“I’ll help you get the phone set up,” said Lisa.“I’ll put my name and number in as well as Hazel’s and Mike’s.You’ll be restricted from playing some of the games, but there will still be plenty of fun for you.”
Hazel gave Jed a quick hug.“I’ve got to go back to work.Have a fun time with your phone.”
Lisa walked Hazel to the door.“How can I ever thank you enough?That gift is as much help to me as it is for him.”
“We thought it might be used if any future separations take place,” said Hazel.“I haven’t told you, but Mike and I are applying to become foster parents.That might make it easier for us to help you out during your move if it becomes necessary.”
Lisa clapped her hands together.“How wonderful!”She studied Hazel.“I have to ask, why are you and Mike being so kind to Jed and me and my family?”
“I fell in love with Jed very quickly.And when I learned about his home situation and being fostered, I wanted to do everything possibleto help.Mike was a foster child, himself.Though his experience was far different from Jed’s life with you, he likes being supportive, too.”
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, you two are a kind, wonderful couple,” said Lisa.
“Thanks.We’re only recently decided to be in a relationship, but it’s gratifying to hear your words,” said Hazel.
“I’ll let you know how the week goes,” said Lisa.
“We’ll call before Mike offers to pick up Jed,” Hazel responded.“See you later.”
###
The next few days were busy filling out forms, having medical exams, and attending more training classes for foster care certification.The only thing left to do was to arrange for a home inspection.
A week later, Hazel and Mike stood at the entrance to her guest room, giving it a thorough inspection.She’d been advised by Lisa to make the room look as if it were ready for a young boy.
They’d ordered and hung three big posters on the wall.One of Novak Djokovic, and two colorful generic ones with unnamed tennis players.
“This is a beautiful home.There’s no need to be nervous about it,” said Mike.“And Jed or any other child interested in tennis would love this room.”
Hazel looked at the queen-sized bed, the bureau, and the bedside table in matching cherry wood.“Right now, it’s pretty plain, but a child, like Jed, will quickly change that.”
She turned to Mike.“We know that we might have Jed for a short time while Lisa and her husband arrange for him to move with them.Are you going to be ready to have him forever if they can’t do it?”
“It’ll be easier if we have him for a short time, but I won’t let that boy go to another foster home where he might not receive the care Lisa and her husband have given him,” said Mike.“The thought brings back a whole lot of bad memories.”
“Okay, we’ll leave it up to fate, and no matter what happens with us, we’ll work together to help Jed.”
“What do you mean no matter what happens with us?”asked Mike frowning.“Are you having second thoughts about our being together?”
“Not at all.I just want to be sure it’s what you want,” said Hazel.Everything seemed backward.They’d agreed to raise a child together, but they weren’t even engaged.She needed assurance that she hadn’t let her heart lead her to a major disappointment.
Mike cupped his hands around her face and gave her a steady look.“I love you, Hazel.I was hooked when we first met.But I knew what kind of family you came from and our differences.Would you have even listened to me back then?”
Hazel knew she had to be truthful.“No.That was before I knew what kind of man you are.Now, I know better.”
“Are you willing to take a chance on making us and this commitment to help Jed work?”
“Yes, Mike.I love you, too.”Her lips quivered.“I really do.”
Mike’s cheeks flushed, and his eyes moistened.Then, his kisses told her all over again how much he loved her.
###
When they met with the instructor the following week, Mike and Hazel were told they passed the house inspection with flying colors.“Any child that would be staying with you would be very lucky indeed.”
“Thanks,” said Hazel.“Anything else?”
“For the moment, we’re waiting for the paperwork from both of you to be processed.You might want to think about the fact that you both work.How will you arrange to be with a child if you’re not at home?”
