Page 54 of When Forever Stays

“So she was a groupie?”

He nods, and my stomach twists into a painful knot.

As if he can read my thoughts, he says, “Please know I am not that same man. This is why I wanted you to know me as Rhett, not RJ. You liked me for me and not who I portrayed myself to be. I’m sorry I lied to you, I really am. But I need you to know why I kept my identity to myself the first time. My life was so messy as RJ.” He releases a humorless laugh. “I wanted to pretend like he no longer existed. But those consequences still caught up to me.”

I know he’s referring to his son. “A child isn’t a consequence,” I say with conviction.

“You’re right, he’s not. But because of who I was, I never got to know him. Ashley tried reaching out when she found out she was pregnant. I ignored her calls, and she eventually gave up. I don’t blame her.”

“But you know him now.”

“Not like I’d like to. And he hates me.”

I rest my head on his chest. “I doubt that. He’s probably just lost and confused.”

“I know the feeling,” Rhett mumbles.

“Me too,” I whisper.

We sit like that for a long while, allowing the day’s warmth to cocoon us. I silently pray, thanking God for His goodness and how He brings beauty from ashes. I ask that He’d remove the weight of Rhett’s past from his shoulders and that God would bring Rhett out of his ashes.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” I quote Matthew 11:28-30 out loud.

Rhett releases a gentle laugh. “I needed that.”

“It’s one I memorized years ago. After my first love broke my heart.”

He tightens his grip on me. “I hate that you experienced so many heartbreaks and that I was one of them. Never again. Your heart is safe with me.”

I pull back and stare into his eyes. Seeing nothing but sincerity, I say, “I trust you.”

“Good.” He leans forward and presses a kiss to my nose.

I rest my head on his chest and enjoy just being here with him and the feel of his black T-shirt, soft against my skin. The waves crashing against the shore provide the perfect backdrop. Rhett’s spiced cologne mixes with the salty ocean air, and I wish I could bottle it up and inhale it when I crave the peace I feel in this moment.

I’m so comfortable that I start to fall asleep. Just as I doze off, Crew’s voice breaks through my dreamlike state. “What’s going on here?”

I practically jump off Rhett’s lap.

Crew’s chest glistens with sweat, and he pulls his sunglasses away from his eyes. He’s apparently been on a long run; he doesn’t usually travel this far down the shore.

“Get out of here,” Crew grits out, staring down Rhett.

“I know what you’re trying to do, and I love you for it, but I’m okay,” I say, walking to the steps.

Crew’s expression softens. “You are?”

“Grudges are a cancer, and the only cure is forgiveness.” Suddenly, I realize that’s something I need to relay to Gracie the next time I see her.

“You’ve forgiven him? For everything?” Crew asks.

My answer is immediate, but it’s not mechanical—it’s honest. “If Jesus forgave me for all of my sins, past, present, and future, I think the least I can do is forgive those who’ve wronged me.”

Crew casually slides his sunglasses back over his eyes and addresses Rhett. “Well, if Dana has forgiven you, then I guess we’re cool too.”

Rhett gives me a cautious look. I shrug.

“If you’re free tonight, West and I are going to shoot pool at Reggie’s.”

---