Page 53
“Well, there she is,” he says. “Please tell me you’re not calling me on Christmas Eve about work.”
I laugh. “Hi, Rick. And no. I haven’t been working, and believe it or not, I haven’t even opened my laptop since I got here.”
“I’m shocked, but I’m glad to hear it. How’s Bridger Falls?”
I glance out at the snow-covered fields rolling past my window. “It’s...beautiful, Rick.”
“I wasn’t asking about the scenery.”
Of course he wasn’t.
I smile to myself. “I wish you and Becky could see this place at Christmas. It’s a whole different world than L.A.”
His voice softens. “I bet. How’s the family?”
I know that’s what he really wants to know about. And usually, I avoid talking about my family, but this time it’s different. I want to share because it feels good for once.
“Everyone is good. I am glad to be home,” I admit.
The words surprise me a little, even though they’re true.
There’s a long pause on the other end. Then Rick lets out a quiet chuckle. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
“Were you? Are you trying to get rid of me?” I tease.
“Becky and I have been worried about you for quite some time. You know we just want you to be happy. You’re family to us, too.”
I grip the phone a little tighter, holding back the tears that threaten to pour down my face. “I know. I love you guys.”
“You haven’t been happy in a long time. It’s been hard to watch you spiral.”
Another pause.
“But right now, you seem happy. And Becky will be so glad to hear.”
“I met someone,” I say softly.
Rick laughs, not because he’s surprised, but because suddenly everything makes sense. “I knew it.”
My smile returns before I can stop it.
“Tell me about him,” he says gently.
“His name is Ty. I like him so much. He’s kind, and he makes me feel safe. When I’m with him, I laugh a lot.”
Rick is silent. He’s always been a good listener. He’s the father I never had with my own father.
“And somehow...” I glance out at the mountains again. “He makes me feel like I belong at home again. He has healed things in me I didn’t know I needed healing.”
“We just wanted you to build a life you loved.”
A tear slips down my cheek, and I quickly wipe it away before it has a chance to fall. “I think I have.”
“I think you have too.”
Neither of us say anything for a few seconds. The silence feels full instead of awkward.
“So,” Rick says finally, “what happens now?”
