Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“ I still can’t believe you’re on a tv show. You’re living every woman’s dream. Seriously.”
Reese smiled at her phone screen as she powerwalked down the quiet street on Friday morning. She was FaceTiming with Deidra Thomas’s younger sister Dionne.
“What’s it like being on Michael Wolf’s show?” she asked curiously.
“It’s been an exciting adventure,” Reese admitted. “But I’m not quitting my day job to become a reality tv star.”
“That’s good. Because you’re an amazing obstetrician,” Dionne said quietly. “Your patients would really miss you.”
Reese’s steps slowed, her throat tightening. “Thank you, Dionne. That means a lot coming from you.”
A moment of silent understanding passed between them.
Dionne cleared her throat. “Anyway, I just called to thank you for the beautiful gifts you sent for Faith. Those little outfits are so damn cute. She’s going to look adorable in them. I’ll send you pictures.”
“Yes, please do.”
There was a short, fitful wail in the background.
“Guess who just woke up from her nap?”
Reese stopped walking. “Can…can I see her? ”
“Of course. Hold on.” Dionne put the phone down and came back seconds later holding her chubby-cheeked niece.
A lump rose in Reese’s throat. “There’s my sweet little angel. Hi, Faith,” she cooed tenderly.
The baby stared at her face on the screen. Then she flashed a gummy grin that made Reese and Dionne laugh.
“See? She recognizes you.”
Reese grinned. “She’s so beautiful, Dionne.”
“Isn’t she?” Dionne smiled down at the little girl now sitting on her lap. “She looks just like Deidra.”
Reese felt her heart clench. “Yes, she does.”
Their eyes met in a moment of shared sorrow.
“How’s Ian doing?” Reese asked quietly.
“He has good days and bad days. He misses her.”
“Of course.” Reese felt the familiar guilt welling up inside her. She turned and started walking back in the direction of Layla’s house.
Tears filled Dionne’s eyes, but she held them back. “I miss her, too.”
“I know you do,” Reese said softly. “You meant the world to her. She was so proud of you.”
Dionne sniffed and swiped a tear from the corner of her eye. When Faith eyed her curiously, she made a goofy face at her.
The baby’s giggle arrowed right to Reese’s heart. She touched the screen, wishing she could hold her, wishing she could bring her mother back.
Seeing the pain in her eyes, Dionne fixed her with a long look. “Deidra thought the world of you, Reese. She’d want you to be happy. I know you still feel guilty, but what happened wasn’t your fault. I hope you know that. And I…I hope you can find peace someday.”
Reese swallowed hard, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “Thank you, Dionne. I want the same for you. For you and your whole family.”
“I know.” Their eyes held a moment longer before Dionne looked down at her niece, who had started to squirm. “I’d better go feed her before things get ugly.”
“Good idea.” Reese smiled gently. “Thank you for taking such good care of her, Dionne. I know it means a lot to Ian. ”
Dionne shrugged one shoulder. “Deidra would’ve done the same for me.”
Reese nodded and waved at the gurgling baby. “Bye, Faith. Be a good girl for your auntie.”
“Oh, she is. She’s an angel.” Dionne grinned at Reese. “I’ll be tuning in every week to watch you and Michael Wolf. But just remember…you can’t quit your job.”
Reese smiled quietly. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”