Chapter 23 #2
She shifted, felt his instant release, then caught the last of his words.
“…fill her with Your peace. Amen.”
“Amen,” Bella echoed.
Amen? Bella was praying now? Since when?
But she kept her eyes closed, then felt Kyle’s hand shift to her back, where warmth grew, then slowly spread.
She didn’t know what it was but it felt good, like the stirrings of hope, like maybe things could work out. Like maybe some of that peace Kyle had just prayed for had found its way into her heart.
“You’re right, Bella,” he murmured. “She does smell better.”
“What?” She reared back, and accidentally knocked the back of her head against his chin. “Ow!”
She rubbed her head, and he rubbed his chin, just as her mom walked in.
* * *
Wow. Some people had awesome timing in their lives.
Minnie Rivas was one of them. She seemed to have a sixth sense of when he might be in an awkward situation, such as when she’d caught him exiting Gen’s bed ten years ago.
And while he was desperately glad she hadn’t been there when he’d basically commanded Gen to get out of her bed today, having her walk in just as Gen had belted him in the face couldn’t have looked good.
Probably looked like Gen had been trying to defend herself. Even if Bella was giggling.
“What are you doing here?” Minnie demanded.
“Just talking with your daughter.”
“Is that what you call it? Looked to me like she was fending you off.”
He lifted his hands. “Nope. Nothing like that, I promise.”
“Mommy accidentally headbutted him,” Bella said helpfully.
“Oh. Gen, are you all right?” At Gen’s nod, Minnie’s face softened. “You’ve had a shower.”
“And look, Grandma, the place now sparkles,” Bella said. “Kyle and I did that.”
Minnie eyed him suspiciously. “Why?”
“Because it needed doing, and I was here.”
“Hmph.” She glanced around, then looked back at him. “Are you leaving now?”
“Sorry to disappoint, but no.” He shifted back to the table. “Gen and I were discussing some financial arrangements that we need to make going forward.”
“Financial arrangements?” Minnie glanced at Gen, as he willed Gen to agree.
Gen sighed. “We’re sorting some things out, yes.”
Yes. He internally fist-pumped. Thanks, God.
“Then I suppose you can stay,” Minnie grouched.
Wow. Okay. It had become obvious from his brief perusal of the bills that Gen was the one whose name was on the lease. He wished Gen didn’t feel so obliged to this woman.
Could he buy Gen a house one day? A place where Gen and Bella truly did have independence and weren’t at the beck and call of this controlling woman? Maybe. One day. It might be better to start with a car.
“I know it might seem like a lot, but Gen, I really would like to buy you a new car.”
“A new car?” Bella clapped her hands. “Yay!”
“What’s wrong with my vehicle?” Minnie demanded.
“Mom,” Gen said, as Bella said “Everything.”
Yep. Couldn’t have put it better himself.
Minnie looked affronted. “That car has served us well the past nine years.”
“But it doesn’t look like it wants to survive another one.
Please, Minnie. I know that I have a long way to go to make things up to you, but I’d like for you to let me try.
” He turned to Gen. “And for you. I’d feel better knowing you were driving something safe rather than feeling like you need to get the bus each day. ”
“But I like to get the bus,” she protested.
“No you don’t, Mom,” Bella said. “You complain about having to take the bus when it rains. And that’s most of the time around here.”
He nodded. “Yep.”
“I don’t want to be bought off,” Minnie muttered. “I didn’t raise my daughter to expect people to help us.”
“You’ve taught her to be independent, and that can be a great thing. But do you really want to say no to something that will make her life a little easier?” He turned to Gen. “Having a safe, reliable new car would make your life easier, wouldn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Then we can go car shopping, whenever you want.” He glanced at Minnie. “And if you change your mind and want a new car too, then I’m happy to sort that out for you too.”
“A new new one?” she asked suspiciously.
“Yes. Or whatever you like. So if you prefer something ten years old, that’s okay too. As long as it’s safer than that thing you’re driving at the moment.”
“Do I get a new car too?”
He laughed, and ruffled Bella’s hair. “You might have to wait a few years, sweet pea.”
“You might have to get a job one day and pay for it yourself,” Gen said.
Or that too. That was a discussion to have down the track. The fact that they’d let him finally help them felt as much of a win as scoring the game-winner in a playoff game.
And fed hope that one day they might find a way forward to be a family. That was, if Gen ever let God into her heart.
Still, the fact she hadn’t freaked out when Bella had added her Amen to his prayer was something. Even if he himself had felt like freaking out. He knew that there was a long way to go to help Bella find salvation, but it felt like they were at least on the right path.
Gen and her mother—and his own parents, for that matter—would be harder to crack.
But that was okay. As much as he personally wanted them all to find salvation, he knew that God was even more invested in helping them find true peace and hope in Jesus.
So Kyle didn’t need to stress. But he would mention this in the Northwest Ice group chat, and ask for prayers to help tip them over to faith.
Betsy the Cat slinked in, her tail twitching when she saw him. He ignored her, and sure enough, a moment later, she was rubbing his shin begging for attention. Too bad.
“So, have you told him?” Minnie demanded of her daughter.
“Told me what?” he asked.
“About my work,” Gen said, glancing at Bella, who was listening with wide eyes.
He saw the way the two women looked at each other, then at Bella. “Hey Bella, do you mind seeing if the washing machine cycle is finished?”
“Sure, Dad.”
Dad. His heart melted again. Then, when she’d gone, asked quickly, “What’s happened?”
Gen told him in a low voice, and his heart hurt for her, even as indignation raged on her behalf. No wonder she’d been unable to cope with this news.
But when she and Minnie expressed concern about what it might mean for her career, he shook his head. “From what you have told me I don’t think it can come to that. I don’t think they’d run the risk of potentially getting a lawsuit because they’ve blamed an innocent doctor.”
“A lawsuit?” Minnie scoffed. “How on earth could we afford that?”
He eyed her, then Gen. “You won’t have to. I could, with your permission, get a lawyer to look into things.”
“But won’t that just make things worse?” Gen asked.
“It gives you options,” he said.
“What options?” Bella asked, reentering the room.
Kyle glanced at the others then smiled at his daughter. “We were just talking about your mom’s work, and she mentioned that she’s got some time off for a while, which is nice.”
“You know what would be nice?” Bella asked.
“Let me guess: a puppy.”
“Don’t encourage her,” Gen warned.
He smiled as Bella shook her head.
“Well, yes, that would be nice. But it’d be nice to go on a vacation like Nanna talked about.”
“Wow,” Gen murmured. “I’m so sorry.”
“Hey, you gotta admire a woman who knows what she wants.”
Minnie shook her head, but he caught the tiny smile on her face.
“You know, Bella, I could look into that. I think your mom could do with a break for a bit. And I’m sure your grandma would agree.”
“I hope you’re not asking me to come,” Minnie said, frowning.
“You could probably do with a break too, I’m sure. But that’s up to you, whether you’d like a vacay or would rather work,” he teased.
“Hmph.”
He took Gen’s hand in his and gently squeezed. “But would you like to get away for a while? Relax on the beach. Sleep, read, eat, repeat.”
“It sounds like heaven.”
“I’m pretty sure heaven will be even better.” He smiled. And maybe if they had some time away together, there would be a chance to talk about how to find assurance about life and death, and heaven. “Please?”
“With you?” she whispered.
He had to tread carefully. He didn’t want her—or anyone else here—thinking that it was time away for a dirty weekend. Nope, separate rooms, in different wings, and no room for temptation. “With me, with Bella, and your mom, if she’s interested.”
“And Nanna and Poppy?” Bella asked.
He shrugged. “That’s up to you. And your mom. Because she’s the one who really needs a break, isn’t she?”
“Yeah.” Bella turned to Gen. “Go on, Mom. Say yes. I want to have a vacation, and you need one too. You’ve been so tired. Like, forever.”
“Bella, you really shouldn’t ask for things like this.”
“But Dad was offering, Mom. I wasn’t demanding. Really, I wasn’t.”
He squeezed Gen’s hand again. “She’s right. I’m offering. I want to. And I’d love to spend more time with Bella.” Especially away from all the stress and machinations Gen faced here.
Gen studied him for a long moment. “You really have a vacation home on Bainbridge Island?”
“Yes.” Although he was pretty sure it was booked solid throughout the summer, but he’d pay double or even triple for any existing bookings to vacate to ensure they could get a week or two.
Because he wanted—needed—time with Gen and Bella. And he knew that Gen and Bella needed time out too.