In your gift we find our rest.

Saint Augustine

Chapter Fifty-Four

Sabina

I’ve been looking for a phone for several minutes, to no avail. So I go to the source. “Miles, is there somewhere I could make a phone call?”

“Sure. Use the den.” He points to a set of French doors. “Just through there. Close the doors so you can hear yourself talk.”

“Thank you, I’ll do that.”

I walk into the den, close the doors against the joyful clamor coming from the family room, and then sit in a leather chair situated in the corner of the room. I look around. This is Miles’s space. I punch Ellyn’s number into the phone. If I don’t catch her, I at least want to leave a message.

“Sabina?”

“Oh, good, I caught you. Are you at your mother’s?”

“I just crossed the bridge so I have about ten more minutes of peace.”

“Good. Listen, it feels odd to say this, but . . . I’m praying for you.” I sit back in Miles’s chair.

“Thank you. I’m going to need divine intervention to get through this. How are things there?”

I hear a wistfulness in her question. “They’re good. There’s even a little romance in the air. Girl, you should be here.”

“Romance? Um . . . Miles?”

I sit up straight. “Miles? Oh, no. No. It’s Twila and Miles’s son, Will. They haven’t taken their eyes off each other since Nerissa and Twila arrived.”

“Oh. Really? That’s great. Oh, that’s so great.”

“Well, who knows? It may not go anywhere, but they sure seem taken with each other. I’d say it was love at first sight.”

“Good. And how is Miles?”

“He’s fine, Ellyn. He is such a delight, but you know what I think of him. I wish you were here though, and not just because I miss you. I think he misses you too.”

“Thanks, Sabina. But . . . I can’t think about that right now. I have to confront the situation with my mom. I need to . . . you know.”

“Yes, I do. You’re doing the right thing, Ellyn. I’m so impressed with your courage. You’re making some good, wise choices.”

“It’s time.”

“Yes. Call if you need anything. And Ellyn, Merry Christmas.”

“You too, Sabina. Give everyone my love.”

I hang up and then decide now is also a good time to call the twins, who are celebrating Christmas back East with Antwone’s parents. The holidays have always been an event in our home, but when the girls suggested staying back East rather than traveling home this year, I knew it was the right choice. It freed me to be here through the holidays and beyond. At least, that’s how long I used to think I’d stay.

Of course, now, with Antwone here, I realize I want to be with him. Need to be with him. We are building a new relationship on a new foundation. But we agreed not to make a decision on timing until the new year.

He is loving the time here as much as I am.

And I have lost time to make up for.