By the time Austin reached the front door, he was surprised to see his kids still standing on the porch. “Did you ring the doorbell?”
“Twice.” Dallas and Cody said in unison.
Austin glanced at his watch. It was almost eight. He’d planned to be here by seven-thirty so he could look over the instructions before Debbie’s brothers arrived, but the boys didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. Until he reminded them they were going to Miss Debbie’s house today. Then they’d been so excited, he could hardly get them to stop and eat a bowl of cereal.
Austin reflected back on the past two days. He’d made it home on Thursday in time to eat dinner before taking the boys to the soccer game. When they prepared to leave, Debbie asked if she and Noah could come watch.
Dallas and Cody said, “Yes,” before Austin could find a reason to say, “No.”
With Savannah there to help keep an eye on Noah, Debbie and Austin had plenty of opportunity to cheer the boys on and talk about their days.
Almost like a married couple.
Debbie took dozens of pictures, appearing much more relaxed and cheerful than she was after the pool incident.
Despite Debbie sending him a picture yesterday of Noah’s drawings in marker on the wall—accompanied by an eye-rolling emoji—there had been no disasters at dinner last night.
In fact, dinner—consisting of mouth-watering meatloaf and mashed potatoes—had been a nice normal meal with plenty of chatter and laughter from the kids. Exactly the kind of evening Austin could get used to.
At least Noah hadn’t colored on the same wall as Savannah’s painting, and thankfully, the markers were washable. He admired Debbie for her patience and dedication in taking good care of the lively little boy.
Cody rang the doorbell again before Austin could stop him.
Austin and Savannah exchanged concerned glances as they continued to wait.
Finally the door opened, revealing a rumpled Debbie with swollen eyes still wearing yesterday’s clothing.
Austin stepped past his kids. “Debbie, what’s wrong?”
“Noah’s gone.” Tears instantly flooded her eyes.
“What?” Austin pushed his way into the house. “How long has he been missing? Have you checked the pool?”
“He’s not missing. Gina came and took him last night.” Tears welled up in Debbie’s eyes.
“Why?”
It wasn’t right. Debbie had been an amazing foster parent.
“His mom came home from the hospital yesterday.” Despite the good news, Debbie’s voice remained mournful.
Austin couldn’t help himself. He pulled Debbie into his arms. “I’m so sorry.”
He motioned for Savannah to take the boys somewhere else as he guided Debbie into the sitting room. They’d probably end up in the playroom, and he’d have a devil of time dragging them away later, but at least they wouldn’t interrupt him while he comforted Debbie.
She cried against his shirt. “I’m glad his mom is going to be okay, but I’m afraid I’m never going to get to be a mom.”
“Yes, you will. Someday, you’ll get to have the family you want.”
“When? I’m thirty-six, Austin. Most women I know are done having kids by my age.”
Austin buried his fingers in her tangled curls and cupped her head. “Have you thought about adopting?”
Debbie lifted her head but didn’t loosen her hold around his waist. “I’ve applied, but single parents aren’t usually a birth mother’s first pick. And I have no idea when or if I’ll get to foster again.”
“Sure you will. You’re a good mom, Debbie.”
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
