She knew from growing up with a close-knit group of cousins that bond was strong. Chay would feel the same way, she just knew it. Also he was magic with Gracie—it was as if she knew that he was related to her somehow.
“Okay, that’s a good connection. I’ll have to talk to the court. You were cleared to foster her, but because of the investigation around the mother’s death…I’m not sure they’d allow a switch.”
“That’s fine,” she said. Especially since Chay didn’t want to take Gracie. “I was hoping we could spend some time on the Navajo Nation and with Chay and his grandmother.”
“I don’t see that as a problem. But let me run it by the court first. I should have an answer for you in a few days.”
“Great,” Ava said.
“Do you need anything else?”
“No. She’s such a little sweetie. She’s a bit colicky at times but her doctor said that’s normal for her age. She’s finished her course of medicine and seems to be bouncing back from the infection.”
“All good. Thanks again for taking her on short notice.”
“You know I didn’t mind,” Ava said.
She left Marg’s office, and since she had more time off and it was one of those clear, cold winter days, she drove to the park to go for a walk. She hadn’t been outside much with the snow and slushy weather. Using the baby carrier that strapped around herchest, she nestled Gracie close to her body, making sure they were both bundled for the cold.
Fern’s story had really stuck with Ava. It was odd how a person could go through life making their plans and routine and have it all taken away in one moment. Fern’s life really didn’t sound much different to Ava’s own. Except she had her family that she saw once a week or more, depending on what everyone had going on.
Thinking about it made her feel a bit paranoid. There were other people in the park, and she didn’t notice anyone staring at her. Mostly it was moms and preschool-aged kids and a few adults sitting on the benches.
Nothing to really cause concern, but she’d always felt safe in Dark Canyon. Something she’d brought with her to college, and that had been a mistake. Having grown up where everyone knew her or her family had insulated her to what it was like to truly be around strangers. Here in Dark Canyon, even people she didn’t know she had a connection to.
Not so in college. She went to the swing and sat down on it, pushing herself and looking down at Gracie as they swung. The baby’s eyes went wide and she laughed as they came back down, which made Ava smile.
She kept swinging for about ten minutes until the cold started to settle into her jeans and she needed to get them both back someplace warm. Walking back to her truck, she stopped for a moment, tipping her head back toward the sun. Thanking God for the beautiful day and this tiny person to share it with.
Once they were back in the car, she headed to the hospital to get ready for her shift. The day-care workers were happy to see Gracie, and Ava kissed the little girl goodbye, realizing that it was going to be very hard for her to see Gracie move on to her permanent family.
She really needed to remind herself that this was temporary. Just temporary. Gracie wasn’t her baby, and she wasn’t going to be her mom.
She had a few outpatients scheduled for the afternoon, conducting those sessions in her office. The day went slowly, giving her too much time to think. Mostly about Gracie and, of course, Chay.
That man had a well of caring in him that he probably wasn’t aware was very visible whenever he held Gracie. She was sure if she just put Gracie in his arms more often, he’d start to realize it. Of course, he’d also told her to butt out. But in this case she was sure she knew what was good for both Chay and Gracie.
Before she could talk herself out of it, she picked up the phone and dialed his number.
“Benally.”
His voice was so formal, she couldn’t help smiling. He was so serious at work. “Colton.”
“Ava? Good to hear from you. What’s up?”
His voice warmed, which made her smile. It wasn’t smart to start catching feels for Chay. He was working on a case, which she was sideline involved in, and she wanted him to adopt Gracie. “I was wondering if I could bring Gracie to the Navajo Nation to visit with you. Give her a chance to see where she’s from.”
There was a short pause. “I’m off tomorrow.”
“I am, too. I’ll drive out around ten or so, and maybe we could have lunch together. You can show me around.”
“I’d like that,” he said.
“Me, too.” She hung up the phone feeling very pleased with herself. She’d be subtle, but she wanted to nurture the bond between Gracie and Chay until he could no longer stomach the thought of the baby being raised by anyone but him.
Singing to herself as she carried Gracie to the car at the end of the day, she realized that she still felt that sensation of being watched. Turning quickly, she didn’t see anyone close behind her…she scanned the entrance to the hospital but the doors were closed. Probably just her imagination.
The beauty of Dark Canyon and the surrounding land between the city and the Navajo Nation consumed her as she drove. Gracie had fallen asleep when she’d left her neighborhood. Ava had her road trip playlist on. The trip between the Navajo Nation and Dark Canyon was about an hour. It had snowed overnight, and the land glistened as the sun reflected off the pristine white blanketing the landscape.
