It seemed terribly unfair to all parties, at least in Rena's estimation but ten years was an awfully long time and a great deal could change in that time, Bridget being one of those things. It seemed unfathomable to her that this woman could step back into this life as though she'd never left.
"It's hardly your fault," Rena scoffed. "It's not a crime to be fooled, however guilty you might feel about it. You've done what you could and Bridget has wanted for nothing. She has been more loved than many children that have had a mother." She tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice as she said it, the bitterness of a girl who received little affection or attention from either of her parents.
Rena considered Thomas's words, though her practical mind boggled at his declaration of love, at least so quickly. How could a girl that had lived in a brothel for 10 years be the same girl he remembered? Perhaps it was only because she had seen so many changes in herself in that time, but it made Rena uneasy. Surely being a prostitute changed a woman?
"I think you have shown yourself to be dependable and trustworthy by offering that chance, despite the time that has passed," Rena said carefully, though there was no way to mince around what she was thinking any longer. "Are you sure this is wise? I suppose it is only fair that the child's mother be involved in her life but are you sure this is for the best? She's been living in a brothel for 10 years, she could be different, this woman could have changed her!" Part of her hated that she had to be the one to say it but Thomas was her friend and she owed it to him to be honest, even if he wasn't going to like what she had to say.