Page 25 of The Inn Dilemma

I get out of my truck and go to her side to open her door. Even though I know she’s perfectly capable of getting out without my help, I reach up and grab her by the waist to guide her down. When her feet touch theground, she looks up at me and my breathing stops at how her emotions are fully laid bare. How she’s fully exposing her heart to me. There are no masks she’s hiding behind, and full vulnerability shines in her eyes.

“Thank you,” she says before licking her lips. My eyes can’t help but track the motion. I ignore the pulling sensation in my chest and swallow the consuming desire that small action elicits. I remind myself she is freshly out of a bad breakup and on a dating sabbatical.

“You haven’t even seen what I’ve brought you here to see.”

She shakes her head. “Thank you for seeing me.” It’s a soft whisper.

I tuck a honey blonde strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m here for you.”

A soft smile lifts her lips. “You always have been. I’m sorry I ever took you for granted.”

“I never saw it as you taking me for granted. You were there for me in ways no one else was. So you have no reason to apologize. You don’t need my forgiveness, and you already have Jesus’s forgiveness.”

She bites her lower lip and looks at the dirt. It’s clear she doesn’t know what to say, so I take her hand. “You are forgiven, Nova. Whether your dad ever comes around or not, our Father in Heaven is the only one who matters. And He’s forgiven you.”

Her watery eyes blink up at me. “I needed to hear that. Thank you.”

Crushing her to my chest, I whisper, “I promise to always remind you of that. And that you are loved. So deeply.”

We stand like that for long seconds before she pulls back and visibly relaxes.

“Okay, what is it you want to show me?”

At that, I pull her toward our final destination.

This particular slice of paradise is hidden, but thankfully not deep into the national forest. Nova is at least wearing sneakers, making the short hike doable.

Nova’s hand feels so small in mine. So soft. Both of her hands are capable of extraordinary beauty. I hate that her creativity has ever been stifled. I hate that the gift God has given her has been shoved into a closet by the people who were supposed to encourage her. I hate that she’s been toldshe’sonly worthy as a showpiece and not the amazing human being she is.

Nova is silent until we reach the hidden gem tucked away in the forest. A waterfall pours down a cliff, feeding a teal blue pond.

“Wow,” she whispers, then releases my hand to walk closer to the body of water. Her head slowly tips back and she inhales deeply.

I come up behind her, close enough to feel her warmth but not close enough to touch. “This is my favorite place in the whole world other than home,” I whisper.

She turns to look up at me with a genuine smile. Her dimples indent both of her cheeks, and I can’t help the swell of pride that I feel from knowing I’m the one who helped put that smile there.

“I can see why.” She turns her attention back to the view. “If it was above fifty degrees right now, I’d be diving off of that ledge over there.” She points to a spot halfway up the waterfall.

“You were always fearless.”

Her smile falters for less than a second before she has it back in place.

“Why are you doing that?” I ask.

Nova looks confused. “Why am I doing what?”

“Hiding yourself. Hiding your true feelings.” I gently grip her chin between my thumb and forefinger. “You don’t need to hide anything from me. It’s human to feel things.”

She sets her jaw and her eyes flit down, refusing to meet mine. I drop my hand, not wanting to push her any further or give her the wrong idea about what I’ve said.

“Apparently, Daddy Dearest didn’t want a human girl. He wanted a robot who did whatever he said, when he said it, and without question.” Her eyes flick up to mine. “Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to pretend to be someone you aren’t? Someone you’ve never been or will ever be?”

“Not personally, no. But I’ve seen it between you and your brother. I’ve seen how your dad doesn’t see you for the amazing person you are. And I hope you know that I do. I see you, Nova. You.”

After stopping back at Chris’s to collect Aunt Birdie’s borrowed car, I follow Nova back to the Storybook Inn. She parks it in the carport, and we walk into the house together so she can give the keys back.

Aunt Birdie calls out to us before we can leave. We go into the den where she’s sitting on the couch, flipping through what looks to be an old leather notebook.

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