Josie stood at the podium, shaking. None of these people had any reason to believe her, especially because Maddie claimed to have evidence otherwise.
“I’m truly sorry that my personal issues are getting in the way here,” Josie said after offering a silent prayer that God would give her the words that she needed.
“I don’t know what evidence Maddie says she has, but I have never signed any contracts agreeing to sell the stables. I remember all of the things I loved about this community, and I’m not going to let the stables go without a fight.”
She looked around the audience for a friendly face, but all she saw were frowns and looks of concern. She supposed she didn’t blame them, considering she hadn’t come home with the best of attitudes. But even if they didn’t believe her now, hopefully, she would find a way to win them over.
Hal, her father’s old friend, stood. “It sounds like you have some investigating to do. I believe you, but I also believe Maddie. We all want what’s best for both the community and the stables. We’ve all been given our jobs and will continue with our assignments. I think we should take a break now and reconvene when everything is settled. We can discuss this at next week’s meeting.”
Though it wasn’t a glowing round of support, at least she was being given a chance to prove herself. As the community members shuffled out, Josie smiled at them, hoping she provided a reassuring presence, but inside, she felt the familiar frustration and confusion as she remembered the last time she and Maddie had publicly gone toe-to-toe. It had been at the stables’ annual Christmas party, and she and Maddie had argued over something ridiculous. Then, because she hadn’t given Maddie whatever answer it was that Maddie was expecting, Maddie publicly accused her of spreading rumors about her, which Josie hadn’t done. Josie had never gotten the opportunity to prove her innocence because instead, Maddie had announced to everyone that the rumors were true. Worse, though, Maddie had told everyone that she was pregnant with Brady’s baby.
This was that same sickening feeling, where deep in her heart, Josie knew that she was innocent. But rather than being able to prove her innocence, she worried Maddie had something on her so terrible that Josie’s guilt or innocence wouldn’t matter.
Hal was the last to leave. He walked over to her and hugged her. “It’ll all work out. I know you and Maddie have bad blood, but I’ve also seen how the two of you have been working together to get over it. Forgiveness is never a linear process, even though we make it sound that way. This is just a bump in the road, and all will be well.”
Though it felt good to have his arms comforting her, and it was nice to have those words, Josie felt the old familiar fear rising inside her. She’d remembered how, before the big public fight at the Christmas party, after Maddie had confronted her in the restroom, Josie had broken down in tears and prayed, asking God to be her deliverer.
But she wasn’t delivered, except into a nightmare, where she’d found out that the man she’d trusted the most had betrayed her in the worst way.
She’d barely rediscovered her faith, and now she was facing a similar crisis, where she knew she needed God to get her through it, but she wasn’t sure if she was going to like His answer.
But she remembered what Brady had told her, reflecting her advice from the days long ago, when she had reminded him that faith wasn’t about God giving you whatever you wanted, but about the communication and relationship with Him.
Could she trust God to bring her through this, even if she didn’t like His answer?
When Hal left, Josie looked around the arena, remembering the good things that had happened there. She also noticed the way things had improved. The opposite stands had been freshly cleaned, and the walls repainted. As she surveyed the area she realized the work they’d done over the last few months had made it almost unrecognizable from its previous shabby appearance.
Hanh Nguyen, who owned the local hardware store, had donated paint and other supplies they needed for the repairs. Many of the parents had come out before and after the rides to help. And Brady had started a program where the families who couldn’t pay their rent would donate a certain number of hours in lieu of the fees.
Because of those efforts, the stables looked better than ever, and she hoped that when people came to see the show, they would see a place they wanted to bring their families to. Maybe, as had always been her father’s goal with his performances, it would be a good recruiting tool for those coming to watch. Finally, as she looked around the place, what she saw was hope.
When they had prayed all those weeks ago, Josie and Brady had agreed that they would follow God wherever He took them. She couldn’t see how, when she had so much hope that everything would be okay, this would all be for nothing. Even though past evidence had told her that those prayers didn’t work out for her the way she’d planned, she still wanted to believe in God’s goodness and provision.
She closed her eyes and prayed. Please, God, I don’t know what’s going to happen. And I don’t know what to make of all the evidence Maddie has against me. But I’m trying to believe in Your good plan, so please, show me the way out.
Usually, Josie felt better after praying, but this one didn’t leave her with a feeling of peace. Maybe it was because of all the worries still turning in her stomach, despite handing it over to God.
That’s the thing no one told you about prayer, and Josie was still trying to figure out. Sometimes, you get an instant answer or at least an immediate sense of relief. But other times, like now, as the sense of dread settled deeper into her stomach, she didn’t have a clear answer. As she walked back toward Brady’s office to find out what was going on, her prayer hadn’t changed anything inside her, and she was moving forward slowly on faith that God was working behind the scenes for the good of all involved.
When she got to Brady’s office, the door was ajar, and she could hear Maddie crying.
“You’ve always sided with her. I’ve given you evidence, and despite that, you’re still telling me to give her a chance.”
She couldn’t fully hear Brady’s response, but then Maddie said, with a shrill tone to her voice, “Just stop. She’s still in love with you, and she’s trying to break up our family. She admitted to me today that she was out buying a costume for Kayla. That’s my job. She’s trying to take over.”
Now it was just getting ridiculous. Josie entered Brady’s office.
“That wasn’t my intention,” she said. “I thought you would be happy that I had taken the time. But as I told you earlier today, you have final approval, and it can be returned. I’ve already apologized for overstepping. So how else can I make this up to you?”
Maddie just glared at her.
“See?” Brady said. “There is a reasonable explanation. Just like with these documents you’re showing me.”
“There you go again, taking her side. I know you’re still in love with her. That’s why I couldn’t marry you. I always knew that someday she’d come back, come between us and try to take Kayla away from me. She’s all Kayla talks about anymore. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that Kayla’s been spending way more time here than she has at home.”
Josie wanted to remind Maddie that Kayla was spending all her time at the arena because she was practicing for a show. But at this point, she wasn’t sure anything she could say would get through to the other woman. But she had to try.
“I would think that after our talk about how we both felt isolated as girls, that you would know I would never do anything to jeopardize Kayla’s relationship with you, her mother.”
Maddie started to cry. “I wanted to believe that, and you had me fooled. But I can see it plain as day. Just like every other woman who has tried to date Brady. They think they know how to be a better mother to my daughter than I can. Well, they’re wrong. And you’re wrong.”
Though Josie knew that this was simply Maddie’s insecurities coming out, it was still hard to hear. None of it was true.
“Protecting Kayla’s interests is why I haven’t dated much,” Brady said. “I know you and Shandra had issues when we were dating, and that’s why I broke things off with her. There is nothing more important to me than Kayla’s best interests.”
A regretful look crossed his face as he glanced over at Josie, then back at Maddie. “As far as my relationship with Josie goes, that’s private between us, but I can assure you that if things were ever to become serious, we would work together to ensure that Kayla comes first. I made you that commitment from the moment I knew I was going to be a father, and I will always keep that commitment to you and our daughter.”
Even though they were in the middle of a conflict with Maddie, it felt good to have Brady on her side. If they could work through this together, it gave Josie hope that they could have a lasting relationship. Otherwise, the kiss they’d shared would be their last. Josie had always prioritized Kayla’s well-being over her desire to be with Brady, and that would never change.
“Stop lying,” Maddie said. “I know you two are back together. I saw you kissing on Friday. How am I supposed to believe anything either of you says when you can’t even be honest with me about that?”
Though they had been in a public place, Josie had thought that it was a secluded enough location that they’d had some privacy. But apparently not. It was a little embarrassing to know that others had observed their first kiss, but also that it had been so misinterpreted by Maddie.
“How have I lied to you?” Brady asked. “I told you that my relationship with Josie was private and that if it got serious, we would work together to make sure that Kayla comes first. That’s the truth. The kiss we shared, that’s part of what I said was private.”
Maddie squared her shoulders. “Then maybe you shouldn’t have done it in a public place. If I saw, who else do you think saw?”
Josie took a deep breath. “You’re right. We picked a bad place for our first kiss. Though I understand Brady wanting to keep our relationship private, I have nothing to hide from you. Ask me anything, and I’ll tell you the truth.”
Though Josie had been the target of Maddie’s rage before, she wasn’t expecting the pure hate in the other woman’s eyes when she turned her gaze on Josie.
“With all the evidence I have about you working to sell the stables, why would I believe anything you have to say?” Maddie’s eyes filled with tears.
Before Josie could defend herself, Maddie continued. “As for Brady’s claims about putting Kayla first, oh, I believe that. Just not in the way you say. You’re trying to swoop in and undermine me so the three of you can be a happy family, leaving me without my daughter.”
Where was all this coming from? Tears filled Josie’s eyes as she realized this was everything she had been trying to avoid.
“No,” Josie said. “After everything we’ve talked about regarding the importance of having a mother, I can’t believe you would even accuse me of that. Everything I’ve said or done with Kayla has been to affirm you as a good mother.”
Maddie’s face grew even redder. “Lies. You two were talking in the barn the other day about Kayla’s frustration with me, and you were oh, so sympathetic about the fact that Kayla didn’t like my choice in costumes. And then today, you go behind my back and buy her a new costume.”
How was this happening? Josie wanted to cry and scream in frustration, but that wouldn’t solve anything. Back when they were kids, Josie would have walked away, unable to deal with Maddie’s unwillingness to see the truth. But there was more at stake here than just their hurt feelings.
“That wasn’t my entire conversation with Kayla,” Josie said. “Yes, I sympathize with the fact that she didn’t like the costume options, but I also encouraged her to go to you and share her ideas because I thought they were good, but ultimately you have the final say. And, as I’ve been trying to explain, my dance-store purchase was only an example to use as a prototype for what Kayla designed in her PowerPoint.”
“What PowerPoint?” Maddie asked, raising her voice. “Just another lie you’re telling to make yourself look better even though you know in your heart that you’re in the wrong.”
This was hopeless. Josie closed her eyes and asked God to please help them. All of this was a misunderstanding, and while Josie could see where Maddie would be genuinely hurt that she was trying to take Maddie’s place in Kayla’s life, that wasn’t what was going on.
“That’s enough,” Brady said. “I have always put Kayla’s best interests first, and I’m not going to stop simply because I’ve found someone that I could love. You’re Kayla’s mother, and I have always stressed to every woman who has come into my life that I will do everything possible to maintain a good relationship with you.”
Even though Brady used his authoritative voice that made most people pay attention, Maddie only cried harder. “Stop lying. You’re both trying to take my daughter away, just like you’re secretly ruining the stables. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sell the stables for a lot of money, then move away somewhere wonderful, taking Kayla with you. Well, that’s not going to happen. You’re not even Kayla’s real father, and if I have to go to court to keep you from taking her, I will.”
Speechless, Brady stared at Maddie, her words echoing in his mind. At last, he said, “What do you mean I’m not Kayla’s real father?”
Maddie squared her shoulders at him defiantly, the way she always did when they argued. It meant she wasn’t going to back down, and usually, in the interest of keeping the peace for Kayla’s sake, Brady always gave in.
“Since the truth about everything else is coming out, I might as well tell you this truth. You aren’t Kayla’s father. I lied.”
His heart felt tight in his chest as her words thundered over him. “I don’t understand,” he finally said.
“I lied,” Maddie shouted. “I was mad that Josie figured out I was pregnant and was spreading rumors about me, so I thought I would get back at her by saying you were the father. Only everyone believed me, and everything snowballed until it was too late.”
It was as if a dagger had been plunged into his chest.
Josie whispered, “All this because you were mad at me for something I didn’t do?”
“How do you know I’m not the father? We never did a paternity test.”
Maddie laughed, an evil sound that shook him to the core. “We never slept together. It was all a big joke. A couple of us thought it would be funny to play a prank on you and make you think we had, and it just snowballed.”
He never slept with Maddie. Two of the most foundational events in his life weren’t true. Before he could respond, a quiet whimper came from outside the door. He knew that sound.
“Kayla?” he asked softly.
Kayla stepped into the doorway, her eyes glistening. “You were all fighting about me? Why?”
Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Maddie. “Is it true? You’ve been lying about who my father was all this time?”
Maddie turned white as a sheet. “Oh, no. What have I done?”
“I hate you,” Kayla said, looking directly at Maddie. “Dad has always been the better parent, and now you’ve ruined it. Josie never tried to take your place, but I wish she had. She’d make a much better mother than you.”
Kayla turned and ran out of the room, leaving everyone staring after her.
“What should we do now?” Maddie said, sobbing. “I didn’t mean it.”
Brady stared at her, trying to ignore the disgust welling up in him. “Didn’t mean what?” he asked, spitting out the words, but before she could answer, he said, “We’ll figure that out later. I may not be her biological father, but Kayla is my daughter in every other way, and I’m going to find her and do what I can to make things right with her. Take me to court if you want, but I will never stop fighting for my daughter.”
Brady ran out of the room and into the main barn, not caring what Maddie was feeling right now. The words she’d spoken in anger had hurt the person he loved the most in this world, and he had to make things right with his daughter.
All this time, he’d worked so hard to keep the peace with Maddie, and for what? Maddie had been harboring a terrible secret, one that had hurt them all.
He glanced around, but he didn’t see Kayla anywhere. A couple of the volunteers were standing near the paddock entrance talking.
“Did you see Kayla go by?” he asked.
Susan Walsh, who worked with the younger kids, said, “She went toward the stalls. She looked pretty upset. Is everything okay?”
Brady took a deep breath. Maddie had already caused a lot of trouble by airing her grievances against Josie and this potential sale of the stables, but the last thing he needed was for more of their private arguments to be made public. With news like this, it was inevitable people would hear of it soon enough. But he had to find his daughter first.
“Just teenager stuff,” he said. “But I do need to find her and reassure her. Thank you for your help.”
He noticed Maddie and Josie on his heels as he ran toward the stables. He didn’t want Maddie there, and Josie, well, he didn’t know what to think of having her around. His heart needed her comfort, but having her back is what caused all of this in the first place. No, not Josie. Maddie’s jealousy of Josie.
The stables were empty, but Brady knew Kayla’s go-to when she was upset. She was probably in the stall with her horse, crying her eyes out. Sensing Josie behind him, he remembered how she’d always done the same thing.
But when he got to Jasper’s stall, it was empty.
“Looks like she took Jasper for a ride,” he told the two women standing behind him.
He walked out the stable doors and looked toward the arena, but they weren’t there. Instead, he could see a trail of dust in the distance. Kayla was riding hard, headed out toward open space and the national forest.
“What do we do?” Maddie asked, her face red from crying.
“Maybe you should have thought of that before blurting out such a terrible secret in anger.” Though Brady knew it was wrong for him to lash out at Maddie when they were both trying to help their daughter, he also couldn’t believe how they’d gotten here.
Maddie started to cry again. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“Was it the truth?” Brady asked quietly.
Maddie nodded slowly.
Though Brady wished this was just a nightmare from which he would wake up, he knew it was real. Though he had so many questions, so many things weighing on his heart, the only thing he could think to pray was Please, God.
“Is there a special place she likes to ride to?” Josie asked. “We could all saddle up and head that way.”
Then she took a step back. “I mean, you two could go. I’m sorry for everything I’ve done that has made you think I was overstepping. You’re her parents, and I’ll leave it to the two of you to work things out.”
Then she turned to Brady, the expression on her face heartbreaking. “Hurting Kayla was the last thing I ever wanted. I know we talked about trying to make things work, but you and Maddie need to fix things with Kayla right now. I’d just be in the way. And maybe that’s how it will always be.”
Brady wanted to stop Josie as she walked away, but deep in his heart, he knew she was right. He’d done everything he could to make Maddie feel comfortable with his growing affection for Josie, but here they were, and somehow, Brady had to figure out a way to fix the broken pieces enough to continue having a relationship with his daughter.
Without looking at Maddie, Brady turned toward the stables. “I’m going to saddle Chief and see if I can find her. There’s a place we like to ride to and have picnics at, and she’s headed in that direction. Hopefully, that’s where she’s going.”
“Brady, I’m sorry,” Maddie said, her voice quivering.
Unleashing the anger he felt toward her wasn’t going to bring back their daughter, so he turned and said quietly, “Now is not the time. I need to find our daughter and let her know that, despite your ugly words in there, I will always be her father.”