PART 3

Chapter 18

One month later

Faith looked around the living room at her brother, sister, and grandfather and said, "Thanks for coming."

"Anytime, Faith," Mariah said. "But what is this about?"

"We need to help mom."

"With what?" Noah asked.

"Adam."

At her answer, her grandfather smirked, Noah rolled his eyes, and Mariah looked disgusted.

"Faith, you know I love you, but no. Absolutely not," Mariah responded vehemently. "Adam is the last thing she needs. Plus, she isn't even divorced from Rey yet." Mariah grew quiet for a moment and then added, "I'm hoping they can work it out."

It was Noah who asked, "Why are you so adamant on her staying with him, Mariah? She's been happier alone than she was with him the last few months."

"He's good for her. Adam isn't."

Faith looked at her sister, who she loved but who also frustrated her sometimes, "Are you sure about that? Or are you just so biased against Adam that you can't see what's staring you in the face?"

"I don't know about this, Faith," Noah replied hesitantly. "I've seen changes in Adam since Miami, but you don't remember what it was like when they were together. I do. And it wasn't a particularly happy time."

"For who, Noah? Mom or you?"

"Both. He has hurt her a lot. You just don't know…"

"But mom has also hurt him. They hurt each other but they always find their way back from it."

"Why would I help you set her up to be hurt, Faith?" Mariah asked. Then she got up off of the couch and walked to the door. "I'm sorry. I can't do it. If you want to play matchmaker, go ahead. But don't come crying to me when it all falls apart."

Faith frowned as Mariah exited the cottage. "Noah, are you on board?"

"You have no idea what can of worms you could be opening, Faith, especially if this redemption doesn't stick," he warned. "But I won't stop you. I just want mom to be happy."

Faith smiled. Good. Noah was on board. Now she just needed Victor. "Grandpa?"

Victor harrumphed. "Faith, you know I'd do just about anything for you, but Adam needs to stay focused on business and his son right now."

"Whenever I visit Adam, I see how lonely he is. Don't you want him to have someone in his life who loves him unconditionally?"

"Of course I do."

"Then will you help me?" Faith asked.

"All right. What do you need me to do?"