. She wouldn’t be any different.
“I had an idea I wanted to run by you both. Maybe a way for all of us to heal and to help others,” Emma said.
“Sure, we’ll take any suggestions,” Lucille said.
“Let me join you here. Let me help renovate this camp. And let’s open it for kids who are struggling,” Emma said.
“Oh, honey, you’re so sweet to offer. That’s a lot of work and money,” Lucille said.
