Two Weeks (The Baxter Family #5)(15)

“Definitely.”

“Meaning I shouldn’t have called the social worker and put us back on the active list.”

“Theo!” She spun her whole body toward him.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. We’re still licensed but inactive. Unless we say something, of course.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “I’ll let you tell Vienna.”

“My pleasure.”

By then they were both laughing. Alma was right. This time belonged to Vienna. A foster child—even a baby—was a lot of work. Most of them were born drug-addicted and needed constant doctor appointments. Back when they took in foster kids before, Alma was working as a substitute teacher. Not an administrator. She had more time to care for high-needs babies.

Between their jobs and Vienna, this really wasn’t the season. No matter how the idea had taken hold of Theo’s heart since this morning.

When practice was over, Vienna and the other dancer, the girl who had been working beside her, skipped over to where they were standing. Both girls were laughing and breathless. Vienna bounced a few times. “Mom and Dad, this is Jessie Taylor. The senior girl I was telling you about.”

“Hello, Mr. Brown, Mrs. Brown.” Jessie held out her hand. She was a sweet girl with great manners.

“Hi, Jessie.” Alma spoke first. “Vienna told her daddy about you this morning.”

“Yes.” Theo smiled at the other girl. “Apparently you two are already good friends.”

“We are.” Jessie grabbed a water bottle from her bag, twisted off the lid and took a sip. “Your daughter’s one of the best dancers on the team. She’s very special.”

They talked for a minute more and then Jessie’s eyes lit up. “My aunt Ashley and uncle Landon are doing a spaghetti dinner tonight. My boyfriend was going to come, but he’s on the baseball team. They have late practice.” She grinned. “I was wondering if Vienna could join us.”

“Well . . . actually . . .” Theo heard his tone change. He never wanted Vienna to spend an evening away. Absolutely hated the idea of her missing dinner and their conversations and the chance to help her with homework.

“Please, Daddy!” Vienna clasped her hands. “I won’t be late.”

Alma stepped in for him. “That sounds wonderful, Jessie. Very nice of you.” She patted the senior girl on the arm. “Have Vienna text me your aunt’s address. We’ll come get her after dinner.”

“Perfect.” Jessie pulled her phone from her bag and sent the text. “I’ll drive her there, if that’s okay? We have to stop by my house first.”

Before Theo could ask if Jessie was a good driver, Alma spoke up. “Sounds fun.” She pulled Vienna in for a hug and kissed the side of her face. “Be polite now, baby girl. Love you.”

Theo followed his wife’s actions with a similar goodbye. And like that they were back in the car driving home. Without Vienna.

“Why does she have to eat dinner with Jessie’s aunt and uncle?” Theo wasn’t really complaining. He gripped the steering wheel. “And we have no idea if this Jessie girl is a good driver. I mean, Vienna barely knows her. And what if her car isn’t safe?” He glanced over at his wife.

“Having good friends is part of high school.” Alma smiled at him, her brow raised. “Remember, Theo? We talked about that.”

“Yes.” He slumped a little. “I remember.”

They drove in relaxed quiet for a few minutes, but at the next red light Theo cast his wife a sly-feeling smile. “Of course, if Vienna’s going to have all this socializing going on, then we might as well do the other thing.”

Once more she twisted her face and shook her head. Already she was laughing at him. “What other thing?”

“The foster baby.”

Alma gasped and turned toward him, hands on her hips. “Theo Brown, we are not having a foster baby, end of story.”

“I know.” He chuckled. “I just like getting a reaction from you.”

With that they were both cracking up, which led to them sharing stories from their workdays. The night was going to be a good one, it was just going to be lonelier without Vienna. Later during dinner Theo commented on the fact. “Good thing baby girl doesn’t do this all the time.”

“That’s for sure.” Alma passed the mashed potatoes to Theo.

Because if there was one thing they absolutely agreed on, it was this.

Nothing was the same with Vienna gone.





5




Cole couldn’t get enough of Elise Walker.

Of course, now was too soon to talk about dating, but between baseball and school, he still found a handful of reasons each week to see her.

Snow was falling again that third Saturday since the semester began. He picked her up out front of her house. She was a vision in her navy coat and red scarf, walking to his Explorer, smiling straight at him. He climbed out, ran around the front of the car and held her door open.

“Very nice, Cole.” She grinned, and her breath hung in the air. “You might not listen in chemistry class. But you’re a gentleman. I’ll give you that.”

“Thanks.” He felt his heart rate pick up speed. She had that effect on him.