A Mule Hollow Match by Debra Clopton

Author:Debra Clopton [Clopton, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488025808
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2009-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

“She hasn’t mentioned Steph to me yet,” Trace said on Saturday, keeping his voice low. “Has she said anything during the day to make you think she remembers her mom at all?”

They had finished supper and were walking down the drive, on a big adventure with Zoey as she made her way along, pausing to smell every buttercup and brown-eyed Susan she came across. Watching her, Paisley continued to have that overwhelming sense of thankfulness that she was so carefree and was easily settling into her new life.

“She hasn’t acted like she remembers Stephanie at all. But—” she paused, placing her hand on Trace’s arm “—I’m not so sure that’s not a good thing for now. Look at her. She has come so far in less than a week. I was so afraid many days would be like the first day. And honestly if she did remember her mother and miss her terribly, can’t you imagine how much more traumatized she would be. She would be upset and sad and she would act out those emotions in the only way a little person knows how.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Trace looked conflicted as he watched her. His devotion to his niece was openly apparent on his face. “I understand what you’re saying, yet as mixed up as Stephanie was I still want Zoey to remember her. I mean, I can barely remember my mom.” He raked his hand across his brow and bumped his hat up from his forehead with a knuckle. His eyes were deeply troubled. “I bought that book she loves so much about the baby farm animals and their mothers, hoping it would help her remember.”

Paisley tore her gaze away from his profile and stared out across the pasture, blinking back her own emotions. She’d never thought about that part of it. Him not quite three with hardly any memory of his mother. Her heart wilted a little more.

“I was hoping the book would somehow help her connect to her mom. Is that crazy or what? She was one year old when she last felt her mom’s arms around her…who am I kidding?” he asked. “I don’t even know if Stephanie showed her any affection even then.”

“I’m so sorry,” Paisley said. Trace’s tortured gaze reached inside of her. She wanted to smooth his brow, to show him the tenderness he’d missed growing up. She wanted to hug him for wanting Zoey to have more than he’d had. “I love what you’re trying to do for Zoey.” She touched his jaw, unable to resist. “I believe God truly works in mysterious ways, and I believe this is one of those times. As hard as it is to acknowledge, it’s easier if she doesn’t remember Stephanie. She’s getting to know you and loving it. Her mother’s memory would do nothing but distort that right now.” She was saying the hard stuff. But it was the truth and she pushed on. “You’re right, she was very young when social services took her away from Stephanie and you can’t help that.

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