Page 55 of Betrayed

Chapter Eighteen

AJ walked up the stairs to her apartment. She’d had dinner with her dad after leaving the cemetery. It had been a wonderful time talking to him about Bree, going through photographs he had, and reminiscing. She told him about her time with Logan at Bree’s grave. Before she left, her dad had prayed for her and for Logan.

She made plenty of noise unlocking the door since she knew Will was over based on his truck in the driveway. Pushing the door open, she said, “Hey, guys.”

Zara and Will were in the kitchen cleaning up from their dinner.

Zara set down her towel and strode to AJ, drawing her into a hug. “Will told me what today was.”

AJ fell into Zara’s arms, soaking in the hug from this woman who had become her best friend in the last two months.

Will came over and wrapped his arms around both of them.

AJ leaned her head into him. A fresh wave of grief overcame her. She hadn’t even been able to tell them about the day yet.

Her baby was gone—had been gone longer than she’d been on earth. And her husband had rejected her. But God was still good. He’d provided friends. A daddy who loved her and still took care of his little girl. God had given her a glimmer of hope today too. Maybe, just maybe, Logan’s heart was beginning to soften. Maybe reconciliation was possible. Maybe.

She stepped out of the hug and wiped her face. “Sorry.”

Zara handed her a tissue. “You’re allowed to cry.” Zara swiped her own eyes too.

AJ met Will’s eyes. “You’ll never believe what happened today. Logan let me hold him while he cried.” She told them about what happened at the cemetery.

“Wow. I’m really glad he heard you say that. I’ve been trying to tell him that for years, but I think he really thought you blamed him.”

“Never.”

“I know.” Will squeezed her shoulder. “Should I go check on him?”

Sheepishly she glanced at the floor. “I drove by on my way home. Miles’s rental was in the driveway, and Adam was walking out the front door.”

Will smiled. “I’m glad to hear about Adam. Miles… I’m not sure how helpful he’d be.”

AJ said, “Agreed.”

“Either way, I’m going to get out of here and let you two ladies have your evening and girl talk.” Will opened his arms to AJ.

She embraced her oldest friend. “Thanks, Will.”

“Praying for you. And Logan too, of course.”

“You will never know how much I appreciate that.”

He winked at her and turned to his girlfriend.

AJ excused herself to the living room to give them a minute to kiss without her awkwardly gawking at them.

Will hollered goodnight as he walked out the door.

Zara went to the freezer. “Rocky Road or chocolate chip cookie dough?”

“Oh, you are too good to me. Cookie dough.”

“Big bowl or little bowl?”

AJ laughed and walked back into the kitchen. “Just hand me the carton.”

Zara held the carton back. “No, I want some too.”