Page 107 of To Bring You Back
Not only had he not gotten over Adeline, but God hadn’t done the things Gannon had asked in that song. Adeline had lived all those years without God breaking through her barriers and flooding her with love.
Of course, now that Gannon had returned and tried to break through those barriers himself, she’d rejected his love too.
Maybe she would reject all love. Maybe that wasn’t something he could fix.
He had to trust that God would heal her. In His own time, in His own way.
Tonight, that way wasn’t Gannon.
29
“Adeline, can we speak with you, please?” Despite the polite wording, Joe Cullen’s request rang in her ears like an order from a police officer.
She turned, the skirt of her favorite maxi dress brushing her legs.
Olivia, who squirmed at Joe’s side, appeared as uneasy as Adeline felt.
Adeline glanced over her shoulder.
When she’d gone to the kitchen of Havenridge this morning for coffee, Gannon had asked if she’d mind him and John joining them for the service. They’d driven separately but had all sat together until the service ended.
After the closing, the guys had stepped away. Adeline had assumed they wanted to make a quick exit, but instead, they were crossing the sanctuary.
John ran interference by greeting those who approached, leaving Gannon relatively unhindered as he made his way toward Pastor Drew. The men shook hands, but she couldn’t hear their conversation, leaving her to wonder why Gannon would seek out Drew.
She could, however, guess the line of questioning Joe wanted to put her through.
If only Tim had attended, he could handle this. By saying the wrong thing to Joe, she could cause trouble for Matt or the band. Then again, Gannon had trusted her to look out for Olivia and her family. If Matt got in trouble for what happened last night, it would only be because he had it coming.
“Sure, Joe. Should we step in the office?”
He gestured for her to lead the way.
She flipped on the light and held the door for Joe, who had his daughter’s arm as if he were escorting an inmate into a cell. Only after Adeline closed them in did he release her.
Olivia chewed the inside of her bottom lip, forcing her mouth into a fish face. Her eyes focused on her dad before aiming somewhere near Adeline’s knees. “Sophie and Amy and I were at your house on Friday night.”
“I know. You helped with the porch.”
“Yes.” Her face lit up until she saw her dad watching her like a prison warden. “But we came back later a couple times. We were, um, well, we wanted to fit in, you know? So we were smoking.”
“Fit in with who? Matt?”
Olivia shrugged. “We didn’t know the cigarette butts would start a fire. When we saw it, we tried to put it out, but it was too late. We ran, but I bumped that ladder.” Olivia’s blue irises lifted to meet Adeline’s eyes. The girl’s entire face was red, and moisture had accumulated on her lower lashes. She gripped both of Adeline’s hands. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to wreck your house. And it was stupid to run away because I could’ve killed you.” With a sob, she leaned into Adeline’s shoulder.
Adeline hugged her, too stunned to do anything else.
Joe sighed, shook his head once, and dropped his own gaze.
Olivia sniffed loudly. “My dad says it’s up to you if you press charges or not, but that maybe you’ll let me and Sophie and Amy pay you back.”
The fire was bad. Running, worse. But Adeline felt awful for the teen who cried in her arms.
“I spoke with the other parents.” Joe’s no-nonsense tone continued, and his arms remained crossed, though the creases around his eyes softened. Pity was starting to take over. “I’m going to cover the repairs. The girls can pay me back as they earn the money.”
Olivia stepped back and held both of Adeline’s shoulders. “I won’t ever do something that foolish ever again. I promise. I broke the law and that could follow me forever. And that would be fair.” She gulped. “The laws are there for a reason, and I’m going to follow them from now on. I’m nearly an adult, and my actions have consequences, so I’ll make restitution.”
These had to be the vestiges of the lecture Joe had given. He uncrossed his arms. His frown seemed sad but not angry, as if he would hug Olivia if she turned to him now. She continued to wait for Adeline’s verdict.
