Poppy wailed so loud the rafters rattled.
But Pa didn’t appear to notice any of it and turned back to pushing things from the shelves and mumbling under his breath.
Amelia couldn’t make out what he said. Maybe if she did, she could calm him. “I’ve made tea.”
He pushed his hand toward her as if getting rid of something.
Time to try another tack. “Pa, could you look out the window and see if the horses are all right?”
A pause as if the words were getting through, and then he returned to his frenzied activity.
Poppy’s distressed wailing rose in volume.
Amelia would never put the child in danger, but Pa seemed to calm around her. It was worth a try. If she sensed his distress mount, she’d snatch the child and flee outside.
“Pa, I think Poppy’s hungry. Would you like to share a snack with her?”
His movements slowed. “Poppy? Poppy’s a baby?”
“Yes, and she’s hungry. Can you help me?”
“Of course.” He stumbled from the room, eyeing the objects on the floor and sending Amelia an accusing look as if blaming her for the mess.
Poppy shrieked when he moved toward her.
Kat stood ready to block any anger from her father.
Zach strode in. Seeing Poppy’s distress, he scooped her up and held her tight. She clutched him hard enough to make him cough.
“Hush, baby. I’ve got you.” He took in the scene. “Bad moment?” he whispered. “Come here, Kat.” He wrapped an arm around her and held her close.
Amelia nodded. “Pa, help me put out the dishes.” Supper wasn’t ready, but he always seemed calmest sitting at the table.
“All right.” He claimed his customary chair, folded his hands together on the wooden surface, and waited.
After three deep breaths, Amelia could breathe more easily. She choked back a sob. “Has he been like this before?”
“Maybe once or twice,” Kat answered. “He scares me. Does he know what he’s doing?”
Poppy nuzzled against Zach’s neck. “Gampa scared.”
Scared or scary? Maybe both. Oh, if only Amelia could do something to ease the pain and concern in Zach’s and Kat’s faces. This had to be so hard for them.
Pa seemed settled. She put a biscuit on his plate in the hopes he would think about food.
Zach took his usual place kitty-corner from his father, holding Poppy on his knee. Perhaps hoping to anchor his pa in the present, he talked about the cows, how he was going to get started cutting that hay tomorrow, and other things about the animals.
Seeing Poppy safe, Pa calm for now, and the anxiety in Kat’s eyes disappearing, Amelia turned her attention to preparing supper.
Later, as Amelia put the serving dishes on the table, Poppy climbed off Zach’s knees and onto the chair next to Pa. She patted his hand. “Gampa good.”
“Guess I am.”
The pair smiled at each other.
Amelia grinned at Kat as she sat, and Zach nodded her way—a sign of relief and understanding.
“I’m guessing Gil won’t be joining us,” she said.
