Grady’s mother bent over and held out her hand to shake. “Miss Jessie, I bet you’re a real good helperhere.”
“I’m good with dogs,” Jessie said. “But not so good with gates. Do you want to see Miss Linx’spuppy?”
“Sure,” all the female Harts squealed. “We love puppies. Lead theway.”
As soon as Jessie turned her back, everyone cast meaningful looks at Linx. By now, the entire family knew her and Grady’s secret, but they were considerate enough not to say anything in front of the littlegirl.
Melisa and Jenna ohhed and ahhed over the puppy, distracting Jessie as Cait and Mrs. Hart hung back, obviously wanting to pump Linx forinformation.
“She’s adorable,” Caitwhispered.
“My stars.” Mrs. Hart fluttered her hand. “She looks just like Grady. Whatever are we going todo?”
Linx swallowed hard as a weight pressed her shoulders down. She’d forfeited her parentalrights.
“There’s nothing I can do.” She blinked back tears. “I wish I’d known all of you backthen.”
“Oh, Linx, I wish you did, too.” Cait tugged her into a hug. “We don’t blame you. None ofus.”
“You were so young and all alone,” Mrs. Hart said. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s myson.”
“No, he was duped. It’s a long story, but his cell phone was intercepted and our communications were altered by a person I thought was a friend.” Linx bit her knuckles, overwhelmed at the kindness pouring from Cait and hermother.
“Whatever happens, we have to handle this with care,” Mrs. Hart said. “But Linx, darling, you are one of us now. Heart comes first before anythingelse.”
“Grady loves you,” Cait pronounced confidently. “He’s real sorry and admits he’s had his head up his ass for toolong.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Linx blubbered. “Not a day goes by that I don’t regret what Idid.”
“At least you gave her life,” Mrs. Hart said, patting her arm. “You gave her a chance. These days, that’s special andcommendable.”
“I wanted her to have a better life. I wanted her to have everything: a complete family, love, stability. I wish I’d triedharder.”
“Miss Linx,” Jessie shouted from inside the cabin. “We’re taking a picture with me and Ginger, and I want you to be in it.Please?”
God help her. Being so close to Jessie, holding her in her lap along with the puppy, watching her chat with the family she didn’t know, shredded Linx’s already woundedheart.
No doubt, the Harts would treasure the pictures taken today, and Linx couldn’t help wondering what Mrs. Patterson would think if she knew they’d been visiting with Grady’s family—especially after Grady sued forcustody.
