Page 9 of Quiet Beautiful Things

I tear my eyes from Maisy and regard the sole suitcase. “That’sallof her things? How can that be?”

She shrugs. “I guess her mother only got her the essentials. Listen, I hate to drop her and run, but I have three other clients to see today.”

I turn abruptly. “You’releaving?”

“Mr. Montana, Maisy doesn’t know me any better than she knows you at this point. We’ll check back with you in a few days. And we’ll keep in touch about the progress of your guardianship. My advice is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to get things moving along with regards to both the birth certificate and the future custody arrangements.”

“Okay, well, I guess… thanks.”

She offers a sad smile. “It’s a lot, I know. But from what I can see”—she gestures to my family—“you have an amazing support system. That tells me this is the best place for her. You have my card. Good luck, Mr. Montana.”

And with that, she’s gone.

I turn to Maisy. “Maisy, can you hear me?”

She doesn’t look up.

I crouch down and make sure she can see me. “Maisy, can you hear me?” I say louder.

She just pets her cat.

I reach out gently, hover my hand over the stuffed cat and ask permission with my eyes before I pet it. When she doesn’t object, I run my hand along the animal’s back. Then I smile and do it again. Maisy doesn’t do anything. She just watches me pet her stuffed animal.

“This just won’t do,” Mom says behind me.

I look over my shoulder. She’s got the suitcase open and is pulling out clothes.

“Allie,” Mom says, snapping her fingers. “Be a dear and grab me a pad and pen. I’m going to make a list of necessities. You and Lucas will go shopping. I’ll stay here with your father and Blake. Then I’ll make a call to Janice Masterson over at the furniture store and see if she can arrange a quick delivery.”

Allie hands her a pad and Mom starts scribbling. I notice Maisy watching Mom. “Mom, make sure you add crayons and paper to your list.”

Mom looks up and smiles at me as her eyes get teary. “Look at you, Blake, you’re already thinking like a father.” She goes back to her list, mumbling, “She’ll need clothes. Size 4T or extra small. And underpants.” She rummages through everything. “I don’t see diapers or pull-ups, so she must be fully toilet trained. That’s good. Get socks. A few size ten shoes.” She looks over atAllie. “Little kids ten, not women’s ten. Tennis shoes, sandals, and Mary Janes maybe. She’ll need toiletries. Gentle soap. Kids’ toothpaste. Lots of snacks, but make sure some are healthy—applesauce and yogurt. Oh, I hope she doesn’t have any food allergies.” She scribbles more. The list is already a few pages long. “I’ll get her a twin bed, so get sheets. She seems to like pink based on everything in her suitcase. And get one of those bed rails so she won’t roll off.” She chews on the pen and thinks. “Get her some toys. Just look at the age on the boxes. Barbies. A baby doll. Things like that. And a kick ball. And whatever else you can think of.”

Mom hands the list to Allie along with a credit card. “Get going. This will take you hours. Target should have everything you need.” They’re almost out the door when Mom yells, “Get a car seat for a four-year-old!”

“Got it, Mom. Chill!” Lucas calls.

Mom gives him the stink eye. “We’ll text you if we think of anything else.” She gets her phone out of her purse and places a call. “Janice, thank God. I have a bit of an emergency.” She walks into the other room, chatting away.

Dad and I look at each other, then at Maisy.

“I have no idea what I should be doing,” I say.

He nods to the open suitcase. There are mostly clothes in it, but a few picture books. “Maybe try to engage her with one of those.”

I pick out a book about a cat and sit on the chair next to Maisy. I point to the cat in the book and then to the stuffed cat in her lap. Again, she’s unresponsive.

“I really hope your friend gets here soon,” I tell Dad. “Maybe he’ll have an idea on how to communicate with her.”

“Well, son. If she really is deaf, I imagine you’ll have to learn sign language.”

I scoff, exasperated. “And until then? What do I do until then?”

He touches my shoulder. “We’ll figure it out, Blake.”

“What if she’s hungry or thirsty? Or what if she needs to use the bathroom?”

“Why not give her a tour of the house?”

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