Heart of the Family

by Margaret Daley

  “I’m not going into this with my eyes closed. I know what can happen and I plan to be there every step of the way.”

  “And I plan on being here, too. Plan to have another person at dinner on Sunday night.”

  “Fine. You’re welcome to come here anytime.” The second she said it she wanted to take it back. That meant she would see him more than an occasional call to the doctor’s office or a social visit from him to see the children every once and a while.

  “Good, because I’ll be here a lot.”

  Her earlier exhaustion assailed her. Her legs weak, she sank down onto the steps. Her emotions had taken a beating today, and it looked as if it wouldn’t be over with for a long time. Again she thought about walking away from the job, but then she remembered Andy’s huge smile at bedtime because his mother was coming to visit him in a few days. He’d already started cleaning his room so it would be perfect for her.

  “You know, I’m not going into this lightly. I told you about my involvement in a program where the children lived in the same neighborhood as their parents and saw them frequently in supervised situations. The program also worked with the parents, helping them address whatever forced the state to take their children, whether it was anger management, drug or alcohol abuse.”

  He sat next to her. “And what was the success rate?”

  “Thirty to forty percent.”

  “What happened to the sixty or seventy percent it didn’t work with?”

  “Other arrangements were made for them. No one was left in a bad situation.”

  “That you know of.”

  “The program had long-term follow-up built into it. When I interviewed with Laura and Peter, they knew my desire to try something like that here.”

  His expression displayed surprise. “They did?”

  “We need to explore all opportunities for the children. One is trying to get them back with their parents. Do you feel every child in the foster-care system should never go back home?”

  “No.”

  “Then why are you against this?”

  He closed his eyes for a few seconds. “Because Andy could be me.”

  “But he isn’t.”

  “That remains to be seen.” Jacob shot to his feet and dug into his pocket for his keys. “I’ll be here Sunday.” He stalked toward his old car in front of the cottage.

  She sat on the porch step watching him drive away, stunned by what she had discovered about the person she had grown up hating. He had been abused. It didn’t change what he had done to her brother, but it did alter her feelings. It was hard to look at him and not see what he must have gone through as a child.

  She thought about a sermon she’d heard a few months ago about being careful not to judge another. How could we know what that person had gone through unless we walked in his shoes? Until this moment she hadn’t really contemplated its true meaning.

  Chapter Five

  “You’re early for dinner.” Hannah glanced up from reading the paperwork needed for Lisa’s rehab facility.

  Jacob fit his long length into the small chair to the side of her desk. “I promised some of the kids I’d play touch football. The day has turned out to be great so here I am.” He spread his arms wide.

  Indeed, he was, looking ruggedly handsome with tousled hair and warm brown eyes. “Who?”

  “Some of the older boys in the other cottage, but Gabe and Terry want to play, too.”

  “Is that safe?” She stacked the papers to the side to give to Lisa later.

  He grinned, his two dimples appearing. “I’ll protect them. They’ve always watched before, but both boys love football so I said yes.”

  “Still…aren’t they a little young to play?”

  He pushed to his feet, giving her a wink. “I promise they will be fine, and you know I don’t break a promise.”

  “You can’t control everything.”

  The merriment in his eyes died. “I, more than most, realize that. Your life can change instantly and take you in a completely opposite direction than you ever imagined.” He headed for the door. “I’m going to have a few words with the older guys about making sure Gabe and Terry have fun but aren’t hurt.” He peered back at her. “Okay?”

  “Yes,” she said as he disappeared out into the hall.

  She had a report to read, but maybe she should go watch the game just in case something unforeseen happened. Yeah, right. Is that the only reason?

  She had to admit to herself that since Friday night, when Jacob had told her something about his childhood, she hadn’t been able to get the man out of her mind. And only a moment before he’d referred to life changing so quickly. Perhaps he hadn’t walked away from the wreck unscathed.

  She left her office and went in search of the touch-football game. She found a group of kids in the area between the two cottages and among them was Jacob giving instructions on the rules. Gabe and Terry, smaller than the other boys, flanked Jacob. How good he was with the children was reconfirmed as she watched.

  “Will Terry and Gabe be all right?” Susie asked, coming to Hannah’s side with Nancy.

  “Dr. Jacob told me they would be.”

  “Then they will. Good. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to them. Terry wants to try out for the basketball team at school and tryouts are next week.”

  “He didn’t say anything to me. When?” She shouldn’t be surprised Susie knew before her. The young girl was a mother hen to the kids in the cottage.

  Susie shrugged. “He probably forgot. It isn’t until Thursday after school.

  Nancy tugged on Hannah’s hand. “I’m gonna be a cheerleader. Susie taught me some cheers.”

  Hannah scanned the children assembled. “Where’s Andy? I thought he would be out here in the thick of things, even if he can’t play.”

  “He’s cleaning his room—again.” Susie clapped as the two teams lined up, with Nancy mimicking the older girl’s action.

  “I’ll go check on him and get him to come out here.” Hannah hurried toward the house. She didn’t want to miss the game—in case there was a problem. Yeah, sure. You’re fooling yourself again. Jacob Hartman is the reason you’re out here and not inside reading that report you need to go through.

  In the cottage she discovered Andy folding his clothes in his drawer and having a hard time with only one hand. “Hey, there’s a big game being played outside. Dr. Jacob is here and in the middle of it.”

  “I know. But my room isn’t clean enough.” Andy attempted to refold the T-shirt.

  Hannah surveyed the spotless area. She walked to Andy and took the piece of clothing. “You want to talk?”

  “Nope. I’ve got to get this done.” He averted his gaze.

  “This looks great.”

  “It isn’t good enough yet.”

  She thought about leaving him alone, but the quaver in his voice demanded her full attention. She drew him around to face her. “Andy, I won’t lie to you. You can’t do anything else to this room to make it better. I wish all the children’s bedrooms were this clean.”

  “But—but it’s got to be perfect for Mom.”

  “Why, hon?”

  “Mom needs to know I can keep our place clean.”

  Hannah tugged Andy to the bed and sat with him next to her. “Then she will know. Why do you feel that way?”

  “’Cause—” he sniffled “—’cause her boyfriend got mad at me for leaving the cereal out. He started to hit me when she came in between us. He hurt her instead.”

  She settled her arm along his shoulders. “He moved out so you won’t have to worry about him.”

  Sniffing, Andy wiped his sleeve across his face. “But he could come back. He’s left before and come back.”

  Hannah hugged the boy to her. “Let’s not worry about that right now. I want you to have a good time showing your mother around and introducing her to your friends.” She stood. “C’mon, let’s see what everyone else is doing.”

  Andy remained seated. �
�Can I tell ya a secret?”

  “Sure.”

  “He gave Mom money to live on. She’s tried some jobs, but they never last long. Do you think if I get a job it’ll help? ’Course, I can’t quit school. Mom didn’t finish, and she told me how important it is I do.”

  Staring down at Andy, Hannah felt she was talking to a little adult. Her heart broke at the worry and seriousness she saw in the boy’s eyes. “Tell you what. If you promise me you won’t worry about finding a job, I’ll help your mother find one after she gets out of drug rehab. Okay?”

  “You will?” Joy flooded his face as he leaped to his feet. “That would be so good!”

  She held out her hand. “Let’s go see what’s going on outside.”

  As they strolled toward the yard between the cottages, Hannah mulled over what Andy had told her. She knew Lisa wasn’t well educated from the way she talked. Getting her help with her drug problem was only the beginning of what Lisa and Andy would need if reuniting the family were going to work. She hadn’t really thought beyond getting Lisa through a drug-rehab program. Maybe she was naive. Jacob certainly thought so.

  I’m just going to have to prove him wrong.

  Outside Hannah positioned herself on the sidelines of the makeshift football field with Andy on one side and Nancy on the other. Watching Jacob playing with the children, Hannah decided he was a big kid at heart. The laughter and ribbing filled the cool fall air. Before she knew it the sun began to slip down the sky toward the western horizon.

  “Shouldn’t Mom be here by now?” Andy asked as the losing team shook hands with the winners.

  Hannah checked her watch. “She’s only a few minutes late.” Please, Lord, let Lisa show up. If she doesn’t… Hannah didn’t have any words to express her regret if the woman didn’t come.

  Jacob jogged toward her, his shirttail hanging out of his jeans, some dirt smudges on his face, his hair tousled even more than usual where some of the children tackled him to the ground at the end. Gabe and Terry had hung back until all the bigger kids were on the pile then they joined the others on top.

  Jacob peered toward the road that led to the cottages and mouthed the words, “Not here?” so that Andy, who was staring at the same road, wouldn’t hear.

  She shook her head. “Everyone needs to clean up. Dinner is in an hour.” She eyed Jacob and his smudges. “Including you.”

  “I brought an extra shirt in case something like this happened, which it does every time.” With a wink, he loped toward his car.

  “What if something happened to Mom?”

  Hannah put her hands on Andy’s shoulders and pulled his attention away from the road by blocking his view. “We have an hour until we eat. Don’t you know women are notorious for being late to important events. We have to make our grand entrance.”

  “Ya think that’s it?”

  I hope so. “Yes,” she said, and sent up another prayer.

  She and the children walked toward the cottage as Jacob joined them, carrying his clean shirt. He slipped into the house ahead of them and made his way to the bathroom off the kitchen. The kids dispersed to their bedrooms to clean up. Hannah stood in the foyer with Andy, Nancy and Susie.

  The boy glanced back at the front door. “I’m gonna wait out on the porch.”

  After Andy left, Hannah said to Susie, “Will you make sure everyone really cleans up? I’ll be outside with Andy.”

  “Sure. I hope his mother comes. He’s been so excited.” Susie took Nancy’s hand to lead her back to the bedrooms.

  Nancy stuck her thumb into her mouth and began to suck it. Hannah watched them disappear down the hall, wondering why the five-year-old was sucking her thumb. She hadn’t seen that before, and it now worried Hannah.

  Out on the porch Hannah eased down next to Andy on the front steps. He cradled his chin in his palm and stared at the road. Her heart contracted at the forlorn look on the boy’s face. Maybe Jacob is right. I should have left well enough alone.

  She searched her mind for something to make the situation better when she heard the door open and close. She glanced back at Jacob, who came to sit on the other side of Andy. She saw no reproach in Jacob’s expression, which surprised her. Lisa was a half an hour late, and a lot of people would now be gloating about how she had been wrong.

  “You know, I want a rematch tonight. I can’t let Gabe’s win stand. Want to join us in the game, Andy?” Jacob lounged back, propping himself up with his elbows and appearing as though he had not care in the world.

  Until you looked into his eyes, Hannah thought, and glimpsed the worry deep in their depths.

  “Can Mom play, too?”

  It took Jacob several heartbeats to answer, “Sure.” But again nothing was betrayed in his expression or tone of voice.

  Andy jumped to his feet. “Look! She’s coming.” He pointed toward a woman walking down the road toward the cottage.

  Before Hannah could say anything, the boy leaped off the steps and raced toward his mother. Relief trembled through Hannah at the sight of the woman. Lisa scooped up Andy into a bear hug, then looped her arm around him.

  “She came,” Hannah murmured, tears smarting her eyes.

  The silence from Jacob electrified the air. She resisted the urge to look at him and instead relished this step forward in Andy and his mother’s relationship. Maybe my plan will work after all. Thank you, Lord.

  “I’m glad she’s here,” Jacob finally said, straightening.

  When Hannah peered at him, relief replaced the worry in his gaze as he observed the pair make their way toward him. She realized in that moment that he wanted what was best for Andy, even if he was wrong. They didn’t agree what was best, but they had a common goal: Andy’s safety and happiness. There was a part of her that was unnerved that she would have another thing in common with Jacob, but she couldn’t deny it. In that moment she felt close to him, and that sensation surprised her even more than his earlier lack of reproach.

  Hannah brushed her hand across her cheek and rose as mother and child approached. “It’s so good to see you, Lisa, but how did you get here?”

  Lisa stopped at the bottom of the steps with Andy cradled against her side. “I walked from the bus stop.”

  “That’s two miles away.” She couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought about the fact that Lisa might not have transportation out to the farm.

  Andy’s mother grinned. “I need to get in shape. It took me a bit longer than I thought.” She splayed her hand across her chest. “I had to rest about halfway. But I’m here now.”

  Hannah stepped to the side. “Welcome to Stone’s Refuge. The children are waiting inside to meet you.”

  Andy took his mother’s hand and led her into the house. Jacob nodded his head and indicated Hannah go through the entrance before him. She did and felt his gaze burning a hole into her back. She paused in the foyer to watch the children greet Andy’s mother in the living room. The only one who didn’t was Nancy. She hung back with her thumb in her mouth and her gaze trained on the floor by her feet.

  “What’s wrong with Nancy?” Jacob whispered into her ear.

  Nearly jumping, Hannah gasped and spun around. She’d been so focused on Andy and his mother that Hannah hadn’t heard Jacob approach from behind her. “Give a gal some warning.”

  “Sorry. I haven’t seen Nancy sucking her thumb before. When did it start?”

  “I think this afternoon. At least that’s the first time I’ve seen it since I’ve been here.”

  Jacob frowned and peered at the little girl, still off to the side while everyone else was crowded around Andy and Lisa, all trying to talk at the same time. A dazed look appeared in Lisa’s eyes.

  Hannah moved forward. “Andy, why don’t you give your mother a tour of the house and show her your bedroom? Dinner will be in half an hour.”

  En masse the group started for the back of the house. Except for Nancy. She stayed in the living room, continuing to stare at the floor. Hannah covered the distan
ce between her and the little girl and knelt in front of Nancy.

  “What’s wrong?”

  With thumb still in her mouth, Nancy shook her head.

  “Are you sure I can’t help you with something?”

  She nodded, hugging her arms to her, her eyes still downcast.

  “Well, I sure could use someone to help me set the table. Will you, Nancy?”

  “Yes,” the child mumbled around her thumb.

  “I’ll help, too.” Jacob came up to join them.

  “Great. We’ll get it done in no time.” Hannah held out her hand for Nancy to take. She did.

  Jacob flanked the little girl on the other side and extended his palm to her. She stared at it for a long second before removing her thumb from her mouth and grasping him. “Are you looking forward to going back to kindergarten tomorrow after your fall break?”

  “My teacher’s so nice. I’m gonna tell her about the zoo and the pla—mingos.”

  Hannah left Nancy and Jacob in the dining room while she went into the kitchen to get the place mats and dishes. Arms loaded, she backed through the swinging door and nearly collided with Jacob. Nancy giggled. He took the plates, set them on the table, then passed the mats to the girl.

  “I’ll do these while you put those down.” Jacob gestured toward the mats held in Nancy’s hands.

  Hannah hurried back for the rest of the dishes. In ten minutes the dining-room table was set. She stood back with Jacob on one side and Nancy on the other. “We’re a good team. Next time I need some help, I’ll have to ask you, Nancy.”

  She peered up at Hannah, a question in her eyes. “How about Dr. Jacob? He helped.”

  “Yeah, a team has to stick together,” Jacob said with a laugh.

  “Him, too.” The heat rose in Hannah’s cheeks. The idea of them being a team wasn’t as disturbing as she would have once thought.

  Hannah examined the piece of paper Nancy held up. “I like your flamingo. Are you going to share it with your class tomorrow?”

  The little girl nodded. “Just in case they don’t know what one looks like.”

  “Well, they will now with this picture.” Hannah tilted her head, tapping her chin with her finger. “You know, it seems I remember someone has a birthday coming up.”