“It must have taken a lot for her to call you.”
“She sounded very unlike herself, quiet and polite.”
“She must be scared.”
“That’s my thought too.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“Only to ask if I can keep her overnight if they’re not released on bail.” She hesitates. “Bodi, if they’re convicted…”
“You want to take Lindy.” I knew this was a possibility, and despite wanting to have Jayne all to myself, I’m well-aware of what it’s like for a child to lose her parents.
“It’s not ideal but…”
“It’s fine, babe. We’re not going to let her go to foster care. I wouldn’t let it happen to Billie and we’re certainly not going to let it happen to Lindy.”
“I love you, Bodi.”
“I love you too, baby. Don’t worry about anything. Go get Lindy and we’ll figure out the rest.”
“I’ll call you later. I’m going to bring her to the library with me.”
“I’ll come by and get her after practice.”
“You’re the best. See you later.”
We disconnect and I can’t help but chuckle.
It’s like everything has come full circle.
I started out my adult life as a parent to my sister and my gut tells me that now I’m probably to be one to Jayne’s too. There’s no way to know if the cases against Coach and his wife will go to trial or what will happen if they do, but I love Jayne and she would never forgive herself—or me—if Lindy wound up in the foster care system.
So, I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Because I love Jayne and if she loves Lindy, well, then I do too.
“Everything okay?” West comes over to me as I dump my plate in the trash.
I tell him what’s going on.
He meets my gaze and smiles. “You’re jumping in with both feet, eh?”
“Yeah.” I meet his eyes. “You think I’m nuts?”
“Nah. I almost married a woman with a kid. If you love the mom, or in this case the big sister, the kids are part of the deal. It’s all part of the master plan of life.”
“I don’t know where we’re going to put her,” I say, “but she may be on your couch for a few weeks until we can make other arrangements. Is that going to be a problem?”
“Not at all.” He shakes his head. “In fact, let me think about making a little space of her own for her. It won’t be a real bedroom—I can’t ask the boys to give up their rooms—but maybe we can give her the den. At least it has French doors that close so she won’t be in the middle of everything. We can put an air mattress in there or something.”
“You’re a good man,” I say quietly. “I owe you.”
“Nah. That’s what friends—and family—do.” He claps me on the shoulder and heads for the door.
Finally, it feels like things are falling into place.
And I’ve been playing my ass off.
