Page 43 of Fractured Reunion

Telling herself their divorce was more Aaron’s fault than hers.

“The suspense is killing me. Let’s head up and see what she’s decided.” Aaron placed his hand on the small of her back. “But a bit of friendly advice? You should eat that egg and cheese bagel before it gets cold. I can attest to the fact that cold breakfast sandwiches are not very good.”

She chuckled and unwrapped one corner of the sandwich to take a bite. Mostly because she was too hungry not to. “I almost stayed out in the hall to listen to their conversation,” she confided as they headed up to the seventh floor. Riding on the elevator with Aaron was becoming a habit.

“I would have done that too,” he admitted. “But you know how much Joey cares about you. I’m sure he’ll make his feelings clear to the caseworker.”

She was touched by how he was trying to reassure her. “Thanks, but I don’t think Ms. Douglas is going to be swayed by Joey’s telling her how much he likes me.”

“And why not?” Aaron asked with exasperation “After all, Joey’s opinion should matter the most. That poor kid has been through a lot, losing his mother, then having surgery. The kid deserves a vote regarding his future.”

“That’s sweet of you to say.” She took another bite of her breakfast sandwich as the poky elevator seemed to stop on every floor. “As much as I want to be there for him, I’ve been praying Joey gets placed with Krista and Adam. As you pointed out, I don’t even live in Wisconsin anymore. I highly doubt I’ll be considered a viable option to step in as Joey’s foster mother.”

“You’re an excellent anesthesiologist,” Aaron said firmly. “Successful and more than capable of providing for Joey’s emotional and financial needs. More so than anyone else, if you ask me. Even his own father wants you to care for him.”

“A drug addict father,” she said. “Not sure that matters much either.”

“Well, maybe not, but at least he thanked you for saving his life,” Aaron said.

They stepped off the elevator and headed toward Joey’s room. When Maggie heard Joey’s sobs, she broke into a run.

Seconds later, she burst into the room. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Maggie!” Joey practically threw himself into her arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around her neck, almost to the point she couldn’t breathe. “I don’t wanna go away wif someone else. I want you!”

“Shh, it’s okay. Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay.” She dropped the remains of her breakfast sandwich on the table and cradled the little boy close, her worst fears seeming to materialize in front of her eyes.

From the stern expression on Francis Douglas’s face, it appeared the CPS caseworker had already made up her mind about where Joey was going to live.

And it wasn’t with her or Krista and Adam.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Hovering in the doorway to Joey’s room, Adam’s heart squeezed at how the little boy clung to Maggie. Glancing at the caseworker, he realized she was frowning.

What did she expect from a traumatized child? Of course, he’s going to seek comfort and support from the one consistent adult who had been there for him since he’d tragically lost his mother.

“Please, Ms. Douglas,” Maggie said. “Please consider placing Joey with Krista and Adam Monroe. I know Krista, and she will allow me to help Joey transition into his new home.”

“Don’t wanna,” Joey muttered against her neck.

“But I’ll be with you at Krista and Adam’s house.” Maggie smoothed a hand down the child’s back.

Joey lifted his head, his gaze hopeful. “You will?”

“Yes.” Maggie shot a quick glance at the caseworker who hadn’t said anything yet. “I will stay with you for as long as you need me.”

Ms. Douglas’s frown deepened. “I’m not sure that will be in Joseph’s best interest.”

Maggie looked as if she might cry. Aaron took a step into the room. “It might be best to check with the child psychologist on staff to get a professional opinion on that. After all, Joey has been through several traumatic events. A little stability would likely help him cope.”

Ms. Douglas turned to look at him. “Who are you?”

“Dr. Aaron Monroe. Adam is my brother and a pediatrician as well.” Aaron couldn’t imagine a better placement for Joey than with his brother and Krista. “And his wife, Krista, is a pediatric nurse. Do you really have any other foster families more qualified to care for this child? I understand there’s a severe shortage of foster parents out there. I’d like to think you’d jump on the chance my brother and his wife are offering.”

The caseworker sighed. “Okay, I will see what we can do about placing Joey with Krista and Adam Monroe.”

“Thank you,” Maggie said. “And if you could ask your supervisor to review my application, too, I would be grateful. I would like to take Joey in on a permanent basis.”

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