A Mrs. Miracle Christmas(35)

“I don’t think—”

She was cut off when Shirley interrupted her. “Oh my. Well, this is interesting.” The receptionist had apparently continued to read Mrs. Miracle’s file.

“What?” Laurel sat up straight, pressing the phone to her ear, convinced she was about to learn something important.

    “This particular recommendation. It comes directly from a well-known celebrity.” Her voice dipped. “He’s an actor and he couldn’t seem to say enough good things about her. How often does a person of that stature take the time to write a letter of recommendation? Now, that must tell you something,” Shirley continued. “And the amazing things he wrote about her! Oh my. You’d think she’d done something extraordinarily special to have warranted this letter.”

“Another glowing report, I’m assuming?”

The receptionist laughed. “Yes, I’d say so. Are there any other questions you have, Mrs. McCullough?”

“Is there anything in the files where former clients have mentioned any unusual behaviors or unique abilities she may have?”

Click went the computer keys. “Everything listed here states that she’s exactly the type of person we hope to employ. Mrs. Miracle goes above and beyond a client’s expectations when it comes to those in her care. Does that reassure you, or is there something else?”

“No…not really. I suppose that answers all my questions,” Laurel said, only slightly reassured. She didn’t know how it was possible that this caregiver could be so perfect in every way.

    “There’s absolutely nothing in her employment files that should give you any cause to worry. It appears your grandmother is in excellent hands.”

“You’re right,” Laurel said. “Thank you for your time, Shirley. I apologize if I was a bother.”

“No worries at all. I’m happy to have answered your questions. Call us anytime. We’re here to serve you.”

Laurel disconnected the call. She should feel reassured. Her questions had been answered. Or had they?





CHAPTER THIRTEEN




Just as Laurel was leaving work for the day and about halfway across the school parking lot to her vehicle, her phone buzzed. She pulled out her phone from the bottom of her purse. She was surprised to see the name of the adoption agency.

“Hello,” she answered tentatively, her hand painfully tight on the phone.

“Hello, Laurel,” Mary Swindoll responded cheerfully. “And a very merry Christmas.”

“The same to you.” Laurel had no idea why Mary would be calling her out of the blue like this, and she was in a hurry to get home.

Mary didn’t waste time getting to the purpose of her call. “Did Zach have a chance to talk to you about our website project?”

    Zach? He’d heard from the adoption agency and not told her? He’d made no mention of it at all. Rather than appear in the dark, Laurel decided to play along. “I’m afraid not. We’ve both been so busy.”

As always, Mary was gracious. “I totally understand. I had reached out to Zach because I thought the two of you would be the perfect couple for our website update, especially now that you’ve decided to renew your application.”

The oxygen froze in Laurel’s lungs, and for one crazy moment she found it impossible to breathe. Mary continued chatting on about the website redesign. A word or two made their way into Laurel’s consciousness, but her heart remained stuck on the fact that Zach had gone behind her back and resubmitted their application, even after they’d agreed not to.

“I can understand how hard it’s been after your last disappointment. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision to reapply, and I applaud your courage.”

“Yes…” Laurel managed to squeak out, sounding more like a rusty door hinge than anything human.

“How about I check with you after the first of the year?” Mary suggested. “That should give you and Zach time to decide if you’re willing to be part of this project.”

    Laurel hadn’t the wherewithal to respond. As it was, she found it nearly impossible to remain upright. She leaned against the side of her car for support.

“Would that work?” Mary asked when she didn’t answer.

“Okay,” she managed after several seconds passed. Although she might have come across as being rude, Laurel cut off the call without a farewell. Her legs felt like they were about to go out from under her. Another few moments passed before Laurel was able to draw in a deep breath.

So that was it. That was the deep, dark secret her husband had been keeping from her. Laurel had accepted there would be no child for them.

But he hadn’t. Even after their recent heart-to-heart conversations.

It became clear to Laurel in that moment her husband would never be able to accept the fact that she couldn’t give him a family. To her face, he said he was content, but she knew better now. Zach had flat-out lied to her, and his betrayal cut sharper than any knife and penetrated deeper than any sword.

“Laurel,” Britta Jackson called out as she walked toward Laurel in the parking lot. “Is everything all right?”

Unable to answer, Laurel stared blankly back at her fellow teacher as Britta hurriedly walked toward her.