Page 31 of Fractured Reunion

“My biggest concern for Joey is that he’s become rather attached to me.” Maggie tried to put her feelings into words. “I realize that is only because I happened to respond to the bus crash,” she admitted. “I’ve stayed with him from the scene of the crash, getting him through surgery, and now his recovery. But he hasn’t warmed up to the other nursing staff.”

“I understand. I had a very similar experience last Christmas with baby Joy.” Krista smiled gently. “I was thrilled that Joy was able to be reunited with her mother, but I can’t deny it was hard to let her go. Watching Joy’s mother hold her close helped make the transition easier for me.”

There was a vast difference from what Krista was describing and her situation. She couldn’t even imagine Oliver Chism taking Joey in his arms and holding the boy while he fell asleep.

“Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll reach out to the department of Child Protective Services first thing on Monday morning,” Krista said. “I’ll get the ball rolling. And you are, of course, welcome to stay with me and Adam to help care for Joey. We have plenty of room in our new home.”

“I—okay.” She managed a wan smile. As painful as it was to admit, this was probably the best solution for Joey’s future. Far better than leaving the little boy with a stranger. “That’s very kind of you.”

“We’re happy to help.” Krista looked over Maggie’s shoulder toward the sleeping boy. “I’m sure that poor boy has been through a lot. He deserves all the love and support we can provide.”

Maggie nodded because Krista was right. She couldn’t let her personal feelings get in the way of whatever was in Joey’s best interest. “I don’t know much about how kids his age process death, but I have been thinking of asking a child psychologist for advice. I figure there must be one on staff here that I can reach out to.”

“That’s a great idea,” Krista agreed. Her gaze was somber. “What have you told him so far?”

“Just that his mother has died and went to heaven to be with God and Jesus.” She grimaced. “He’s only four years old, and from what I can tell, he hasn’t grasped the concept of his mother never coming back.”

“We definitely need input from a child psychologist,” Krista said with a sigh. “I honestly don’t know how else to tell him about his mother either.”

“I was thinking that maybe we could get some pictures of his mother from their apartment, if the police will allow it.” Maggie had intended to ask Officer Thomas about that, but his showing up with Joey’s father had caused her to forget. “At least the pictures might help him remember her.”

“Maybe it’s better he doesn’t remember her,” Krista said. Then she winced. “I don’t mean to sound harsh, but it might be easier for him to accept a new mother figure so he can move forward with his young life than to ruminate on his loss.”

Maggie nodded. It was nice to have another person to share ideas with about the best way to approach Joey’s care. “I’m open to whatever the child psychologist recommends.”

“Tell Joey’s nurse to put in a consult,” Krista advised. Then she glanced at her watch. “Sorry, but I need to get back.”

“Of course.” Maggie knew hospitals remained busy on the weekends. Sometimes more so than during the week. “Thanks for coming by.”

“Why don’t you give me your phone number?” Krista pulled out her cell. “That way we can keep in touch.”

Maggie gave Krista her number, then took hers, too, bemused at how quickly she’d bonded with her former brother-in-law’s wife. “Thanks, Krista.”

“See you tomorrow,” Krista promised, before hurrying away.

Maggie returned to Joey’s room as the little boy was waking up from his nap. As she helped him walk to the bathroom, she couldn’t help feeling as if a huge weight had been taken off her shoulders.

Krista and Adam were good people. And if she couldn’t be Joey’s foster mother, Krista was the next best thing.

Yet somehow it made her sad to know she probably wouldn’t have to move back to Milwaukee after all.

Sad to know that once she returned to Boston, she wouldn’t see Aaron again.

CHAPTER NINE

Aaron had ended up giving Grace a transfusion, which thankfully she tolerated well. Since she was doing better, he’d finally headed home, even though he’d had to forcibly turn around and stop himself from going up to the seventh floor to see Maggie.

He’d made rounds again on Sunday but then joined his family at church. Again, he’d managed to get in and out of Children’s Memorial without stopping in to see Maggie.

His parents had brunch at their house. Andrea seemed to be doing better, as were her two kids, Bethany and Ben. Shannon was there, too, close in age to Bethany. He spent time with his nieces and nephew, keenly aware of what he was missing out on.

The family he’d always thought he’d have with Maggie.

“Hey, do you have a minute?” Alec asked in a low tone.

“Sure.” He disentangled himself from the kids and followed Alec outside where they could talk in private. Aaron hadn’t wanted his parents to learn Maggie was in town, fearing they’d anticipate a reconciliation.

“So I heard from Jack earlier this morning about that address you gave me for that guy, Oliver Chism.”

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