Page 112 of Exposed

EPILOGUE

RAFE’S HOMECOMING

JASMINE

Rafe stares out the window, internally processing this new chapter of his life while we drive home from the foster care center. My maternal instincts turned on full force when I saw Rafe. My momma heart wants to protect him, care for him, and let him know how loveable and smart he is. I hope he opens up to us.

When we walk into our house, Rafe’s silence speaks volumes as his jaw drops and he looks around.

I remember the sense of awe I experienced the first time I walked into Matt’s home in Miami. It was worlds nicer than anything I’d ever been inside, with a clean, fresh smell.

Now, Rafe can live in a safe, clean environment. Our home outside of Aurora isn’t a mansion by any stretch, butit’s perfect for us. We had it painted white with red shutters and a red door, and the four bedrooms will be perfect for Matt, me, and our three kiddos. Inside, the decor is light and airy.

Shani trots over to greet us, and Rafe takes a step back when he sees her coming.

“Ever had a dog before, Rafe? This is Shani, and she’s super sweet,” Matt kneels down to scratch Shani’s ears and show Rafe how docile she is.

“Never had a dog,” Rafe shakes his head. “She’s only got three legs.”

“Yep. She doesn’t let that stop her,” Matt grins.

“Put your hand out, if you want. She’ll sniff you, then lick your fingers,” I suggest.

Instead, Rafe puts his hands in his pockets.

“Maybe later, huh?” Matt asks, looking up hopefully at Rafe.

I set Simon down so he can pet Shani, then head straight to the kitchen to get Rafe a frozen bag of peas for his eye.

When I come back, Simon is showing Rafe his panda bear plushie, one of his favorite toys.

Rafe gives Simon a thumbs up and murmurs, “Cool bear.”

“Here’s a bag of frozen peas for your eye.” I hold out the bag for him.

“What?” He responds.

“Your eye. Doesn’t it hurt? I can get you a Motrin to help with the swelling and pain. And the frozen peas will help, too.”

Rafe nods and cautiously takes the bag from me. Hewinces at first, then an audible sigh escapes him as the cold temperature soothes his eye. He obviously hasn’t ever been cared for. That changes today, because I want to care for this sweet boy.

“We can show you your room, then we usually make dinner together. Want to help us?” Matt asks.

“You want me in your kitchen?” Rafe asks, squinting at us with his good eye.

“Of course. And it’s your kitchen, too,” I tell him.

“I can go to my room,” Rafe mumbles.

“You can if you want, but it’d be cool if you chill with us,” Matt shares.

I take a deep breath again, ready to be honest with him. His experience could’ve been similar to mine. “Growing up, I never felt like anything was mine. My parents, then my mom and her boyfriend, said everything was theirs. We’re not like that. This isyourhome, Rafe. Everything that’s ours is yours.”

Rafe looks around the big living area and open kitchen design, then his eyes find us again. He’s wary, and he simply nods in response.

With time, we’ll prove to him that we’re different from the other foster parents and even his own parents.

Matt

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