Fractured Sky (Tattered & Torn #5)(81)

I stopped outside Hayes’ office and knocked.

“Come in.”

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.

“Where’s Shy?”

“At the ranch with your mom and sister. They were having brunch and going for a trail ride.”

The tension in Hayes’ shoulders eased. “They haven’t been riding together in forever.”

I lowered myself into the chair opposite his desk as I studied Hayes’ face. “It’s a good thing they’re going then?”

I couched it as a question. I didn’t want Shiloh in a situation that might bring up painful memories or start a fight.

Hayes shook his head as if trying to clear away fog. “It’s really good. The three of them used to go all the time. After the kidnapping, it kind of all fell away.”

That phantom tightening in my chest came back, a pain not just for Shiloh but also for the whole Easton family. “You all went through a lot.”

Hayes leaned back in his chair. “It marked us all in different ways. I don’t think any of us handled the aftermath well.”

“It seems like you’re finding your way now.”

“We are. More and more. And it helps to see Shy doing so well.” His gaze locked with mine. “You’re a big part of that. Thank you.”

I fought the urge to squirm. Direct compliments made me twitchy. “She’s the one who’s responsible. Took the steps to find her happiness.”

“But you helped light the way.”

Maybe Hayes was right. Maybe it wasn’t just Shiloh who’d lit up my world. It was possible I had done the same for her. That balance made for a relationship that would stand the test of time.

I didn’t look away from Hayes, wanting him to see the truth in my words. “She changed my life in a way I didn’t think was possible.”

A grin stretched across his face. “I’m damn happy for you both.”

“Thanks, man.”

“But I’m guessing you didn’t come here for a heart-to-heart.”

I chuckled. “That wasn’t on the docket. I actually came by to talk to you about Aidan and Elliott.”

Hayes sat up straighter. “Are they okay?”

His reaction had me realizing for the millionth time just how wrong I’d been about Hayes. I nodded. “They’re good. Aidan and I had a long talk this morning. He heard about his father attacking Shiloh and was heaping a lot of that on his shoulders.”

“Hell. None of this is his fault.”

“I think he has glimmers of understanding that, but it’s going to take time.”

“What can I do?”

I drummed my fingers on the side of the chair. “With my history, how hard do you think it would be to get approved to be a foster parent?”

Hayes’ eyes widened. “You want to take those boys home?”

“It’s going to be a good while before they’re eligible for adoption. Kenny will have to be stripped of his parental rights first. I want them to have a stable home and not have to move from place to place. The Millers are great, but they don’t have the energy to keep up with Aidan and Elliott nonstop.”

“And you have an understanding of what they’ve been through that the Millers never will.”

“That, too. Aidan and I have developed a bond, one that lets him open up with me. And Elliott is in love with Shiloh.”

A smile pulled at Hayes’ mouth. “Have you talked to her about this?”

“About the boys’ future, yes. Not about fostering to adopt. I didn’t want to get her hopes up if it was impossible with my past. She loves them, and it would crush her if it didn’t come through.”

Hayes studied me for a moment. “Ramsey, your record was completely expunged. There’s nothing that would hold you back from being a foster parent unless you’ve knocked over some banks I don’t know about.”

“Just because my charges were overturned doesn’t mean that my history won’t come up in a background check. Hell, they won’t even need that. The media coverage was so intense that I bet anyone who picked up my file would know exactly what’s in my past.”

“And they’ll see what I do. Someone uniquely qualified to empathize with children who have experienced trauma. The fact that you’re willing to use your pain for good says exactly the kind of man you are.”

“I’m good at using it with horses—”

“And with people,” Hayes said, cutting me off. “You have this messed-up idea that you’re only good with animals, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve seen you reach people I wasn’t sure could be reached. And I couldn’t imagine a better foster parent.”

I struggled to swallow, but it felt as if my throat had a boulder in it. “I want Aidan and Elliott to have the childhood they deserve.”

“So do I. And we’re going to make that happen.”

I nodded, unable to get any more words out.

Hayes pulled out his cell phone and began tapping on the screen. “I’m reaching out to a contact in social services. Certification can take anywhere from one month to four, but we’ll do what we can to speed that up.”

“I need to make sure Shiloh’s on board.” Because she was a part of my life, now and forever.