Page 90 of Call It Love

Reid held his hands up. “I know. The system’s flawed. Case workers are overloaded, and the courts push to keep kids with family whenever they can.”

“I get it,” Chase mumbled, but his frustration was clear.

“But now, based on what Jordan told us, along with what we’ve seen, there’s enough to petition the court for an emergency placement. Rhonda says you can request temporary guardianship through juvenile court. She’ll back it.”

“Temporary?”

“It’s called anemergency ex parte order of guardianship. It allows someone—usually a relative or reliable adult—to be granted temporary custody if there’s a credible risk to the child. Obviously, that’s the case here.”

Chase crossed his arms. “And you think the court will give that to me?”

“There aren’t a lot of other options with so few foster families in this area. And moving him to an entirely new place when he obviously feels safe here isn’t logical. You’ve got a stable home, a clean record, and good standing in the community. Jordan trusts you. And I’m willing to back you on it. That holds weight. It’s Sunday, but we could have an emergency hearing tomorrow if we move fast. Rhonda is already working on it, assuming that’s what everyone wants. She’ll be here soon with more details.”

Chase looked toward the kitchen, where Jordan’s fingers had gone completely still, and I knew he was listening in as well. Jordan’s eyes followed Chase as he eased into a chair next to him at the table.

“Hey,” Chase began, resting his forearms on the table. “Sheriff Braxton and I were talking about what happens next. He thinks there’s a way, if you’re okay with it, for me to become your temporary guardian.”

Jordan stared at him, his expression blank. “What does that mean?”

“It means you would stay here at Silver Creek Farm. With Anna and me.”

“But what happens after that? Can they still make me leave?”

Chase looked at Reid, who walked over and also sat and leaned toward Jordan. Even if he didn’t recognize it, they were closing in protectively around him. Not trapping him, but sheltering him. They weren’t deciding for him, but with him. And I understood better than anyone else in the room how that mattered.

“Let’s focus on now,” Reid said. “But I’ll say this. We’re going to make it hard for them to move you away from here, especially if staying is what you want. And I know Chase will look into doing whatever it takes for you to remain as long as you want.”

Chase leaned forward. “The truth is, you can’t stay where you are now. I would love for you to choose to stay here with us, but the choice is yours.”

Jordan blinked rapidly. “You…you really want me to stay?”

“Definitely,” Chase answered with conviction.

Jordan nodded quickly. “I swear, I won’t cause trouble. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll work hard. I won’t eat a lot?—”

“Whoa,” Chase interjected with a chuckle. “You don’t have to earn your place here. You already have it. Iwantyou here. You’ll have your own room. You can eat as much as you want. I’ll teach you more about the farm, but only if you want to learn. No pressure.”

Suddenly, Jordan leaped from his chair and launched himself into Chase’s arms. “Thank you,” he whispered fiercely.

Chase’s arms gently enclosed the teen and held him. I didn’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

Reid cleared his throat softly. “One more question we need to answer today. Where’s he staying tonight?”

Chase opened his mouth, but I beat him to it.

“With us,” I said firmly. “He’s not leaving here. He’s been through enough.”

Chase smiled at the steel in my voice. “She’s right.” He looked at Jordan. “You’re safe here. And you’re home.”

Chapter 30

Anna

My cabin smelledlike a field of flowers, but I loved it. The last batch of goat’s milk and lavender soap finished curing yesterday. Today, I was wrapping the small bars in purple mesh, tying them with a thin piece of twine, and sticking a small sprig of lavender under the knot. My contribution was a simple thank you to the guests who bought tickets to attend the dance.

Maybe it was the lavender showing off its relaxation quality, but for the first time since I took on this role, I felt like I could breathe more easily. Not completely stress-free, but close enough. Once the barn dance was behind me, I thought I might sleep for a week. I didn’t know how Chase was keeping up with everything. He was keeping a close eye on Jordan, trying to support me with the fundraising project, and preparing for the Christmas tree committee to arrive late next week.

Jordan was healing and doing better. Thriving, even, under Chase’s roof. He was still quiet, but he no longer hovered at the doorways like he needed permission to enter a room. He laughed a little more easily and even startedleaving his things lying around. Ordinary things, but progress for a child who was slowly figuring out he was safe enough just to be.

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