“We’re here. I hope you enjoy the evening,” Hudson said after parking his car in front of his parents’ house.
“You sound doubtful.”
“Didn’t mean for it to come across that way.” He gave Melody a lopsided grin, hoping he wouldn’t have to take back his statement. His mom would make the evening wonderful even though he suspected she was matchmaking. That didn’t bother him, but what his dad might do concerned Hudson. The man could be charming but foreboding and unpredictable, as well.
Hudson walked Melody to the front door and prayed for a positive outcome for this party. For many years he’d dreaded attending his father’s birthday party. Too many times H.P. had used his birthday party to give Hudson new marching orders. Would that happen tonight, despite their recent talk?
For many of the recent ones, he’d been overseas and unable to attend. He couldn’t get out of this one, and to make things worse, his mother had invited Melody so she could tell the whole family about The Village.
He didn’t mind that she was coming with him or that she’d asked him to share his project, but he feared what kind of pronouncement his father would make on the occasion of his sixty-eighth birthday. Hudson didn’t want to argue with his father in front of company. In front of family was bad enough. Hudson could only hope the event would be one of celebration, peace and harmony. Even though he had numerous disagreements with his father, Hudson loved the man. He wanted Melody to like his family, too.
The door opened before they reached the front porch. His mother stepped out and gave him a hug, then turned to Melody. “Welcome. I’m so glad you could join us.”
“Me, too.”
Hudson watched for that tight smile that so often formed on Melody’s lips when she was trying to make you believe she was happy. But tonight her smile was genuine, and that buoyed his spirits. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. “So where’s the birthday boy?”
Susan looped her arm through her son’s. “He’s waiting for you in the sitting room. Your sisters and the rest of the family have already arrived.”
“Then, we can make our grand entrance.” Hudson laughed halfheartedly.
Susan glanced over at Melody. “Don’t listen to him. There will be no grand entrances. As soon as he walks into that room, he’ll be smothered with nieces and nephews.”
Shrugging, Hudson laughed again. “What can I say? They love me.”
“They adore him, but he shouldn’t let it go to his head. They like their grandmother more.” Susan nodded as she patted his arm. “Hudson, will you put your jackets in the coat closet?”
“Sure.” Hudson helped Melody out of her jacket. “We’ve had such a mild winter, but I hear a cold front’s headed our way tomorrow.”
“I’m afraid so.” Susan grimaced.
As they made their way toward the sitting room, he wondered what Melody was thinking. She’d already met his mother, but he was afraid the tension with his father would spill over into the rest of the family. But for now, laughter and lively conversation greeted them as they approached the French doors that led to the room. True to his mother’s word, the children came running as soon as they spied him.
“It’s Uncle Hud.” His five-year-old nephew, Riley, raced toward them.
Hudson picked the boy up and tossed him over his shoulder. “I’ve got you captured now.”
The boy squealed and wriggled to get down, and Hudson quickly set him on the floor. In the next instant, the other kids surrounded him as he hunkered down to greet the littlest ones. Then he stood and gave the older kids a fist bump. “Hey, gang, I want you to meet someone.”
“Is she your girlfriend?” Riley’s older brother Jacob asked.
Hoping the warmth creeping up his neck wasn’t a blush, Hudson shook his head. “No, young man, she’s my boss, and you’d better be nice to her.”
The boy’s eyes grew wide as he nodded vigorously. “I will, Uncle Hud.”
A collective laugh rippled through the room as he took Melody’s elbow and guided her farther into the room. “Melody, let me introduce you to my family.”
She smiled at him, but he could read the uncertainty in her eyes. “I hope you won’t test me on all the names.”
Susan stepped forward. “You did a marvelous job remembering all my friends a few weeks ago. They were impressed.”
Melody shrugged as she let out a seemingly self-conscious laugh. “It was nothing.”
Hudson leaned closer to her and whispered, “You don’t have to remember all these people.”
She smiled up at him. “Thanks. I appreciate that, but I’ll try.”
“You can remember my name.” Hudson’s youngest niece, a sweet little girl with curly dark hair, planted herself in front of Melody. “My name’s Madelyn. Uncle Hud calls me Maddie.”
“Is it okay if I call you Maddie, too?” Melody asked.
His niece nodded. “I think it’ll be okay since you’re his boss.”
“Thanks, Maddie,” Melody replied as another ripple of laughter spread through the room.
Hudson looked at her. “Now that you’ve met my youngest sister’s kids, are you ready for the full introductions?”
Taking a deep breath, she nodded, that nervous little smile curving her mouth.
He motioned toward the chair where his father sat. “My father, H.P.”
His dad stood and took one of Melody’s hands in his. “It’s nice to meet you. I understand you’re the little lady who’s in charge of the project my son’s involved with.”
“Yes, sir.” Melody nodded. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you. I’m trying to be happy about being another year older.” H.P.’s voice boomed across the room. “Is that son of mine doing good work?”
“The best.” Melody took a step back when H.P. released her hand.
Hudson tried not to let Melody’s approval go to his head. She was kind enough not to say anything negative to his father. His dad, on the other hand, wasn’t so generous with his praise.
Hudson motioned to the rest of his family sitting or standing around the room. “Now for the rest of this gang. My eldest sister, Elizabeth, and her husband, Todd, and their two kids, Alex and Melissa.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Elizabeth flashed Hudson an irritated smile. “Of course, he had to put in that bit about my being the eldest.”
Hudson grinned. “She might as well know who has seniority.”
“Seniority with what? I’d like to know,” Elizabeth said.
“With everything. You know you’ve loved bossing me around since I was old enough to understand what you were saying.”
“I can’t deny that.” Elizabeth winked at Melody.
He was thankful that Elizabeth had gone along with his joke. Sometimes she could be like their father—too serious and unbending. Maybe that was why his dad was reluctant to hand the reins over to her. The two of them were too much alike. His two younger sisters took after their mother, who was much more easygoing and quite flexible. He continued the introductions with his middle sister, Julie, and her husband, Sean, and their three children, Hannah, Shelby and Hunter. Moving on, he finished with his youngest sister, Rebecca, and her husband, Justin.
Smiling, Susan stepped to the center of the room. “Now that we’ve inundated Melody with names, let’s go into the dining room for the delicious dinner Sarah has prepared.”
With Melody at his side, Hudson hung back while his family filed out of the room. He wondered what she thought about the people he loved. “Was that a little overwhelming?”
“I think I can remember all the names, but not which child belongs with which parent.”
“I won’t give you a test.”
“That’s good.” She chuckled as she matched his stride. “You have a nice family.”
“Until you really get to know them.” Hudson stopped just outside the dining room.
Melody frowned at him. “Is that any way to talk about them?”
“I was only kidding, but I’ll admit I don’t always see eye to eye with them.”
“Do any of us always agree with everything our families do?”
“You know that’s the case with me, but I promise I won’t mention it again this evening.” He offered her his arm. “Let’s go eat.”
She slipped her arm through his, and like the night of the fund-raiser, he felt like the luckiest man in the room. He was with the most beautiful woman. He escorted her to the table and pulled out her chair, then took the one next to her. They sat at the end by the head of the table where his dad sat occupying his chair like a head of state. Before the meal, H.P. asked Hudson to offer a prayer as everyone joined hands. He glanced over at Melody as he held out his hand. This was one time when he didn’t mind bowing to his father’s command. When she placed her hand in his, memories of her spontaneous hug from the night of the Valentine banquet poured into his mind. He took a deep breath as he focused his thoughts on prayer, not on the soft, feminine hand holding his.
As soon as Hudson finished, Sarah and her kitchen help brought out the first course, one of H.P.’s favorites, shrimp cocktail.
His dad took the first bite, then laid aside his fork. “Now, this is the way to start a birthday party.”
Laughter spread around the table as everyone joined him. Everything from the appetizer to the perfectly grilled steaks pleased his father. As he finished off the last morsel of his steak, H.P. leaned toward Melody. “A man should be allowed to have steak more than once a year on his birthday.”
Hudson took in Melody’s deer-in-headlights expression and jumped in to rescue her from his dad’s complaints. “Dad, you know that’s what the doctor ordered.”
H.P. frowned. “It’s criminal with all the good steak in this world that I can’t enjoy it more often. The food police take the enjoyment out of life.”
Elizabeth patted her father’s arm. “Now, Daddy, calm down. You don’t want to raise your blood pressure on your birthday. Think happy thoughts.”
H.P. harrumphed and crossed his arms. “My happy thoughts would include more steak.”
“How about some birthday cake and ice cream,” Sarah said as she wheeled in a cart with a large cake covered with creamy frosting and walnuts. “Carrot cake. Your favorite.”
While Sarah served, Hudson wondered what would make his dad happy besides his favorite foods. Did he find joy in telling other people what to do? Was that why he pushed his only son? Was his attitude what led to his success?
What would happen if he slipped out from under his father’s thumb? He could do that if he put Elizabeth in charge, but would it be the right thing to do? He’d thought Melody’s suggestion was brilliant until he’d had time to think it over. That solution would upset his dad and, despite the desire to be his own man, a nagging thought plagued Hudson. He didn’t want to displease the most important man in his life.
Hudson warred with himself over his father’s demands. He didn’t want to take over the company. If he wanted to be true to himself, he had to stand up to him no matter what the consequences would be. Was that what he wanted?
Susan tapped on her water goblet with a spoon, shaking Hudson from his troubling thoughts. “Let’s sing ‘Happy Birthday’.”
H.P. waved a hand and knit his eyebrows, but Hudson could tell that underneath his father’s objection there was a happy man. His mom had always been able to bring out the best in her husband. Without a doubt, his father loved and cherished the woman he’d married over forty years ago. Hudson wondered whether he could find a love like that. He’d made a wrong decision with Nicole. Was Melody a better choice? He wished she’d let him find out.
As they sang, Hudson glanced around the table at the happy faces of his family. When they finished singing, his gaze stopped on Melody, and his pulse pounded as he swallowed a lump in his throat. He’d been telling himself for weeks that he should be cautious where she was concerned. But it hadn’t mattered. His heart couldn’t resist the onslaught of her beauty, her giving nature and her love for people of all kinds.
But he couldn’t break his promise. He had to let her take the lead or convince her to change her mind about that second date.
* * *
Melody fought back the emotions that bubbled to the surface as she took in the joy in the room. Hudson’s dad reminded her so much of her own—the way he’d grumbled about the food restrictions. She still missed him all these years after he’d died and wished that he could have lived to see his sixty-eighth birthday.
She’d been wrong to tell Hudson to take over the company and then give control to his sister. It would be deceitful unless Hudson told his dad up-front. Melody could see that H.P. doted on his son, whether Hudson could see it himself or not. She also understood why they didn’t always get along. They were both strong personalities who had their own way of thinking. Even though Hudson didn’t always see his father’s point of view, she surmised from their interaction that he respected the older man and wanted to please him. That was probably why it had taken Hudson so long to strike out on his own. She wanted to help.
After everyone had finished dessert, Susan stood and clanged her glass again. “We’re going into the solarium and have coffee if you’d like, and while we do that, Melody will tell us about The Village. The younger kids may go to the playroom, but I’d like the older ones to stay and hear what she has to say. I believe there are opportunities for community service there.”
“But, Susu, when will Grampy open his presents?” Maddie asked.
“He’ll do it after the talk.” She patted them each on the head. “I’ll call you when he’s ready to open his gifts.”
Satisfied with their grandmother’s answer, the younger children raced off, and Susan smiled. “Such energy. I wish I could bottle it.”
H.P. put an arm around his wife. “You have plenty of energy. If you had any more, I couldn’t keep up with you.”
Susan laughed, and the two walked arm in arm as they led the way to the solarium.
Hudson came up beside Melody as the group followed behind his parents. “So are you having a good time?”
“Yes. The food was amazing. I can understand why your dad complained about not getting to eat it often enough.”
H.P. stopped and turned to Melody. “I heard that, young lady. You should talk to my wife and convince her that I shouldn’t be on such a restricted diet.”
Melody shook her head. “I couldn’t do that. I think your wonderful wife loves you and wants to keep you around for a while longer. That’s why she makes you watch what you eat.”
H.P. nodded. “Yeah. That’s what she tells me all the time.”
“Listen to her. I lost my granddaddy to a heart attack because he didn’t do the things he was told.” Melody took in H.P.’s frown and wondered if she’d overstepped. The statement had popped out of her mouth before she’d had the chance to really think it through.
“I am so sorry, my dear.” H.P. sighed. “I guess you’re right. I should listen to my wife.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. Now she could give her talk without that worry.
While everyone jockeyed for a seat, Susan pointed to a chair with a flaming red cushion. “Melody, please sit here.”
“Thanks.” Melody wasn’t sure what Susan expected from this talk and said a silent prayer for God’s guidance.
Hudson immediately grabbed a spot at the end of the sofa next to her chair. When he smiled, her insides scrambled. How could she keep her mind on her talk when he was sitting there smiling at her? She had to focus on his family and not on him, but he kept coming into her line of vision. After everyone was settled, Melody figured she might as well put Hudson front and center since she couldn’t get him off her mind. She started her talk with his undertaking at The Village and asked him to give them more details.
Hudson grinned as he looked her way. “She warned me that she planned to put me on the spot, but I’m happy to report that we’re halfway finished with the project. Despite Carter’s absence, we’ve been able to maintain our original timeline.”
As Hudson continued to talk about his work, Melody believed he was not only sharing with his family, but he was making sure his dad knew what was happening. After Hudson finished, she thanked him and praised his work. She wanted to let him know how much she appreciated what he was doing. She continued her talk by mentioning the different facets of the ministry and put an emphasis on areas where they needed volunteers. Finally, she put in a plug for the road rally.
That topic created a cacophony of conversation throughout the room. Finally, H.P. rapped his knuckles on the nearby table. “We should participate in this fund-raising endeavor.”
His pronouncement started another round of conversation. Melody liked the lively interaction between the members of Hudson’s family, and she was happy that his dad approved of the idea.
While she watched the commotion, Hudson leaned closer. “You’re a hit with my dad. I knew he’d like you.”
“The road rally is a hit, and that was your idea.”
“True, but I still say he’s eager to participate because he likes you.”
Eventually, the talk died down and H.P. took over the floor as he gathered commitments for the rally from his children and grandchildren. Melody passed out the forms she’d purposely brought with her. Soon someone from each family group was filling one out.
Hudson leaned an elbow on the arm of the sofa. “I should’ve known my dad would eventually take over this event.”
“That’s okay. It’s his birthday.”
Hudson laughed. “Yes, we must indulge the birthday boy. At least his declaration didn’t involve me this year.”
Melody wrinkled her brow. “Does it usually?”
Hudson gave her a crooked smile. “Too often.”
“And what does he say about you?”
Hudson laughed again. “He tells me what I’m to do next with my life. But that won’t happen this year, even if he eventually gets around to such a decree.”
Melody wasn’t sure how to respond to his statement. Despite the congenial nature of the evening, the conflict between father and son had not subsided. Melody wished she could smooth away the troubles between Hudson and his father, but she would be asking for trouble of her own if she did.
As the leaders of each group finished filling out the entry forms, they handed them to Melody and expressed their excitement about the event.
H.P. handed her his form, then motioned her toward the door. “Since you’re here, come with me to my study. I’ll write a check for our entry fee.”
“If you’d like to open your gifts in the study, we can bring them in there,” Susan said.
“Whatever you’d like, my dear.”
Again, Melody tried not to gawk at the affluence surrounding her. These folks took for granted the wealth that was an everyday part of their lives. She immediately shut down her negative thoughts. Hudson’s family had shown her today that they were willing to help The Village, not only with their money, but with their time. She should have only good things to think about them. After spending so much time with Hudson, shouldn’t she know by now that his wealth wasn’t what defined him or his family?
When they reached the double doors that opened into the study, H.P. stood aside to let his wife, daughters and Melody go first. She glanced around the room at the hundreds of books in the built-in bookcase. Dozens of family photos were on display while a massive desk dominated the floor space.
Before Melody finished looking around, H.P. handed her a check. “Here you are.”
“Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy the rally.” Melody looked up at H.P. “Hudson told me that one of the windows in the Chapel Church at The Village was dedicated to one of your relatives, Maisy Conrick.”
“Yes, that’s right.” He motioned for her to follow as he moseyed over to an old black-and-white photo on one of the walls. “Maisy was my great-aunt. I never knew her because she died before I was born, but family stories are full of her charity and bravery. She went to work among the poor immigrants in New York City. That’s where she contracted the diphtheria that killed her. The vaccine for the disease was only in development at the time.”
Susan stepped toward them. “The Conrick family history is filled with folks who have been eager to help those who are less fortunate. You should have Hudson tell you about them.”
Hudson frowned. “Mom, that would be a little over-the-top. Like, ‘Hey, look at us and all the good stuff we do.’”
Susan gave her son an indulgent smile. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
“We won’t talk about it now. It’s time for Dad to open his presents.” Hudson picked up one of the gaily wrapped gifts.
“I’ll agree with that.” H.P. sat behind his desk as Hudson handed his dad the gift.
The younger children sprinted into the room and found seats on the floor while the rest of the family sat on the sofa, chairs and window seat. As H.P. ripped the paper from the packages or dug into a gift bag, Melody took in the simple items that brought a smile to his face, especially the handmade gifts from the children. Even those from the adults were simple things that were more sentimental than anything else, such as photos of his grandchildren or of family vacations that were set in special and unusual frames.
All this familial happiness made Melody realize that despite their wealth, the Conricks were like so many throughout the country. They loved each other, but they didn’t always agree. The love they shared brought them through the troubled times, even the disagreements.
When H.P. was done, Melody inquired about the location of the restroom and Susan gladly escorted her. After Melody was done there, she wandered back toward the study. As she passed down the hallway, she heard someone say her name. She stopped. Although she knew it wasn’t right to eavesdrop, she couldn’t help listening.
“What do you know about her?”
“Not much, but Hudson’s smitten.”
“He’s fallen for a gold digger before. Who’s to say she isn’t another one like Nicole? He’s always been a sucker for pretty blondes. And she’s very pretty.”
“Did you see the way she was buttering up Daddy by taking an interest in the family history? She had him eating out of her hand with that poor-little-me act about her granddaddy. Looks as if she’s trying to worm her way into the family.”
“Hudson cares about her, and you’re too critical. Give her a chance.”
“A chance to break Hudson’s heart?”
“It’s not our business.”
“I don’t care what you say. I’m making it my business. You can’t stop me.”
Melody wasn’t sure who was talking. The sisters tended to sound alike, especially since she didn’t know them that well. One of them seemed to be defending her while the other two were adamant that a poor girl from southern Georgia was surely after Hudson’s money. What could she do? The only wise thing right now was to retreat to the bathroom and hope the conversation would be over when she came back out. Or maybe they’d staged the conversation in hopes that she would hear it. Was that their plan?
Back in the beautifully appointed guest bath, Melody stared at herself in the mirror. The old hurts from her high school years stole back into her mind. It was the mean rich girls all over again. They were talking about her behind her back. They didn’t believe she was good enough for their brother. Tears welled in Melody’s eyes as she continued to look in the mirror. She couldn’t go back out there until she got her emotions under control. She wasn’t sure how she could push aside the anger, hurt and humiliation. If only they knew that Hudson’s money was one of the things that had kept her from falling for him the first time they met. She wouldn’t let them win. After wiping her tears, she refreshed her makeup. With her head held high, she made her way back to the study. When she entered the room, Hudson immediately came to her side.
He grinned down at her. “I thought you’d gotten lost.”
“I could have in this house. No telling where I might have ended up if I’d taken a wrong turn.”
“I would’ve come looking for you.”
“Trying to play my knight in shining armor again?”
“If you want to be my damsel in distress?”
“Not really. No more twisted ankles for me.”
“Then, you’ve got to learn to slow down.” He leaned a little closer. “And let me catch you.”
Melody’s heart tripped. He was flirting with her right here in front of his family. What would his sisters say? “I can’t let that happen.”
“You could. You should try it, and see how you like it.”
Melody was so tempted to do exactly that. She would show his sisters that she was good enough, better than good enough for their brother. Taking a calming breath, she tamped down her anger. That was no reason to pursue Hudson. She didn’t want this evening to end on a sour note, but how could it get better when his sisters’ hurtful words kept pushing their way back into her thoughts?
“I know the idea of letting me catch you can be overwhelming, but you could say something.” Hudson winked at her.
“I’m helping you keep your promise.”
Hudson pretended to wipe his brow. “Thanks for saving me.”
Melody laughed, thankful for something to blunt the hurt of his sisters’ unkind words. “Anytime.”
“All right, everyone, we’re headed back to the solarium.” H.P.’s booming voice gathered their attention. “It’s tradition time. One big game of Uno coming up.”
“My dad’s favorite game. We play it every year on his birthday.” Hudson put a hand to Melody’s back and guided her toward the door. “I’m making sure you don’t get lost.”
“I can find my way.”
“I’m helping you play it safe.”
She gave him an impish smile. “This coming from the man who likes to live dangerously?”
He shrugged. “What can I say? You’re influencing my behavior.”
If only that was true. Melody smiled but kept the thought to herself.
As the group sauntered back to the solarium, Elizabeth latched on to Hudson’s arm. “Hey, little brother. I need a word with you.” Elizabeth turned to Melody. “You don’t mind if I borrow him for a few minutes?”
Melody pasted on a smile. “He’s not mine to lend.”
“That’s a good one.” Elizabeth looked at Melody with a smile nearly as affected as her own, then steered Hudson away.
Melody stood there, not quite sure she was going to find much pleasure in the rest of the evening. But she would. She would not be intimidated. Straightening her shoulders, she entered the solarium, where H.P. and his sons-in-law readied the table for the game.
While Melody watched, Rebecca came over. “So has our family overwhelmed you yet?”
Melody wondered why Rebecca had sought her out. Was she going to tell her to leave Hudson alone? “Not really. I come from a large family myself. I grew up in a small town, and it seemed as though half the town was related to me.”
“That sounds like where our mom grew up.”
“Yes, she mentioned that when I was here to talk to her ladies’ missionary group.”
“Mom was very impressed with your presentation.”
“Thank you.” Melody didn’t know what to make of these compliments or Rebecca’s seemingly friendly nature.
“I know this isn’t any of my business, but I have to say it. Hudson is clearly captivated with you, and I think you should give my little brother a chance.”
Melody didn’t know what to say, especially after the earlier conversation she’d overheard. Was Rebecca the one who’d been defending her? “I don’t understand.”
“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but a few weeks ago Hudson asked me for advice about women. He didn’t mention any names, but now I believe he was asking because of you.”
As Melody listened to Rebecca, the hurtful conversation replayed itself in her mind. Nothing made sense. What would Rebecca say if she knew Melody had heard them talking. One way to find out. “Are you sure your sisters would be happy if they knew you were saying this to me?”
“What do my sisters have to do with this?”
“I wasn’t meaning to listen, but I—”
“You heard us talking?”
Melody nodded.
Rebecca laid a hand on Melody’s arm. “I’m so sorry. Elizabeth and Julie are very protective of Hudson, especially Elizabeth. He says she’s like a second mother.”
“Maybe you don’t believe I’m a gold digger, but it doesn’t bode well for any relationship I might like to have with Hudson if two of his sisters do.”
“They’ll come around.”
Melody stared at Rebecca. Was that really true? And who was Nicole? Should she ask? Opposing thoughts danced through her mind like the lights beaming off the glass enclosure surrounding her. She had to know. “Who’s Nicole?”
“A woman who broke my brother’s heart, pretending to love him when all she wanted was a rich husband.”
“Oh.” Melody had no idea what to say. “I’m not sure how I feel about Hudson.”
“Think about giving him a chance. I promise you won’t be sorry.”
Melody wished she could be sure. Everything in her wanted to believe Rebecca, but she feared being reeled in only to be cut loose when she got too close. Was Hudson really waiting for her to make the first move, or would it be a replay of the mean girls’ ploy that still haunted her so many years later?
Throughout the remainder of the evening, Melody studied the people around her. Elizabeth and Julie preserved their masks of friendliness, but Melody knew the thoughts behind their facades. She’d come to believe Hudson had been right about his father. H.P. did like her, but would that translate into approving of Hudson’s interest in her? Likewise with Susan. Rebecca was the only one who was definitely in her corner.
As Hudson and Melody said their good-nights, she wondered whether she should act on his sister’s urging to give him a chance. Since Christopher’s death, she had wrapped her emotions in a cocoon, hoping to avoid more pain. But every time she interacted with Hudson, his kindness, sense of humor and dedication to The Village worked to unravel the protective barrier. Christopher would want her to be happy. He had always told her to reach for her dreams.
Did she have enough fortitude to tell Hudson that she wanted to go out with him again and find out what the future might hold? Would she finally be brave enough to put her fears behind her?