Minor Adjustments
Page 22
“Eggs?”
“Uh, yeah . . . why? This is starting to sound like something we could feed to Aussie.”
Stella reached for Ryan’s hand. “We have so much to teach Daddy, don’t we, Ryan?”
Ryan nodded happily.
“Just promise me the hamburgers don’t have Vegemite on them,” said Devon.
“Not on the burgers,” Stella assured him. “But in case you’re running low, I’ve brought several jars with me.”
Devon groaned but followed them inside. Together they grilled the hamburger meat and loaded their burgers with pineapple, fried eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon. In the end, Devon admitted to liking them, and Aussie didn’t complain either.
After they’d cleaned the kitchen, they snuggled together on the couch to watch Ryan’s favorite movie. Or at least most of it. Ryan fell asleep near the end, so Devon carried him to his bed. Stella followed and knelt beside the bed, tucking him in. She loved watching Ryan sleep. He was so precious and adorable. Did she really get to be his mum? It seemed too good to be true.
Devon sat on the back patio steps, staring up at the sky. Sinking down beside him, Stella laid her head against his shoulder. His arm wound its way around her, and he pulled her close.
“I still can’t believe you actually quit your job and moved to America,” he said, weaving his fingers through her hair. “Or that we’ll be married in just over a month. I feel like everything is too perfect, like a dam’s about to burst or something.”
His touch made Stella feel warm and cozy, like a cup of hot cocoa. “I think the fact that we’re both currently unemployed, with a house payment and a five-year-old boy to raise, is enough of a problem to deal with for now.”
“Actually, the house is paid for.”
“Really?”
He shrugged. “My share of the company was worth a lot. And although there’s no rush for either one of us to find a job, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do. The renovations are pretty much finished, and Ryan starts kindergarten next month.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Well, I’ve been doing some consulting with my former company, and Brady has referred a few other companies my way. I never really pegged myself for the consulting type, but it’s actually been fun. It would mean traveling, but I can be particular about the jobs I take and the time I’m willing to invest. If I start advertising, I’m sure I could build up a decent little business, and Brady’s interested in joining me if that’s what I decide to do. What do you think?”
“I think it sounds great.”
Devon’s fingers laced through hers. “What about you?”
“How would you feel about me going back to school? I’ve been looking into the certification required to become a school counselor, and I think I would really enjoy that. With any luck, I could work at the school where our kids might someday end up.”
“Kids? As in, more than one?”
“Yeah. Don’t you want any more?”
“Uh, how many are we talking?”
“I don’t know. Two, four, six, eight—”
“Whoa! Slow down for a second. You’re making a pony sound pretty good right about now.”
Stella smiled. “Well at least a few more, anyway.”
Devon appeared to consider the idea. “I guess Ryan could use a younger brother.”
“Or a sister.” An image of a toddler girl snuggled up on Devon’s lap appeared in Stella’s mind, and her smile widened. Yes, Ryan definitely needed a sister.
“But I don’t know anything about girls.”
“No worries. I’ll teach you everything you need to know—not that you’ll need much help. Whether you see it or not, you’re a pretty amazing father. I think all you needed was a little nudge.”
“It felt more like a shove, to be honest.”
Stella’s shoulder bumped against his. “It’s good to know I’ll be able to push you around. It means we’ll have a happily-ever-after kind of marriage.”
“Says who?”
“Me.”
Devon chuckled. “So long as you’re okay with me pushing back once in a while.”
“I’m counting on it.”
“Good. Now do you want to know what I think will make a happy marriage?”
“What?”
“This.” He kissed her gently, then wrapped her into a warm and snug embrace. Crickets creaked, a breeze rustled the leaves, and Aussie snored from his place in the corner. Up above, the darkened sky glittered with dimly lit stars. Peaceful. Beautiful. Perfect. Had Lindsay foreseen this day? Had she known the far-reaching effect her decision would have? Did she approve?
Carried through the air by a meandering breeze, it was more of a feeling than an actual voice, hugging Stella as it whispered to her heart, Yes.
Thank you, Lindsay, thank you. For everything.
Book Club Questions
1. Do you think Stella should have been completely upfront and honest with Devon from the get-go, or was she right to withhold information until Devon had really gotten to know and love Ryan?
2. Would you be willing to take on the young child of a virtual stranger?
3. What would you do if you knew a child was being mistreated and possibly abused, and how far would you be willing to go to save a child from certain abuse? Would you be justified?
4. After the psychologist gave his recommendation, do you think Devon was justified in his decision to payoff Justin? Does the end ever justify the means? What would you have done?
5. The decision the court would have made, before Devon’s intervention, was actually very realistic—in both Australia and the United States. Is it fair that courts tend to side with the biological parent(s) in cases like these?
6. Today’s courts often favor the mother. Do you feel that the mother is usually the best guardian, or should that bias be eliminated?
7. What do you think about Stella’s decision to give up her life and move to Australia? Should she have done it, considering Devon was ready and willing to move to Australia?
8. If you could pick one place to travel to, where would it be? Would Australia make your top ten?
9. Would you ever try Vegemite?
About the Author
When Rachael first saw The Man from Snowy River (and Crocodile Dundee, although she’s cringes to admit it), she dreamed of going to Australia. Over ten years later, she finally got the chance and immediately fell in love with the people, the wild birds that eat sugar from your hand, the kangaroos, the beautiful city of Sydney, and the gorgeous place called Byron Bay.
Rachael is the author of two previously published books, Divinely Designed and Luck of the Draw. She lives with her husband and children in Springville, Utah.
Rachael would love to hear from you and can be found online at www.rachaelreneeanderson.com.