Sleigh Bells in the Snow (O'Neil Brothers 1)

“If you’re worried, take her out with you.”

“And give Janet something to use against me? No way.”

“Hell, Ty, she virtually sent the kid away. She’s hardly in a position to challenge your parenting skills.”

“Maybe, but I’m not taking the risk. I’ve finally got her back and I’m not going to screw this up.”

Jackson knew his brother was still tormented by the fact he hadn’t been given custody in the first place. It had been a hideous, ugly time, and he was one of the few who knew the truth of it.

Maybe it wasn’t surprising Tyler hadn’t noticed how Brenna felt. He hadn’t just been hurt, he’d been scarred.

“Have you talked to Jess about it?”

“She won’t talk to me.” Tyler sounded tired. “I even tried asking her straight-out what’s wrong. First time in my life I’ve asked a woman if she wanted to talk about what was bothering her. I even stayed around long enough for her to answer.”

“And did she?”

“She gave me a look and told me I wouldn’t understand.” Tyler stared at the bottle in his hand. “Wasn’t going to argue with that one. Truth? I don’t think she wants to be here. She wants to be back with her mother.”

“She’s always loved being here.”

“A visit is different to living somewhere permanently. Janet hated it here.”

“Jess isn’t her mother.”

“But she’s lived with Janet long enough, and we both know Janet hates me.”

Jackson didn’t argue. Knowing Janet Carpenter, he thought it unlikely she’d held back from expressing her views on Tyler. “Jess loves you, Ty.”

“Does she?”

“I know she does. She’s confused.”

“She’s not the only one.”

“You’re entering the realm of the teenage girl.”

“Does that realm include multiple door slamming and hours spent alone in her room? If so, I’m already there.” He shook his head. “I thought women were meant to be the communicators of the species.”

“Maybe you should talk to Mom about it. At least having Jess back will give her something to focus on.”

“You’d think so, but Jess is shutting her out, too. She’s transformed overnight from sweet kid to reclusive teen.”

“Give it time. She’s only been back with you for a month.”

“This was always her favorite time of year. She’s spent every Christmas here since Janet took her away. What sort of mother doesn’t want her kid around at Christmas? Not that I’m complaining about that part.” There was an edge to Tyler’s voice that only ever happened when he talked about his ex-wife. “But normally I can’t get Jess out of their kitchen in the holidays. If she’s not decorating Santa cookies, she’s gluing snowflakes, cutting out reindeer, or singing ‘Jingle Bells’ all over the house at the top of her voice. When I asked her this morning if she wanted to go and bake with Grandma, she told me she’s not a baby anymore.”

“That’s true. Twelve. Hell, how did that ever happen?”

“It happened, and all she wants to do now is ski vertical slopes. Do you think she’s suicidal?” For once Tyler wasn’t smiling or making light of life, and Jackson lowered his beer.

“No, I don’t. What I think is that you need to chill.”

“That’s why I’m drinking your beer.” Tyler glanced at his watch. “What time are we gathering to hear your woman?”

“If you’re talking about Kayla, I’m picking her up from the lodge at six. You don’t have to be there.”

“A mad moose wouldn’t keep me away. I have to watch how she handles Gramps. Think she’ll cope with it, or is he going to walk all over her?”