Two Weeks (The Baxter Family #5)(57)

But those of a confused and frightened teenager.

And the baby who had already taken up residence in Lucy’s heart.





17




The dinner table was alive with the laughter of Vienna, and tonight Theo did what he often did around his only child.

He sat back and just listened.

She was talking to her mother about a dance recital coming up at the high school. And how she and her friend Jessie were choreographing an encore number for the team. “Picture it, Mom!” Vienna stood and pushed in her chair. She spread her arms out and looked one way, then the other. “All of us lined up along the stage doing the exact same moves and then at the end we break into a kick line! Isn’t that amazing?”

Theo looked at his wife. Alma was nodding, eyes wide, like she could definitely picture it. Theo had to work a little harder. Especially because Vienna was talking like there was a prize for most words per minute.

She was beautiful and animated and clearly thrilled with her plan, and Theo kept wondering how they had been so blessed by God to have her as their daughter. Vienna paused only long enough to take a breath. “You know, like the Rockettes. And everyone will understand it was something we planned just for the end of the show!” She exhaled and sat down. “It was my idea.”

“Wow.” Alma raised both arms in victory. “The dance team must love you!”

“They do.” Vienna giggled. She took a bite of her broccoli and waved her fork in the air. “And, Mom, you should hear the music! Jessie and I picked out the coolest song. It’s like a mix of three songs, actually.” She finished her bite and looked at him. “You, too, Daddy.”

“Me?” He laughed even as he nodded, feigning seriousness. “Oh, right. For sure. I’m the music connoisseur of the family. I’ll be the first on my feet that night.” He paused. “When is it again?”

“Daddy!” She was still smiling, her expression a mock show of outrage. Her voice was the only song the house needed. “Please. One week, exactly. Put it on your calendar in big letters: ‘Vienna is dancing tonight. First time since joining the dance team. And we will be there by six-thirty for a good seat.’?” Her smile warmed his soul. “Okay?”

“All of that?” He made his eyes wide. Then he turned to Alma. “Honey, we need a bigger calendar.”

They all laughed and as the meal neared an end, Vienna switched topics to foster care again. She turned to Alma. “I keep thinking about it. Did Daddy ever tell you about our conversation?”

“It’s been a few months, but yes. He did.” Alma tilted her head. “It’s just, honey, when we took in children before, I wasn’t working full-time. Remember?”

“I know. You were a substitute teacher and everything was perfect.” Vienna’s expression made her look nine again. “Can we go back to that? At some point?”

“Baby girl, you’ll be in college in a blink.” Theo smiled at her. “Your mother’s a very important administrator.”

Vienna wasn’t letting up. She reached out and took hold of her mother’s hand. “But do you really enjoy it, Mama?” Her eyes warmed the room. Sincere. Hopeful. “Wouldn’t you rather be here taking care of babies? Or watching my dance rehearsals after school?”

An easy laugh came from Alma. “You make it sound tempting.” She was still holding Vienna’s hand. “Let’s see how the year finishes out. We can definitely talk more about it.”

“Yes!” Vienna was on her feet again. She did a running-type victory move, where she turned in a circle and ended in a cheerleader pose, one hand on her hip, one in the air. “I want more kids in this house. Before I’m all grown up.” She stopped and looked from Theo to Alma. “Actually, I already am all grown up.”

“Oh, are you now?” Theo chuckled. “At fifteen?”

“Yes.” Vienna put her hands together and raised her eyebrows. Her classic pleading pose. “Which brings me to my next question.” She barely hesitated. “Jessie and Sarah Jane want to pick me up and go to Foster’s. You know, to talk about the encore.” She looked at Alma. “Please! We won’t be late.”

Theo didn’t like the idea. It was Sunday and they were in for the evening. Safe under one roof. Ready for a relaxing time together, getting set for the week ahead. “Who are these girls again?”

“From dance, Daddy. They’re both seniors. It was super nice of them to include me.” She looked like she might break into tears if he said no. “Please! They’re my best friends on the team.”

“Who’s driving?” Alma stood and began clearing the table. Vienna joined in as Alma continued. “And why on a Sunday night? It’s almost eight o’clock.”

Something about his daughter’s request didn’t sit well with Theo. He helped the girls with clearing the table and tried to discern his thoughts. It was just a run to the ice cream shop. She’d be back in no time. But he didn’t like it.

In the kitchen Vienna was still working the moment, looking for a yes. “Jessie’s driving. She’s a great girl, remember? Her dad is Coach Taylor, on the football team.” She looked back at Theo. “You’ve talked to him before, Daddy. Remember?”