Cody’s lips rolled in at the word father, and Max felt his own insides tremble a little.
“We were a couple, a long time ago, when I was leaving for college. I found out then I was expecting you.” Emma took a deep breath. “Your dad didn’t know until last night.”
Cody’s eyes darted to meet hers, surprise replacing the previous sullen stare. “Are you serious? You didn’t even tell him?” Judgment sprang forth, the same judgment Max had felt hours before.
Now it was his turn to do the right thing.
“Your mom did what she thought she had to do. It’s a long story, and it’s complicated and between us adults.” Max leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “But bottom line—she made her choice because she loved you and wanted what was best for you.” He hesitated. “Once upon a time, Cody, I was definitely not what was best for you. Or your mom.”
He’d finally admitted that out loud, and the truth brought his own measure of much-needed freedom—and possibilities. Could it be possible that God’s timing really was perfect? That if somehow Emma had pushed past her own instincts and morals, and made a life with him right away when she’d come home, that he wouldn’t have made it where he was now? Maybe if he’d had Emma and everything he’d wanted right away, he wouldn’t have grown closer to the Lord as he had in those tumultuous years. Wouldn’t have started Camp Hope. Wouldn’t have the message and testimony that had changed so many lives.
He didn’t know for sure, and never would. But he believed that God hadn’t left them—any of them—in the meantime. And that good was being worked regardless.
Cody’s gaze bounced back and forth between them, as if feeling out their sincerity. Then the hardness cracked, and he licked his lips, a hitch in his voice. “I didn’t mean that, Mom. About, you know...not wanting you.”
She quickly closed her eyes as a tear slipped down her cheek. “I know.”
Max wished he could hug her, or better yet, somehow prompt Cody to, but that would come. This elephant was going to take a bite at a time. At least Cody seemed off the ledge now, and maybe he’d finally find some healing and move forward.
With both of them.
“I don’t know why I’m the way I am.” Cody’s voice, so timid now, was nearly lost in the hum of the heater. “I just don’t want to do this anymore.”
Emma stiffened. “Do what?”
“You know...the bad stuff. Getting in trouble. It started out just trying to make friends. Be accepted.” He sniffed, his jaw set. “It got out of control. And I couldn’t stop. I had to keep up.”
“You don’t have to keep up anymore, Cody.” Max shifted forward, heart full. “You can start making better choices today. You don’t have to go home the same.” He hesitated. “It just takes work, son. Are you ready to do the work now?”
Suddenly, Cody sprang to his feet, but not with the eagerness Max had hoped he’d show. No, this expression was nothing if not sheer panic. “Wait. You’ve got to find Jarvis!”
“That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you.” Max stood as well, trying to switch gears as abruptly as Cody had. “Do you know where he is?”
“No. We split up once we cleared the property line. But you’ve got to find him!” Cody pointed outside with fear in his eyes. “He’s going to start a fire.”