Page 82 of Lee

Rori kept watching the tiny squirmy puppies while Lee and Carisa discussed what had been happening with Penelope and the puppies. Penelope’s instincts in birthing and caring for her babies still amazed Rori.

Surely something like that hadn’t developed by accident. Like Lee had said the night of the delivery, it had to be by God’s design.

“I sure hope my mom decides to keep one,” Carisa said once they’d finished discussing the dogs. “I think it would do her good.”

“You said she’s been sick?” Lee asked.

Carisa stared at the puppies for a moment, though Rori got the feeling she wasn’t really seeing them. “It’s been more of a mental health issue that has led to some physical issues.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Carisa gave Lee a small smile that didn’t light up her face like her smiles usually did. “My mom has had a lot to handle over the past eighteen months. Her parents passed away within four months of each other just over a year ago. Then, her twin sister died unexpectedly six weeks ago. Being the only one left of her family has broken her.”

“My condolences on your losses,” Lee said, his voice gentle.

“Thank you. It’s been hard for all of us losing them, but it’s been so much harder for my mom. She and Aunt Darla were super, super close, and the three of us did a lot together.”

Rori realized then that even the wealth of Carisa and her parents didn’t make them immune to tragedy. Sadness touched their lives just like it touched even the poorest person’s.

Seeing the woman without the bright smiles lighting up her face made Rori’s heart hurt for her. Comfort her, please, God.

She still didn’t know if God would hear her prayer. But maybe because it wasn’t for herself, He would hear and answer it.

“I think having a puppy to take care of and train would be a good distraction for her,” Carisa said softly. “We came here because my dad thought the change of scenery might be healing.”

“Has it been?” Lee asked.

“I think so. She hadn’t been to church since my aunt died, so her going on Sunday was a welcome surprise.”

“That’s good.”

Rori thought of how she’d lost her grandmother just before she’d turned ten. She’d been the one to take care of Rori when neither of her parents had wanted that responsibility.

It had been difficult at times. She’d been a hard woman who had expected a lot of Rori, but she’d provided a stable home life with plenty of good food, clothes that were always clean and fit properly, and a bedroom with lots of books that she’d painted purple at Rori’s request.

Her death had thrown Rori’s life into chaos as she’d had to move from the stability of her grandmother’s home to the uncertainty of her parents’ homes—neither of whom wanted her around. That had persisted until she’d found a job that would support her simple lifestyle and moved out on her own.

She’d grieved alone because her dad hadn’t seemed to care that his mother had passed away. So she understood loss, though obviously not on the level that Carisa and her family had experienced.

“Well, we need to head back to the clinic,” Lee said. “Everything looks good here.”

When he got to his feet, Rori stood up as well.

“Thank you both for coming,” Carisa said. “And for including me in your group on Sunday afternoon. I left my friends behind in New York, but I’d been struggling with them anyway because they don’t really understand where I am in life at the moment. With my mom and everything. You’ve all been so wonderful to be around.”

Rori understood how she felt about the group she’d also been included in.

“What… uh.. what are your thoughts on Jackson?” Carisa asked, shifting her weight as she crossed her arms. “Is he a decent guy?”

“He is,” Lee said. “And even though he gives off a lighthearted attitude, he’s very serious about relationships. He’s looking for someone to marry, not just date for the short-term. I would also guess he’s several years older than you.”

Carisa waved her hand dismissively. “That’s not an issue for me. My dad is twenty years older than my mom, and they love each other very much.”

That age gap would normally give Rori pause, but it was clear that the couple was still together, so apparently it hadn’t been an issue.

“Jackson is like you,” Lee said. “He’s an only child with very loving and attentive parents.”

Carisa smiled. “I like that. And I also like how much he smiles and laughs. It makes me want to smile back.”

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