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Jake thought about his own life. If his mother hadn’t escaped the abuse when she did, he was sure his own trust issues would be even worse. “I think she needs me to give her some space.”
“No. You need to come to Mae’s christening.” Olivia handed over an invitation.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said, handing the envelope back. “I don’t want to make Hannah uncomfortable.”
“Then just come as aneighbor. Right?” She passed back the invitation. “Don’t forget to pick some wildflowers on your way!”
Olivia patted his arm and took off before he could get another word out. He stared at the invitation. This could blow up in his face. Hannah might think he was a pushy creeper. Or… maybe she would just get to know him better, like he wanted. And he wanted to know everything about her. Not so much her past, but what she wanted for the future. What she wished for, and what she dreamed about. What worried her, and what brought her joy.
He flicked the envelope with his finger. What should he do?
* * *
Olivia handed a piece of paper over to Hannah. “It’s time.”
She recognized the outline of the Capitol at the top, with the printed words,The State of Minnesota. It was a divorce decree. Hannah’s full name was typed out, along with Troy’s.
“I can’t afford this.”
“I’m doing this for you.”
Hannah shook her head, handing back the paper. “No, I can’t be a charity case any longer.”
“First of all, you’re family, not a charity case.” Olivia slid it back across the table. “It’s time, Hannah. It’s time to let Troy go.”
Hannah looked down at the decree. It looked so simple. A single document with her name and address.
“I can’t afford an attorney like you.” Hannah shook her head.
“Hannah, this is a no-brainer,” Olivia said. “You deserve this.”
“Olivia, I can get my own divorce, you know.”
“Stop it.” Olivia slammed her hands on the table. “There’s a great guy who wants to get to know you, right down that dirt road, on a perfect little farm, all your dreams within your reach. And you are purposefully walking away. No, you’rerunningaway.”
“I’m not!”
“Yes, you are.” Olivia pointed at her. “I love you, Hannah, and I’ve had to watch you spend your entire life punishing yourself. Why are you so afraid of being happy?”
“Because he’s going to leave, just like everyone else does!” Hannah blurted, before she could stop herself.
Olivia tilted her head. “How do you know that, if you won’t even try?”
“Ugh, Olivia!” She shifted in her seat, trying to hold back tears. “You have everything you always wanted. I have a father who doesn’t even want to meet my daughter, and a husband who couldn’t stand to live with me for more than a few months. My track record speaks for itself!”
“Look, I know you’ve had it hard, but you can’t just give up on life.” Olivia shook her head. “Jake’s a really great guy who likes you and admires you. You owe it to yourself to give this a chance.”
“Troy’s not going to just let me go.” There. She’d finally admitted what she really feared. Troy would never go along with a divorce, and the idea of the bitter fights and public humiliation it would provoke made her shudder.
“Are you worried about what Troy might do? Then move back here, to the farm.”
“What?”
“Move back. The apartment’s empty, and would be more convenient for both of us, anyways.”
“Oh…”
“Look, the truth is, Hannah, Troy isn’t going to need a divorce decree to do something stupid. He’s overdue for something stupid right now.” Olivia didn’t mince words. “But you have a choice about making up excuses as to why you can’t be happy. Maybe you won’t be happy with Jake. But that’s life. You try, and if you fail, you pick yourself up and try again. Don’t waste your whole life just flying in a holding pattern.”
