Olivia felt the fresh tears flow down her face. She’d shed many tears over the past three days, but listening to Pastor Dan pray by Nina Marie’s hospital bedside was proving to be too much for her.
Nina Marie was still in critical condition, but it was nothing short of a miracle that she was even still alive. Abe had decided to go over to Nina Marie’s house much sooner than he had planned. And that’s when he had found her unconscious and bleeding badly from stab wounds.
She’d suffered an enormous amount of blood loss and internal organ trauma. But the doctors said that she still had a fighting chance.
Grant’s strong arms were wrapped around Olivia, propping her up, just like he always had—being her rock when she was weak.
The nurse entered the room and asked that they exit for a bit while she tended to Nina Marie.
Dan guided Abe out and she followed, walking hand in hand with Grant.
“Let’s give Dan and Abe a few minutes alone,” she told Grant.
“Another coffee run for the group?” he asked.
“That’s a good idea.” She tried to pull herself together as they started to make their way down to the hotel cafeteria food court.
“I know you’re hurting. But because of everything you did for her, you literally changed her life.”
“I didn’t do it. God did. But I just pray she has a chance to live out that life. And I have no doubt Layton is behind this.”
“The police are investigating. He won’t be able to hide forever. It will all catch up to him one day,” Grant said.
“I know. We can’t always understand the Lord’s plans. All we can do is trust in Him.”
Grant squeezed her hand. “They tried to take down the church and failed. Maybe they’ll leave us alone now.”
“I’m praying for that, too,” she said. “I’m also praying for a revival in our community.” The church pulled together and rallied behind Dan after the trial, and that had warmed her heart.
“The outpouring of support that has come in after the trial has given me renewed hope.”
“I know. But until Layton faces justice for what he did, it won’t seem right.”
“We have to be patient and vigilant.”
“Where do we go from here?” she asked.
He looked into her eyes. “I’m not sure. But wherever we go, Olivia, we go together.”