I glanced over at the gang and then at Noah as I tried to contain my tears.I’d worried about what harm telling Sarah she’d be going into foster care would do.I had at least allowed her time to process the loss of her parents before I explained to her what would happen when the time came.
“Yes, bring it with you.We are donating to a few families this year,” I said, swallowing hard.“And you’ll always be remembered here.”I smiled softly as I placed my hand on top of her head.
“Ready to go, Sarah?”Gracie asked, coming over to the table.
Sarah looked up at me and held out the basket, which I took as I smiled at her.“Can I go?”
“Of course, we will be over in a minute,” I said, as she wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me.
We all watched her and Gracie walk across the park to the gazebo in silence.
“Have you thought about putting in an adoption application?”Trinity questioned quietly.
I nodded.“I have, but I already know that they won’t even consider me.Single mom.I’ve seen this before; they want a family situation for a child like Sarah.”
“No harm in trying though,” Thomas added.“Never know what they will decide.Maybe if they see how happy she is with you, it may tip the scales in your favor.”
I nodded, knowing full well he was right, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
“It’s all about finding the most stable location for her,” Noah said.“If you are the one providing that, then the power lies with you.They may watch to see how things go with you before they decide.It’s worth it to put an application in.”Noah placed his hand on my back.
“What do you say we all head back over to the diner after the carols and have some coffee and cake?”Peggy asked, coming up beside me, Ethan and Noah behind her.
“I’m down for that,” Noah agreed.“Do you have any of that double fudge cake, Brooke?”
“I think I can find one somewhere over there.”She giggled.
“Perfect, what do you say, Mindi, want to join me?”Noah asked.
It sounded wonderful, but I was tired and feeling a little down, especially after seeing how sad Sarah was.I hated that she’d be leaving the only home she’d ever known.
“I’d love to, but I think after we do the carols, I’m going to head home and get Sarah tucked into bed,” I answered.“I’m tired, and I have to be up early to go over the receipts from the tree farm before I open up tomorrow morning.Otherwise, it’s going to get out of hand.”
“Oh, okay then.”
“You’ll still join us though, right, Noah?”Ethan asked.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he said, grabbing the large pot Brooke had used to put the hot chocolate in.
Sarah and I meandered through the park, admiring the lights as we made our way to the car.I felt so empty inside for most of the night.There were so many things I was facing at the moment, and I didn’t have a clue how I was supposed to feel about any of them.
Sarah climbed into the front seat of my car, while I pulled the snow brush from the back seat and cleared the windows, then threw it back inside, hoping into the front seat.I shoved the key into the ignition and turned it, my car making a funny sputtering sound.I tried it again, and once again, the same thing happened.
“That doesn’t sound very good,” Sarah said, looking over at me.
“No, it doesn’t,” I said, once again trying to start the car only to have the same thing happen.
I closed my eyes.The last thing I needed on top of saving for the repairs on the Potts tree farm truck was my car to act up.I turned the key again, listening to the same sputtering sound it had let out before.
“Oh, come on…don’t do this,” I cried, trying again, this time holding my breath as if it were going to make a difference.
When the car failed to turn over, I rested my forehead against the steering wheel and let out a small scream.
“It’s okay,” Sarah said, patting my shoulder.
“Oh, dear, I wish that were true,” I whispered as I looked over at The Crispy Biscuit.We needed a ride home, and I had no choice but to ask for one.
“Come on, put your mitts back on.”I sighed, opening the car door, waiting for Sarah to come around and join me.
