“And those other poor children didn’t?”
She shrugged. “Choice.”
“You’re being very unsatisfactory. Evidently, you didn’t come to answer questions.” She held up her hand. “And that’s okay. You know that’s not what I need from you, what I want. You’re what’s important. Love is what’s important.”
Bonnie nodded. “You always knew that, Mama,” she said softly. “From the moment I was born, I knew you would always love me. It’s your special gift.”
“Not unusual. Most parents love their children.”
“But not the way you do. You glow with it. And Jenny’s parents didn’t love her. She was cheated of it. Maybe that’s why she was sent to you for help. There’s a certain balance. Not all the time. But sometimes, it’s there for us.”
“How do you know Jenny’s parents didn’t love her?” She shook her head. “No more questions. I remember Jenny said that she didn’t remember her parents. I’d hope she’d remember them if there was love between them.”
Bonnie nodded. “Love should always be there.”
Eve swallowed to ease the tightness of her throat. “It always is for us. And I don’t know why her damn parents wouldn’t love Jenny.”
“I know you don’t,” Bonnie said. “I told you, that’s why she was sent to you.”
“To punish that bastard who killed her, to bring her home.”
Bonnie was silent. “Yes, to bring her home, Mama.”
“We’ll find a way. Joe is working on it now. And Margaret will be a help.” She paused. “There’s another child involved. Can you help us find her?”
“Jenny will help you.”
“I hope so. Jenny’s help seems to be fading in and out.” She leaned back on the bench. “But we’ll work it out. Right now, I don’t want to think about anyone but you. We never have enough time together.” Her gaze enveloped that beloved little figure. “I wanted sunlight when I came here. You are sunlight, Bonnie. The light is reflecting off the water and touching you with a kind of radiance.” She smiled. “Did you arrange that for me?”
“Sure.” Bonnie grinned. “Why not? Anything for you…”
*
“You’re looking very serene.” Joe tilted his head as he strolled toward the bench where she was sitting. He glanced around the park. “Found your sunshine?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “And Bonnie.”
He went still. “She came to you.”
“Yes.” She made a face. “Though she wasn’t very informative. I think she came because she sensed how scared I was.”
“And still are,” he said quietly.
“She keeps saying things are changing. I want them to stay the same.”
“No, you don’t. You want the best for everyone you love, and that could mean change.”
She nodded. “Maybe I just mean that I want to find a way to keep them with me.”
“You don’t have to search to find a way to keep me with you.” He reached out and gently touched her hair. “I’m not going to wander away to try to find myself like Jane. Or be involved in that final great adventure like Bonnie. Even then, I’d find a way to make them change the rules like you did with Bonnie. You’re stuck with me.”
“Thank God.” She took his hand and brought it to her cheek. “I said something of the same to Bonnie, and she laughed at me.” She kissed his palm. “But I do think if you want something this badly, there could be some kind of special dispensation.” She tilted her head. “What’s happening with Jenny is … different. Do you suppose that she wanted something so desperately that she was allowed to come back and try again? She thought maybe it was to stop Walsh from killing that little girl.”
“Why don’t you ask her?”