Page 47 of In Pursuit of the Truth

Bailey’s mouth opened and closed again. She sat up straighter. “What?”

“People at the station know what’s been happening around here, and they wanted to do something for you. So they’re coming to help you. Dean from The Corner Café is donating sandwiches and chips for lunch. Tia is bringing pizza in for dinner. Your job is to tell people what you need them to do. Trust me, Bailey, everyone who’s coming tomorrow is truly glad to have a way to help you through this.”

She shook her head in disbelief as moisture filled her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.” She swallowed hard and swiped at a stray tear. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He hoped they’d be able to get a lot taken care of tomorrow. If they could clear out the rest of the trash and repair any displays that had been broken, then Bailey could start putting things back together again.

Hopefully, it’d take some pressure off her.

While Bailey went upstairs to get the boys ready for bed, Nate took Minnie out the back door for a walk. He stayed close by but paused near the back of the yard to play fetch with her for a few minutes.

By the vet’s estimation, Minnie was around four years old, but he didn’t think she’d ever outgrow the puppy stage. She was energy in motion, and he loved that about her. That extra energy was exactly what he needed to keep moving. Having a dog in your life meant having a friend who truly loved unconditionally. People sure could benefit from following that example.

Once Minnie was panting and she’d stopped sprinting after the ball, they headed back to the house. Nate was surprised to find Bailey sitting on the porch swing, a book in her hands. She looked up and smiled.

“Looks like you wore Minnie out.”

“Until tomorrow.” Nate chuckled. He let Minnie into the house so she could get a drink of water and rest. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.” She scooted down a little to give him plenty of room. The swing shifted with his weight then settled into a gentle back-and-forth motion.

She set the book on a small wooden table beside the swing. That’s when Nate could see what it was.

“That’s a beautiful Bible.”

Bailey wrapped a hand around one of the chains that held up the swing. “Thank you. I’ve had several, but this is my favorite. My youth pastor gave it to me after I was baptized. I used to spend time reading after the boys went to bed, but I’ve fallen out of the habit. I figured it was time to start doing that again.”

“It’s a good habit to have. I usually do the same after I feed Minnie and while I’m eating breakfast.” They sat incomfortable silence for several moments before he asked, “Did the boys go to bed okay?”

“They were both tired. They didn’t protest. Much.” She chuckled. “I’d think they were sick if they didn’t try to extend bedtime at least a little every night.”

More silence. Nate wanted to ask her what she and Jenny talked about earlier but didn’t want to pry or make Bailey feel uncomfortable. He was about to bring up the plan for tomorrow when she pulled one knee up and clasped her hands around it.

She took in a deep breath. “I can’t lose you, Nate.”

“What?” He shifted so he could see her better. “Why would you lose me?”

She seemed to focus on a spot on her knee as she considered her words. “Our friendship. It means a lot to me. I’m afraid of losing that if things don’t…” She swallowed hard and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m making a mess of this.”

Nate needed her to finish that sentence. “If things don’t what?”

“If things changed between us and… didn’t work out.” Her lashes lifted as she swung her gaze to him.

He could relate to the uncertainty he saw there, but it was the hope that had his heart pounding against his ribs. “That’s impossible.” He spoke the words with such conviction that her eyes widened in surprise.

“How can you possibly know that for sure?”

There were a lot of things in this world that had him second-guessing what was right or not. But his feelings for Bailey? They were never in question. His only worry was whether or not she could ever feel the same way.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The look in Nate’s eyes was intense as he studied her. Bailey held her breath, uncertain what he was about to say. He seemed so sure that, no matter what, he would always be there for her. He couldn’t understand how much his friendship meant to her. Right now, she was walking a tightrope between the stability of keeping him as just a friend and the uncertainty of admitting that she cared for him as more than that.

He leaned forward a little. “Bailey, I’ve been in love with you for years.”

She hadn’t been sure what she expected him to say, but that wasn’t it. She opened her mouth to respond and closed it again. “You wha—? How is that—? But you never…”

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