When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,56
time the wind chimes tinkled, I imagined they were the sounds of angel wings flapping and they were visiting me. Protecting me, almost. The sound gave me peace every time I heard it, and that thought helped me through some hard times. It was a reminder that everything was going to be fine. That I was on the right path.”
“That’s sweet.”
“Yeah, but those chimes drove our neighbors crazy, especially on windy days.”
Lee burst out with a full belly chuckle, a heartwarming sound. I laughed with him until my eyes watered. It wasn’t particularly funny, but his laugh brought out my own mirth. Bridget also giggled, but she lost interest and went back to painting. Then the room fell silent, but our gazes remained locked.
Desire bloomed inside me, but that was a place I didn’t want to go. Unless I was reading his steady gaze wrong, Lee might be feeling it too.
I paced to the third painting to break away from whatever was happening between us. “Maybe Mona told her about wind chimes?”
Lee gave me a sidelong glance at first, and then finally understood. “I don’t think so. The first time I heard Bridget say it was when we were playing the game. I didn’t ask her about it because ...” He glanced over to his niece, and then back to me, clearing his throat. He seemed to be struggling with words. “Maybe it’s helping her deal with the loss of her mother. I would say anything, do anything to help her. I thought about sending her to a therapist, but Mona is very good with her and has helped her in many ways. All I can do is love her and let her know I’ll always be there for her.”
I raised my hand to touch his face, but stopped halfway and dropped my hand to my side. He was such an amazing person. It was a huge responsibility to take care of a child. Few uncles would do the same for their nieces.
“She’s lucky to have you,” I said, looking at Bridget.
He shook his head. “No, I’m lucky to have her.”
My heart melted. “What about her father?”
He clenched his jaw. His expression darkened and he whispered sharply, “He walked out on my sister shortly after she got pregnant. He had another woman. I don’t know where he is and I don’t care. I would never let him get close to Bridget even if he wanted her back in his life.”
I didn’t blame him.
We had lowered our voices and kept the conversation away from Bridget, but when she turned to look at us, I flinched.
“I’m done. Want to see it?” She waved the brush toward her easel and flecks of paint splattered off the tip.
Bridget had painted stick figures of two people with long hair. Lee and I exchanged glances, and from the way he clutched his chest, I was certain his heart somersaulted like mine did.
Lee went to her and placed a tender hand on her back. “Who did you paint, sweetheart?”
She pointed with her brush. “The little one is me, and the big one with wings is mommy. We’re holding hands. Sometimes I dream about her.”
Lee kissed her forehead and caressed her face. “Your mother is always thinking of you. She’s right there, always.” He patted her heart. “And I am right here. Always.” He tapped his chest.
“I know.” She nodded with her head lowered and looked up. “Can we play Unicorns versus Skeletons now?”
If Bridget hadn’t suggested something fun, I might have. We needed something uplifting after the somber conversation. Gloom seemed to fester in the air and just like how I was here to make Christmas the happiest time of the year for Tyler, I was going to do the same for Bridget.
Lee glanced at the time on his cell and paused. Then his gaze went from Bridget to me and lingered on me. He said the unexpected words, “Well, I do need to catch up to Kate’s level.”
“You can try.” I arched a single brow, with a hint of challenge in my tone. “What about your work?”
“Work can wait.” His voice went guttural and his fingers bent into claws. “I’m hungry. I think I’ll eat some unicorns.”
I grabbed Bridget’s hand and we ran screaming out of the room.
Chapter Twenty-Three — Picnic at the Beach
“Don’t forget to grab the napkins and the cheese tray,” Abby hollered from the back of the car, the soft breeze tousling her hair.
“I got it.” A bit annoyed, I put on my