For the Sake of His Child

Brynn added cream to her own coffee. “Let’s see how today goes. After breakfast, I want to work with Andrea on my own.”

“I’ll be at the motel in case…” His words trailed off as Andrea silently entered the kitchen. Jake remembered the many times he’d pleaded for quiet when she’d bounded into a room, a flurry of movement and noise. “Morning, Pooh.” The old nickname slipped out, one he’d affectionately called her years before when she’d become obsessed with Winnie the Pooh.

She looked startled. “Morning.” The word was mumbled, but at least she’d replied. Shamus entered the kitchen with more noise than Andrea had.

“Would you let him out?” Brynn asked.

“Okay.” As Andrea did, the other dogs rushed in, pushing past her to look for their own breakfast.

“I hope you like French toast,” Brynn commented.

Andrea shrugged thin shoulders. “I’m not hungry.”

“Then I’ll only put a small portion on your plate.”

Jake noticed Brynn hadn’t put the food on a serving platter, instead arranging it on individual plates. Andrea didn’t have to reach for anything, and the food was harder to ignore when placed right beneath her nose.

Flanked by adults, Andrea stared at her breakfast, then finally took a bite of the fragrant toast.

Jake glanced up, meeting Brynn’s encouraging gaze. It was a small step, but he felt a bit of hope. And for today it was enough.

AFTER JAKE LEFT, Brynn worked to breach Andrea’s apathy. First she assigned her a small chore, that of checking the pets’ needs—their drinking water and sleeping quarters. The job was a simple one, but Brynn knew Andrea needed some responsibilities. And Shamus was by the girl’s side again.

Brynn smiled at her. “Shamus has never taken to anyone so quickly or completely before.”

Andrea gave her usual shrug, but couldn’t conceal the spark of light in her gaze.

“Dogs are the best judges of people, you know.”

This time there was no shrug.

“I spoke to your doctor yesterday morning. With his approval, your dad and I agreed to begin easing off your meds.”

This time Brynn was certain she saw interest in Andrea’s expression. “Is Dad coming back tonight?”

“Why don’t we see how it goes this evening?” she suggested.

Andrea retreated again, until Shamus pushed his head against her arm. She hesitated, then petted the adoring animal. “When do we start with my meds?”

“Tonight. How does that sound?”

She petted Shamus again. “Okay.”

Studying her expression, Brynn saw the barely concealed desperation. But she wasn’t going to fail this child. This child so like her own Sarah.

MINDFUL OF ANDREA’S fragile state, her susceptibility to a suicide attempt, Brynn had come to a difficult decision. That evening, she’d phoned Jake, asking him to bring an overnight bag. Now he paced the den as she outlined her suggestion that he stay at the ranch.

She saw the indecision on his face. “I’ve been trying to assess what she needs. And my instincts tell me that she needs you more than anything.”

He paused. “I understand that.”

“I’m not sure you do.” Brynn leaned forward. “Jake, you and Andrea need to learn how to communicate all over again.”

He frowned. “She’s ill because her mother left.”

“And because your relationship with her isn’t filling the void.”