Page 9 of Blessings in Disguise

“Sure. Let’s sit at the table.”

They took comfortable seats by the window and Caleb told Jackson about counseling Harlan. He didn’t interrupt. Jackson was the best listener he knew.

“Gemma called me while you were with him. To alert me. I’ve been worried about him, more than the others, about how he’s going to do on the outside.”

“I can’t share private things he told me, but I’d like to counsel him.”

“That’s great. We’ll have to add you to the roster at Pathways, though. It’s easy to do.”

Caleb shook his head. “That isn’t necessary.”

“Yes, it is. For insurance purposes and general policy.”

“All right.”

“I’ll email you the forms to fill out. Send them back to me before you see the boy again. And you’ll get paid.”

Caleb shook his head. “I don’t want money from Pathways.”

“Again, it’s policy. You can donate the money somewhere.”

“I—”

His assistant Harry’s voice came over his intercom. “Jackson, Maisy’s on the phone. She sounds upset.”

“Transfer her call.” He pressed the speaker. “Hi, honey. Is something wrong?”

“Yes.” Her voice was shaky. “I-I was cleaning the tops of the drapes and I fell off the step stool.”

Caleb saw Jackson’s face go pale.

“I called my doctor and he told me it’s probably fine but to come in as soon as I could. I don’t want to go alone.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

When he disconnected, Caleb said, “I’m coming with you, Jackson.”

Not many things rattled him but anything concerning Maisy did.

Caleb added, “And I’ll drive you. You’re upset.”

They arrived at his house in nine minutes. Jackson bounded out of Caleb’s Toyota and hurried inside. Caleb followed.

They found Maisy in the kitchen. Caleb waited by the door while Jackson hugged his wife. “Are you feeling okay, sweetheart?”

“Yes. My shoulder’s a bit sore, but I’m worried that the doctor asked me to come in.” Her hand drifted to her stomach. “About the baby.”

“Let’s go then.”

“We’ll have to take Freddie. He’s playing in his room.” They had a nanny who came in a few days a week but it’d take a while to get her here.

“I’ll stay with Freddie.”

His sister’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even see you, Caleb.” She left Jackson and hugged him. “Try not to worry about me.”

He hugged back. “I promise I’ll be okay. Just know that babies in the womb are tougher than the general population is aware of.”

“How do you know that?”

---