24

“You still want me to come in?” Skylar blinked. Could it be Slade had accepted her as is?

As an answer, Slade increased pressure on her back, guiding her across the threshold. Once they were inside, he shut the door, cupped hands on her face and steadied his gaze on hers. “Did you pay your dues? Take the punishment for your crime?”

She nodded.

“Did you ask the Lord to forgive you?”

“Yes. Of course I did.”

“Then, you’ve made amends for your crime, and you’ve been forgiven by God. You’re not the person you used to be when you made the choice to steal. You’ve been made whole in Christ. A new creature.” He grinned. “A beautiful creature, if I may add.”

“I just told you I was a thief. I’ve acted like the man who stole money from your sister, and you’re flirting with me? I…I thought you’d hate me.”

“You’re nothing like Aston Barnes. You’re a compassionate, warm-hearted, vibrant woman. And I’m blessed to have you here with me.” Slade dipped his head, placed a feathery kiss on her lips, and then stepped back. “Come on. Let’s find Sarah and Lily. I’m anxious for you to meet them.” He turned and strode into the cabin’s great room.

Wow, Lord, is this the man You have planned for me? Please let it be, because I think I’ve just begun to fall in love with him.

Acceptance. Forgiveness. Isn’t that what she’d been searching for? Even as she allowed herself to begin to dream of a future with Slade, reality sank in. She wasn’t out of the woods yet; not with Uncle Winston’s money still unaccounted for.

Skylar quelled her emotions and followed Slade farther into the house, her gaze immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows and toward a vaulted ceiling supported by wide cedar beams. A classic stone, wood-burning fireplace took up an entire wall. Comfortable looking, yet rustic furniture occupied the living space. Hardwood floors accentuated the cabin’s appeal, and so did the fresh scent of lemon detergents.

“This place is amazing,” Skylar said.

“Thanks. Sarah likes to keep the cabin spotless.” Slade turned and gestured toward the pristine kitchen, open to the great room. “She’s always cleaning something. She says she wants to earn her keep. I keep telling her she doesn’t need to, but she won’t listen.”

Skylar ran a finger along the back of the leather sofa, the soft material cool against her skin. “Maybe it’s more than that. When my life is spiraling out of control, performing normal activities grounds me. Organizing and cleaning might make Sarah feel better.”

Slade’s brows lifted. “You could be right. No matter her motivation, I do appreciate the extra help.” His expression grew somber. “I’ll miss her and Lily when they move out, although it might be a while considering I didn’t get the money back.”

“There’s still hope. Once Aston’s arrested, the sheriff’s office will look at his electronic devices. Maybe they’ll find something on his laptop.”

“Barnes knows his operation’s been compromised. He might’ve already deleted the files.”

Before Skylar could respond, a door slammed open from one of the back rooms and a blonde woman burst through, eyes wide and streaked with tears. “Slade!”

“Sarah.” Slade spun toward her. “What’s wrong?”

Her bare feet slapped against the hardwood floor as she ran. She barreled into Slade’s chest, bounced back and fisted a hand in his shirt. “It’s Lily. She’s gone! I can’t find her.”

Slade’s features hardened. He placed hands on her shoulders. “Have you checked under the beds? In the closets?”

“I’ve looked everywhere.”

“Then we’ll look again.” Slade glanced at Skylar. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

Slade and Sarah took off down the hallway and climbed steps to the second floor.

Skylar’s chest squeezed tight. She had inadvertently revealed Slade’s first name to Aston. What if he’d used his online resources to find the cabin and snatch Lily? No. She wouldn’t jump to conclusions. There could be a plausible explanation. Maybe Lily had stepped outside to play, or she could have fallen asleep somewhere. Both scenarios seemed plausible, but her unease grew as Slade and Sarah continued to call out for Lily.

Skylar paced the room until her cellphone rang. She plucked it from her purse and checked the caller ID, read the name, and sank onto the sofa as her legs gave out.