Magic in Our Hearts by Jeanne Mccann Page A

do anything for you, but no one can perform miracles. I did this to myself, and I have to live with it. I’m not going to get any better than this. I’ve accepted that, why can’t you?” Taylor held back her tears as she witnessed the scene between mother and daughter. There was no doubt they loved each other deeply. Mrs. Camden’s hand reached out and stroked her daughter’s cheek, her hand gentle against her daughter’s face. “Brett, I love you so much, and I know you love me. Do this for me, won’t you please? Just try it for a little while.” Brett could not refuse her mother. She asked so very little of her, and Brett did love her dearly. She was the only person Brett trusted. “For you.” 
    Taylor had to turn away from them, choking back her tears. There was so much love between them and so much anguish.
    “Taylor will be staying here with you while she works with you.”
    “No!” Brett screamed, as she swung away from her mother, her face once more dark with anger.
    “I need to be here, Brett,” Taylor spoke for the first time since her arrival minutes earlier.
    Brett shivered as the familiar voice penetrated her Scotch-fogged brain. “I don’t want you here.”
    “I know, but I need to be here.” Taylor gazed into the dark, familiar eyes.
    There was no way she was going to walk away now. One look at Brett had renewed her resolve.
    Brett stared long and hard at Taylor before slowly turning her back without speaking a word. That dismissive movement hurt Taylor more than angry words.
    It showed complete indifference to her, and Taylor felt the tears well up again, this time for a different reason. It took all of her composure to keep from weeping.
    Mrs. Camden spoke calmly. “Taylor, I’ll show you your room and then introduce you to Helen and Fran. Either one of them can get you anything you might need. Helen is an amazing cook, and she’s prepared to make whatever meals you request. She and Fran have both been told that you’re in charge. They’ll take their orders from you.”
    Taylor listened, but her eyes were on Brett who stumbled out of the living room through a doorway and slammed the door shut. She finally turned and looked directly at Mrs. Camden. “She breaks my heart.” No other words could have shaken Mrs. Camden more than those. Her arms reached for Taylor and she hugged her tightly, knowing in her own mind she had done the right thing. She tenderly held Taylor as she cried. After a few moments Taylor pulled away and wiped her face clear of tears.
    “Show me my room, please. I need to get started as soon as possible.” Taylor straightened her shoulders and stiffened her resolve. She had a lot of work ahead of her if she was going to help Brett.
    “This way, please.”
    Taylor carried her suitcase up a short flight of stairs to the second story and a large bedroom with connecting bath. The view from the window revealed a scene of magnificent snowy mountains. The back of the house had a lawn that stretched out about seventy-five feet where it butted up to scrubby trees and foothills at the base of the mountains. The room was spacious, the double bed covered by a down comforter in pale yellow with green sheets and pillowcases. It was a soothing room with a natural wood dresser and armoire. The walls were a soft green moiré, and colorful floral paintings adorned the walls. A small desk was placed just under the window so the picturesque view was perfectly framed.
    “The telephone is on the desk and I’ve set up a separate line for you. There’s also a data port for a computer, if you need one. The bathroom is through this door.”
    Taylor followed the gracious woman into a bathroom that took her breath away. It was marble with a glass-enclosed shower and a deep soaking tub. The room was done in the same soothing pale green and yellow colors, including the large, fluffy towels. Someone had done an impeccable job of putting the room together.
    “This is a beautiful