Family Wanted (Willow's Haven Book 1) by Renee Andrews Read Free Book Online Page B

concerned, that was plenty. She didn’t need to know the details.
    “Oh, my. How long had she been sick?”
    “At least a year.” The guy from the hospital had told him she’d been there for twelve months before she died. Titus had no idea where she’d been the two years before that, beyond working at the Y, and he assumed he’d never learn. All of his unanswered questions would remain unanswered, unless the package the hospital mailed held any insight into what had happened. And Titus still debated whether he wanted to see whatever was inside.
    “Would you like for your father and I to come visit for a while?” she asked, obviously struggling with what to offer a son whose wife had abandoned him three years ago and then died without giving him or their daughter a chance to say goodbye.
    Titus knew his parents would gladly make the six-hour drive from Orange Beach, on the southern border of the state, to stay with him, his father stepping in to help on the construction site and his mother cooking and taking care of Savannah. But eventually, they’d have to go home, and then he’d be hit with the reality of his life all over again. He’d just as soon deal with it head-on and get it over with. Plus, he didn’t want to snap at his mother the way he’d snapped at Isabella last night. Which was why he was arriving at Willow’s Haven a half hour earlier than usual. He wanted a chance to apologize first thing, as soon as she arrived and before the workday officially started. “I appreciate the offer, Mom, but we’re doing okay.”
    “That’s Granna?” Savannah piped up from the backseat. “Can I talk?”
    He smiled, glad that his little girl had some form of a mother figure to look up to and also glad she hadn’t been paying attention to the earlier portion of the conversation. “Savannah wants to talk to you, Mom.” He turned up the volume and listened as Savannah told his mother about what was going on in her world, starting with the item that hurt the most.
    “Hey, Granna,” she said, “Mommy went to heaven.”
    “I know, dear.”
    Titus listened as his mom reminded Savannah about how heaven was a great place and that her mother would be happy there. He’d told her the same thing, as had Isabella and Savvy. He certainly hoped the knowledge gave her comfort.
    “So, what are you doing today?” his mother asked, apparently to steer the conversation away from Nan.
    “I’m going to work with Daddy, and Bessie’s going with me.”
    “Is Bessie a friend of yours?”
    Savannah released a little laugh. “No, she’s not real. She’s my doll.”
    “Do you like going to work with Daddy?” his mother asked, and Titus suspected it was to make sure she shouldn’t drive up and save the day the way she’d offered. He held his breath and waited for his little girl to answer.
    “Yes, ma’am. I like going to work with Daddy, because Miss Isabella helps me fix Bessie’s hair in the morning, so that her hair can be like mine. And then Miss Isabella fixes mine, too. Sometimes we do pigtails, but other times we do other things.” She leaned forward. “Daddy, what’s that thing Miss Isabella does, the fancy one I like?”
    Titus was glad he remembered. “A French braid.”
    “Yes, that’s it. Granna, it’s a French braid.”
    Titus hadn’t heard Savannah chat this easily with anyone, even his mom, in a very long time, since Nan had gone. And he suspected the change had everything to do with the little chats that had gradually turned into longer talks each morning with Isabella. His gratitude for her appearance in Savannah’s life increased each time he realized what a profound impact she’d already had in her world. And he felt even worse about his abruptness with her yesterday afternoon. She’d only suggested that he pray to answer his problems. It wasn’t her fault that praying was the last thing he wanted to do.
    As if his mother knew his train of thought, she continued, “Miss Isabella. I