Brody scrubs over his mouth before asking, “How’s your dad?”
“Dying.”
He blanches at my tone that’s noticeably absent of emotion. “No shit?”
My gaze feasts on Bianca to fight off the claws of the past. “If I believe what he told me.”
“Well, damn. That’s why he wants you back.”
“He can find someone else.” Even my dumbass cousin can fill the role.
“Think he’ll accept that?”
“Has to eventually, right?” Maybe I’m being callous, but that cruel bastard doesn’t deserve anything else from me.
Brody bobs his head. “And in the meantime, we’ll be extra cautious.”
“Told her as much already.” I glare at a guy across the bar when his interest narrows in on what’s mine. He sees me towering behind her and wisely looks elsewhere.
“How’d she take it?”
“She didn’t knee me in the balls.”
“Eh, the night is still young.” Brody flags down the bartender to order a beer.
I accept his offer to add one for me. “Might as well. She’s promised it’ll be a long one.”
“Oh, my heart. Just look at her. Jamie hasn’t been this happy in ages.” Amber glances up at where her daughter is riding the horse I’m leading around the small corral. “This place is even better than I’d heard. A true miracle center.” She sniffles and wipes at her eyes before adding, “You’re doing so much for these kids. Thank you.”
Emotion clogs my throat as if I haven’t heard a similar speech countless times. I’m a sap, especially when it comes to children. That’s precisely why I turn into a blubbering mess whenever I volunteer at Camp Cloverleaf. The therapeutic youth program is a blessing, much like Amber said.
“That’s very sweet, but I’m not responsible for much more than this.” I drift a palm along the sorrel mare’s neck foremphasis. “The owners and managers are the real saints, along with the founder.”
Who was my mom.
This camp was one of her many charitable endeavors. Whenever she would visit, the sparkle in her gaze was extra bright. That’s another reason I get choked up from being here. Her presence is reflected in each smile and laugh. Mom was always moved to see how many benefited from the free services. I blink away the threat of tears. Her spirit lives on and I’m so grateful.
“You’re doing your part,” Amber counters. “There are many other places you could be instead. I wouldn’t have willingly offered to be here when I was your age. Trust me, your goodness is showing through.”
A sting attacks the bridge of my nose. This kind woman is determined to make me cry.
“That means a lot. I appreciate it,” I murmur.
My fingers comb through Toffee’s brown mane while I try to rein in my feelings. The trusty horse dutifully walks on, picking up the slack for me. She’s extremely reliable and doesn’t need me to guide her, but it’s required for novice students. Since this is Jamie’s first lesson, her mom joins the session too. Her comfort and well-being are why we’re all here.
My grin lifts to the little girl sitting in the saddle. Jamie is quiet, but there’s a serene expression on her face. Like she’s at peace. It’s a common occurrence for the kids that enroll in services here. Instinct tells me that this one will become a regular.
After guiding Toffee to the center of the pen, I signal her to stop. I turn to Jamie and smile again. “All done, kiddo. You did awesome.”
She blinks at me and remains silent.
Amber moves to stand next to her, patting her bent leg. “What do you think, sweetie? Was it fun to ride a horse?”
The little girl rests her hand on Toffee’s neck, stroking her glossy coat slowly. A few seconds pass. Her mom doesn’t move or speak, just waits for a response. I almost hold my breath in anticipation.
After what feels like a full minute, Jamie nods. The motion is slight, but visible. If that’s not enough, Amber’s wide grin snuffs out any doubt that this was a major success.
I mentally pump my fist. That’s what we’re aiming to achieve.
