Hummingbird Lane by Brown, Carolyn (good books to read for beginners TXT) 📕

I wouldn’t ever want Josh to think I’m only interested in him for security. I want to be independent and make my own way.”

“You won’t be penniless for much longer. My lawyer is working with Victoria’s lawyer, finally, and they’re trying to reach an agreement about your money. She’s being bitchy, but then, we expected that. And, honey, Josh would never think that of you.”

“I hope not.” Emma looked genuinely worried.

“But,” Sophie added, “this is the first guy you’ve ever let into your life. Are you sure about your feelings?”

“Filly and I had a long talk, and she said that we’re always hunting for something. That can be love, inspiration, or even the truth, or in my case, hunting for myself. I think I’ve found the truth, and I’m starting to find myself, but I’m not sure what it feels like to be in love. That’s why I asked you,” Emma said.

Sophie took a deep breath. “I’m a pretty poor excuse to ask about relationships right now. I just let my own pain and guilt get in the way of my relationship with Teddy, but my advice would be not to get in a rush, but yet not to go too slow. Never waste a minute of time. Do you think you’re ready for the physical side of a relationship?”

“I don’t know. Now that I’ve figured out what really happened, maybe I should get some more therapy and talk to a professional about that part of things.” Emma blushed.

“What was it you read to me this morning?” Sophie asked. “Something about love putting you face-to-face with lots of obstacles. Well, this is a big one for you. But like that other part said, you’ve got to surrender to being loved. You are worthy of this, Em, whether it’s with Josh or another guy.”

“I trust you, Sophie. Please don’t say that just because you know it’s what I want to hear,” Emma said.

“Honey, you should know me well enough to know that I would never lie to you,” Sophie said. “Teddy’s going to come home on Saturday, probably not long after we get there. Think you could stay with Filly a few days?”

“No problem.” Emma nodded.

“You really have come a long way this past month,” Sophie said.

“So have you, Sophie, and I’m going even further before my life is over. I’m ready to live, not just exist. I’m going to get in touch with Nancy. I liked her, and now that I’m away from Mother, maybe she can help me with the issues I have now,” Emma said.

“That’s a great idea.” Sophie was so proud of Emma that she couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.

Chapter Twenty-Two

When it was time to leave Big Bend, Emma lingered behind for a few minutes to say goodbye to the RV after Sophie had taken the last load out to the vehicle and was already behind the steering wheel. Emma really wanted to go back to the trailer park, but she still hated to leave her little vacation home.

“Goodbye, little house,” she whispered as she closed the door behind her and left the key under the porch step. “I hope the next people enjoy staying with you as much as I have.” She sighed as she crossed the short distance to the vehicle and slid into the passenger seat.

“Thank you for everything, Em,” Sophie said as she started the engine and backed away from their parking area.

“Right back at you.” Speaking past the lump in her throat wasn’t easy for Emma. Until Sophie rescued her, she hadn’t felt emotions in years—now everything either made her giggle or cry. Either emotion meant she was alive again—not just existing, but able to feel and to love again. Even the sadness was wonderful after living in a state of numbness for so long.

“How long until we are home?” Emma watched out the side window until the RV was completely out of sight. “I’ve got a FaceTime session with Nancy this evening at six. We’re connecting so much better, even just in the two sessions so far, now that I have my memories back.”

“An hour to Terlingua and then half an hour past that to the trailer park,” Sophie answered. “Are you in a hurry to see Josh?”

“Of course I am, and speaking of the men in our lives, have you talked to Teddy?” Emma asked.

Sophie shook her head and stared out the side window. “A couple of times, but it’s a little awkward, and I hate that.”

They stopped at the Terlingua convenience store for a bathroom break and a cold drink, then did the last leg of the journey. Emma caught herself wringing her hands when Sophie turned off the highway onto the dirt road leading back to the trailer park. She tried to stop but she couldn’t, so finally she tucked them under her legs.

“Nervous, are you?” Sophie asked.

“Little bit,” Emma admitted.

“You’ve talked to Josh every night. Why are you edgy?” Sophie asked.

Emma raised an eyebrow. “How many boyfriends have you had?”

“Boyfriends as in a date or two, a kiss at the door, and then either he or I wasn’t interested? Maybe a dozen. Relationships as in several dates that lead to sex, about four. But Teddy is the only one for many years,” Sophie answered.

“Well, this is my first as in kiss at the door, and my first time to hope that it develops into something more,” Emma said. “And I’m terrified that I’ll mess it up. Nancy has told me to just let nature take its course, but that’s tough to do when I feel the need to control everything. She says that’s because I think if I’m in control, then no one can hurt me. She said I’m feeling this because I wasn’t in control of my own life for so long.”

Sophie patted her on the shoulder. “I’m glad you got in touch with her, and I don’t mean to pry, but how are you paying for the sessions?”

“She said