Twenty

Kyle closed his eyes. "Lord, watch over Izabelle. Keep her safe. Help her not to be afraid."

I took his hand lending some of my strength, and he smiled down at me but I knew needed to see his sister and make certain she was ok.

We moved quickly.

Since my clothes were still wet, I borrowed a t-shirt and sweats from Kyle. Both of them swallowed me. I tied the t-shirt at the waist and pulled the drawstring on the sweats as tight as they would go, trying to look presentable.

Kyle checked his phone again. "Why didn't she call me?"

"She probably didn't want you to worry." Izabelle protected Kyle like he was her own child. "She didn't call me either. Dad thought I would want to know."

"I'll have to thank him. I don't know what Izabelle was thinking."

Fifteen minutes later we pulled into the parking lot of the sheriff's department, but before we walked through the glass doors Kyle threaded his fingers with mine and faced me. His eyes raked over me in a quick but thorough perusal, and he frowned.

"Lucy, if we go in together your dad is going to know we've been together, and he's going to assume things." His gaze tangled with mine. "Rightly so. You're wearing my clothes."

I inhaled a shaky breath. "You're right. You should go."

"No. Your dad called you."

I knew how much it cost him to suggest that because Kyle was obviously worried about his sister. I shook my head. "You need to see her, and he did ask me to call you."

"We'll go together," he said with a curt nod, his expression resigned.

I felt the chill of the air-conditioning as soon as we entered the office.

"Lucy, what are you doing here?" Officer Kate asked, noting the way I was dressed and that my hand was still firmly clasped in Kyle's.

"Dad called." I smiled, acting like it wasn't unusual for him to do that at this time of night. "Could we please see him?"

Kate, who was in her late twenties, eyed Kyle like he was something she wanted to eat. Tearing her appreciative gaze away from him, she answered, "He's in his office. You can go on back."

"Thanks," I said, leading Kyle away from her eager eyes.

Dad was sitting behind his desk in his worn black leather swivel chair, and he'd just hung up the phone when we walked in. Taking in the situation and not missing a single detail, Dad shot up, and alarm coiled inside me. I stepped between them shielding Kyle from my dad's furious gaze.

I couldn't see his expression, but Kyle's hands fell on my shoulders, giving me a reassuring squeeze an instant before he stepped from behind me to face Dad, who looked angrier than I'd ever seen him.

"Dad, please," I begged, placing my hand on his arm. "He means a lot to me."

"I see that." The words were clipped. "He doesn't need you to protect him." He paused. "Or maybe he does," Dad smirked.

Kyle didn't take the bait. "Sir, this isn't what it looks like. We were caught in the storm. I gave Lucy dry clothes."

"It's true," I confirmed, seeing the scathing look Dad fired at Kyle.

"I suppose you two were sitting around at your place reading the Bible," he mocked. Dad rubbed his temple wearily. The gesture reminded me of Kyle.

"Please, sir." Kyle cleared his throat. "I just to see my sister."

"I want to see my daughter in her own clothes!" Dad shot back, and they'd have made a lesser man flinch, but Kyle stood his ground.

I started to step between them, but Kyle's hand on my arm stopped me. Dad saw and his eyes narrowed.

Kyle faced him. "I'm in love with your daughter. I would never hurt her."

My heart filled with warmth. Something in Kyle's voice or maybe what he'd said calmed Dad because I felt some of the tension ease.

Dad nodded curtly. "Your sister was picked up this evening when the car she was driving was reported stolen."

A soft gasp escaped me. "There must be a mistake."

"Izabelle said the same thing."

Kyle's eyes flashed with fear. I'd never seen him afraid before. "Have charges been filed?"

"No." Something about the way Dad said the one word made me realize that wasn't exactly good news. "The car belongs to an ex-boyfriend of Izabelle's, and she insists she bought the car from him. She's being held until this can be cleared up, hopefully in the morning."

"She has to stay in jail?" I asked, my voice trembling. "If it's her word against his, why can't she go home?"

"Lucy, she was under the influence of alcohol."

Kyle flinched.

Dad took a deep breath, his expression solemn. "I told the chief she was a friend of my daughter's. He's agreed to release her into my custody providing I guarantee she'll show up in court tomorrow."

Kyle breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir. Thank you." He reached out to shake my dad's hand, and I held my breath as I waited to see what Dad would do. He shook Kyle's hand.

Things weren't exactly settled, but they were being civil and Izabelle wasn't going to spend the night in jail.

Kyle brushed his damp cheek with his palm. "Can we see her?"

Dad nodded. "She's been in a holding cell," he explained, picking up the phone and speaking briefly to someone.

Inhaling a ragged breath, Kyle reached back and gripped his neck. "Izabelle's claustrophobic."

My dad's gaze narrowed, and he seemed concerned. "She never said anything."

"She wouldn't. Izabelle likes to pretend she's tough." Placing my hand on Kyle's back, I asked the Lord to comfort him.

I didn't think it was proper police procedure to release prisoners into an officer's custody, but I was thankful that she wouldn't spend the night in jail. Dad stuck his neck out for her, and I appreciated it. I think he was as worried about Izabelle as we were.

A few minutes later, a female officer escorted a fragile-looking Izabelle into my dad's office.

Folding my arms around her, I heard Izabelle's soft cry but she didn't hug me back. I thought she might still be upset with me until I saw Dad move behind her and heard the jingle of a key, and I realized she was handcuffed. Once Dad undid the cuffs, Izabelle wrapped her arms around me and hugged me like she'd never let go.

I felt Kyle beside us, and I let go of Izabelle, but she didn't release me immediately. I wasn't sure she even knew Kyle was there until his hand rubbed her back. The simple touch was all it took for her to turn and launch herself into his arms.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I don't want you stressing over me. It's just until morning, and I'll get this straightened out." She lifted her chin bravely, and I realized that Izabelle didn't know she'd be going home tonight with my dad.

"You're being released in my custody," Dad spoke calmly. "They're not going to worry because you'll be spending the night in Lucy's old room."

Izabelle's teary eyes flew to my dad, and I could feel her relief and gratitude.

My thanks went to God. Kyle and I had prayed for Izabelle all the way here.

"It's been a long night. I think it's time for everyone to go home." Dad's gaze slid to Kyle. "I'll drop Lucy first."

Kyle threw me a warm smile and faced Dad. He wisely did not argue the driving arrangements. "Thank you again, sir, for everything."

***

Izabelle went to court the next day and even though Scott insisted she hadn't paid him the full amount for the car, her canceled check was enough to convince the judge that this was not a criminal matter.

Since her blood alcohol level was a hairline under the legal limit, she was let off with a warning. The case was dismissed.

I was weak with relief. Kyle and I, along with Dad and Katie had sat in the front row just behind where Izabelle was seated.

When court was dismissed, Ava and her parents came to hug Izabelle, and I realized they'd been seated in the back the whole time.

Ava was stunning in a sleek black dress that hugged her enviable figure and a flirty pair of heels with a peek-a-boo toe. Her long, straight blonde hair was pulled back into a low ponytail. Ava's mother, Diana, was an attractive older version of her daughter.

Ava and her dad went to Izabelle first, finally, Diana wrapped her slender arms around Izabelle like she was comforting her own child. I watched as Izabelle sobbed in the arms of Ava's mother. Will Foster went over and stretched his arms around both of the women, motioning for Kyle and Ava to join them.

Witnessing the intimate family moment, sadness washed over me. This was what Kyle had given up to be with me.

"Is that the ex-girlfriend?" Dad asked, his gaze flicking to Kyle and Izabelle with the Fosters.

"Yes." I caught Katie's look of sympathy, and I forced a smile for my dad's benefit, but he hooked his arm around my shoulders and said softly, "He doesn't look at her the way he does you."

"Thanks, Dad." I smiled, but it was forced. Were Kyle and I meant to be together?

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. The words were from Proverbs 16:9. My heart was heavy. Despite what we wanted, God's will would prevail, as it should.

The uncertainty stuck with me even when Kyle took my hand and introduced me as his girlfriend to Ava and her parents. I wasn't sure if he noticed the anguish on Ava's beautiful face or the disappointment on the faces of her mother and father, but I was keenly aware of it.

Everyone exited the courtroom and said their goodbyes, but before we left the Fosters invited us to their house in two weeks. They were throwing a Halloween party, and they said they'd love to have us over.

We thanked them and Dad said it sounded like fun. I wasn't sure if he was being nice or if he intended to go to the party.

"You're upset that Ava and her parents came," Kyle said once we reached his truck.

I wanted to deny it, but I would not lie. "I'm glad they were here for Izabelle, but I might be a little jealous."

"Ah, sweetheart, if only you knew how much I love you." Pulling me closer he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"I know you love me, but you also loved her." I traced a fingertip on the button of his shirt.

"You think you came between me and Ava?"

"Yes," I admitted, miserably. "Her family loves you and Izabelle like their own."

This time he kissed my temple and said close to my ear, "I'm where I want to be."

I quoted Proverbs 16:9.

"Yes. The Lord does determine our steps. I've asked him about us, Lucy."

I was hopeful that he talked to God about us, even more so that he thought God answered. "What did he say?"

Kyle didn't hesitate. "He said to have faith and patience. What did he say to you?"

Surprise widened my eyes. "God doesn't talk to me."

"Yes, he does. God always communicates with his people. You just have to learn to listen."

For an instant, I wondered if something was wrong with me. Maybe I wasn't one of his people. The lies I told, the impure thoughts I couldn't seem to stop, and the jealousy I felt, haunted me.

"The world will drown out the still, small voice." As if he knew what I was thinking, Kyle put a reassuring hand on my back. "If we're not careful, the noise of life will be all we hear. You are His, Lucy."

Someone cleared a throat from behind us. "I'm sorry to interrupt," Izabelle apologized. "I was hoping I could talk to you."

She seemed uncertain, glancing down at the ground before looking up. My eyes widened in surprise because I realized she was speaking to me. "Of course."

"Katie said she'd give us a ride. That okay, little brother?"

Kyle's smile was slow and genuine. "Absolutely."

I knew what he was thinking, I told you she'd come around.

Izabelle and I walked away, but suddenly I stopped and turned to Kyle. "Is Jase coming to Shooters tonight?"

"I think so," he answered, cocking a dark brow.

"Katie will be glad to hear it."

A deep chuckle followed. "He's been asking about her too."

Later, Izabelle and I sat in the living room of my apartment.

"I'm not listening," Katie called out as she walked to the kitchen. "Just getting coffee."

"I told you to stay Katie."

"No, I'm giving the two of you some private time to patch your quilt. I want this settled. The next time I pass through I expect you to be friends again."

"Our quilt doesn't need a patch. We're still friends," Izabelle replied, but her eyes darted anxiously to mine. "We are, right?"

"Of course we are."

Izabelle studied me. Then she closed her eyes a moment before saying, "I'm sorry I freaked out about you and Kyle."

"I should have told you." Sometimes I wanted a do-over or a pause button, but life never slowed down even when you needed a chance to catch up.

I should have trusted in God to work everything out. Praying was only half the job. Waiting patiently was the part I was missing. I was doing life on my own without the Lord's guidance.

"I know why you did it. It was my fault," Izabelle confessed. "I was obsessed with getting Kyle and Ava back together. We were always a family. I guess I was afraid of losing that. I'm sorry."

She took a deep breath, her expression a mask of regret. "Hey, I made mistakes too. I understand."

"I think I knew," she said with a faraway look in her eyes. "Two years ago when Kyle showed up at the cemetery I saw how he was with you. I had a feeling, but I dismissed it. I deserve the lousiest friend award, but I love you and I hope you'll forgive me."

"Done. I couldn't love you anymore Izabelle if you really were my sister." I blinked back tears. I knew how blessed I was to have amazing friends.

"I just don't want you to get hurt, Lucy."

It was the last thing she said to me before we changed the subject. Her words lingered in my mind hours later when I should have been happy everything was falling into place.

Izabelle didn't want me to get hurt, which meant she thought there was a chance things wouldn't work out with Kyle.