They walked through the side double doors. Alexis spotted the group sitting around the table, talking with several of the children. Her heart warmed, alleviating her doubts. The board was full of solid members who loved Hope House and truly wanted to help these ladies and the children. They wouldn’t bring on a new member who didn’t feel the same.
She spotted Mr. Randolph listening to six-year-old Landon O’Neil tell a knock-knock joke. Mrs. Guillory cradled Micah Tenney, the youngest Hope House resident at two-months old. Mrs. Gerald and Mr. Wilson spoke with Tyson, who’d recently been promoted from part-time to full-time security.
Which left the new man, who must be the person who sat beside Mr. Randolph. She could only see him from the rear. His back was rigid. It could be that he didn’t want to be there, or it could he was nervous. She could understand that. Coming into a new position, especially when those around you were well established, was difficult.
He also appeared younger than the rest of the board members. Looks could be deceiving, especially when she could only see his back and the rear of his head, but she’d be willing to bet he was a good two decades younger than the other members. Interesting.
Alexis went to Mrs. Guillory, the de facto chair of the board. “Carl told me you’d like to tell Rachel goodbye in person. They’re finishing up in the daycare, but they’ll only be another ten minutes.”
If they were longer, she’d send someone to alert them.
“That’s no problem.” Mrs. Guillory smiled adoringly at the baby in her arms. “I’m enjoying every second of baby snuggles.”
“He is precious, isn’t he?” Alexis brushed a finger over barely-there strands of Micah’s downy soft blonde hair.
“Absolutely. My grands are all toddlers and older now, but my daughter is expecting another this fall. I can’t wait.”
“How many grandchildren do you have?”
“Seven,” Mrs. Guillory answered, her smile beaming with pride. “Soon to be eight.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“I’ve truly been blessed.”
Elena, one of the daycare workers, came to them and asked for Micah. “I know you have business to attend to, but you’re welcome to come anytime for more snuggles.”
“I definitely will,” Mrs. Guillory answered.
And she would. Mrs. Guillory came every other Tuesday to read a story and do a small craft with the young children of the shelter. When she finished, she’d stop by the nursery tohelpbut it was no secret she adored babies and children.
After Elena walked away, Mrs. Guillory turned to Alexis. “How is it going so far? Are you settling in?”
“Rachel’s been an amazing teacher. I’m nervous because this job is a huge responsibility, but I’m thrilled to play a part in helping these ladies get their lives back on track. Whatever their reason for being here, I want them to leave more confident and equipped than when they arrived.”
An approving smile stretched over Mrs. Guillory’s face. “You are the woman for the job. I have every confidence you’ll succeed far beyond your own expectations.”
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Guillory laid her hand softly on Alexis’s arm. “Let’s gather the others. I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of the board.”
“Carl mentioned the spot had been filled.”
“Yes.”
The abrupt answer left Alexis unsettled. There wasn’t malice in Mrs. Guillory’s tone, nor was there pleasure. For whatever reason, no one yet seemed thrilled over the new appointment. She drew a long breath, praying for composure and strength.
Something told her she’d need it in the coming weeks.
