That had been Amber’s reason? A car? No wonder she hadn’t wanted to tell anyone. The revelation left Jenna speechless.
“And the other day,” the judge continued. “I was trying to protect my son. His mother comes from a background similar to yours. I saw history repeating itself and stepped in to stop him from being hurt. I hope you’ll see it in your heart to forgive me someday.”
The judge walked away. His shoulders hunched.
She watched him go, feeling sad. “Your father loves you very much.”
Ash nodded. “He was trying to protect me the best way he knew how. Not that his reason excuses his actions.”
Jenna could see the situation more clearly now. “He didn’t want you to suffer the same pain he did, but his methods were wrong.”
“I was wrong. I’ve said ‘I’m sorry’ so many times you must not believe me.”
“Words are easy to say.”
Ash brushed his hand through his hair. “I mean them. I let pride get in the way of seeing the truth. Believing my father wasn’t capable of . . . well, everything he’s done to you.”
“Don’t worry about me.” She wasn’t sure where the words came from, but she believed them with her whole heart. “You need to forgive your father and yourself.”
“What about us?” Ash asked. “We tried starting over, but maybe if we tried again . . . if you can forgive me . . .?”
“I accept your apology, but it’s hard to forget what you’ve done when you keep doing it.” Her throat clogged. She swallowed, but that didn’t help. “I care about you, Ash. I always have. But you promised. You claimed you wouldn’t do the same thing again. But you did. You wouldn’t believe what I said until you had proof. I need to know the man I’m with trusts me. That he’ll be on my side, no matter what.”
“Jenna—”
“Not now.” She raised her hands, palms facing him. “You’re paying me to take pictures of your sister’s wedding. I can’t do that out here.”
“Later, then.” The hope in his voice matched the sentiment in his gaze.
“Maybe.” That was all Jenna could give him. “It’s going to be a long day.”
Hours later, Ash loosened his tie. The four-tiered cake had been cut and served. The tossed bouquet had hit Jenna on the forehead. One bandage later, she was back taking pictures. Bridesmaids had stuck their shoes under a table and walked barefoot.
He looked at the smiling guests and crowded dance floor.
A perfect wedding. Exactly what Amber had wanted. He couldn’t be happier for his sister and Toby, now Mr. and Mrs. Matthews.
Funny how Amber was married while Ash was still single. And at this rate would remain so. A vise tightened around his heart. He had only himself to blame.
I had no connections with anyone outside of my family. My faith was so weak. Before, when I was with you, I wasn’t like the way I am now.
Jenna’s words reverberated through his head. Made his heart hurt more. What she said described him.
You were my catalyst for change. For finding Pastor Dan and his church. For falling in love with God. I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but being dumped at the altar was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Dissatisfaction with his life, with everything, made Ash itch. He wanted what Jenna had found—unwavering faith and a place to belong. Was it too late to change?
Amber touched his shoulder, then hugged him, not the half-armed air hug she was famous for, but an honest-to-goodness not-letting-go hug like they’d shared when she was little. “Isn’t today wonderful?”
He let go of her. “The best.”
“Thanks for your help.” She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I appreciate everything you’ve done, given what a mess I made of you and Jenna.”
“I would have lost her on my own. I just did.”
“Try, try again.”
“What happened belongs in the past,” he said.
“No, it doesn’t. You make a cute couple. That’s why I’ve been trying to get you to spend more time together.”
“The dinner at the café and wedding site tour.”
“I was hoping for lunch after the bridal salon visit, but that didn’t work out.” Amber beamed. “Still rather brilliant with shades of Jane Austen’s Emma, don’t you think?”
“You’re not a matchmaker. Don’t do it again.”
“You didn’t seem to mind at the time.”
“I do now.” Jenna’s present burned a hole in his pocket. She might not want it, but he needed to give her the box. Maybe she could see the gift as a thank-you, not a good-bye.
“Change your mind,” his sister suggested. “We’ll figure out a plan.”
Amber was so young and in love. He was happy for her, but she didn’t understand how complicated things were with Jenna. “Go find your husband. The two of you should be leaving soon.”
“I will, but I have to say something first. Since Jenna came back into your life, you’ve been the happiest I’ve ever seen you. I think there’s a correlation between her and your good mood.”