Building a Family

by Lyn Cote

  “I wanted you to be free of my interference, any encumbrances. I didn’t want to make you feel guilty for pursuing your goals.”

  “I am pursuing my goals. My goal now is to adopt a child. I don’t view her as an encumbrance. Why can’t you support me in this?”

  “I never said I didn’t—”

  “You asked me why would I want to tie myself down with a child.” Eleanor held in her temper.

  “Well, why would you? This is the time of your life where you should be traveling, doing things you want to do.”

  “I want to adopt Jenna.” Eleanor decided in for a penny, in for a pound. She wanted to declare her independence on all fronts. “And Pete Beck and I may have feelings for each other.”

  Delia threw up both hands in a gesture of frustration. “I knew that man was behind this.”

  “I had begun the adoption process before I ever met Pete Beck. And we’re not pursuing a relationship now. We just admitted the truth to each other.”

  This silenced her mother.

  The two of them faced each other. Delia didn’t look happy, and Eleanor knew her face must reflect the same dissatisfaction.

  Finally, Delia rose. “I just don’t understand you. I’ve done everything I could to make it possible for you to be successful and independent. And you want to throw that all away—”

  “Why does adopting Jenna make me less successful or less independent? What if Pete and I do form a bond in the future? What is your yardstick, Mother, for measuring a person? A life?”

  In the taut silence between them, the phone shrilled.

  Eleanor rose and picked it up. “Eleanor Washburn.”

  “Ms. Washburn,” a slightly familiar voice said, “Rhinelander police. We got two kids down here, holding them pending investigation. They say that you’re their lawyer.”

  “What are their names?”

  “Colby Miller and Luis Esteban. We tried to tell them they didn’t need a lawyer yet—”

  “I’ll be right down.” Eleanor hung up. “Mother, I have to go. It’s a case.”

  Delia shook her head and pursed her lips. Lifting her hand in farewell or defeat, she departed.

  Eleanor let her go without another word. She didn’t know how to handle her mother’s disapproval except to go through with her plans to adopt Jenna and for in the future to let a possible relationship with Pete develop. What else could she do? It’s my life. Eleanor snagged her purse and headed for her car.

  No matter how many times she went, Eleanor never enjoyed the police station. And never before had she represented clients while dressed for picking berries. But she didn’t really care today. The effect of speaking with Pete and then her mother had made her impervious to such things. If Colby and Luis wanted her right away, they’d take her as is.

  She wondered if she should call Pete. She knew how concerned he was about their future. She decided to wait till she’d assessed the situation fully.

  Upon arrival, and before she met with Luis and Colby, she talked to the officer who’d brought them in. At his cluttered desk, he explained that there had been a disturbance behind one of the convenience stores on State Highway 47. She noted how he looked at her; he was obviously disconcerted by her berry-stained fingers and casual clothing.

  Luis and Colby had been picked up, running from the scene. Bottle rockets set up to be ignited and empty beer bottles had been scattered behind the store Dumpster.

  Eleanor sighed. She’d used this call as an excuse to break off that uncomfortable conversation with her mom, but this didn’t sound pressing. “You just saw them running from the scene?”

  The officer shrugged. “I picked up evidence and will be checking for fingerprints. You know how it is. I have to pick up anybody at the scene that looks as if they might have had anything to do with what was going on or who might have been a witness. Then we start investigating.”

  “So this is just about illegal fireworks and alleged underaged drinking?” And just general stupidity? Relief trickled through her. She hadn’t been looking forward to telling Pete that the two teens were in custody. He so wanted these two to make it. He’d be so disappointed if they were charged for doing something so dumb and in broad daylight.

  “Yeah, you can go in and talk to them if you want.” He motioned toward the door. “I wouldn’t have bothered you till after we tried to match their fingerprints, but they insisted. You just got the other Miller boy clear of those burglary charges, didn’t you?”

  She nodded. “Since I’m here, I’ll talk to them.”

  The officer accompanied her to the questioning room. When she entered, he closed the door behind her, and both Luis and Colby jumped to their feet. “Thanks for coming,” Colby said, sounding worried.

  She waved them to sit down. “Why were you two running away from the convenience store?”

  “We were walking home since nobody came to get us after work,” Luis said sourly.

  “We heard some firecrackers and walked behind the convenience store to see who was doing it,” Colby continued.

  “And then the police car zooms up the alley, and we just ran.” Luis looked upset. “Is this gonna get us into trouble? We just got registered for classes this fall at the community college and—”

  “If you didn’t do anything wrong, nothing is going to happen. Are your parents expecting you home?”

  Both teens nodded. “We weren’t doin’ nothing,” Luis muttered.

  Eleanor asked them each in turn for their home phone numbers. She left a message for Colby’s mom and talked to Luis’s mother, explaining that the boys were being held for questioning and that no doubt they would be home late for supper.

  Eleanor called her office to check on other cases. She hated the dismal questioning room, but didn’t want to leave the two agitated, worried teens alone. She’d wait for the fingerprinting to be done.

  About an hour later, the officer she’d spoken to earlier entered. “You two can go. We didn’t find your prints on any of the evidence.”

  The two teens leaped to their feet, obviously ready to start berating the officer.

  Eleanor forestalled them with a razor-sharp glance. “Thank you, Officer. I’ve instructed my clients that in the future, they should not run from a policeman. That only causes them to look guilty.”

  “You got that right,” he said. “Come on, guys. You’re free to go.”

  “How’re we going to get home, man?” Luis snapped.

  “Luis,” Eleanor scolded. “As a law-abiding citizen, you should show respect to those who protect you. And if you ask me nicely, I’ll drop you both off. Thank you, Officer, for being so efficient.”

  The cop grinned at her and motioned her to precede him out the door. Eleanor led the two grumbling teens out the front door to her Trailblazer. Soon, she was dropping them off at their houses.

  Before each one got out, she warned, “Let’s not do this again, okay?”

  Both mumbled their thanks and scurried inside.

  Eleanor continued toward home, feeling that some progress had been made with them.

  Her phone rang again. She listened and smiled. “Of course I can make it. Thanks, Ms. Green.” Now she knew when she might see Pete again. She hummed all the way home.

  Sitting on the bleachers, Pete felt like a cat on a sizzling-hot tin roof. Would Eleanor come to watch Jenna play? Two days had passed since they’d gone berry-picking. He’d been busy with assistant coaching, getting his kids ready for the school year and preparing his own upcoming fall term. Being honest with her had been the right thing to do. Yet seeing her again felt awkward.

  As he watched his son’s team play baseball, his right leg insisted on jiggling. His mom kept glancing at it and trying to hide a smirk. He refused to say anything to her because he didn’t want to hear what she had to say. His mother didn’t miss much.

  Images from berry picking with Eleanor flitted through his mind. Since then, he’d been assaulted by fresh misgivings. Eleanor was not Suzann, b
ut could he find the strength to let go of the past completely, absolutely? That would take a long time and a lot of work.

  Eleanor waved to him as she walked toward him. He stood and waved back. Then realized that he’d just announced to half the town that he and Eleanor had a thing going on.

  The faux pas committed, he went ahead and strode down the bleachers and met her as she skirted the field. “Hey,” he greeted her.

  “Hey,” she replied. “How are Jenna and Nicky doing? I was in court and then had to go home to change.”

  He thought she looked great in jean shorts and a pink T-shirt. He directed his mind to the game at hand. “You didn’t miss much,” he said, leading her toward where Cassie and his mom sat. “Did you get my messages?”

  “Yes, just this morning. A few of my cases just kind of took over my life, and I’ve done nothing but go to and from court and my office.”

  “Thanks for helping Colby and Luis.” Sincere gratitude crested within him.

  “No problem. I’m glad to hear they were men enough to let you know.”

  When they arrived, Cassie jumped up, reaching for Eleanor’s neck. Eleanor bent low to receive Pete’s daughter’s welcome hug and return it. “Hey, Cassie. Hi, Kerry Ann.”

  His mom beamed at them, and when Eleanor turned to sit, she avoided looking at him.

  Doing the same, he sat down beside Eleanor. They watched the fumbles and fun on the field, leaping to their feet from time to time to encourage Jenna or Nicky to run.

  Pete realized that Eleanor’s enthusiasm added even more zest to the experience. He’d missed having someone to share this with, someone who loved children… Eleanor was a woman capable of love and commitment; she already loved Jenna. He could tell this in the way she said the little girl’s name.

  He watched Jenna go up to bat. What did it feel like to lose one’s family at such a young age? The question tugged on his compassion, releasing it in a warm rush. Poor kid.

  Then he glimpsed some people he hadn’t expected arrive. Mavis, John and Delia sauntered toward them, skirting the field. Concern clutched his stomach and squeezed—hard. Delia’s face was a mask except for her eyes, which sought him out immediately. Their gazes made contact. And the connection crackled. Delia did not like him. He refused to look away.

  The threesome walked up the steps to join them. He sensed Eleanor tense beside him.

  She lifted her chin. “Hi, Mother, Dad, Mavis.”

  Mavis and John greeted everyone, apologizing for their late arrival. Delia said nothing but nodded and sort of smiled at his mom.

  Kerry Ann leaned toward Delia. “I’d ask how you are feeling, but it’s obvious that you’re doing fine.”

  Delia looked perplexed then said, “You’re right. I’m fine.” Then she turned toward the field.

  Once again at the plate, Jenna managed to hit the ball and headed to first base. Everyone on their bleacher rose, cheering her on. She reached the base with several seconds to spare.

  “That girl has talent,” John said. “It’s going to be fun attending athletic games again.”

  “Uh-huh,” Mavis agreed.

  Delia remained silent.

  Pete turned his mind away from wondering what Eleanor’s mother was thinking, or worse, what she might say. Hang in there, Ellie. Too soon the game ended.

  They all stood. “Jenna is coming home with me to spend the night,” Eleanor announced.

  “Let’s go collect her and Nicky,” Pete said. They started down the bleachers.

  “Eleanor!” Mavis called as the threesome headed toward the parking area. “Bring her to supper. I’m making spaghetti with meatballs. Your favorite!”

  Eleanor paused, casting a questioning look at Mavis.

  Pete tried to figure out whether this would please Eleanor or not.

  “Okay. What time?” Eleanor asked.

  “About six.” Mavis waved, and John ushered the two ladies toward the parking area.

  Pete decided Eleanor must be concerned about her mother’s reaction to Jenna. “Don’t worry,” he murmured in her ear. “Your dad and Mavis will make Jenna welcome.”

  She cast him a grateful glance. They reached the children, milling around the volunteer coaches. Nicky turned to him.

  Jenna came over to Eleanor. “Hi. My foster mom told me you were having me over for the night. I brought my duffle bag.” The girl lifted the dusty, navy-blue bag.

  “Yes, we’re going to have fun,” Eleanor said, smoothing back Jenna’s bangs. “Let’s go.” Eleanor smiled, but her lower lip trembled.

  Pete wished he could encourage Eleanor somehow, but couldn’t think of doing more than giving her a smile.

  “How come she gets to go with Miss Ellie, and I don’t?” Cassie demanded, pouting.

  “You’ll have your turn, Cassie,” Eleanor said. “But tonight is Jenna’s turn.”

  “Are you friends with her foster mom or something?” Nicky asked, his expression twisted with his trying to figure this out.

  “She might adopt me,” Jenna said softly.

  “Yes, we’re going to see if we’re a good match,” Eleanor said brightly. “See if Jenna can put up with me.”

  “You mean she will be your girl,” Cassie asked, not looking happy.

  Pete stooped to be at eye level with his daughter. “Jenna lost her parents this year. They died in a car crash. So she needs a family.” He hoped to enlist Cassie’s caring heart.

  “Oh,” Cassie said, looking serious. “I don’t got a mama, either, Jenna.”

  “You don’t?” Jenna appeared surprised and concerned.

  “No,” Nicky spoke up abruptly, as if he didn’t want this discussed. “She stayed in Las Vegas, and we moved back here to live with Grandma and Grandpa.”

  “Oh.” Jenna looked puzzled but didn’t ask for any further information.

  Then all of them headed toward the parking area. Kerry Ann drew the children forward, talking about the game.

  Eleanor leaned toward Pete’s ear. “Wish me luck…with my mom and Jenna.”

  He bent closer, too. “I can’t see anybody—” he didn’t add aloud even your mother “—being impolite or unwelcoming to Jenna. She’s a sweet little thing.”

  Eleanor gave him a brave smile.

  They walked Jenna and Eleanor to her Trailblazer and then headed to Kerry Ann’s SUV.

  His mother said under her breath, “We better pray about Eleanor and Jenna’s supper at Mavis’s house.”

  Pete nodded in reply and started praying. God, help Ellie and Jenna. Help Delia find some love in her heart for Jenna. And not for the first time, he thanked God for the parents he’d been given.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tightly strung, Eleanor led Jenna by hand up to Mavis’s side door. The humidity remained distinctly uncomfortable. Dabney, Mavis’s cat, greeted them, winding around their ankles and purring.

  “Can I knock?” Jenna asked.

  “Of course.” Having Jenna with her made Eleanor feel as if she were in a waking dream. She was well aware that Jenna must be on her best behavior just as Eleanor was herself. But her love for this child seemed to expand moment by moment, making it hard for her to even let Jenna leave her sight. If only Eleanor could trust her mother to show Jenna kindness. Concern about that tightened the muscles around Eleanor’s mouth, making it difficult for her to smile.

  Jenna stood on tiptoe and knocked, using the new, bright brass knocker shaped like a dove of peace in flight.

  Eleanor had been concerned before about her mother’s reaction to Jenna. These brand-new, maternal feelings only heightened that, bringing out the mother-bear-protecting-her-cub in Eleanor.

  Delia opened the door. Mavis’s cat, Dabney, scurried inside. “Hello!” Delia was smiling, genuinely smiling, in welcome.

  Eleanor froze in place. Her mother so rarely smiled that it was unsettling. “Mom,” Eleanor stammered. “You saw Jenna at the ball park.”

  Bending, Delia offered Jenna her hand. “Hello, Jenna. I’m E
leanor’s mother, Delia. You can call me by my name.”

  “Hi, Delia.” Jenna added a shy little wave.

  “Come in,” Delia invited.

  Apprehensive and confused, Eleanor let Jenna follow Delia, and the three of them headed into the kitchen, redolent with Italian spices and garlic butter. Mavis stood at the stove, just now adding the dry spaghetti noodles to a boiling pot of water. “I hope you two are hungry. Because I’m making a potful!”

  Jenna waved at Mavis. “Hi, I’m Jenna.”

  Mavis finished her task and turned to Jenna. “I’m Mavis.” She bent to grasp both Jenna’s hands in her plump, brown ones. “I’m Eleanor’s honorary aunt, so you can call me Aunt Mavis or Auntie. How’s that?”

  Jenna smiled, evidently responding to Mavis’s natural warmth. “I’ll like having an auntie.”

  “I’ll like that, too.” Mavis leaned down and kissed Jenna’s forehead.

  Her father put down the paper he’d been reading at the table. “And, Jenna, I’m Eleanor’s dad, John. What would you like to call me?”

  “If you’re Miss Ellie’s dad,” Jenna said cautiously, “then you would be my granddad, right?”

  “Want to call me granddad? Or grandpa? Or John is okay, too.”

  “Grandpa.” Jenna went over to him and tentatively shook his hand. She frowned.

  “What is it?” John asked.

  “My foster mom told me that Miss Ellie wants to adopt me,” Jenna replied, her eyes downcast, “but that I have to visit her and then live with her for a while before that happens. What if I don’t get adopted?”

  Before Eleanor could speak, Delia spoke up, sounding upbeat. “I can’t think why Eleanor wouldn’t adopt you. I think they just say that in case something really strange happened.”

  “In any case, Jenna,” John said, patting Jenna’s thin shoulder, “even if you didn’t get adopted, we can still be your friends, and you can call us what you decide today. We don’t have any kids in our family, so we could use one.”

  Jenna looked relieved. “Great. I mean that sounds good.”