Page 88 of Faking the Shot

But this one wasn’t for posting. This one was just for him, just for her. And maybe would be shared one day when he could finally write a comment along the lines of “Forever isn’t long enough with you.”

CHAPTER17

“Oh, Ainsley.”

Her mother held Aunty Win’s hand as they stared at the house with the brand-new Sold sticker on the sign out front.

She wished she could be holding Zac’s hand, finding more of that strength his big body offered, but he was away in Texas. Instead she had to settle for clutching Mack’s arm, while Benson hovered nervously, keeping an eye on her mom.

Benson had come onto the scene just prior to Ainsley’s grandmother’s death, and had about as many memories as she and Mack did. She had ever-dimming memories of flowers in windowsill baskets, the aroma of chocolate chip cookies, and her grandmother’s forever-bright smile. Little had anyone known that smile hid a world of pain, something that had only come out when their grandfather had been exposed as a man who hurt his wife with bruises that didn’t show, until he’d battered her one too many times.

Mom and Aunty Win had suspected, but had been shielded from much of the pain. It later came out in the trial that he’d been grooming Ainsley for unspeakable acts, when Gran had tried to intervene. Her grandfather had died in prison. Her grandma was her hero.

To look at it, this house held no outward signs of trauma. The previous owners had planted some trees, but the big tree where the old swing used to hang had been damaged in a storm and only a stump remained. If she closed her eyes she could imagine when she used to come here as a young child, blithely unaware of what trauma lay ahead. To be here now felt a little surreal.

“Are you okay?” Mack asked.

She nodded. “You?”

“Yeah. My memories aren’t as strong as yours. Or theirs.” He nodded to the sisters in front of them.

Aunty Win was looking shaky, but her fighting spirit remained strong. Stirling had mentioned there was a hiccup in the zoning, but he hoped it would be resolved too. Right now, Ainsley had a house but no right to use it in the way she hoped. But if God had allowed this house to finally fall into her hands, then surely He would also allow the zoning to change at the right time. She just hoped it would be sooner rather than later, as Aunty Win’s frail state suggested she might not be able to afford to wait.

“Are you ready to go in?”

They went inside, and it was almost like everyone could heave a sigh of relief. The space held few memories, the garish paint and aged carpet different to what they recalled.

But it proved that it was the perfect place for a refuge. A quiet street, privacy, a beautiful view looking out onto water, trees, mountains. The women who came here would be blessed. She could see it now. Her aunt’s paintings on the walls, a place where damaged lives could be soothed, could find respite, could find a place to breathe.

She told them about some of the plans she had, subject to planning approvals. Such as dividing the house into several purpose-built spaces that could accommodate several single women in the upper level, while the basement area could provide a home for a small family.

“White Night have some other homes they use for this, but the need is always there. They’ve got a list of requirements and recommendations, and Stirling and I will be working with them to make it happen. Soon.” She pressed a kiss to her aunt’s cheek.

Aunty Win held her hand. “This is a good thing.”

“You are redeeming the past,” Mom said. “I love that God can restore the broken things.” She sighed, hugged Benson, and the room filled with quiet.

And Ainsley’s prayers.Lord, use this place for Your purposes. Use me for Your plans.

“How long until you think it’s operational?” her aunt asked.

“It will take some time still to make all the arrangements, but I hope in the next few months.”

“Good. It’s needed.”

Ainsley nodded. The local news had reported another woman had been killed by her ex-partner today.

They exited, hugged, and eventually only she and Mack were outside. “It’s going to be great.”

She nodded, adjusting her scarf. “I’ve got a good feeling about it.”

He smiled, glanced at her neck. His eyes widened. “Well, hello. What have you got there?”

She clutched the necklace. “Zac gave it to me for Christmas.”

“Your non-boyfriend, huh?”

It kind of hurt to think of him like that. Even if it was true. “He thought it would look more convincing that we were together if he gave me jewelry like this.”