Carl, who sat quietly on the sofa being ignored, watched his wife. When she finally turned to face him, he felt guilty for the anguish he saw there. Some of it was his own fault. He hadnt realized just what Sandra had to deal with when it came to Sylvia, and he had put even more pressure on her.

His compassionate look was like a lifeline to his wife, and when he held his hand out to her, she joined him. Sandra cried against her husbands chest like she had never cried before. They talked for a long time and came to some painful decisions. They wouldnt try to change things overnight, but Sylvia was not going to go on staying with them foreverthis much was clear. What wasnt clear was how she would be told, by whom, and when.

Bobbie opted to sit at the kids table. There wasnt enough room at the big kitchen table for everyone, so a smaller table was set up in the living room for the younger family members.

Troy and Gilbert were both younger than Bobbie, but she took a place in the living room with Sean, Marcail, and Nate. Laughter was plentiful around the small table, thanks to Bobbie. Even Sean was beginning to thaw. The small blonde had that effect on people.

So how young were you when you learned to swim? Bobbie was questioning the Donovan children about growing up in Hawaii.

Marcail shrugged. We just always knew.

Our mother always said we could swim before we could walk. This was the first time Sean had offered information without a direct question and Bobbie believed they were making progress.

I tried swimming when I lived in Jenner, Bobbie told them with a laugh. I thought I would die.

You almost drowned? Marcail asked with wide eyes.

No, it was freezing. I didnt think water got that cold. Every inch of me was blue. I think I shivered for two days.

The water was always warm in Hawaii.

I would have loved that, Sean. Anyway, I didnt try it again for a long time, but eventually I did learn to swim in the ocean and I really enjoyed it.

The remainder of the conversation was relaxed and it wasnt long before everyone was finished eating. There were more than enough hands to help in the kitchen, so Bobbie followed Marcail outside to the swing. It was cold, but the girls bundled into their warm coats and hoped it wouldnt rain.

Im freezing, Marcail, Bobbie called to her after the nine-year-old had the swing high in the air. Did you want to go in pretty soon?

Lets go to the barn. Itll be warmer in there.

Marcail worked the swing down to a gentle glide and jumped the few feet to the ground. She and Bobbie hurried toward the barn.

Oh, this feels heavenly, Bobbie exclaimed as the warmth of the barn enveloped her.

Lets go up to the loft.