Shock and happinessraced through me.
We stood at the front door of the Foster’s home saying goodbye. I’d be forever grateful that Autumn had ended up with them and Grace and I agreed to stay in touch. She was one hell of a lady and knew a lot about children.
But even so, Autumn still hadn’t warmed up too much to her or anyone else at the home. She let Grace hug her but was a bit stiff and she didn’t speak. Not that she’d spoken to anyone. She however seemed excited when I’d come back and acted eager to leave with us. My sister had watched Jett and Gramps intriguingly, Grandpa even managed to coax a small smile out of her a couple of times. He was a charmer that was for sure.
Everyone was in awe of the little angel, but that angel was in awe too. I should probably be upset it wasn’t with me, but instead, it made me gooey inside to witness who she was enamored with.
Autumn had taken an instant liking to Lyric. And who could blame her. He was simply spectacular in every way.
However, I along with everyone else was surprised when she slipped her hand in his and started pulling him toward the car, the small princess backpack that Grace had bought for her, thrown over her shoulder.
Lyric looked at me to gauge my reaction. He’d agreed to come and wanted to, but he’d told me that if I felt that it should just be the family he would understand. We’d talked about family the night before and he was part ofours.
I gave him an encouraging nod, signaling to him that It was okay. He waved at everyone and softly spoke to Autumn as they made their way to our vehicle.
The rest of us finished up our goodbyes and followed behind the two of them.
My pulse beat frantically. There was so much happening.
Patience and her baby did really well at Kace and Teal’s home. Lyric spoke to Kace this morning, and I had spoken with Teal. The girl had broken down a bit in Teal’s arms and confided in her some. Jett also told us a bit about the young mother who had nobody to help her. There was no father involved and now that she was eighteen her mother and stepfather kicked her out on her own.
I knew all too well what it was like when parents washed their hands of you. My heart broke for her, but she’d be safe. Withus.My brother was determined to be her rock. And I’d do anything to help my brother. I was darn thankful we had a huge house because it seemed it was filling up quickly.
I freed my mind as we reached the vehicle and piled in. Lyric had gone out in the morning and bought Autumn a brand-new car seat in case we got lucky. He already had her buckled in like a pro with her stuffed teddy bear, and the pop-up book he’d also got her. Jett was riding shotgun, while Gramps and I sat in the back, me next to Autumn.
When we pulled away from the curb, I looked over at my beautiful sister who had her bear cuddled up under her chin and was flipping pages in her new book. She looked content and I prayed she would like her new home and that I could give her everything she not only wanted but needed.
And I also sent up a small prayer that she’d talk soon. I wouldn’t push, but God how I’d like to know if she could and how she felt. I just wanted to hear her little voice.
But what mattered the most was she was going home.
* * *
I nibbledon my bottom lip with worry.
“Hey, you're going to draw blood if you don’t stop,” Lyric said as he reached out a hand and rubbed his thumb across my mouth.
We’d made it home after a long drive, most of which Autumn slept through, and brought everyone as well as our things inside. My sister had even seen her room and the elation on her face as she took it in was a sight to see. It was new and I was aware things would take time, but I was still concerned about many things. One in particular.
I peeked at Autumn, who stood next to Gramps' chair while he talked to her, but it was only a few feet away from the man in front of me. I looked into Lyric’s eyes. “What is she going to do when you leave?”
He raised his brows in question.
It hadn’t escaped me that my sister hadn’t let the man out of her sight. I loved that and feared it at the same time. Would she freak out and be in distress when he had to go home or work?
“You have a shadow if you haven’t noticed and when you go I’m worried about her reaction.”
He placed both hands on my face. “Sweetheart, I’m not leaving, I will be right here. I still have a few days off and we will see how she settles in. I will do anything I need to make the transition for her and you as smooth as possible.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. At least for the time being. We would have to see what happened and take it from there. Lord I needed to take yoga or something, stress wasn’t going to help anything.
“You’re the best,” I told him and leaned in to kiss him.
Autumn chose that moment to leave Gramps and wander over to us, once again grabbing Lyric’s hand to get his attention.
He looked down at her and my eyes followed. “What’s up, Pumpkin?”
She lifted her hands in the air, clearly asking to be picked up, and I was even more stunned. Lyric dropped his hands from my face and pulled her into his arms.
