Read Online Handle with Care by Emily Porterfield - Free Book Online Page A

stroking one hand down through her hair, pulling free the
tie which held her ponytail so her brown locks could flow down over her
shoulders.
    Abby’s
chest heaved with the force of her grief. He grasped her arms gently and pushed
her away from his chest, forcing her to look up at him. He did not ask again,
instead only stared down into her tear-flooded eyes.
     
    Abby
didn’t want to face her demons; she’d been running from them for months. It was
simpler not to acknowledge the feelings or realizations that burned in her.
Craig’s words focused what were abstract and distant thoughts. She couldn’t
contain it anymore; her conscious convicted her. “Because he didn't feel he
deserved it. He believed he didn’t deserve salvation because he couldn’t
forgive himself for the things he had done.” She reached up to cover her mouth
as the dawning horror rushed through her. She was doing the exact same thing.
     
    Craig
held her firmly as he looked into her eyes. "And is this how you intend to
live the rest of your life?" He watched the eureka moment light up her
eyes. "Can you really tell me you believe it is healthy for you to think
of yourself that way?" Abby shook her head slightly as her emotions roiled
within her, threatening to overflow once more. Craig wound a strand of her hair
gently around one of his fingers and gave it a slight tug. "Punishing
yourself will not bring anyone back," he whispered. "Trust me, I have
tried." Fresh tears glazed his eyes as he looked at her. "The past is
over and done with, Abby. What you have is now, this moment, today, and what it
can lead to. Is that something you want to throw away?"
     
    Abby
lowered her eyes. She knew his words rang with truth, but was not sure if she
could accept them. She had spent so much time believing she was the terrible
person everyone had accused her of being. Yet, even now, Craig knew what had
happened and he did not see her that way. Since he was one of the kindest
people she had ever met, she respected his opinion.
     
    "I
think we should go back," she said quietly as she hunched her shoulders
against a chilly breeze.
     
    "Abby,
I want you to promise me you'll think about all I’ve said," he requested,
as he ran his hands up and down her arms. It wasn't just the chilly air he was
trying to warm her from. He wanted to melt the ice she had allowed to build
within her heart. Craig knew it was her way of shielding herself from ever
feeling again, from being hurt. He thought her choosing to accept
responsibility for one man’s action was ridiculous. But, he accepted it was a
crucial moment of her life. Defined by something beyond her control, Abigail’s
role as caregiver, as counselor, as confidant, as healer, had taken a dangerous
and destructive turn.
     
    "I
promise," she agreed, savoring the sensation of his warmth blending into
hers. She knew if he held her close a moment longer, she might be the one to
take a kiss from him, and perhaps much more. But would that be right? She could not believe the impact his touch was having on her.

Craig sighed as he reluctantly pulled away from her. Holding her hand tightly
in his own, he led her back to the parking lot. Once she was settled in, he
started the truck and tried not to think about how much he hated the idea of
driving her home. The ride back was silent but comfortable, both reflecting on
the day’s revelations. When he parked at the marina, Craig still was not ready
to let her go.
     
    "Can
I walk you down?" he asked, without looking directly at her. Abby smiled
to herself at how polite he was.
     
    "I'd
like that," she replied quietly.A moment
later he was opening her door. He led her along the dock, and she smiled at the
way he kept glancing at her nervously. When they reached the houseboat, he
hoped she would invite him in.
     
    "Are
you sure you're okay on your own?" he attempted to hint.
     
    "I'll
be fine," she assured him and he held her hand as she stepped on to the
boat