Page 144 of The Apple Tree

That surprised me, so I smiled. “That’s a relief. But enough about me. Are you a star yet?” I asked Sarah.

And for the next two hours, my girls caught me up on their lives. And I lived vicariously through them until it was time to say goodbye.

Eight days. I could make it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

JOURNEY, “OPEN ARMS”

Eve

As expected,the turkey was dry, the stuffing was soggy, and the potatoes were instant. But the pumpkin pie was surprisingly delicious.

And the six people gathered around my table were exactly who I needed—sinners with a desire to do better, and a need for other non-judgmental sinners to hold their hand, share space, and let them know they’re not alone.

Raymond said the Serenity Prayer before we ate.

After the meal, some of us gathered in the common area to play board games and work on puzzles. I thought I’d spend the day in my room crying and feeling sorry for myself. Instead, I (appropriately) gave thanks for Kyle loving me unconditionally. My parents for doing what they felt was best. And, of course, to God for granting me this new perspective.

For surrounding me with people who care.

And for saving my life.

“My family is here, if you’ll excuse me,” Raymond said, pushing back in his chair.

I continued to work on the autumn tree puzzle with two other people until they left me to visit with family as well. Finding another piece of the puzzle, I leaned over the table to place it next to an edge piece.

“I colored this for you.”

I froze, except for my heart. It lurched into my throat at the sound of Josh’s voice. When I inched my head in his direction, he grinned, handing me a picture of an apple orchard and a bouquet of red roses.

“Thank you,” I whispered because I could barely speak past the lump of emotion in my throat.

He hugged me, and I closed my eyes while running my hands through his hair. I knew Kyle was standing behind him, but I couldn’t look at him.

Not yet.

There weren’t enough boxes of tissues in the entire rehab clinic to handle the tears I knew I’d cry when that moment came.

And it came all too quickly because Josh released me, and my gaze lifted.

“Hey, beautiful,” Kyle said, unzipping his Carhartt jacket. He no longer had his arm in a sling.

“Hey,” I said, but my voice immediately broke, and I cupped a hand at my mouth. I refused to blink, but it didn’t matter. The tears freely flowed down my face.

Kyle didn’t hesitate for a second before his good hand cupped the side of my face, his thumb smearing my tears before he cradled the back of my head, and his injured arm hooked my waist. I threw my arms around him and buried my face in his neck.

“Oh, baby,” he whispered, kissing the top of my head.

Everything at that stupid rehab center peeled away a layer of my skin—the scars and stubborn calluses—until I felt exposed and raw. My time there changed me forever. I had to experienceall the emotions from the previous four years without the numbing effect of alcohol. And I wondered what else I robbed myself of feeling completely.

Joy?

Peace?

Love?

“Are you feeling better?” Josh asked.

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