Page 105 of The Wedding Ranch
“Go get some sleep. It’s been a long and tiring day. A good one, but we all need some rest,” Mom said.
She hugged her mom good night.
“You dream of all the wonderful days ahead of you, darling. You’ve found forgiveness in your heart. You will be amazed at the things that will come your way now. Be ready, sweet girl.”
How she hoped that was true. She did feel more at peace today than she had in years. In her prayers that night she prayed for Ryder and his family, and for Jeff too.I hope you found peace.
Chapter Twenty-nine
The next morning, Lorri sat with her mom on the back porch sipping coffee.
“Thank you for this wonderful time together, Lorri.”
“I’m glad I came. This was really nice.”
“And overdue. I’m happy we had such a good visit.”
“I’d love for you to see my place. It’s not that far, but if you don’t want to drive it, I’ll even come and get you.”
“I think we can make it down there. Have you made some friends?”
“Yeah, I have, and I know all my neighbors too.”
“Anyspecialfriends?” Mom’s eyes were full of hope and speculation.
Lorri thought not to mention Ryder, but she had a feeling Pam may have already mentioned him to Mom. “I thought so. Just friends, but it was refreshing to do something with a man who wasn’t pushing his own agenda. Really sweet guy, a gentleman, even cooked for me.”
“He sounds perfect. Does he dance?”
Pam had definitely mentioned him. She shouldn’t be surprised. Her parents treated Pam like another daughter. “Yeah. We danced. He’s an amazing dancer, but it’ll never work. I’m not even sure we can be friends.”
“If he’s a good man why are you so sure?”
“He was widowed seven years ago. Lost his wife and son in a car accident.” She wondered if Mom would put it together more quickly than she had. It took a moment, then her eyes widened. She figured it out. Lorri shook her head. “I know. What are the odds? Mom, he’s the husband of the—”
“Don’t even say it. Oh my gosh. I can’t believe it.”
Lorri’s hands shook. “It took me a long time to figure it out. I don’t know how I didn’t realize it sooner. He must hate me.”
“No. Lorri. You are not responsible for Jeff’s mistakes. You’ve forgiven Jeff finally. Now you need to forgive yourself, too. I have no idea what Ryder’s journey is. He may or may not let you in, but I know if you two were brought together in such a strange way, then there’s a reason. Don’t be afraid to leave the past where it is.”
“I don’t know how to do that.”
“Well, it’s simple. You pray. You put one foot in front of the other. You get up every morning and make it a good day. Trust that it will be okay and when you slip back into the past, stop yourself. Take another step forward and keep going.”
“I’ll try.” She hugged Mom and Dad walked into the room with Mister. “You’re just in time, Dad. I’m getting ready to go home.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Call me if you need a pep talk. You’re going to be fine. I never had to worry about you, honey.”
Dad said, “That’s one big dog. What was Craig thinking buying that thing?”
“He’s a good dog, and I never worry about my safety.”
“Since you refuse to get a gun, I guess he’s a good option to keep my little girl safe.”
