"Maybe that's what it will take," Lily said thoughtfully, "and not something you or I or anyone else can do for him. Maybe all we can do is be present and welcoming and nonthreatening and hope that he finds his own comfort." It wasn't a bad thought, though Lily was not too keen on just letting Andrew stew in his discomfort until he simply got over it, but what else could she do? She shook these thoughts away and laughed. "Well, I can't have you sad."
She studied her son a moment, not sure if he was joking or not about James being welcome at the family outing. "He does bring me joy."