Page 3 of Missing

Doug assumed a serious tone. “Do you have an appointment with Mr. Sheppard today?”

I loved watching everyone at SSI interact with Chase, no one ever treated him like a nuisance. Though he could be with his endless energy and non-stop questions.

“I do,” Chase put his hands on his hips, “I’m in his calendar and everything.”

“Well then, I won’t keep you.” Doug held out his hand to shake, but Chase had already turned towards Meg.

Doug looked at me with humor in his steel-blue eyes and a soft smile. “Hi Beth.”

Doug was more reserved than most of the guys at SSI and was usually content to sit back and observe.

With Chase he’s different.He showed a fun, outgoing, almost playful side. He’d get down on one knee, or lift Chase onto a chair, so they could talk eye-to-eye. Doug was the one who started calling Chase “Little Man”, which Chase loved.

Seeing how naturally Doug interacted with him always made my heart do a little somersault. I’d be lucky to find a man like him.It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. Light from the window danced on the copper highlights in his short red hair.

I felt heat creep up my neck as realized I was staring at Doug, who was now walking towards me with a concerned look on his face.

“Beth, are you okay?”

Oh God, please tell me I’m not blushing.“Hi Doug. I’m good, thanks.” I almost choked on my words as I tried to sound normal. “How are you?” I resisted the urge to fan myself with my hand.

Luckily, John saved me from further embarrassment when he came out of his office and scanned the reception room, intentionally looking over Chase’s head. “Meg, is my next appointment here?” He tried to be serious but gave himself away when he caught my eye and grinned.

I smiled as Chase waved his arms over his head and yelled, “It’s me, Uncle John, I’m right here!”

At five-ten, John Sheppard wasn’t nearly as tall as Doug, but he kneeled to address Chase anyway. He laughed as he gently corrected Chase, “What voice do we use when we’re inside?”

“Inside voice.” Chase had the good sense to look apologetic.

“That’s right.” John ruffled Chase’s hair. “Would you like to meet in my office, or-”

“Next to Auntie Meg.” Chase pointed at Meg’s desk.

John picked Chase up and sat him down on Meg’s desk. She never seemed to mind, which was good because it was his favorite spot in the office. You’d think it’d be John’s office, but no, he wanted to sit near Meg every time.

“Your mom said you have a question for me.” John got down to business.

“Will you help me practice for tee ball? I don’t have a dad like all the other boys and mom can’t help because she’s a girl,” Chase said, ignoring the fact that there were two girls on his tee ball team.

John coughed to cover his laugh. “I’d be happy to help you, but don’t count your mom out. I bet she’ll be a great helper on the days I can’t make it.” He looked at me and gave me his trademark wink. A wink both his sons had inherited.

“But she can’t help me with everything.” Chase pouted.

When John asked him why, he answered, “Because I have to wear a cup to protect my peen and she doesn’t have one.” Chase didn’t know how to whisper, so naturally everyone heard him.

Kill me now.In that moment, I’d never regretted anything more than I regretted telling Chase the difference between boys and girls.

Meg’s hand flew to her mouth as she tried to avoid spitting out the coffee she’d just sipped. I could see John holding back a laugh, so were Doug and Jack, who’d come out of his office.

John composed himself before answering, “I’m sure I can help you with that. Why don’t we step into my office?”

After John closed the door, I made eye contact with Meg, and we burst out laughing. What else could we do? I welcomed Meg and Jack back with hugs.They look amazing.Good for them.

It wasn’t long before John and Chase came back out. Chase was smiling and bouncing as he closed the distance to Meg’s desk. I’d talk to John later and find out what I needed to know about buying a cup. I’m sure it was assumed parents would know, but Chase wasn’t wrong, I had no idea about cups or jockstraps or how to find the best one for a growing boy.

My heart filled with gratitude for John and his wife Mary, who was also my boss and best friend. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them the last few years. I thanked God every day John was assigned as Phil’s field training officer when he’d joined the Parker County Sheriff’s Office. They’d both served in the Marines, making them instant friends, despite the decade between their ages. The same thing happened between Mary and I when I started working at Grannie’s part-time.

After Phil died I needed a full-time job and tried to give Mary my notice, but she wouldn’t accept it. She said it was about time she hired an assistant manager and couldn’t imagine anyone better for the position. Of course, I accepted. She immediately transitioned me to full-time, which included benefits.

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