Page 69 of Forgotten Desires

“I know. Brynn has her own farm with lots of animals. We’re going to stay there so you can help her, does that sound fun?”

She nods and Cliff opens her door. Layla gives him a big hug and then I get her in the car. “Rin! We are going to your farm!”

“I’m so excited to show you all the animals. Do you like chickens?” Brynn asks.

“I don’t have any chickens.”

Brynn giggles. “I have lots. Maybe you can help me feed them?”

Layla nods enthusiastically.

We spend the next two hours with Layla chattering nonstop to Brynn about her animals, what they have there, where she’s going to sleep, and any other question she can ask. Brynn tells Layla about her nieces and nephew, and how maybe tomorrow Elodie and Jett, Grady’s kids, will come over and play.

I’m barely in the conversation, and that’s just fine by me. I’ve never seen Layla take to anyone the way she does Brynn. They’re like two old souls finding each other.

As we enter the town, Brynn points out some landmarks and smiles at me when she catches me staring. We travel down the winding roads and pull up to her small cottage.

“Daddy, can we see the animalsnow?” Layla asks with wide eyes.

“Let’s get settled first and then we can go.”

She pouts but Brynn is quick to jump in. “Do you want to see where you’ll sleep? It’s very pretty.”

Layla grabs Brynlee’s hand and they walk into the house. It’s a little nuts to think the last time we were here was when I proposed. Now, we’re married and bringing my daughter to spend the weekend.

I look around, taking in the small room in a different light. This is where she lives, where she has spent her days and nights. There are photos on the mantel of her brothers and their kids. A picture of her and Olivia with their tongues out and fingers making the ‘I love you’ sign. Brynlee as a little girl with a woman I assume is her mother.

“That’s my mother,” Brynn says, and I turn to see her staring at me.

“You look like her.”

She smiles. “I think I’m a good mix. I get my red hair from my father, but I’ve definitely taken more of my mother’s features as I’ve aged.”

“Well, you’re stunning and so is she.”

She turns her head to hide her face and then sighs. “Layla loves the bedroom. I want to change a few things so it’s more age appropriate. Olivia doesn’t really stay here anymore and I’m sure she’d be okay with it.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

Brynn shakes her head. “I want Layla to feel like this is a home for her. I went to put her things away, but the bag is empty.”

I grit my teeth. “Her mother.”

“I figured.”

“I have Cliff going to the store now. He’ll be back as soon as he finishes shopping.”

Brynn moves closer, touching the photo beside the one of her and her mother. “I will never understand how a parent can use their child as a weapon. Layla deserves better, and you’re giving her that. When she comes to live with you, she’ll never have to worry about having caring parents.”

Her hand rests on the mantel and I cover it with my own. “If it weren’t for you, it wouldn’t even be possible. I would’ve lost before I started.”

“You’d have found a way.”

“I don’t even know if I’ll get her now.”

Brynn rests her head on my shoulder. “I have faith.”

Layla comes running out. “Can we gonow?”

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