another matter. He had great plans
for the son of his old age--an Ivy
League college, a successful career.
All spoiled when "that girl" had
turned his head. Kevin's death had
turned the old man as caustic as
brine. "You're not welcome in this
house, and don't think of bringing
that brat in here."
times in the years that followed,
"Be patient. He'll soften."
determined to raise her Down
syndrome baby. She joined a support
group for special needs children,
found a good job and an apartment
a few blocks away from Kevin's
elderly mother.
the smooth white stones along the
walk. She stroked it with her stubby
fingers. "Ard," she said.
for Clarissa. Still, she was making
good progress.
and held her arms out to embrace
Clarissa.
have our cookies out here." She
showed Clarissa a little table set
with a bright cloth and three mugs.
"Sit with Mommy, darling. I'll pour
the cocoa."
miniature marshmallows into cups
of hot chocolate. How did the woman
endure that stubborn old man? It
was one thing to punish her, though
she had not even been in the car
when the accident happened. But
to deny his own grandchild! She
thought of him hunkered down
inside the house, refusing them
entry. Gaunt, stoop shouldered,
brooding eyes, bald but for a tuft of
gray hair that often stood on end as
though he'd been shocked awake. He
had always been severe and taci-
turn, but this! Anger churned inside
her, and her cheeks burned in spite
of the February cold.
down to play while Jane exchanged
pleasantries with Grandma Patty.
They couldn't stay long. It was too
cold, and Clarissa's respiratory
system was delicate.
dow that looked into the living room.
Chubby hands flat against the cold
glass, she stared in. Jane knew she
was watching for him. She had no
word for the man she often quietly
observed from Grandma's porch.
her out! He wouldn't even allow
Clarissa's tender curiosity! Clarissa
dropped her hands, and Jane saw
her little mouth tremble before she