The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5)(73)

“I didn’t know Owen had a son,” Helen said.

“He died twelve years ago. He was only seven.” Then Hannah proceeded to tell Helen the story. By the time she got to the end, Helen was wiping away tears. Hannah, already in a sentimental and emotional mood, shed a couple herself. “Owen admits he doesn’t talk about it. I can’t blame him for that. It’s not a secret, though. I was researching Owen when I first met him and I found only one brief mention that he’d lost a son but I didn’t see many details. However, if you were to look up Sheila Abrams, his ex-wife, you’ll see that she has been an advocate and activist for over ten years. And she’s the most wonderful woman.”

“She must be! And I already know Owen is an amazing man. I can’t imagine one ever gets over something like that.”

“I’m sure he’ll never be over it,” Hannah said. “But you know what’s so powerful about Owen? His understanding! I’m sure the temptation to hover over Noah is there but he said, ‘Why should I make Noah’s life difficult because I’m a little crippled?’ He encourages Noah’s independence, though that must come at a price. I think if it hadn’t been for Noah getting Owen’s attention, he’d never have noticed me.”

“Oh, now, I’ve seen the way Owen looks at you, Hannah. I guarantee it isn’t because of Noah. Even though Noah is irresistible. I’m sure if I were in his position, I’d be volunteering at the school every day.”

Hannah tilted her head. “There’s a thought. Do you think they’d let me?”

“Now, you don’t want to be that mother,” Helen said. “I’ll see if Sully will do it.”

Hannah laughed in spite of herself. “I know Sully is great with kids, but I doubt he’s going to fall for that one. He has too much to do and too many little ones in the family.”

“I don’t usually advocate for hiding your feelings from your children—they always figure you out anyway. But in this case I think it’s admirable to encourage Noah’s independence. Teach him safety but push him to rely on himself. It’s essential for every child, but more so for Noah. He’ll need the confidence going forward if he’s to overcome his limitations.”

“I know. That’s what keeps me from running back to the school and guarding him. It doesn’t help that even though Victoria has been told she can’t see him right now, she turns up in the parking lot, lurking, watching the kids. I don’t know what’s going on with that woman but she sure knows how to make me uncomfortable.”

“Wait... What?”

“I said, she really knows how to make me un—”

“Not that! You say she was lurking in the school parking lot?”

Hannah just nodded.

“That’s creepy and suspicious,” Helen said. “I heard the judge’s instructions to her and Victoria isn’t stupid. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did that deliberately to make you uncomfortable!”

“Owen said something to that effect,” Hannah said. “It’s so frustrating—I keep fluctuating between feeling sorry for her, deprived of her only grandchild, and angry with her for the confusion she’s creating. If Erin hadn’t been so adamant, I might be more flexible, but... Oh, Helen, why do I feel guilty?”

“You can stop that right now. I don’t know why Victoria and her daughter were at odds, but Victoria had plenty of time to make amends. Five years since Noah was born and quite a few years before that!”

“What do you suppose she wants?” Hannah asked.

“I don’t know, but I’d be wary, too. Humph, loitering around an elementary school, snooping. How inappropriate! You’d better tell Cal about that. Cal might want to tell the judge.”

“Owen said he was going to call Cal while I was over here.”

“Good. She’s a grown woman and Noah is a little boy who lost his mother! She should be ashamed of herself, making his life complicated just because she wants something!”

“What do you suppose she’s up to?”

“I don’t know but I bet we find out. Watch your back. Maybe talk to Noah. Just tell him that the rule is Victoria can’t visit with him unless she has permission and you and Owen are present. That way if she shows up at school or something, he can tell her that’s not allowed. And don’t worry too much as long as he’s in school. The Timberlake schools are wonderful. I’ve met a few of the teachers around town. And having been a teacher, I can assure you, they’ve come up against custody issues before. They know what to do.”

“We had to fill out paperwork naming exactly who would be allowed to pick up Noah. They were very serious about that.”

“You better believe it. That kind of interference has a name, you know. It’s called kidnapping. It’ll get you up to twenty years!”

“You know that, right off the top of your head?” Hannah asked.

“Darling, you’d be amazed at the things I have stored in there!” Helen grabbed Hannah’s hand. “Apparently the judge’s orders haven’t really sunk in. Maybe it would be a good idea to be very firm and very frank with Victoria and make sure she understands your boundaries. If you think about it, you’ll find a way to be both sympathetic and understanding and leave no room for doubt.”