Page 30 of Three Steps Behind

“One a day,” she said, moving along the line of dresses on the rack. Everything from Christian Dior to Vera Wang.

“That must add up to a lot of days.”

“I’d have to agree.”

“And that’s just dresses.” He turned to the left, facing Taylor’s shirts and then the pants-and-shorts rack. “You weren’t kidding when you said she came from money.”

“Nope.”

“And you said she had more than Nick had, from her trust fund?”

“A lot more.”

“How did he handle that?”

“He acted like it was no big deal, made jokes about being a kept man, but I think deep down he resented her for it.”

“Why?”

“Because she got the idyllic upbringing and she didn’t have to work for her money. She worked, but she didn’t have to.”

“That’s even more admirable.”

“Agreed.”

“What did she do?”

“She ran a nonprofit for kids.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. It’s a survival camp for boys who’ve lost their soldier dads, either in the line of duty or from suicide. She was working on one for daughters of soldier moms as well.”

“That’s amazing.”

“It gives the boys a chance to get mentoring, learn about God, and experience new skills that impart more than one layer of wisdom.”

“How’d she get started in that?”

“A friend of hers from college died overseas, and his son was very young. She saw the impact it had on the boy growing up and her friend’s wife. It takes a toll on the family. That’s really it. Taylor always loved kids. Wanted the best for them.”

“But she and Nick didn’t have any?”

“Not for lack of trying according to Tay,” she said, shuffling through the garments. She pulled the jade-and-gold iridescent dress off the hanger, then held it up to the mirror. It had been a while since she’d last worn it. A charity night with Taylor. She bit her bottom lip.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just remembering the last time I wore this dress. I was with Taylor, and it was a good night.”

“I’m sorry.” He squeezed her unbruised shoulder. “It’s a stunning dress.”

“Thanks.” So much sorrow since she’d worn it—both for her and for her lost friend. Tears stung her eyes, but she brushed them away.

“Anything else before we head out?” he asked, his gaze softening as he took in hers. His shoulders dipped. “I’m so sorry. Okay to give you a hug?”

She nodded, really needing a hug but scared her body would once again yank back on her and hurt Deck’s feelings.

He draped his arm across her shoulder and gave her a soft and spacious hug—like a dude one. “We’ll get through this,” he whispered.