New Additions

by Becky Harmon

Cassie took a seat on the other side of Chase. “Right now, we’re only trying to get the State of Alabama to let you stay here. Then we’ll ask for a more permanent placement.” Cassie hated to get his hopes up and then have him disappointed, but she wanted to be honest with him. After the week he’d had, it seemed like social services would be happy to have him out of their system.

  Chase nodded. It broke Cassie’s heart to look at his sad, little face. “Until we hear differently, we’ll assume things are going to go our way. So let’s be happy,” Cassie encouraged.

  Greg squeezed Chase until he began to squirm, giggling.

  Cassie laughed with them. “Chase, why don’t you go take a shower, and then Greg is going to take you shopping.”

  Greg raised his eyebrows as Chase ran out of the room.

  Cassie shrugged. “The tiny bags you carried in last night won’t last you more than a day. Besides, I’m sure Chase could use the outing to process everything that’s happened in the last couple of days.”

  She crossed the room and pulled two one-hundred-dollar bills from her petty cash drawer. Greg stuffed them in his pocket and shuffled his feet. “We won’t spend that much.”

  She waited for him to meet her eyes. “Please get him underwear and socks and not all toys.”

  “Oh no, we won’t get any toys. I’d never waste your money.”

  Cassie laughed. “I was only joking. Let him a pick a toy too.”

  Greg smiled.

  “Grab some lunch first and then shop. I expect you to spend it all. So after you pick Chase a couple of outfits, get whatever you need. Once things are settled, you can make a run to Pensacola and get whatever you left at your foster home. Have you called your job yet?”

  “Not yet. I don’t want to quit if I’m gonna be back in Pensacola tomorrow.”

  “I don’t think that’s going to happen. As soon as Kathleen calls, I’ll let you know. Tell me about Chase’s file before he finishes his shower.”

  Greg slid onto a barstool. “Dad left before he was born, of course, and his mother couldn’t hold on to a job or a home. There were a couple families over the years that wanted to keep him permanently, but each time his mother would show up and claim she was prepared to make a home for him. Those idiot judges would believe her every time and after a week or two she’d be gone again.”

  “What’s his mother’s problem? Drugs? Alcohol?”

  “All of the above. The social worker seemed really upset with his situation, and she worked hard to get permission for me to take him.”

  “You weren’t going to take him back, were you?” Cassie looked him in the eye.

  Greg didn’t answer her question, but his eyes were wet when he looked at her. “He was crying when I picked him up, and he didn’t stop until we were almost here.”

  She pulled Greg into a hug. “We’ll make things work, but we have to follow the rules. Okay?”

  Greg nodded.

  “There’s nothing else you need to tell me, right?”

  Greg stepped away from her as Chase bounded into the kitchen. “Nothing. I swear.” He turned to Chase. “Let’s go.”

  “Be back for dinner,” Cassie called to them as they disappeared out the front door. She heard Greg acknowledge her before the door shut.

  * * *

  Cassie sighed as she collapsed into the squishy chair beside the coffeemaker in her office.

  “Where are the boys?” Shelley asked.

  “I sent them shopping. Greg carried two duffel bags in last night, but they were so floppy they couldn’t have had much in them.” Cassie sighed again. “And I don’t have anything to make for dinner.”

  “I was thinking about running to the grocery store after work. Do you want to go now? We can leave Dillon in charge.”

  “Good idea. What is Big D up to?”

  “He bolted as soon as it became clear there was going to be a serious talk. He doesn’t like sharing emotions or watching others do it either, for that matter.” Shelley laughed. She called Dillon on the radio and asked him to come to the office.

  “Have things really been quiet today, or have I just been out of touch?” Cassie asked.

  “Fairly quiet.”

  “No peep from any of the new guests?”

  “Everyone seems pretty happy. I don’t think the couple in Cabin One have even gotten up yet.”

  “Thanks for keeping things going. I’ll try not to be so distracted in the future.”

  Shelley laughed again. “With the girls coming this week, I’ll be happy if I see you occasionally.”

  “This summer will be a whirlwind but I’m really looking forward to it.”

  “Dillon hasn’t stopped bouncing since you told him and now with Greg and Chase here, he is almost ecstatic.”

  Cassie couldn’t help but laugh when Dillon walked in. She knew what Shelley meant but the idea of Dillon outwardly showing excitement was humorous. His naturally calm demeanor was a pillar for her. Aside from a little craziness that crept up from time to time, he would express his excitement in nothing but a smile. It would be a very wide smile though.

  Dillon readily agreed to hang out in the office while they were gone. He said he would order feed and supplies, but Cassie knew he would be playing computer games.

  * * *

  Dillon met them as soon as they returned. He transferred Shelley’s purchases to her car so she could take them home, and then he helped Cassie carry in the remaining bags. Cassie could see the worry lines on his face as they unpacked the groceries.

  “What’s wrong, Dillon?”

  “I’ve been so excited about Greg and Chase that I forgot the girls come on Friday. They’re still coming, right?”

  Cassie rubbed her hands across her face. “I hope so. I was caught up with Chase too and forgot to ask Kathleen if this would change the plans. I didn’t even ask her about Greg.”

  “What about Greg?”

  “He’s still in foster care too. At least until the fall. I hope Kathleen will be able to transfer him here.”

  “I forgot. He seems so mature. He says he can handle all the maintenance on our vehicles now and even talked about getting the old tractor to work again.”

  Cassie laughed. “But you were going to do that.”

  “And I will.” Dillon paused dramatically. “When I get a chance.”

  * * *

  Greg and Chase returned by six and Cassie had dinner almost ready. Chase took the plates from the bar and set the table. Cassie smiled at him when he returned to the kitchen and took a seat on a nearby barstool.

  “Show me.” Cassie motioned to their shopping bags with her elbow as she pulled lettuce apart for the salad.

  Greg piled the bags on the bar and on the stool beside Chase. “You show it and I’ll help with dinner.”

  Greg pulled carrots and a tomato from the refrigerator and began chopping them.

  Cassie removed a casserole dish from the oven.

  Greg leaned around her to see the dish. “Is that mac and cheese?”

  “It is mac and cheese with chunks of ham and bacon. I remembered how much you liked it. How about you, Chase?” Cassie turned to Chase.

  He was surrounded by everything from the shopping bags and sat grinning like a Cheshire cat. “I like mac and cheese.”

  Cassie carried the casserole dish to the table and scooped some onto each plate. “This needs a minute to cool, so show me what you got.”

  Chase held up each one of his outfits, and when he finished he pulled a small box of Legos from under the stack.

  “Oh, that’s cool, Chase. What does it make?”

  “A dump truck and a bulldozer.” Excitedly Chase turned the box from side to side, showing her pictures of the completed projects.

  “Let’s eat. I’m starving,” Greg said, interrupting the show-and-tell.

  Cassie filled three glasses with iced tea and Chase helped her carry them to the table.

  The boys took turns telling about their shopping adventure during din
ner, and they were still laughing long after the plates were empty.

  Eventually, Greg got to his feet and began gathering the dishes. “I’ll get these.”

  Chase continued his story. “And then Greg whipped open the door on this old man in his underwear.” Chase laughed hysterically.

  “How was I supposed to know you had changed rooms while I was getting you a different size?” Greg gently punched Chase on the arm.

  “The door wouldn’t lock. I had to move.”

  Greg pulled him from his chair and threw him over his shoulder. “I’ll show you how to move.” He spun in a circle, and Chase squealed as he hung upside down from Greg’s shoulder. After a few turns, Greg walked into the living room and tossed him on the couch.

  “Who wants ice cream?” Cassie asked, stopping the horseplay before Chase threw up his dinner.

  “Me!” Chase jumped up from the couch and ran into the kitchen as Cassie pulled the box from the freezer.

  “Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?” she asked.

  “Can I have all three?” Chase asked, sliding onto the barstool to watch.

  “Of course. Greg?”

  “All three for me too.”

  Cassie scooped ice cream into three bowls. “Let’s eat outside.”

  The boys followed Cassie outside with their bowls.

  Chase talked about school while they ate, eagerly telling them about every hour of his day at the last school he had attended. When Cassie asked him about his time spent at home, he stopped talking and finished his ice cream in silence. She loaded the dishwasher as the boys got ready for bed. She left them watching a movie on her iPad in the bedroom.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Cassie awoke as the first rays of sunlight were moving through the window. The house was quiet and to her surprise neither dog was on her bed. Eager to see where they had gone, she walked softly down the stairs. Chase and Zoey were curled on the couch watching a cartoon television show, and Pandy lay nearby. She stood at the foot of the stairs and watched Chase’s hand slowly stroking the soft fur on Zoey’s belly. It was amazing how fast Chase had settled into her house, but she knew his comfort level was related to Greg’s presence. She was thankful she could provide a safe and maybe permanent home.

  She quietly returned upstairs and quickly showered. Chase glanced up as she entered the living room, a flash of panic on his face.

  “Greg said I could watch cartoons if I kept it low.” His eyes flicked toward the hallway as if hoping Greg would appear and confirm what he had said.

  Cassie took a seat in the chair beside him and spoke gently. “If everything works out this will be your home too and I want you to be comfortable here. You can watch television or read a book without asking permission.”

  He nodded slowly, still unsure of his new found freedom.

  “Now,” she stood and started toward the kitchen, “I imagine you and the dogs are pretty hungry.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Chase stood and followed her into the kitchen.

  “How about pancakes and bacon?”

  Chase’s eyes grew wide and he nodded eagerly.

  Cassie opened the pantry door and pointed at the bag of dog food. “They each get one scoop, if you would please. It’s easiest if you bring their dishes to the bag.”

  He crossed the room and retrieved the dog dishes from their rack and scooped kibble into both bowls. Once the dogs were munching happily, he crawled onto the barstool and curled his legs under his butt. “Can I help?” he asked.

  Cassie pushed the bowl of pancake mix toward him. “Stir slowly and gently.” She pulled a bag of mini chocolate chips from the pantry and watched Chase’s face light up again. “Shall we add these?”

  “Yeah!”

  Cassie put the bacon in the microwave and retrieved the electric skillet from the cabinet. While it heated, she and Chase talked about the horses and goats. He was full of questions, and she promised him she would introduce him to all the animals after breakfast. She handed him a measuring cup and showed him how to spread the scoops of batter so they didn’t run together. Cassie moved back and forth between the bacon and turning the pancakes until both were finished. She joined Chase at the bar, and they slathered their pancakes with butter and syrup.

  “Is that peanut butter?” Chase asked.

  “It is. I like it with my pancakes. Would you like to try it?”

  Chase nodded and Cassie put a small scoop on the corner of his plate. “It’s best if you get a little bit on your fork with each bite instead of trying to spread it on the pancake.”

  Chase took a bite, and Cassie watched him roll it around in his mouth before he spoke. “That’s kinda good.”

  Cassie laughed.

  They both looked up when Greg walked into the room. He was already dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. “What’s that wonderful smell?”

  “Pancakes and bacon!” Chase danced happily in his chair.

  Cassie motioned to the plate she had laid out for him.

  “Oh no,” Greg said as he sat beside Chase. “Tell me you don’t like that crap too.” Greg pointed at the peanut butter on Chase’s plate.

  Chase laughed. “You said ‘crap.’”

  “I’m allowed to say crap, but you’re not,” Greg said between mouthfuls.

  “How about if we all try not to say it,” Cassie chimed in.

  “Okay.” Greg pointed his fork at her over Chase’s head. “But if I remember correctly you’ll have the biggest struggle.”

  Cassie laughed. “Possibly, but I’ll work on it, especially before the girls get here this week.”

  Greg’s eyes widened. “Oh, I forgot.”

  “Girls?” Chase looked back and forth between them waiting for an answer.

  “Four girls and a supervisor are supposed to arrive on Friday,” Cassie explained. “They’ll be staying for the summer.”

  Chase wrinkled his nose. “Yuck. Girls.”

  “Yeah, girls.” Greg nudged his shoulder.

  “They’re all a couple years older than you, and they’ll have their hands full learning to live on a farm. You’ll already be used to everything by then, so maybe you can help us show them how things work here.”

  “If I’m still here.” Chase’s eyes dropped to his plate.

  Cassie looked at Greg. “Hey, remember what we said yesterday? We move forward like good things are going to happen until we have to deal with something else, right?”

  She nudged Chase until he met her eyes.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  The sadness in his voice reminded Cassie how desperate their situation was. She hated to keep calling Kathleen, but she needed to see if there was any news. The thought of hearing Kathleen’s smooth voice made her almost forget she had any other agenda. She still wanted to go see her tomorrow. She could leave the boys with Dillon and Shelley for a couple of hours. She realized that her thoughts were running away from her; she needed to see what Kathleen said before she could make plans for the future. If Alabama Child Services took Chase back, everything would change.

  She stood, putting her happy face back in place. “Go get dressed, Chase, and we’ll head out to help Dillon feed the animals.”

  Chase disappeared down the hall at a sprint.

  “If we stay, will the girls still be able to come?” Greg asked softly.

  Cassie stopped cleaning the plates and leaned against the counter. “I don’t know.” She met Greg’s eyes. “But it doesn’t matter. You and Chase are my priority right now. We’ll deal with everything else as it comes.”

  Greg gave her a quick hug. “Thanks, Ms. Cassie.”

  “We really need to come up with something for you guys to call me other than Ms. Cassie and ma’am.” She smiled at him.

  “I’ll think of something good.” Greg scooted out of the reach of the dish towel as she playfully attempted to swat at him with it.

  * * *

  Cassie and the boys arrived as Dillon was feeding the last horse. Greg immediately began filling
the buckets for the goats, but Chase remained at a distance silently watching. Cassie was confused by his hesitancy since he had been so excited about working with the animals. She was about to call him over when Dillon beat her to it. She watched while Dillon brought out the first horse and slowly explained their process to Chase. As soon as the eagerness returned to Chase’s face, Cassie slipped out quietly and returned to the office.

  She pretended to work as long as she could before settling into the chair beside the coffeemaker. Dropping in a canister, she waited for it to brew before dialing Kathleen’s cell phone.

  “Hey, Cass,” Kathleen answered softly. “Can I call you back in a few?”

  “Sure.”

  Cassie smiled as they disconnected. Oh, Kathleen. She sighed. The sound of her voice had washed over Cassie, filling her whole body with warmth. She rested her chin on her hands and stared out the window to the lake where little bodies darted back and forth at the water’s edge. As she had a million times since last Sunday, her mind replayed details of being with Kathleen. Her muscles clenched as she remembered the feel of Kathleen’s hands on her breasts. Cassie jumped when the phone rang.

  “Hello.” She struggled to regain control of her voice.

  “Are you okay, Cassie?” Kathleen asked with concern.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  Cassie sighed. “I was thinking about when you were here.”

  “Oh.”

  Several seconds of silence passed.

  “Just oh?” Cassie asked.

  “Well, let’s just say I’m glad I cleared my office before taking your call because now I’m thinking about that too.”

  “Glad I could share.”

  Kathleen cleared her throat. “I was going to call you after my meeting.”

  “Sorry I interrupted.”

  “No problem. We were wrapping up anyway.” Kathleen hesitated. “I might have a little bit of good news.”

  “Really? I’m listening.”

  “Alabama Child Services is happy to release Chase to us temporarily, but you’re going to have to do a ton of paperwork for them to release him long term.”

  Cassie exhaled loudly. “Tell me where to start.”