2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Nikki is now seeing Rory, acknowledges that he’s her boyfriend. However, she had yet to introduce him to her daughter or tell her ex-husband at the beginning of the story. And, Rory’s parents haven’t forgiven her for her role in helping get their son Mark convicted and imprisoned for twenty years. Your thoughts about the whole matter? Do you understand Mark and Rory’s parents’ points of view? Is it too soon to include her daughter or even necessary to tell her ex?

In the beginning, I felt it was too early in their relationship to introduce Rory to her daughter or ex. I think Nikki needed to see where their relationship was going and make some decisions about her future before bringing him into her family's life. While it wasn't her Ex's business, I think it was a courtesy to him to tell him later on...not in the beginning. As to Rory's parents' feelings about the role Nikki played in helping get Mark imprisoned, I understand their point of few - especially early on. Not that I think Nikki should be blamed for it, but the pain & hurt his parents had to feel would make it hard for them to welcome her into their family. Later, I felt they needed to also consider Rory's choices and happiness and at the least, give Nikki a chance.

Rory is moving more quickly with this relationship than Nikki, and she is more realistic in terms of knowing and understanding other people's reactions. Both Rory's family and her ex, Tyler, will quite understandably have a difficult time with it.

While it might seem unfair given Nikki's age at the time, they still hold her partially responsible for what happened to Mark. As for Tyler, he is still in love with Nikki and will have a hard time accepting a new man in her life, especially one connected to her past.

I do like how Green handles this issue and how Nikki is slowly coming to terms with having Roru in her life. Introducing him to Lacey is a big step and its good she is taking it slowly.

I agree with Sandra and Lauren. Nikki is smart to take her time with the relationship before introducing Rory to her daughter. I'm interested in seeing how Tyler will react. He'll will probably have a problem with the relationship since he still has feelings for Nikki.

As far as Rory and Mark's parents, I understand that they wouldn't be big fans of Nikki after she testified against Mark. I'm thinking they'll eventually meet her and come around.

I agree with everyone. Nikki is taking her time. I understand her reluctance to introduce Rory to her daughter. It's not a good idea to introduce men into your children's lives until you know you have a solid relationship. Nikki is hurt by the comments people make about her. I'm sure she wonders if Rory will change his mind and see her differently--at least in the beginning.

I understand Mark's parents. It will take time for them to put their anger aside. It will be interesting to see how they resolve their feelings, if they ever do.

Tyler is going to be a problem. He doesn't want to let go of Nikki.

I agree that Nikki needs to go slowly where her daughter is concerned. I'm never a fan of people introducing new relationships to a child until they are sure of how solid it is.

I think it is going to take time for Rory's parents to understand his relationship with Nikki. They have had 20 years to hate her even though I lay the blame on the former sheriff. Nikki was a teen when the murders happened, and she simply told her story as she remembered it.

I think it is too soon to introduce her daughter. I feel like children should be protected and until you're sure that this person is truly going to be part of their life there isn't a point to introduce.

Her ex is a different story. Out of respect for that relationship and what they had together along with the fact that he sounds like the de facto parent Nikki should've shared about the new relationship since she is basically living with Rory.

Rory's parents - I think it is a huge ask for them to have an about face on their feelings of Nikki. In their eyes, she unjustly put their son behind bars regardless of the fact that it was really Hardin who railroaded their son.

Sharon wrote: "I agree with everyone. Nikki is taking her time. I understand her reluctance to introduce Rory to her daughter. It's not a good idea to introduce men into your children's lives until you know you h..."

Yes, I think Tyler is going to be a problem.

It’s wise that Nikki take her time before introducing Rory to Lacey. But Tyler will always be a problem as he’s still in love with her.

I understand Mark’s parents not being ready to kiss and make up. But at some point, they need to realize Nikki was abused, too.

~Melissa~ wrote: "Yes, I think Tyler is going to be a problem..."

I do too. There is definitely going to be conflict here.