The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble Read Free Book Online

closer to the bed. “Why isn’t he waking?”
    “He’ll be up and around soon. But he’ll be tired. He had a seizure.”
    “What can be done to help him?”
    “I’ve had him to the best neurologists in the country, but there is no treatment for it.”
    “So he’ll always have to deal with this?” Her gaze softened even more.
    He nodded. “The main thing to remember when he has a seizure is that he needs to be kept safe. Help him to lie down, and put something soft between his teeth so he doesn’t bite his tongue, then wait it out.”
    She caressed Edward’s hair. “Poor child.”
    John warmed to her empathy. He thought it was sincere. “He’s a good lad. Never lets it get him down.” He folded his hands across his chest. “You were most confident in the sewing factory. I think it would be difficult for anything to get the better of you. I liked that.”
    Color stained her cheeks. “Thank you, sir. I was thankful for your protection.”
    “You’re much younger than I expected.” And prettier , he could have added.
    Her green eyes held a challenge. “I’m nearly twenty-five.”
    “I merely remarked on your youth. If Walter thinks you are suitable, I’m sure that’s the case.”
    She dropped her gaze to the floor, and her cheeks went rosier. “I’m sorry for my tone, Lieutenant North.”
    It wasn’t his fault he liked her appearance entirely more than was proper. “Forgive me, Miss Sullivan. I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable in your position. Take care of my son, and teach him well, and you’ll hear no complaints from me.”
    “I will do my very best,” she said. She turned toward the bed. “He’s awakening.”
    Edward yawned, and his eyelids fluttered, then opened. “Papa? I did it again.”
    John sat on the edge of the bed and slipped his arm under his son’s head. “It’s all right, little man. You’re fine now.”
    Edward bolted upright. “Where’s the doggy?”
    “What dog?”
    “The one that helped me,” the boy asked Miss Sullivan. “Was it your dog?”
    “Yes. That’s Gideon.”
    “He knew I was getting sick and helped me sit down.”
    John hid his smile. And his skepticism. “What did he do?”
    “He jerked on my arm until I sat,” Edward said.
    John glanced at the woman. Her expression was soft as she stared at his son. “Did you know the seizure was coming?”
    Edward shook his head. “I was going to toss the ball for him. Can the dog sleep on my bed?”
    “You know your grandfather doesn’t allow dogs in the house.”
    “But this is a special dog. He helped me. I’ll ask Granddad myself.” Edward scooted to the edge of the bed. He staggered when he gained his feet but quickly straightened.
    “You’re the only one Granddad might listen to,” John muttered after his son disappeared through the doorway.
    Glancing at the new governess, he wished he would quit feeling as though the undertow were carrying him out to sea.

S IX
    A DDIE COUNTED EVERY tread as she walked back to the entry. Twenty-one. She kept track of every time she put her foot down on the entry and porch, and on each of the front steps. Thirty. And she prayed. The austere man she’d glimpsed sitting in the automobile next to the lieutenant wasn’t what she’d expected.
    The yard was empty except for Gideon and Edward. Smiling, she approached the boy and dog. “He likes you, Edward.” She couldn’t resist touching his hair again. The soft locks curled around her finger.
    “Can I have him?” The question was asked with the innocence of a child who had never been denied.
    Addie inhaled as she tried to decide how to answer. She’d raised Gideon from a puppy and would never give him up. “I’ll be happy to share him,” she said finally. “But he’s my dog.”
    Edward’s lip thrust out. “I want him to be my dog.” He began to sob.
    Addie wanted to gather him in her arms and soothe his cries, but she knew it wasn’t wise to give in to every demand.
    “How did you get