Today's Reading

Aaron scrubbed at his forehead, where a slight ache had begun to throb. "Grief works differently for everyone. Dad's death two years ago was hard enough on her, but losing her mom too?" He exhaled. "Back-to-back losses are tough."

"On everyone. This hasn't been an easy road for you, either."

"Or you." Gramp hadn't been all that close to Olivia, but the loss of his housemate son had hit him hard. "Isabel's only nine, though. Having two of the four most significant people in your life disappear in the space of thirteen months can put a major dent in a kid's sense of security. I didn't need the counselor I took her to a few months ago to tell me that."

"You think it would help to schedule another session? Maybe there's more we should be doing for her."

"Like what? I'm already following all the suggested guidelines. Maintaining a predictable routine, being available, listening, drawing her out when she cracks a door, seeing that she gets regular exercise. At our last session, the counselor said the best remedy was time—unless the situation deteriorated. It hasn't. Isabel is sleeping better, and she doesn't have as many bad dreams."

"But she still seems sad and too quiet. Not to mention the clinginess."

Like he didn't know that.

He sighed. "That's why I touched base with the counselor last Friday."

Gramp's eyebrows rose. "You didn't tell me that."

"There wasn't much to tell. She ran me through a whole checklist of questions. In the end, she said to carry on, and if there's no further improvement in a month, to bring Isabel back. One thing I know. You being here helps. I'm glad you agreed to live with us after Olivia died."

"It was a win-win as far as I was concerned. Moving in with your dad after I lost your grandmother saved me. There's nothing sadder than being alone in a house that was once filled with love. Felt the same way after your dad died. Being with people you care about, helping them out, is what makes life worth living. Coming here was just what I needed."

"The arrangement has been a godsend for us too. Our diet has improved, thanks to your skills in the kitchen, and having you on hand to watch Isabel on the spur of the moment when I have to run to the mill for the occasional crisis takes a lot of stress off me."

"Glad to be of service." Gramp took off his glasses, pulled out his handkerchief, and began polishing the lenses. "Of course, you may not need me if you decide to get married again."

Aaron blinked.

Where had that come from?

"Why would you bring up marriage?"

"It's been on my mind."

"Well, it's not on mine."

"Why not? You're a young man, and Isabel could use a mother."

"I don't feel all that young anymore." In truth, there were days he felt a decade or two older than his thirty-six years. "And Isabel has me and you."

"A woman adds a different touch to a home. Mind you, I'm not saying a single parent can't do an excellent job raising a child, as your dad demonstrated. You turned out fine. Better than fine. But I'd hate for you to spend the rest of your life alone, even if a new woman in your life would put me out of a job."

"No worries on that score. Your job is secure. And I'm not alone. I have you and Isabel."

"Not forever. One of these days, she'll grow up and move on. And someday I'll be joining my Elizabeth and your dad. Where will that leave you?"

"Working at the mill."

"I'm serious, Aaron."

Yeah, he was. That sober look he was wearing had always been reserved for the most solemn discussions.

And if the Steele patriarch wanted to talk, nothing was going to dissuade him.

Resigning himself to a discussion he didn't want to have, Aaron leaned forward and linked his fingers. "I really don't need anyone else in my life, Gramp. I've been married, and once was enough."

More than enough.


This excerpt ends on page 20 of the paperback edition.

Monday we begin the book The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin.

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