“Oh—one of the ladies has a job interview on Wednesday. Would you be able to fit her in before then?”
“No problem. I’ll come over Tuesday; just let me know when she’s free. I don’t have any appointments that week.”
Debbie frowned. “I’m sorry it’s taking so long to get things off the ground.”
Kim shrugged. “It’ll take a little time, but that’s alright. I took an ad out in the little in-house newspaper that they put out at the assisted-living place I was telling you about. I’ve already gotten three calls from people there, and the ad has only been in for a week. And I’m going to talk to their management and see if I can do a weekly visit there, just set up in the rec room or something and take some walk-ins.”
“That’s a great idea.”
Kim smiled and dealt out the plates. “Thanks.”
Debbie looked around. “Where’s Anne?”
“Sleeping. She should be up in time to wreak havoc on the dinner table, though.”
Debbie laughed. “Perfect.” She stood. “I’m going to get some egg nog. Can I get you something?”
“No thanks.” The distant wail of a hungry baby sounded upstairs. “Speak of the devil.” She jogged up the stairs to her room and lifted Anne off the mattress on the floor. “Perfect timing, baby girl!” She sat in the chair near the window to nurse her and stared down to the street where her van was parked. A conflicting mix of pride and humility welled as she read the white lettering on the rear window: Style on the Go. She’d splurged last week to get it done, and knowing that her little business was being advertised everywhere she drove sent a zing through her stomach. She knew it was just a matter of time before she had a full clientele. Until then she would enjoy all the extra time she had with Anne and the Trumans.
Ruth called the family to dinner awhile later, and Kim sat Anne up to take her downstairs. The others had just begun to take their seats, and Maddie dragged out a chair at her end of the table and said, “Miss Kim, can you and Anne sit by me?”
“Sure, Maddie. But I don’t know how long Anne is going to want to sit.”
“I’ll play with her when I’m done eating.”
“Thanks, sweetie, I appreciate that.” Kim ruffled the little girl’s hair and sat down beside her. She stood Anne on her lap as the others took their places, letting her bounce and babble at Pete, who sat across from them.
Roland reached his hands out to Pete and Kim, who sat on either side of him. “Shall we say grace?” Hands were clasped around the table and heads bowed in silence. “Father, you have showered us with innumerable blessings. Your provision and grace abound, and we are humbled by your generosity. Thank you for welcoming us into your family with open arms.”
Kim snuck a peek at the others around the table, surveying the family that had welcomed her with open arms. Their offer of a home after being released from jail had changed her life in more ways than she had expected. Their wisdom, their friendship, and their assistance with her new business and with Anne not only made it possible for her to get back on her feet—they made her lifelong dream for a family a reality.
“Thank you for this meal, and for the fellowship, and for the love we feel for you and each other. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Roland squeezed her hand and gave her a wink. She smiled back, still shy in the face of his attention, but hungry for it at the same time. Beside her, Maddie hopped up on her knees and reached for a roll. “Who gets to do the wishbone?” she asked.
“You may have it,” Ruth told her. Maddie squealed.
“What’s the wishbone?” Kim asked her.
“It’s the bone that you pull apart and get a wish for.”
Joshua chuckled. “Sort of, anyway.” He leaned forward to talk to Kim around Maddie. “Two people make silent wishes and then grab the ends of the wishbone and pull. Whoever gets the bigger piece is supposed to have their wish granted.”
“Want to do it with me, Kim?” Maddie asked.
“That’s sweet, Maddie, thanks.” She looked around at the table and smiled. “But I already have everything I want.”
Acknowledgments
MANY HEARTFELT THANKS GO OUT TO:
Arloa Sutter, for her willingness to answer all sorts of questions about women’s shelters and the nature of abuse. Thanks also for reading through the manuscript and giving my portrayal a thumbs-up—I greatly appreciated the feedback!
Tim Kaye, for helping me get the good guy and the bad guy where I needed them to be.
Brooke, for telling me about what it’s like to be a hair stylist.
Matthew Filipek and Nate Heldman, for helping me with the ins and outs of criminal justice.
Wendy, Heather, and Manda from Gentle Christian Mothers, for their help in understanding the foster system.
Claudia, for being awesome, and for giving me some insights into free clinics and helping me find my way around Ann Arbor.
Joel Freeborn, for all the wine info.
Sue Brower, for your support and excellent editing.
My parents, Lee and Leslie, for their unwavering support and enthusiastic encouragement, and for making this possible. You are the most amazing people. I love you so much!
My husband, Daniel, who gives me the time and space I need to write. Without you I’d be lost. I love you so much, and always will. Thank you for how you teach me and love me.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—words of thanks will never be enough. May my work bring you glory.
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