When she got out, she wrapped herself in a towel and dried off. It felt good to have a shower instead of a bath. Nothing like the simple things in life she’d missed over the past six weeks. Footsteps upstairs told her they were no longer alone at the house. Bridget pressed her lips tightly together and stared at the door.
She might as well face the music. Nothing was going to change how they treated her—it was going to be a disaster, and she’d beg for someone to drive her home in an instant. She’d much rather be there anyway.
Bridget took her time getting dressed. Grabbing her crutches, she maneuvered to the stairs, used the railing, and took them one at a time to get to the top. She was getting much better at that, although she still felt like she was going to fall down half the time. She’d never admit that to anyone unless she had to, but Eli often wrangled it out of her.
As she entered the kitchen, she was hit with a memory. Karen at the stove, cooking the two of them breakfast after a sleepover when they’d stayed up all night. Bob already out in the fields working or out on some emergency veterinarian call that had come in. Stacy trying to get their attention as if she was their third best friend when she was really a third wheel. Bryant ignoring them.
They all stared at her. She awkwardly shuffled to get the crutches under her arms and stared back, no idea what to say or even how to begin the conversation. She drew in a shuddering breath, searching for Eli, the only person she trusted in the room not to make her feel ostracized, shamed, or the guilty party in every crime.
“You look like you’re healing well,” Karen said, her voice soft and soothing. There was no touch of anger to it, hardly any pity either, which Bridget was thankful for.
Bridget nodded. “I’m on crutches now.”
Karen gave a small smile. “Happier to move around.”
“God yes.” Bridget had almost cursed but caught herself at the last minute. It would not do her well to curse in front of Karen. Bridget always suspected she had it in her to whip her with a wooden spoon.
“I’m glad. Eli said you looked pretty rough when she got to you in the hospital.”
Bridget looked around again for Eli but didn’t find her. Instead, all of the Wilsons, minus Bryant and Stacy’s husband—whatever his name was—stared at her. Bridget shrugged.
Karen stepped in close and put a hand on Bridget’s shoulder. She leaned in, sliding her other arm around to encapsulate her in a hug. Bridget stiffened. Karen held on tight, pressing her nose into Bridget’s hair. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I was so worried.”
Tears stung Bridget’s eyes.
“Are you really all right?” Karen whispered.
Bridget sniffled. She nodded, then she shook her head. Reaching around as best as she could, she gripped Karen in a hug, not wanting to let go. She’d never expected this. Never thought she’d be welcome back into this family. It had been her family growing up. She’d felt more herself, more free, and more able to have fun and be a kid here than anywhere else. She’d never wanted to leave.
Karen lifted her chin and said firmly, “Why don’t y’all go hang out in the den for a bit. We can eat in there.”
The shuffling movement from the room gave Bridget what she needed to gather herself again. When she pulled away from Karen, she brushed her fingers under her eyes, capturing the tears that had already fallen.
“It’s okay to cry, baby.” Karen wiped thumbs over her cheeks. “You nearly died.”
Bridget nodded, but she barely registered what Karen had said. Then she shook her head. “It’s not that.”
“What is it then?”
“I just…I never thought I’d be welcome here after what happened.”
Karen sighed and lifted Bridget’s chin so Bridget had to look her in the eye—eyes that matched Eli’s, a soft brown that held so much depth in them. “You are always welcome in my family. Don’t you let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Okay. Thanks, Karen.”
Karen chuckled lightly. “Now I suppose you want to make it look like you weren’t crying, so go splash some cold water on your face and you can help me finish breakfast.”
“Yeah.” Bridget shuffled over to the kitchen sink and did as she was told. When she dried her face on the towel, she saw Eli and Sarah out the window, holding hands as they walked toward the house. Of course Eli would be out with Bob doing chores in the morning.
Karen sat her at the counter with all the mixings for pancakes. It had been their go-to when they were kids sleeping over. Bridget remembered it almost like it was yesterday.
“When did you all get in?” Bridget asked.
“Late last night. Bob insisted on driving from Arizona in one day.”
Bridget whistled. “Tough drive.”
Karen hummed her agreement. “I think he’s excited for the wedding.”