Free Donovan's Child by Christine Rimmer

to the days alone in the ice cave, to the chain of surgeries. She spoke of his dedication to his physical rehabilitation. And she included what Donovan had told her the morning Ben left—that he could walk, though with difficulty, using crutches.
    â€œHe seems so sad,” said Luisa. At Abilene’s nod, she asked, “So what is this project you’re working on with him?”
    Abilene told her about the children’s center, explained that she was the architect who’d won the fellowship he’d offered.
    Margie came with the food. She gave them more coffee and left them alone again.
    Luisa said, “I remember, a couple of years ago, hementioned a plan he had to build a center in San Antonio for children in need. He was passionate about that.”
    â€œWell, it’s finally happening. We’re pulling the design together now. In a few weeks, we’ll…” She corrected herself. “ I’ll be going back to SA, to supervise construction.”
    â€œHe won’t go with you? But why not?”
    â€œHe says he’ll never work again.”
    â€œBut that’s impossible. He loves his work.”
    â€œI know. But he says that’s all over now.”
    â€œHe used to travel often, all around the world, building fine hotels, houses for rich people, museums, skyscrapers….”
    Abilene set down her slice of toast after only nibbling the crust. “It seems so wrong, I know. He’s locked himself up in his house. He won’t come out and he won’t let anyone in.”
    â€œBut he let you in.”
    â€œI think he finally felt he had to. For the sake of the children who need the center we’re building.”
    â€œAnd you’ve helped him,” Luisa said.
    â€œI don’t know if I’d go that far.”
    â€œAbilene, you let me in. And he allowed it.”
    â€œYeah. That’s true. He did. Finally.”
    â€œYou’re changing his mind,” said Luisa, as if it were such a simple, obvious thing. “You’re making him see that life goes on—and life is good. That there’s hope and there’s meaning. That he can’t hide in his house forever, nursing his injuries, feeling sorry for himself. That there’s more of life ahead for him, much more. Years and years.”
    Abilene blew out a breath. “You make it all sound so…possible.”
    â€œBut of course, it’s possible. You’re showing him that it is.”
    â€œI’ve been trying, believe me. I don’t know why I’m trying, exactly. But I am.” She fiddled with her napkin, smoothing it on her lap, though it really didn’t require smoothing. “I can’t…seem to stop myself.”
    Luisa said simply, “You care for him. There’s no shame in that.”
    She glanced up, met the other woman’s waiting eyes. “But I…”
    Luisa’s smile was soft and knowing. “Yes?”
    â€œWell, I only mean…” She felt suddenly breathless, awkward and tongue-tied. “It’s not that we’re…intimate. We’re not.”
    Luisa ate a careful bite of her breakfast. “But you do care for him, don’t you?”
    Abilene sat up straighter. Why should that be so difficult to admit? “Yes, all right. I do. I care for him.” A low, confused sound escaped her. “But the way he behaves a lot of the time, I have no idea why.”
    Luisa laughed. “I know what you mean. Caring for him has to be a very tough job, given the way he is now. But someone’s got to do it, got to reach out for him, got to…stick with him, no matter how hard he seems to be pushing everyone away.”
    â€œYeah.” Abilene laughed, too, though it came out sounding forced. “I guess I should look at it that way.”
    â€œAnd he is stronger than he knows.”
    â€œOh, Luisa. You think so?”
    â€œI know so. He will come back, to himself, to the