Cody sat beside Debbie and stared up at her, melting her heart a little more. Dallas sat on the other side of her though not as close as his younger brother. Austin dropped into a nearby armchair, and Savannah carried a kitchen chair over and perched on it, still giving Debbie a wary look.
Debbie cleared her throat and pulled three photographs from her purse. “Savannah, I saw your painting at school when I stopped by to talk to Jess—uh Mrs. Winters. Your artwork is amazing. You are very talented, and I love your style.”
Rosy spots colored the girl’s cheeks, and she ducked her head as she gave a hesitant smile. “Thank you.”
Debbie held the photos out to Savannah. “Do you think you could paint a scene similar to these on a much larger scale?”
Savannah’s hand trembled as she took the photos. “How much larger?” Her eyebrows rose as she studied the pictures.
“I’d like you to paint a mural on my wall. Maybe six feet by eight feet or so.”
Savannah sucked in a sharp breath, and her eyebrows rose even higher.
“Six by eight?” Austin leaned forward in his seat. “Savvy’s never painted anything that large.”
“I know. Mrs. Winters let me know that the process would be considerably different than a normal painting. She also said she’d be willing to help Savannah get the project started and guide her along the way.”
“She did?” Savannah’s head shot up.
Judging by the light in the girl’s eyes, Jessie Winters was Savannah’s hero.
Debbie nodded. “Mrs. Winters thinks this project would be a good challenge for you and help you further develop your skills.”
“But a six by eight mural could take weeks, maybe even months, since Savvy’s still in school.” Worry lines creased Austin’s tan forehead.
“I’m in no hurry.” Debbie shrugged. “I’m willing to pay Savannah either an hourly wage or a contracted price. And I’ll buy all the supplies, of course.”
Austin shook his head and shot his daughter an apologetic look. “I’m afraid Savannah doesn’t have time for a project that big. She has to take care of her brothers after school every day.”
Debbie’s breath hitched and a heaviness settled over her. She resisted the urge to fiddle with her purse strap. She didn’t understand the overwhelming desire to have Savannah paint this mural, but she wasn’t ready to give up yet.
She smiled down at Cody and Dallas. “Your kids are welcome to come to my house each day. I’d be happy to pick them up from school.”
Cody put his hand on her knee, tugging at Debbie’s heartstrings. She covered his hand with her own.
Austin shook his head. “They may look docile now, but they’re normally quite rowdy. I doubt your house is kid friendly.”
Debbie scoffed. “My nieces and nephews visit all the time. My house is quite childproof.” Even more so since applying to be a foster parent.
Austin raked a hand through his hair. “Savvy does far more than just watch the boys. I work late on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so she has to help them with their homework and fix dinner.”
“I can help them with their homework, and I’ll even fix dinner for you all.”
Do I sound desperate?
She certainly felt it for some unexplained reason.
Austin shook his head. “I can’t expect you to feed my family every day.” He squared his shoulders and jutted out his chin.
“I don’t mind, really. I’m offering because I love kids. And I enjoy cooking.”
Austin’s gaze narrowed on her face, and Debbie read the mistrust there. As though he tried to figure out what game she was playing.
Debbie held his gaze, keeping her chin high.
“Why me?” Savannah’s quiet question broke the stare down that had developed between Debbie and Austin.
Debbie smiled at the girl. “Your painting struck something in me.” Debbie pressed a hand to her chest. “You have a unique style that I love. You’re very talented, and I like to encourage people to foster their talents. That’s why I’m willing to pay you generously to do the painting.”
