Page 51 of Coast

Tracker looked up at me. “Sorry.”

“Takes a big man to realize when he’s wrong,” I said.

“I’m twelve.”

I grinned. “Well, that is why you realized it was wrong.”

“I’m seven,” Paxton piped up.

I smiled at him. “I bet you know when you’re wrong, too.”

“Yeah. You’re pretty,” he said, and Emery nudged his shoulder.

“You trying to hit on my woman?” Emery asked, and Paxton grinned.

I touched Emery’s shoulder and waited for him to look at me. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to run to the restroom.”

“Okay, these guys will keep me entertained,” he said and winked at the boys.

I walked out of the door and looked up and down the hallway. When I spotted Mrs. Stone talking with a man, I walked toward her. As I approached, she turned and then excused herself from their conversation to address me.

“I tried to give Mr. Cortez a little extra time with the boys. Are the two of you ready to leave?”

“Emery’s talking with them. But, I came to look for you.”

“Oh.”

“Yes. Mrs. Stone, I’ve passed the requirements to be a foster parent, but I’ve never actively taken any kids since I was approved. Would you be able to check with the state and see if my original acceptance is still valid? It has been a while, but all my information is the same.”

Mrs. Stone smiled. “If you’ll walk back to the office with me, I can look that information up now.”

“I’d rather call you back in a couple days. Would there be an issue if I wanted to foster Tracker and Paxton? You said the ICWA likes for the children to have access to tribe so the children don’t lose the knowledge of their culture due to circumstances that may take them away from it.”

“Yes. But depending on where you live, we understand that not all fosters or even adoptive parents of Native American children are going to live close to a reservation. There are other ways for parents to show and teach a child about where they come from and their background.”

“I understand the reasoning for that, Mrs. Stone. In mixed-race families, no one should have to give up their ethnicity to fit into someone else’s.”

“When I spoke with Mr. Cortez before, he said he was single. Has that changed, or will it be changing perhaps?”

“Maybe, but he doesn’t know it yet. He doesn’t even know I’m speaking with you.”

Mrs. Stone chuckled, then looked at me, and her expression was serious. “If everything is in order with your license, putting two Native American children in your care, it would definitely play in your favor to be married to a Native American man. Marriage isn’t required per the state’s qualifications to become a foster. You could take it on as a single foster parent.”

“Do you think the state would place them with us? I knew I didn’t have to be married, but they’ve had the single mom and it didn’t work out for them. I want to show them the other side. The side where a dad sticks around to take care of obligations. The side where two parents are committed to take care of and protect you.”

“Mr. Cortez talked with the boys when they first came into foster care. He showed patience. He gave sound advice. And though I didn’t see it with the children, I’d bet he would be strict and fair. Two boys with Tracker and Paxton’s history will need someone like that at some point if they are to succeed. Plus, I know he has family here on the reservation, so the boys will not lose out on any opportunity in keeping up with their culture from being placed in your home. We will have to do an in-house inspection update since you haven’t had any children in your home.

“If all goes well, I’ll support you both and help in any way I can. My gut tells me Mr. Cortez may be exactly what those two boys need. I tend to follow my gut, it has done well over the years. I’ll be waiting on your call, Ms. Minton.”

“Actually, it is Doctor Minton,” I informed her.

She smiled. “This just keeps getting better. I really hope your serious, Dr. Minton in your inquiry.”

“I am. And thank you, Mrs. Stone. I better get back before Emery wonders what’s taking me so long.”

Mrs. Stone fell in step with me. “Can I ask why? Why Tracker and Paxton?”

“When I walked into the room and saw their heads bent, it was the sign of defeat and acceptance in what life dealt them. Then I saw their eyes, and they reflected the same. But as they started to talk, I realized that they haven’t lost all their spark. When I watched Emery with them, and how they respond to him. How could I not want to intervene? If I can give them a better life, and a home, why shouldn’t I. I’m unable to have children, Mrs. Stone, so I look at Tracker and Paxton and not only can I help them—I think they’ll help me.”

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