“Oh, she was our mediator. She’s very gentle and practical. She and Brody have what Cam and I had. They’re married now. Sometimes though, it’s hard to watch them together. I’m so happy she hasn’t had to go through what I have yet.”
Joy’sheart squeezed. “What do you mean ‘yet’?”
Holly, still holding Malcolm’s hand, floated around to face her. “Brody is so much like Cam, taking risks he doesn’t need to. I’m afraid he’ll do what Cam did and leave Sarah a widow like me.”
Joy couldn’t resist. She laid her hand on Holly’s cheek. “You don’t have to worry about that. Brody learned from Cameron’s mistake. He won’t be taking unnecessaryrisks.”
Holly’s brows lowered in concern. “But the Brody I know doesn’t seem any different.” Her gaze moved to Malcolm. “And I would know because I do go to their house once in a while. In fact, I’ll be at their Christmas Eve party again tonight.”
Joy had a feeling Malcolm was ready to respond in the same way she would, but it was past time to stop making Malcolm look like the bad spirit. He’dhad enough of the bad in his life. “But you aren’t around them nearly as much as you used to be. I’m thinking four times a year hardly qualifies you to make a judgment on Brody’s behaviors. Do you?”
Holly’s gaze snapped back to her in surprise. “I guess you’re right. Like I said, it can be hard to see them together. They love each other so much. Like I loved Cam.”
“Then I suggest we go inside.”As Malcolm spoke, he pulled them both through the roof and down to the first floor where Sarah sat in a recliner. She was dressed in silky pajamas despite the fact it was midday. She stared at the cold fireplace, a lifeless look in her eyes.
Joy’s stomach clenched, and she let go of Holly’s hand.
“Why does she look so sad?” Holly drifted over to Sarah.
“I’ve made some mince and tatties, Sarah.Want to come in and eat?” Brody strode into the room, as loud and joyful as ever.
The young woman didn’t respond.
Brody knelt down next to her. “Come on, dove. You need to eat. You need to stay healthy.”
Sarah turned her head. “But I’m not hungry.”
Brody took her hand. “I know, but eat for me. It’s been a couple months and we said we’d try again next month. You’re going to need to be in tiptopshape.”
Holly looked up at Malcolm. “Try again? Are they trying to get pregnant?”
He shook his head. “No. They were pregnant.”
“Oh, no.” Holly’s eyes watered. “Sarah always wanted to be a mom. She said she might as well have a baby since she was already taking care of Brody.” Holly turned to watch the couple.
Sarah looked at Brody. “But I’m afraid. What if it happens again? I couldn’t bearit.”
Brody pulled her up to stand and held her close. “I know. If you don’t want to try, we can adopt.”
Sarah pulled back to stare at him. “Adopt?”
He nodded. “I know you’ll make a wonderful mother. You have so much love to give. Whether it’s from us or a child who needs a home, I don’t care. I just want you to be happy again.”
Sarah turned her head away. “I’m sorry. I’ve been such a terriblewife to you lately.”
Brody took her chin in his hand and turned her back to look in his eyes. “You could never be a terrible wife. The fact you put up with me at all proves what an amazing woman you are. I hate to see you so sad. I just want you to be happy.”
“I love you so much, Brody.”
He took his wife in his arms and held her close. His own eyes watering.
Joy felt her heart breaking, knowingshe needed to drive home what past spirits already told Holly, but then Malcolm took her hand, his eyes asking her if she wanted him to do what needed to be done.
Silently, she shook her head and straightened her shoulders. He wasn’t the only one with backbone here. “Sarah and Brody lost their baby after five months. It was devastating for them. But they will try again. They can’t stop livingbecause someone they loved with all their hearts is gone.”
Holly, who had turned away from the couple when Joy started speaking, shook her head. “But I didn’t even have a chance to have a baby with Cameron.”
“And I never had a chance to become pregnant because it was impossible for me. I know it’s no comfort, but for every heartbreak we each have, someone else has it worse.”
