She laughed. “They’re in a confined space at the shelter, and I don’t have them all at once.”
“You’re great with them. Hope House couldn’t ask for a better daycare director.”
The overhead streetlights gave him enough light to see her cheeks turn pink. “Thank you.”
“You never did get your corn dog.”
“It’s okay. Tonight was about the children.”
“They don’t close down for another hour.” He held out his hand. “What do you say we get your corndog and take a ride on the Ferris wheel?”
“You just said you’re exhausted.”
He winked. “I got a second wind.”
After hesitating, she put his hand in his. It felt right. Familiar, but new.
She leaned into him as they walked. “You made quite the impression tonight. The kids loved you.”
“They’re a great group. Did you see Keegan when he knocked the milk jugs down? I’ve never seen so much excitement.”
“He wants to be a professional ball player. With an arm like that, I don’t doubt he’ll make it one day when he’s older.”
“How old is he?”
“Twelve.” Tiffany frowned. “His mom is one of our longest residents. She got out, went back to her abuser, and is back for the second time.”
“You allow them back?” he asked, surprised they would.
“It’s a case-by-case basis. We must consider the safety of all our residents, but it’s also an unfortunate reality that many women leave multiple times before they leave for good. The average is seven times.”
He gasped. “Seven?”
Creases formed in her forehead. “There are many reasons why. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived that life.”
“I’m not judging,” he assured her. “I just had no idea.”
“Most people don’t. But that’s why we don’t have a strict rule against allowing a woman to return. They need support and help to stay away from their abuser. Sometimes sheer willpower isn’t enough.”
The authority with which she spoke slayed him. “I hate that you have firsthand experience.”
“I do too, but God’s given that pain a purpose.” She offered him a bittersweet smile, then tugged him through the carnival entrance. “Come on, we’re supposed to be having fun.”
Forcing the sadness from his mind—after all, if anyone between the two of them had reason to be sullen from memories, it was her, the one who had suffered abuse—he led the way to the corn dog stand.
Earlier in the evening may have been about the children, but the next hour was about Tiffany and him.
