Page 114 of Smoky Mountain Dreams
Jesse heard the words and it hurt his heart in so many ways,and recognized, yet again, that his daughter was emotionally so much youngerthan her peers.
“I wouldn’t have to go away. I’d love to meet her and tellher what a lucky woman she is to have a kid like you. And one like Will. And I’dlove to find out all kinds of things about her, like how she laughs and whatshe thinks is funny. I’d love to know those things about the woman your dadloved.”
“I don’t remember her laugh anymore,” Brigid whispered.
Jesse’s heart twisted, and he wanted to tug her into hislap, though she had gotten so tall, and never let her go. But he waited.
Christopher crossed sat down next to Brigid. “I wish wecould learn it together. I wish I could get to know her. I’d want her to likeme since I like your dad and he likes me, and Will’s super cool, probably thecoolest boy I know. And you…well, hopefully you’ll like me eventually when Ishow you that I’m serious about how much I want you to be happy.”
Jesse’s throat was tight and he tried to catch Christopher’sgaze, but Christopher seemed to only have eyes for Brigid.
“But, I have to be honest, Brigid,” Christopher whispered. “I’mnot promising this will work out the way you want. As much as I’d like to knowthese things about your mom, I don’t really believe I’ll ever get that chance.But I’m promising that, if you want, I’ll help you complete your goal. And, ifyou want, your dad and I will be there when you fold the last crane to help youdecide just what you want to do.” Christopher touched Brigid’s hand and shepulled away. “You don’t have to do this alone. We support you, Brigid. Even iflife experience tells us that miracles are few and very far between.”
Jesse slid his hand across the table and placed one on topof Brigid’s. His chest ached and tears filled his eyes. He wasn’t sureChristopher was doing the right thing, but Brigid was softening to him, and hisheart was in the right place. It was good to have another person here with him,helping him navigate this situation with Brigid. Another hand on the wheel tosteady things or bring them about in a different direction.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” Brigid whispered. “I spitin your ice cream float.”
“You did. It definitely made me sad, but it also told me alot about you. Like that you’re brave and determined and willing to pull outthe stops to get what you want or need. It told me that you’re loyal to yourdad and brother—that you want to protect them and yourself from being hurtagain. Even if it means you getting in trouble to do it. And now that we knowabout the reason for your cranes and your wishes, I know how strong you are;how devoted and faithful. You’re a powerhouse, Brigid, and you’ll grow up to beone heck of woman with all that strength driving you.”
“I was just trying to make you go away.” She seemedunconvinced of Christopher’s assessment of her, but her eyes looked hopeful,like she wanted it to be true.
“I know. But I’m pretty loyal and faithful too, and I thinkthat if you give me a chance we can be a good team. Did your dad tell you why I’mhere this weekend?”
Brigid nodded, her brow furrowing.
“I was disowned by my mother—kicked out of her house, andtold not to come back. And I guess I’m figuring out something that I neverreally knew before, Brigid. Can I tell you?”
“Yes.”
Jesse held his breath. His hand was still on Brigid’s, andhe didn’t move a muscle.
“My mom? She’s gone too,” Christopher said. “Not justbecause of what happened yesterday. She’s been gone a long, long, long time. Ilost her when I was just a kid. Like you. So I know the kind of bargains alittle boy will make to keep his mama in his life. The kinds of desperatethings a child will do and accept if only for the hope that she’ll come back.”
Jesse’s nostrils flared, fresh anger at Christopher’s motherburning in his gut.
“I’m a grownup now, Brigid.” His eyes were full of empathy.Brigid’s were wide as she studied him, obviously trying to measure hissincerity, and her immaturity shone though, too. Jesse wondered what all theloss of her mother had cost her. He knew some kids grew up too fast after atrauma, and some, like Brigid, stunted.
“And the thing is I can’t continue to make those bargains.They aren’t healthy. I guess I want to help your dad hold your hand throughthis bargain you’re trying to make in hopes that it might be the last one foryou. In hopes that you won’t be twenty-eight years old and still trying to finda way to get your mama back.” He bit his lip. “I want to help you say goodbye.Maybe you can show me how it works so I can say goodbye too.”
She pulled her hand away from Jesse. “I’m not ready. She’smy mom.”
“I know,” Christopher whispered. “I do. I know.”
Brigid seemed to collapse with a combination of exhaustionand relief. She stood up to cross over to Jesse, falling against him. He puthis arm around her, pressed a kiss to her head, and held her close.
“Should we fold some cranes now?” Christopher asked.
Brigid shook her head, hiding her face against Jesse’sshoulder. “No. I’m tired,” she whispered.
Christopher met Jesse’s eyes for the first time since he’dstarted talking to her. “You’ve been working hard for a long time, Brigid.”
She nodded and closed her eyes, her breath slowing, andrelief settling on her features. “I can’t let her down.”
Jesse rocked her gently, urging her long body onto his lap. “It’sokay, baby.”
“You’d never let her down,” Christopher murmured, andtentatively stroked her hair, his expression shattered. “When you’re ready, we’llhelp you. Won’t we, Jesse?”
“Of course.” Jesse’s throat was unbearably tight, and hepushed his face into Brigid’s hair, breathing in her sweet scent. “Christopherand I—we’ll always help you.”
