Page 66 of That Time in Venice
“What?”
“She’s torn. She’s hurting because you’re making her choose sides. A four-year-old shouldn’t be placed in thatsituation.”
Nanette sniffled again, but didn’tspeak.
“I want you in her life. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing for either of us. We can workthisout.”
She started crying again. He heard jagged huffs of breath as she fought to control heremotions.
“Can we try to work this out? ForBrielle’ssake?”
Nanette sniffed. “Yes. I’mwilling.”
Progress.
“I’m going to hang up and check on Brielle. I’ll call you tomorrow and we can discuss some ideas. Maybe she can come stay with you part of thesummer.”
“Yes, yes. I’d like that,” Nanette said quickly. “I still have a room in the house justforher.”
“Okay. And um…maybe we could do FaceTime or Skype on thecomputer.”
“My goodness, I don’t know anything about that technology business. It’s all socomplicated.”
“We’ll figure it out. I promise you. If it means you can see Brielle more often, willyoutry?”
“You know I’d do anything for thatchild.”
“I know. And thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Brielle, helping Layla, and in essence, forhelpingme.”
“That’s my baby.” Her voice wobbled again, but she took a deep breath and gathered strength. “I’ll let you tend to Brielle now. Make sure you tell her Grandma loves her to death, and she never ever has to hesitate to talk to me again. You make sure you tell her, youhearme?”
“I will. Ipromise.”
“Good. We’ll talktomorrowthen?”
“We’ll talk tomorrow.” Reed hung up the phone and ran a hand down his face. He expelled a breath of air and braced both hands on the granitebartop.
Now the mystery of Brielle’s behavior had been resolved once and for all, he could concentrate on other things—namely, Anika. She’d referred to herself as broken. He winced. Had she carried around that thought all along? He’d have to find a way to convince her that his love was not conditional, and he wanted her just the wayshewas.
With that thought in mind, Reed headed upstairs to tend to hisdaughter.
