Chapter
Twenty-Two
IRIS
“Wow,they did a wonderful job with this space,” I tell Clint as he escorts me into the banquet hall.
The event is to support children in foster care. I guess the local agency has had an uptick in children being removed from the home, which is creating an issue with having enough homes to place the children into. This money will go to offering free training to those who want to become foster parents. It also will allow them to spend more time looking for kinship connections throughout the country for the children, so hopefully they do not have to go to a foster home.
It’s an amazing organization that partners with the state agencies to make lives better for the foster children.
“Are you making a donation tonight?” I ask Clint as I take in the room.
“Of course. Truth is, my neighbors growing up were foster parents. They couldn’t have children of their own, so they decided to love the children of the community. I hate that the world seems to only be getting worse. The number of childrenbeing removed is growing. I’m not saying they should stay with their family if there is a reason they are removed, but we need to figure out a better way to help them adjust to life.”
I smile over at him. “Does this mean you would foster one day?”
He nods. “It’s always been my plan. Settle down and have my own children if the fates align, but also give love to the children who are lost right now. The ones who are unsafe at home. I want to be the safe haven for them.”
I grab his arm, leaning my head against his shoulder. “You are a good man.”
“I don’t do it for recognition. It’s the right thing to do.”
He’s right, of course. Those who are the true heroes seek no recognition for their acts. Clint is a real catch for the right girl.
Too bad that’s not me.
“Iris, good to see you.”
I turn, finding Max standing there in his tux. He is gorgeous on a good day, but get him all dressed up and he is something else entirely. He would never notice, but there are at least three sets of female eyes on him, all of which are with their own dates.
Max owns a room when he walks in. He doesn’t even try. He just does.
“Hey man, we met before, but you might not remember. I’m Clint. I have heard good things about you,” Clint introduces himself.
“You’re the guy from the airport. I’m Max. Our Iris looks beautiful tonight, don’t you agree?” Max offers.
My cheeks heat as Clint agrees with him.
“Absolutely stunning. I told her that I will be the envy of the event with her on my arm.”
Max chuckles. “That you will. I can say I’m already jealous you have the most beautiful woman in the room on your arm. I hope you don’t mind when I steal a dance later.”
“I will be beside myself watching you dance with her, but the decision is hers. I will never be upset if she’s doing something she enjoys,” Clint offers.
I feel like I am in the twilight zone. Somehow these two are together in the same room and getting along. I never imagined that my friend, Clint, could somehow get Max to come out of his shell enough to carry on a conversation.
“I agree. We only want what is best for our girl.” Max winks at me.
What in the hell is happening right now?
“Anyway, I will let you two mingle. I see a business associate. I’ll see you later for that dance,” Max tells me, reaching out to squeeze my hand.
“Yeah. I’ll be here,” I murmur, watching as he nods to Clint before dropping my hand and walking away.
“That man has it bad for you,” Clint tells me, pulling my attention back to him.
“What was that? I have never seen him that social on his own before. I usually have to prompt him,” I admit.
