Pride swelled in Max. Noel was handling this meeting well.
“We’ll pop your coloring aside for later, buddy, so you don’t get crumbs on your dragons.” Max packed up the coloring pencils and Noel’s book and set them aside.
“What do you do to stimulate Noel and help him learn?” Karen asked.
“Both Sasha and I teach him small tasks and repeat them until he learns them. He loves the beach, and Sasha or I or both of us take him walking or swimming most days. He enjoys getting outside and likes nature. His strength and coordination have improved a lot in the last few months.”
“He’s looking healthy and happy. Even in this short time, I can see that he’s comfortable with you and your fiancée. Have you set a date yet for your marriage?”
“Not yet, but it will be soon,” Max said with a wink at Sasha. “Our engagement celebration took a back seat after my parents’ accident. I’ll admit it has been difficult striking a proper home-work balance, but Sasha has helped. She stepped in when my mother’s previous helper started drinking on the job.”
“Your grandmother stated you fired the woman for no reason.” Karen rifled through a file. “Yes, that is what she said in her statement.”Karen jotted a note, then lifted her head to peer at both him and Sasha.
“I found Noel wandering around outside when I arrived home,” Sasha said. “Max came not long afterward, and we discovered Sheryl passed out in her room. There was an almost empty bottle of alcohol on her side table.”
“She was drunk,” Max said firmly. “The fumes almost knocked me over once she woke and spoke to me. I told her to leave immediately, and Sasha offered to step into the void.”
Karen sipped her tea and set down her empty mug. “What about a job? I understand you are unemployed at present.”
“I intend to do freelance journalism, and in between stories, I’ve agreed to help a friend in his art gallery in Bamburgh. He and his wife have purchased the old bookstore there and one of the adjoining buildings, they’ve turned into a gallery to showcase my friend’s work plus that of local artists.”
“And that would mean you’d be at home with Noel most nights?” Karen asked.
“Yes, that was partly the reason I accepted the job. Plus, it’s a challenge. I want to help my friend do well.”
Karen picked up her handbag. “Would you mind showing me Noel’s bedroom?”
Max stood. “Yes, this way, please.” He guided her through the house and up the stairs to the second level. At the end of the landing, he pushed open Noel’s bedroom door and stepped aside. One wall was an art gallery of Noel’s paintings and drawings while a framed photo of their parents sat beside Noel’s bed. His toy box was open, and a teddy bear sat propped against his pillow.
“Does he dress himself?”
“Yes. He prefers to dress himself. Sasha and I guide him in clothes choice and make sure he showers and keeps clean. He likes to learn how to do things for himself and perseveres until he conquers a task. It’s not always easy, and he gets frustrated, but he’s doing well.”
Karen nodded. “I have everything I need to complete my report. We will contact you in the next few days.”
“I thought you’d spend longer with us,” Max said.
“Normally, it would take longer, but because of the circumstances, we are pushing Noel’s case through the system. It’s imperative a child is settled and happy. We don’t want to jeopardize Noel’s advancement, given his Down syndrome. You will hear from us by the end of the week.” She smiled and patted Max’s arm briefly when he scowled. “Don’t worry. I am thrilled with everything I’ve seen here today.”
Karen left, and Max and Sasha exchanged a glance.
“I need to keep busy,” Max said. “Otherwise, I’ll go crazy. What do you say to driving to Bamburgh and helping Cherry and Martinos with their cleaning? Noel can take his coloring, and we can go for ice cream or a walk in the park.”
“Done deal,” Sasha said.
An hour later, they were in Bamburgh and working alongside Martinos, Cherry, Liza, and Rena. Max’s phone rang, and he took it from his pocket to check the number calling.
“My lawyer,” Max said, his stomach flipping.
“Answer it,” Sasha said.
Everyone else fell silent as Max spoke. “Hello.”
“Good news for you, Max. Your grandmother has stopped proceedings against you. The social worker wrote a complimentary report about Noel’s progress, and her report went to the judge along with a copy for us and your grandmother’s lawyer. The judge dismissed the case, and you’re officially Noel’s legal guardian.”
Sasha beamed at him while Martinos whispereddetails of the call to Liza and Rena.
“What will happen to my grandmother?”
