Kit’s chin came up, proud. “He sure is.”
“And you believe in him, don’t you?”
“I sure do.”
“Then maybe let him fix this place up and get it running again,” Carys said. “It’ll do him good to see the results.”
Kit studied Carys like she was looking through her to the core of who she was.
“He’s different with you,” she said. “It’s the first time I’ve seen him happy.”
What was Carys supposed to do with that?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Blaize parked in the lot next to a pickup at Sister’s Love. He exited the rental car and opened the door for Carys. Working like a team, they freed the carrier from the seat belt and grabbed the diaper bag. Rue had been in his life for less than forty-eight hours yet had managed to imprint his heart. If he lost her, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
Sister’s Love was in need of TLC, much like the ranch. Two stories with peeling paint, it had an almost ominous air to it. The wraparound porch had seen better days. Once he got the ranch up and running again, he could gather a group of volunteers to work on this place.
As they approached the door, it opened from the inside. A short, round woman welcomed them inside.
“I’m Rosie,” she said to Blaize. “I’d offer a handshake but yours are full. Can I take her from—”
“Could we sit down for a minute?” Carys asked.
“Of course.” Rosie led them from the foyer into a formal living area. The furniture looked to be original to the house. She held out her hand toward the sofa. “Please, sit down.”
“I know how challenging it has been with staffing,” Carys said, starting right in. “I’d like to volunteer for the next couple of days.”
Rosie blinked like she couldn’t believe her eyes. “We’re always looking for good people. You of all people know that. We’d love to have you. I’ll get the paperwork started tomorrow morning.”
“I was thinking more like starting tonight,” Carys said.
“With paperwork? Nothing can be done until—”
“I know you need the help, Rosie. And I don’t feel good about dropping her off and running when I know how short-staffed you are.”
“I appreciate your willingness to drop everything else in your life and help.” Rosie sat up a little straighter. “I can assure that we can handle every situation that comes through that door.”
“You sure about that?”
Carys’s words landed like bullets.
Rosie stood up, shot a glare, and grabbed the handle to the carrier. The hallway was too dark to make anything out clearly. Blaize saw the outline of someone lingering. Was she waiting to take Rue?
“Hold on, Rosie. I didn’t mean it to come out like that.” Carys’s tone was pleading.
Blaize reached over and took her hand in his. It was then he realized hers was trembling. Watching Rosie take Rue away and hand her off hit hard.
Carys stood. He followed suit. She squeezed his fingers.
The baby was then given to the silhouette.
Rosie turned around, blocking their view of the hallway. “Shall I walk you out, or do you want me to call the authorities?”
“There’s no need to do anything like that,” Blaize said, a little shocked at the threat. “We’re heading out now.”
Carys hesitated. He squeezed her hand gently for reassurance. Thankfully, she followed him out the front door without an argument. The last thing they needed to do tonight was get the sheriff involved. Carys didn’t need another hit on her performance record.
