He connected gazes. “I want you to know how thankful I am for your intervention in the barn. If there’s ever a way I can repay you, let me know.”
Ah, the opening Mia had hoped for. “Just take good care of Jessie. She seems pretty traumatized by the fire and should talk to someone about it.”
Reid gave a firm nod. “She’s been seeing a counselor since her mom died, and I’ll make sure the counselor knows about the fire.”
“Perfect. Sounds like you have things under control.”
“Under control? Hah!” His voice skated higher. “I’m winging it. One day at a time. Sometimes one hour at a time.”
“Having Bandit to take care of and bond with will help her.”
“Thank you for that too.” He frowned. “You probably think I’m lame for not taking the dog home with us, but we just can’t care for him right now. Her counselor said a dog might help too, but that we shouldn’t make any changes that could set us up for failure. I would hate to bring Bandit home only to have to relinquish him. That would make things worse for Jessie.”
“Sounds like you’re doing the right thing, and she can still spend time with him over here. You’re welcome to bring her over anytime.”
Jessie came to the door. “C’mon, Mia. Hurry.”
“Patience, Bug.” Reid smiled fondly at his daughter then looked at Mia. “Thanks again. I’ll be in touch.”
Mia climbed the steps, her heart overflowing with warmth from being able to help Reid and Jessie. At the door, Jessie took Mia’s hand and pulled her into the lodge. Mia paused in the entryway to look around.
Ten years away and the family room was exactly as she remembered. Heavy, rustic furniture filled the space. The same sturdy leather sofa angled in front of a massive stone fireplace was home to many long discussions with Wally. Same chunky coffee table made from old barn wood that had held game boards and cards still sat in front of it. Wally’s same worn leather recliner hugged the corner.
Ah, yes. This was good. Finally. Memories of happy times.
She faced the intimate groups of people mingling in the large space connected to an open kitchen, a big island filled with potluck dishes. The guests turned one by one to look at her, and she recognized many of the locals. An undercurrent of unease surged through the air. People in Shadow Lake had never seen her in a positive light due to her rebellious ways, and they had definitely never thrown her a party.
She didn’t deserve one. Or even their kindness or respect. She’d pushed them all to the breaking point and for that she was sorry. If she could have a do over for those rough years, she would hope she would’ve found a way to work things out with her dad instead.
From the far side of the room, Russ stood with an older couple and kept his eye on her.
Ryan placed his hands on her shoulders and gave a comforting squeeze as if he was telling the others he supported and approved of her. Man, he was really stepping up for her and even more, she didn’t deserve that.
She offered him a thankful smile and let herself linger for a moment in the depth of his caring. How she had loved him. Beyond measure, but she couldn’t get caught up in that now only to leave and hurt him again.
She looked back at her visitors.
“Move over, Uncle Ryan.” Jessie’s lips morphed into a cute little pout. “You’re hogging Mia.”
He ruffled Jessie’s hair. “Don’t worry. I’ll share her with you.”
“C’mon, Mia.” Jessie tugged harder on Mia’s hand. “There’s a present on the table for you. Daddy says we haveta show it to you before we can eat, and I want pie. So I can help you open it if you need me to.” Jessie pointed toward a box covered in multicolored balloon paper sitting on a small table near the fire where she’d played chess with Wally. “See?”
Mia stifled her laugh over the pie comment and moved toward the table. The guests watched her with expectancy, and her steps faltered. She’d often fantasized about overcoming the negative reputation her teenage rebellion had brought. But in those dreams, she’d never been dressed in burnt and torn clothes with scraggly hair.
She ran her free hand over the tangled locks. “You really didn’t have to do this.”
They glanced at one another in confusion. Embarrassed looks followed.
Reid laughed nervously. “Wish wehadthought to get you something for all you did. We found the package sitting on the table when we got here.”
Oh, no.They didn’t bring the gift. What did etiquette dictate in a situation like this? Should she open the package or ignore it? Who would’ve had a key to drop this off? Wait…had the door been unlocked? It had to be because none of these people would have a key. Including Ryan and Poppy, who’d both stopped in last night.
So what did she do with the package?
If she opened it, the attention would shift to the gift and she could relax. Maybe.
“C’mon, Mia.” Jessie tugged harder, making Mia’s final decision for her.
