and Nico. Possibly some supervised visits?”
“He lives at the same place we do. His brother owns the ranch we’re staying at.”
“Then having him spend some time with you and Nico might be a possibility. He might be able to draw Nico out somehow. As well, given that Nico seems drawn to his horses, that could be another point of connection that you and this man could work with.”
“We can figure out all we want,” Mia said, “but if Nate isn’t willing to help out, then we’re no further ahead.”
“If he’s not, then we’ll have to explore other avenues. Maybe the horses that also feature prominently in each picture could be a vehicle for his recovery. But for now, this man seems to be an important point of connection.” Dr. Schuler leaned forward. “I fully understand your concerns and under any other circumstance I would feel the same. But to me Nico’s mutism is wound up with this man. If, somehow, you could work with him and Nico, as well as his horses, we might see a breakthrough.
“If we can even simply establish a connection with Nico and the horses that might be enough to mitigate any concerns that might come up when this man, Nate, leaves. How do you feel about that?”
“I’m still not comfortable, but of course, I’ll do anything for Nico.”
“Of course you would,” Dr. Schuler said with a smile as he leaned back in his leather chair. “You strike me as a loving and caring mother.”
Grace started squawking and Mia jiggled the stroller to settle her down.
“One thing for next time—I would like to spend some time with you one-on-one during the next visit. You’ve been through just as much as the boys.”
Mia waved off his concern as she turned the stroller around to check on the girls. “I’m fine. I just need to get through the next few weeks.”
Dr. Schuler gave her a thoughtful look, as if trying to see into her soul.
“Really. I’m okay,” she insisted.
“The offer stands. Think about it.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” She got up and slung the diaper bag over her shoulder. Thankfully, Grace had settled again.
“Stop at the reception area,” Dr. Schuler said. “I’m fully booked up for next week, but hopefully you can get in after that. From there on we can set a weekly visiting schedule.”
“Sure. Thanks so much for seeing me today. I appreciate you taking my son on such short notice.”
“I look forward to seeing what we can do for him.” Dr. Schuler got up and walked around the desk to the door to open it for her. “This is temporary. You need to know that. We can help your son. I am hoping this Nate man will be willing to help.”
Mia’s thoughts ticked back to the conversation she had just had with Nate this morning. How she had asked him to stay away from her son. Now Dr. Schuler was suggeting she ask for his help?
She thought of Nico and shook her head. One step at a time. For now, get home. Then you can figure out how to deal with this.
Chapter Six
“And how have you been feeling, Jeff?” Evangeline asked as she passed him a bowl of salad.
“I’m fine,” Jeff said.
“You may be, but you’re still a little hoarse.” Angie glanced at Jeff sitting beside her at the long, wooden table in Denny’s kitchen. Mia and her children took up one end, the adults the other. The full table reminded Nate of the dinners at the Norquests’. Lots of people and shared jokes, laughter and conversation.
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