Page 44 of Beyond Perfect

“No, no. I’m just sorry to see her leave.”

“Teachers need a change sometimes. She’s been with you for six years.”

“Yes, she has. In any case, I can highly recommend Maisy as a teacher.”

“Would you give me a few examples of why?”

“Yes.”

For twenty minutes, he was forced to sing her praises. What a loss for Pathways. He felt even worse after he hung up. Just this week, Joe had urged him to admit his feelings. Let them out. Damn it, why did things end this way? Why couldn’t she follow the rules? He was mad. He was hurt. Admitting that made him feel better.

He had to get it together. He couldn’t keep up this seesaw of emotions. He had to find his equilibrium. And he would.Before he called the three candidates, he went out for a walk. He’d dressed down in jeans and a collared shirt, like he told the teachers to do. Then he came back and sat down at his desk to call the two women and one man who might work at his school next year.

* * *

Caleb and Maisy were ready to leave the house for the second class on foster care. Freddie hugged them and the sitter bade them goodbye. “I think you two are good people to take in Freddie. He’s adorable, but still, kudos to you.”

He glanced at his sister as they drove to the town hall. She was happy her new job came through. She’d enjoyed her time with Freddie the rest of the day. Caleb was glad to see her bounce back some.

“It’s nice to see you smile, Maise.”

“We did the right thing with him.”

“It bothers me that he could still get adopted. And who knows how long you and I will live together?”

“Don’t talk about that now.” She glanced over at him. “I love living with you.”

“Same here, kiddo.”

Though Caleb was functioning six months after the bombing and coping with the betrayal of his wife and his friend, he felt a deep-down depression that he kept from other people. For all the advice he’d given to Diego, he couldn’t seem to move on from what happened to him. The notion made him sad.

And he missed God.

They arrived at the town hall, walked inside, found the designated room and took seats. Maisy leaned over. “You’re going to love Gemma. She’s so great with the boys at Pathways.”

“I’m sure I will.”

When she came into the room, Caleb’s mouth dropped.

“What’s wrong?”

“You didn’t tell me how gorgeous she is.”

“I’m used to her looks I guess.”

Today she wore a tailored summer suit. The dark pinkish top was secured by one button. Its piping accented by the metal- gray skirt. On her feet were two-inch heels. Though he routinely objected to women stuffing their feet into those torturous things, he had to admit they were sexy as hell.

Sexy? What had gotten into him?

Luke asked for everyone’s attention. “You’re in for a treat today, friends. Dr. Gemma Kendrick is an experienced psychiatrist, well-published in the field of adolescence behavior. She’s been working at Pathways since it opened. And a recent article online declares that sheworks miracles at the school.”

Sitting next to him, Gemma nodded at Luke. “Thank you for asking me to speak to you.” Then she scanned the others. “I’m a big proponent of foster care, particularly the kind that leads to adoption.” Maisy and Caleb exchanged glances. “Let me tell you why that’s so important.”

He wondered if he and Maisy could adopt Freddie. Wouldn’t she eventually marry someone and leave him to live alone for the rest of his life?

“I’d like to start with the first two things on your topic list. Making a connection with your child and how to deal with your children missing their birth parents. I encourage class participation. I’m assuming you’ve all made some connection with your child by now. How did you do that?”

Answers ranged from letting the child play with your biological children to physical touching and hugging. At that point Gemma said, “Before you do the latter, you have to be sure he or she wants your contact.”

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