Bonnie Winn - For the Sake of His Child

SOMETHING HAD CHANGED in Brynn Alder. Jake didn’t know why, but he wasn’t questioning their good fortune.

True to her word, Brynn had called him first thing that morning. Without hesitation, she had agreed to start working with Andrea. And she’d willingly answered all his queries, leading him to believe his daughter would be safe with her.

In return, he had complied with Brynn’s wish to speak to the psychiatrist about easing Andrea off her medications.

Jake then wasted no time collecting Andrea and her belongings. Now, turning in at the unmarked road that led to Brynn’s house, he squeezed Annie’s hand, offering reassurance. But she didn’t respond. God, he wished he could repair all the damage his ex-wife had inflicted.

He’d been an idiot to become involved with a woman who cared for nothing but herself. And naive to believe that motherhood would somehow change that. Still, Val’s presence had meant a great deal to Annie, since he was gone so frequently.

He was as riddled with guilt as with worry. His career had provided all the material benefits his family needed. And since he was dissatisfied with his marriage, it had also provided an escape. But there hadn’t been one for Annie.

Jake glanced over at her. “We’re almost there.”

No response.

He withheld a sigh as the ranch came into sight. It sat on sloping land at the base of a sheltering hill. The stone house looked as though it could stand for many more generations.

Driving into the wide yard, he parked beneath one of the many shade trees. As he got out of the car, the front door opened and Brynn appeared. Apparently she had been watching for them.

She waited beside a glider on the porch, her face partially hidden by flower-filled hanging baskets, though he caught a quick impression of her tall, slim form and long golden hair. As before, the Border collie stood by her side.

Picking up a suitcase and taking his daughter’s hand, he climbed the wide steps to the porch. Jake couldn’t help feeling as though he and Andrea were new kids on the first day of school.

Brynn stepped closer, gesturing to the entry-way. “Andrea, your room is at the top of the stairs, first door on the left.”

Jake gripped the large suitcase more tightly, glancing at the backpack hanging from his daughter’s other hand. When Brynn offered to help her get settled in, Andrea stepped back, and Jake sensed her distress. “I can carry the suitcase upstairs, get her unpacked.”

“That will be fine. I made some sandwiches and lemonade. I’ll carry them out to the terrace.”

Grateful for her sensitivity, Jake climbed the stairs with his daughter. The room Brynn had chosen for Andrea was both soothing and cheerful. Freshly picked sunflowers and other wildflowers he couldn’t identify were arranged in vases around the room, providing bursts of color. Sage-green walls framed the wide, tall window.

Andrea listlessly accepted his help, not caring where her belongings were put. She dragged her feet as they walked downstairs. Even though he knew this stay was for her benefit, Jake couldn’t repress his guilt, sensing her confusion and fright.

“Annie, Mrs. Alder’s going to help you. And I’m only a phone call away.”

She didn’t look reassured.

His heart heavy, Jake draped one arm over Andrea’s shoulders as they walked out to the cobbled terrace.

Brynn waited for them at a redwood table also decorated with sunflowers. As they approached, she poured the lemonade. “I’m always parched after a long drive.”

“Looks good,” Jake agreed, accepting a glass.

Andrea ignored the cool drink as Shamus settled beside her. Hesitantly, the girl petted his shaggy head. Remembering how she’d responded to the dog on her first visit, Brynn was encouraged. Often animals could reach children when no human could.

Once they’d eaten, Brynn took them on a tour of the house and immediate grounds. Inside the hazy, sunlight-pricked interior of the barn, bales of clean hay were stacked in a stair-step fashion, and a small tack room smelled of aged leather. Six horses were stabled in generous stalls. The Fords had always loved riding on the land they owned.

Julia was the last of her family, and the ranch was important to her. Even though these days she didn’t live on the old homestead, Brynn was certain her friend would never sell the property. It meant too much to her.

Walking farther into the barn, Brynn spotted Roy Bainter, a local man who had cared for the Fords’ horses for decades. He and his wife, Mary, lived close to town. To date, Roy was the only local she’d met. Brynn had found that he was kind but taciturn, with a soft spot for kids.

“Hello, Roy. I’d like you to meet some new friends.”

The older man removed his hand from the mane of the horse he was grooming. The animals loved Roy, and the horse nudged his shoulder with her muzzle.

Jake chuckled. “Looks like we’re making the filly jealous.”

Roy met Jake’s gaze with an appraising one of his own. “You know horses?”

Jake nodded. “I took lessons, then rode regularly at a stable in the city. But that was a lot of years ago.”

“Mebbe. But a man doesn’t forget the things that count.”

The men shook hands.

Brynn continued the introductions. “And this is Jake’s daughter, Andrea.”

Roy glanced down at the girl, who didn’t speak. “Good, a quiet one. She’ll do.”

Andrea’s eyes showed a glimmer of surprise.

“You know anything about horses, girl?”

Brynn didn’t think she would answer. But then Andrea slowly shook her head.

“Well, you’re young enough to learn. This here’s Lizzie. Most of the time she’s a good old girl. Now and then she thinks she’s the queen of England and I gotta call her Elizabeth.” Roy glanced up at Brynn. “Mary baked an extra pie. I put it in the kitchen.”

She hadn’t noticed either the pie or his entry, Brynn realized. But it was the custom of the area, and doors weren’t kept locked. She’d tried to take Julia’s advice and not panic at the innocent gestures. “Thank you, Roy. We’ll enjoy it.”

Seeing that Andrea was intrigued with the horses and not paying attention to her father, Brynn touched Jake’s arm, gesturing toward the wide, open double doors.

Jake accompanied her outside. But he looked back, his gaze lingering on Andrea, his expression troubled.

Watching him, Brynn understood the unspoken emotion. Although he’d fought to bring Andrea here, he hated leaving her. “Once Andrea and I become more acquainted, I think we’ll get on well.” She smiled gently, hoping he could take reassurance from the words.

“I’m sure you will.” He shifted his glance from his daughter. “I’m going to stay in Walburg for a few days, to be close by.”

Brynn frowned.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know much about Walburg, but I doubt there’s a motel.”

He looked at her curiously. How could she live in this remote area and not know much about the closest town? “I’ll find something. Now I’d better say goodbye to Andrea.”

Retracing his steps, he approached his daughter and took her hand. “Remember, Annie, Mrs. Alder is going to help you.”

He nearly lost his resolve when a tear escaped her eye. Instead, he bent down for a final but fierce hug.

“I’ll phone,” he promised after releasing Andrea. “And you have my cell number.”

Roy turned away, busying himself with the horse feed.

Realizing Andrea wasn’t going to reply, Jake forced himself not to look back as he left the barn.

Brynn stood beside the corral. “I know you’re worried about her. I would hate to leave a troubled child of my own with a stranger.”