A Texas Hero by Linda Warren

Author:Linda Warren
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-08T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHLOE CRIED AND CRIED, not wanting to go to bed. Gayle had let her stay up as long as she’d wanted or until she’d conked out. Abby lay with her until she fell asleep, which she’d never had to do before. When it was bedtime, Chloe went to bed. Abby would read to her for a few minutes before she drifted off. Now it was a battle to get her down.

She was clingy, too, and she hadn’t been before. If Abby was out of her sight, she’d start to cry. And she threw temper tantrums if she couldn’t get her way. Her daughter was becoming a spoiled brat. All of this gave Abby added motivation to leave the safe cocoon of her dad’s home. She had to take Chloe back to their apartment and their normal routine. She needed discipline and structure.

So did Abby.

Chloe asleep, she went into the den to speak to her dad and Gayle. They were having a glass of wine and watching a movie.

“Did you get her down?” her dad asked.

“Finally.” She sank onto the sofa. “She’s getting so spoiled.”

“I’m sorry, dear,” Gayle said. “I can’t say no to her.”

“It’s not just you, Gayle. The robbery and the fire have affected her, too. We need to get back to our lives and our routine so she’ll feel secure again. I need that, as well.”

“Oh, no, dear. You’re too weak. You need more rest.”

Abby let that pass. “Doug’s picking up Chloe in the morning so she can spend some time with his parents.”

“But it’s the middle of the week. He doesn’t get her until the weekend.”

“I’ve agreed to it, Gayle.” She refrained from gritting her teeth and screaming.

“This is Abby’s business, not ours,” her father put in.

Gayle took a gulp of wine.

“While Chloe is with her father, I’m going to my apartment to clean out the refrigerator and give the whole place a good cleaning.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Gayle said. “I’ll do it.”

“Gayle,” her dad snapped. “Let it go.”

Abby scooted closer to her stepmom. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me and Chloe. I couldn’t have gotten through this without your help. You’ve waited on me hand and foot, and taken care of Chloe. You must be exhausted.”

“I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

“And I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, but please understand that I have to go.”

“Fine.” Gayle placed her glass on a coaster and stood. “If that’s the way you feel.” She quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

“Dad?”

He got up and sat by her. “Don’t worry about your stepmom. She’s a little nutty at the moment. I’ll talk to her.”

She hugged him. “I’m sorry I’ve caused you so much stress. Gayle told me about your panic attacks.”

“I’m so grateful you’re alive.” He squeezed her. “Now go live your life.”

“Thanks.” Her dad always understood. He was that type of person. Hopefully, she’d inherited some of that.

She took a quick shower and slipped on a big T-shirt. She’d gotten into the habit of having frozen bottled water on her nightstand.

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