Ashley put her hand on Jupiter’s back.
“Trix was very, very sad,” Indigo said after a moment. “She needed to feel better, so she came to the barn. She still cried a lot, but it didn’t take very long before she started smiling again.”
Theo watched her niece. “You and Trix became good friends, didn’t you?”
Indigo nodded. “She’s funny.”
Ashley laughed. “I was so intimidated by her when we first met.”
“If they’re smart,” Theo said, “most people are. Trix is the most brilliant person I’ve ever known. Smart, beautiful, capable. We’re lucky to have her in our corner.”
“Amen to that,” Ashley agreed.
“I’m glad you’re here now,” Indigo told Ashley. “Not because I want you to be sad,” she clarified. “Because I know Antee will help you feel better.”
“Wow,” Ashley shook her head. “You sure do believe in your aunt.”
Indigo and Theo watched each other for a moment.
“I’m here ‘cause I need to feel better, too,” Indigo said. Theo blinked in surprise.
“You do?” Ashley asked her.
“I’m scared of lots of things. Those things stay away when I’m here. I feel safe at the barn.”
“Oh, my blue bird.” Theo stood up and walked toward the bed. Indigo stood, too, and climbed into Theo’s arms. They held tight to one another, and Theo rained kisses on the side of the little girl’s face.
Jupiter heard the sound of the garage door opening. He perked his ears up and tilted his head.
“He hears Jordan,” Indigo announced.
“What do you think he brought home today?”
Ashley watched the two of them. “I hope it’s more of that coconut cashew butter from his mom’s shop. I could live on that and your homemade bread.”
“Honey,” Jordan called. “I’m home.”
Indigo didn’t know why Theo found this funny, but she smiled when Theo chuckled.
“We’re in Ashley’s room,” she called back.
“Good. I brought you something.”
“Please let it be butter,” Ashley said.
She expected to see Jordan walk through the door. Instead, a man a few inches shorter than Jordan with a nearly buzzed head and a short but full beard stepped inside.
Ashley’s eyes grew wide. “Daddy!”
“Hi there, little bee,” the man said, moving toward the bed.
“Jupiter, down,” Theo commanded gently.
Jupiter did as he was told. He was inquisitive towards this new visitor, but there was no tension in his body. It was obvious that he didn’t sense any danger.
The man took Jupiter’s spot on the bed and gathered his daughter in his arms. Instantly, Ashley was a mess of emotion, and Theo felt like they were intruding on a personal moment. She still held Indigo, and she moved toward the door, wanting to give Ashley and her dad some privacy.
“I’m going to make a phone call,” Jordan said, making his exit.
“And Indie and I are going to go and see to dinner,” Theo said, smiling as she moved toward the door.
“Wait,” Ashley called. “Don’t go.” She reached for the tissue box that sat on the bedside table. Her dad grabbed the box for her and set it in her lap. She sopped up the tears that were on her face and blew her nose. “Theo, Indigo, I’d like you to meet my dad, Hayes Burgess.”
“Please, don’t get up,” Theo told him with a smile. She offered him a hand and he took it, squeezing it instead of giving it a shake.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, little lady,” Hayes said, giving her a warm smile.
“I can only imagine the sorts of things your daughter has said about me.”
“Oh, she’s said plenty, but I heard most of what I know from your fiancé. It’s a three-hour ride from the airport to your home here. I asked about a million questions, and Jordan was kind enough to oblige me.”
“He’s definitely one of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” Theo agreed.
“And I know a little something about you, too,” Hayes told Indigo.
“You do?” She looked surprised.
“I heard that your favorite color is rainbow. Is that true?”
