“Did you see Ms. Lather’s face? I swear it hurt her as much as it did us.”
“She did argue on our behalf, but her boss, the arrogant jerk, had the final say, and he overrode her suggestions. In the end, if at all possible, they did promise to keep Maisie and Charlie together —”
Colin cut in angrily. “And you believed them?”
“God, I hope I can. The thought of either of the kids being without the other is unbearable.” Jaqueline watched Colin leave the doorframe where he’d been lounging, shocked when he approached her couch. He sat, then lifted her feet onto his knee. Not knowing his plan, she thrilled when he began to massage one foot gently, seemingly unconscious of his actions.
In paradise, wishing she had the nerve to remove her sock so she could feel his warm hands on her skin, she leaned back and sighed her approval, silently praying… don’t ever stop.
They sat quietly, both deep in their own thoughts. Jaqueline leaned her head back and closed her eyes while Colin continued to rub her feet gently. For some strange reason, a conversation she’d had with her Gigi appeared in her memory, one that made such an impact that she’d never forgotten it.
“How did you know you loved Grampa? Was there a specific moment when you were sure? Something he said or did that made a difference?”
Taking her question seriously as Gigi always did, the older woman sighed. “Hmm… let me see. You know your grandfather was a good-looker, well his personality could be considered a perfect match. He cared about others and had the charisma to let everyone know. He dazzled me with his ability to stand out in a group. But I guess his gentle ways were the magic that made me understand I could love this man forever.”
“Gentle ways?”
“Yes, Jaq. He made me feel cherished. Does that make sense?”
“Cherished? Like how? Give me an example.”
“Hmm, let me see. Okay, how about whenever we sat together on the sofa, he’d rub my feet cause he knew how much I loved the attention and how wonderful it felt. Made me feel like I mattered. What woman could resist that kind of thoughtfulness?”
Jaq opened her eyes to see Colin staring at her, his gaze soft with affection. “Sorry. I vegged out there for a moment. I was remembering my Gigi telling me how much she loved it when Grampa would rub her feet. Now I understand why she mentioned it.”
Colin chuckled his understanding. “My mother loved it too. After my father died, she’d ask me to rub her feet, and then she’d lay back and tell me stories of their life together. I enjoyed those times with her more than I can say. Gave me a window into their lives together.”
“Sounds like they had a happy marriage.”
“They had their ups and downs like most couples. Some of her stories truly shocked me. But she loved him until the day she died. Used to tell me about how she’d visit with his ghost every night before she’d fall asleep. Made me chuckle, probably because she believed every word… that he was actually with her. She often said she could feel him watching over us. Made me believe too.”
“How beautiful. My Gigi still talks like that about Grampa… a lot. Kind of includes him in the good times especially. And she often says he watches over me too. Mom scoffs, but I don’t. In fact, I hope I have a marriage like theirs one day.” She thought about their conversation and couldn’t help asking, “Do you think maybe Gisele is watching over Charlie and Maisie now?”
“I hope so…. that they feel her close.”
“Don’t laugh but last night when Maisie had her breakdowns, I swear I could sense Gisele around us, her soothing presence helping to calm Maisie.”
“If she knows what’s happening, maybe she could pull some strings ‘upstairs’ to get those papers passed that we need as fast as possible.”
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful? The thought of those poor darlings being held as foster children is unbearable. They’ll be so afraid… especially Maisie.” Jaqueline didn’t know the tears would come, but they appeared, and there was nothing she could do to stop them. “I miss them terribly.”
“Me too. Poor Charlie looked at me, expecting a miracle, and I was powerless. I never wanted to come across like that to him… ever.”
“I know. I felt the same. The lawyer promised us he’d get back to us before business hours ended in B.C.. The time’s run out now, hasn’t it?”
“I’m afraid so. But first thing in the morning I’ll be hounding him to get it done. I swear those kids will be back here as soon as possible.”
Jaqueline sniffed, trying desperately to hold in the water works. “It’s not his fault, I guess. He had to deal with the hospital administration back home, and they often work at a snails pace and worse during the holidays. Earlier, when he called, he said he tried his best to get them to fill in the forms proving my qualifications. But in my estimation, they don’t hurry foranyone. I’m sure that’s what held up the process. If only I could have done more.”
Colin lowered her feet and slid closer to put his arm around her shoulder. He stared into her face, his expression filled with determination for her to listen. “It’s not your fault or mine. We’re doing everything possible. The system is there as a protection for everyone not just for our situation. We’ll get them back, I promise.”
When she began to cry, he added, “Come here.” His whispered words were soft with comfort, and she didn’t hesitate to lean on him, to put her head on his shoulder. When he took her hand and brought it to his lips, she clung tight.
“Thank you. I needed a hug.”
“Jaq, there’s nothing more we can do about things tonight. Just know I’ll be on top of the situation at first light.”
“I know. And I’ll help all I can.” She sat upright, stiffening her back and fixing her mussed hair. “You’re right. Let’s not spend the whole evening feeling bad about something we can’t fix at the moment.”
