Page 43 of Blessings in Disguise

“I will. Are you at home, Jackson?”

“Yeah. I can take the morning off, but I have to get the guys ready for their dismissal tomorrow so I’ll go in around noon.” A pause. “Geez, I didn’t even ask how Harlan is.”

“I’m happy to say he’s much better. He’s sleeping still but he was upbeat last night when he came here.”

“How long will he stay with you?”

“As long as he needs to.” Caleb watched Gemma. She nodded her agreement. “I hope it’s a long time.”

“Hey, boss. It’s Gemma again. Do I have your permission to counsel Harlan?”

“Of course. Even though he’s not a student. We routinely follow up with the boys.”

“Yeah, I know.”.

“Okay, you two. I’m going to go sit with my wife now. She always makes me feel better. Call if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

After they disconnected, Caleb turned to her and cupped her cheek. “You always make me feel better, too.”

“Thank you, Caleb. The same goes for me.” She slid over close to him and put her hands on his chest. “I love you, Caleb Shepherd.”

A grin. “Oh, wow! I love you too.” His eyes twinkled. “Will you marry me?”

She seemed surprised at first then she grinned. “I will. I want to.”

They kissed, drew apart and both laughed.

“Looks like I interrupted something special.” They turned to see Harlan standing at the bottom of the stairs. “I can go back upstairs.” His voice was teasing.

“You’ll do no such thing, Harlan,” Caleb said. “Come over here. Share our joy.”

The boy smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

Gemma knew he had a long way to go but she was up to that challenge. And it seemed as if Harlan was, too.

* * *

Three days later, Harlan turned 18. He didn’t want a party so he, Gemma and Caleb were planning dinner out tonight. The boy walked through the door smiling.

“Hey, how was the counseling?” Caleb asked.

Harlan had seen Gemma every day because he’d been a suicide risk.

“Super. She really lifts me up.”

“I’m glad. You can see her as much you like. I know she’ll make herself available.”

“Yeah. We, um, made some plans. I hope it’s okay that we did without consulting you.”

“If it’s about you living here, I won’t take no for an answer.”

“I’m staying here.” He held up something. It was his sketchbook.

“I showed this to Gemma. She said the images were disturbing until lately, since I been with you. They’re more optimistic.”

“Glad to hear that. Will you show me them?”

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