The thought caused doubt to wriggle into Sandra’s confidence in Eb’s love for his daughter. He’d shown his dream of having children was more important than his claim of loving Sandra. If things got too hard or the little girl didn’t live up to his expectations, would he do the same to her?
Even as she had the thought, the hair on the back of her neck raised, and her pulse quickened in defense of him. No. The love in Eb’s eyes as he watched his daughter was too powerful. He might not care enough for Sandra, but he dearly loved Rue. He would never throw her away. The little girl needed that security.
And other adults in her life who didn’t break promises. Which was why, despite the estrangement with her father and a sleepless night fretting about him again, Sandra would still take Rue to the library.
One last time.
Sandra’s phone pinged with a text. Glad for something else to think about, she grabbed it and found a text from Merry.
Merry
Rue told Grace you’re taking her to Storytime at the library today. Any chance you’d be willing to wait until the afternoon session, so we can tag along?
Having her there would make it easier. Sandra had learned not to fall apart in front of others. Until lately, anyway. She checked the library’s schedule to see if her appointment with the attorney this afternoon would be a conflict. The change made the timing tight, so Merry would definitely need to bring Rue. A part of Sandra was almost sorry, but she pushed the thought away.
Sandra
I have an appointment before then, so we’d be late unless you’re okay getting Rue. Then I can meet you at the library.
Merry
Since I have to get Grace anyway, it’s perfect! cya there. Thanks.
Sandra
Thank YOU!
Sandra finished settings things in motion to gather information from the Hollywood rumor mill and jumped into the shower.
As she dressed afterward, she considered her need for a new place—one close enough to make Walt happy but far enough she wouldn’t cross paths with Eb and Rue. Sandra swallowed. She wouldn’t think about them.
Enough rich people owned property in Huckleberry Falls which drove up prices. Therewerereasonably priced areas but none of them close enough to satisfy her boss. He was old-school enough he to prefer meeting in person when he could, rather than phone calls or video chats.
Towel-drying her hair, she sat in front of her laptop again, thinking to search for a better rental than the closet basement apartment. If only she could find a place to meet her needs, as well as Walt’s.
Almost like he knew she was thinking about him, her computer notification rang with an incoming video call.
“Speak of the devil,” she said, leaning back in her chair, the towel wrapped around her head.
“You’re still doing your hair?” Walt peered into the camera.
“One advantage of working at home means I don’t have to dress up to be at work.”
“But I thought you were going to go to Eb’s attorney’s office today.”
“Yes, but it’s not until noon. This morning I’ve been working on your appointments for January and doing some stuff for Eb.” Sandra narrowed her eyes. “Why the cross-examination?”
“I want things to go back to normal, so I want you to fix this thing between you and Eb.”
She blinked, not sure why she felt like he’d just blindsided her. It had already been an emotional few days, and she tried to sort through the ones Walt’s words had brought on. He understood her better than anyone and had taken on the role her father should have had in her life. One time, he’d even hired a private investigator to check out what her boyfriend was up to when she’d worried he was cheating on her.
But Walt Kinkade was not her father, and he didn’t know everything about her.
“You’re overstepping,” she warned.
“I might be, but you’re being childish.” He glowered at her through the camera. “It’s obvious you and Eb care for each other, and I don’t understand why you’re giving him the cold shoulder. Is it because you’re afraid of being a mother? One of my greatest regrets in life is how I never got to experience being a parent. It’s why being a grandfather to Linda’s grandkids means so much to me. And Rue is crazy about you.”
Sandra’s eyes stung, and she rubbed her chest over her heart against the ache there. Really?Really?Her hands shook as the frustration and heartache of the last few weeks finally overwhelmed her. For ten years, she’d managed not to think too much about the accident and what she’d lost, and it seemed like everyone was throwing it in her face.
