CHAPTER THREE
Nicole
WE SPOKE TO THE LAWYER and a few adoption agencies, but what I really wanted was more along the lines of fostering children, yet adopting them. I wanted to save children who needed us. Then we spoke to Summer. She was new to the family, but as a social worker she had the inside scoop.
She said there were a couple of children she knew of that could use a home. First we’d start as foster parents, and if everything worked out well and we were approved, we could adopt.
Ben loved the idea. Now we had to wait to be approved to be foster parents. I think that’d come simultaneously with Summer’s approval of Kadence staying with Jace here in Casa Falling Down.
I admit, it looks bad. All these single men in one place. But they’ve turned it all around. Really, Lucy turned it all around, along with the help of Sera. I don’t know what goes on down the wing of singles and I don’t want to. That’s their private business, and I appreciate that they keep it as such.
Kadence. Kadence is our swear warden. It started with a quarter or fifty cents… I can’t remember, but it’s up to a dollar for the F word now—and she makes them pay. I love it.
I’m dancing in the empty space behind the gym equipment, just some ballet I’d learned when I was younger and taking lessons—before I got sick. I did take some classes after I went into remission but I’ve never been the same as far as stamina. My muscles are weaker. I am weaker. I didn’t have an extreme love of dance like Kadi does.
I noticed her sneak in a little while ago and she’s dancing behind me—flawlessly, unlike me. While I’m trying to manage my breathing, I don’t even hear hers though the music is playing softly.
I open my eyes and look into the mirror. She’s not the only one behind me. Jace and Ben are on the other side of the glass separating the weight room from the empty one we’re in right now.
Kadi doesn’t notice. She’s in the zone—the one dancers get in when they get lost in the movements. I’d stop just to watch her, but I’m afraid I’d disrupt her. The fluidity of her dancing, the grace and precision in which she moves, are ones you’d expect to see in someone much older. But not with Kadi. Kadi’s talent is natural, instinctive, innate.
When the song ends, Kadi goes down in a move of pure grace, then takes a moment to recollect herself. I can see the moment she “comes back” from the zone. She looks up and smiles so big I’m surprised her face doesn’t hurt. I can’t help but smile right back.
I reach for her and lift her into a hug. She wraps her legs around my waist.
“You dance so beautifully, Kadi. So beautifully,” I whisper to her, wanting to cry because I know what she’s going to tell me next.
She leans back and presses her hands to my cheeks, then leans in and whispers, “My mommy showed me how.”
I struggle, but hold the tears back. I wish this girl hadn’t lost so much. Oh, how I wish she hadn’t. So, I lighten the moment.
“She was the absolute best dancer of all dancers ever,” I tell her emphatically.
Kadi nods quickly. “The bestest of the best.”
“The bestest,” I agree.
I look up and see Jace’s eyes filled with tears and notice that Summer has joined them. She’s smiling at us, but her emotions are easy to see as well.
So much love for this little girl. I am so grateful that if she had to lose her mother, she has such an amazing system of love and support to help her through it.
This. This is what I want to be for someone—someone that will be my child.
THREE WEEKS LATER, I see Summer as she’s heading out the door. Must be a work visit because she’s dressed conservative yet authoritative. I wonder who’s been with her. Jace isn’t home. As a matter of fact, I haven’t seen Summer here in a while. I wonder if she’s avoiding him… and why. I hope that guy didn’t screw this up.
“I’m so glad I caught you before I left,” she tells me.
“What’s up?”
“You and Ben have full approval to foster children.”
My heart leaps. “Seriously?”
She laughs, but she looks distracted. “Seriously. It’ll be all official after we’ve dotted all the I’s and crossed the T’s which will take more time. I’m sorry about that. ” She looks at her watch. “We’ll talk tonight. I’m running late.”
“Are you okay?” I ask. She seems more than distracted. She seems nervous, almost anxious and fidgety. That is definitely not Summer when it comes to her job.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. I just have three surprise home visits today. I’m worried for the children in the last home.”
I just nod. Really, I don’t know what to say to that.
She blows out a breath and composes herself. “Okay. Whew. Time to get a move on.”
“Be careful out there, Summer. If you need anything, you know who to call,” I remind her. We have so much security that if you breathe wrong they’re asking if you’re okay. Okay, I’m exaggerating—a little.
“Tonight!” she calls over her shoulder as she closes the door behind her.
Now I’m worried.
THE HOUSE IS TOTAL CHAOS when I walk in after class. I look at Ben.
“What’s going on?
Jace is pacing, running his fingers through his hair the way all these men seem to when they’re frustrated or worried.
Ben turns to me. “It’s Summer.”
“Oh God!”
“Summer’s alone?” Jace questions.
Cage shrugs. “That, I wasn’t privy to. Sorry.”
“I don’t even have her address. How am I supposed to—”
Cage cuts Jace off when he holds up a slip of paper.
Jace takes it. “Thanks. I keep saying that to you lately. I really don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
Cage stares him down.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. We won’t talk about this again,” Jace chuckles when I’d be hiding behind Ben. That stare can be scary sometimes.
“You owe me nothing,” Cage tells Jace. “It’s what we do.”
Family.
“Go,” Kennedy tells Jace.
“You don’t need the car?” Jace questions.
“Nah, I have a couple things to talk over with bossman.” Kennedy nods. “See you back at the house.”
“And don’t worry about Kadi. She’s going to spend the night with us. Sera insists,” Cage tells me as Jace heads out the door. He stops to ask, “Are you sure?”
“You want to call and ask Sera?” he asks with a small smirk.
“Hell no. I’m good. Then, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. If you need me—”
“I’ve got your number. Stop being a pussy and stalling and go see how she’s doing,” Cage tells Jace
I snicker. Cage calling Jace out is awesome.
“Give her our love, Jace,” I call behind him.
He waves a hand. “Will do.” With that, he’s gone.