Page 103 of Rekindle My Heart

Ruth’s hand tightened on hers. Her gaze dropped to their hands.

“Mom.”

She shook her head and swallowed. “No. I know you think Sarah was my favorite, but you’re wrong.”

“Mom, I wouldn’t ask you to choose.” Her mother’s words started flutters behind her ribs—soft wings stirring up emotions.

“I couldn’t. You two were so different, like two sides of my soul. I was harder on you. She was so like me. You were more like your father. I couldn’t see how much I pushed you.”

“Mom, it’s alright.” Those wings sped up like a hummingbird, sending waves of feeling Erica didn’t want to deal with flooding her chest.

Staring into the teacup, her mom’s jaw trembled. “I’m sorry.”

Erica slipped from her chair and hugged her mother. Ruth’s arms wound tight around her shoulders. “Sarah will always be in my heart, but I needed to move on with my life. We all do.”

Her mother’s gaze pinned her. Waiting for her response. As if she was looking for confirmation of life.

She looked her mother straight in the eye and lied. “I have.”

The sad look her mother gave Erica had her sinking back into her seat. “No, honey. You still do what you think will make her happy.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you stopped talking to Ryan because of Sarah. You two were so close. Your father and I were a little surprised when he dated Sarah instead of you, but you know Sarah. She set her sights on him. What’s the boy to do?”

Pull back, full retreat.The last thing she wanted to do was talk to her mother about Ryan Daniels. “I should get going. It’s getting late.”

Ruth pulled her in close. “Do what makes you happy. I want you to shine. Don’t you forget it.”

“Thanks, Mom.” She kissed her cheek.

“Warren, come put the boxes in Erica’s car for her.”

“I got it.” Erica picked up a box.

“You’re always such a help. If you don’t want the books, drop them at the donation site.”

Erica and her father loaded the boxes. She closed the back car door. “Thanks, Dad.”

He wrapped her in a bear hug. “Love you, sweetheart.”

She let his warm embrace calm her for another moment before stepping back and climbing in her car. She waved as she pulled out of the driveway.

Her phone rang, bringing a flutter of nerves to her chest. Ryan? Hope and dread warred. Longing to hear his voice, see his face, loosed the knot the decade-old guilt had tied around her heart.

Walker’s name flashed on her dash. The flock of excitement fluttering in her chest calmed. She tapped the button on the steering wheel to answer.

“Hey, Evans. What’s up?”

“Randall. How are you healing?” Concern rang through her truck along with his deep voice.

“Physically? Good.” She didn’t want to discuss her emotional toll.

“That’s good. I heard you had a shift next week. If you aren’t ready…”

“No, I’m good. I need to get back to work.” She’d met with the department-appointed therapist this week. She’d agreed Erica could return to work as long as she continued her sessions for the next four weeks.

“Awesome.” He cleared his throat. Dropping his volume, he continued, “Did you hear about Winters?”