Page 25 of Blessings in Disguise

Caleb sat forward. “I have a couple of ideas, if you don’t mind Dr. Kendrick.”

“Of course I don’t. Go ahead.”

“I’ve spent time with your brother, Frankie. He likes to look at photos of you two together. Pictures like this will reinforce the place you have in their lives.” Though they’d lived in different places. Maisy and Jackson had adopted Freddie and Frankie was going to a group home. They’d just have to find ways to connect the brothers.

“I hadn’t thought of that.” Gemma smiled at Caleb and he smiled back.

After they brainstormed some more concerns, the meeting ended, and they all said goodbye to her. Some even hugged her. They’d miss her, she hoped.

When the kids were gone, Jackson turned to them. “I’m worried about Harlan.”

“I am too,” Gemma said.

Caleb said, “Me, too. As you know, our meeting with his mother didn’t go well. And before that, he let me see his sketchbook. I’m breaking confidentiality here, but it’s necessary. There were some disturbing images that made me think he could be suicidal. I made him promise me he’d call me if he ever felt like he was going to hurt himself.”

Jackson blew out a heavy breath. “Then it’s worse than I thought. Maybe if he knew we have a plan to place him with foster parents, he’d be better. Caleb, do you think you could convince him to go into foster care if I set it up?”

“I can try. But I’ve got a bad feeling about him. He missed our meeting yesterday, too. I don’t know where he is now.”

Jackson stood. “I’ll head back to my office. I’ll let you know if Harry came up with something.”

When Jackson left, Gemma turned to Caleb.

“I’m worried about Harlan too.”

“I know. But it’s good to see you.”

“I feel the same way.” She hadn’t seen him since she’d rushed to his house after he’d called distraught over the release of the bomber.

“How was your conference?”

“The speaker was excellent. I still felt bad about leaving you after what happened.”

“Don’t. You got me through the worst of it.”

“That’s nice of you to say. Can we get together tonight? I’ve missed you.”

He grasped her hand. “I missed you too.”

“Come to my house again for dinner and swim? We’ll keep checking with Jackson about Harlan.”

“Sure, I’d like that.” His eyes twinkled. “I remember the last time I was there.”

“Hmm. I want a repeat ofthat, too.” He cocked his head. “But you’re working the rest of the day. How about if I pick up take-out? I know what you like.”

“That would be helpful. See you then.”

Gemma looked forward to tonight but her worry over Harlan eclipsed the positive feeling. When she left, they still hadn’t located him. She arrived home a little early and changed into a bathing suit with a coverup. She got out some fixings for salad, then the doorbell rang.

“Hi,” she said to Caleb. He wore the swimming trucks and a shirt well. He seemed happy, but on edge too.

“Hi, love.”

She let him inside and he set down the food. Its sweet and spicy scent wafted up to her. Caleb circled around and drew herclose. Kissed her. Her mind spun as he pressed his lips against hers, then wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. When he stood back, he said, “I needed that.”

“I guess I did, too. No news on Harlan?”

“I’m afraid not. I called him several times, but he didn’t answer.”

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