Page 85 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“Hmm, let me see. Okay, how about whenever we sat together on the sofa, he’d rub my feet cause he knew how much I loved the attention and how wonderful it felt. Made me feel like I mattered. What woman could resist that kind of thoughtfulness?”
Jaq opened her eyes to see Colin staring at her, his gaze soft with affection. “Sorry. I vegged out there for a moment. I was remembering my Gigi telling me how much she loved it when Grampa would rub her feet. Now I understand why she mentioned it.”
Colin chuckled his understanding. “My mother loved it too. After my father died, she’d ask me to rub her feet, and then she’d lay back and tell me stories of their life together. I enjoyed those times with her more than I can say. Gave me a window into their lives together.”
“Sounds like they had a happy marriage.”
“They had their ups and downs like most couples. Some of her stories truly shocked me. But she loved him until the day she died. Used to tell me about how she’d visit with his ghost every night before she’d fall asleep. Made me chuckle, probably because she believed every word… that he was actually with her. She often said she could feel him watching over us. Made me believe too.”
“How beautiful. My Gigi still talks like that about Grampa… a lot. Kind of includes him in the good times especially. And she often says he watches over me too. Mom scoffs, but I don’t. In fact, I hope I have a marriage like theirs one day.” She thought about their conversation and couldn’t help asking, “Do you think maybe Gisele is watching over Charlie and Maisie now?”
“I hope so…. that they feel her close.”
“Don’t laugh but last night when Maisie had her breakdowns, I swear I could sense Gisele around us, her soothing presence helping to calm Maisie.”
“If she knows what’s happening, maybe she could pull some strings ‘upstairs’ to get those papers passed that we need as fast as possible.”
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful? The thought of those poor darlings being held as foster children is unbearable. They’ll be so afraid… especially Maisie.” Jaqueline didn’t know the tears would come, but they appeared, and there was nothing she could do to stop them. “I miss them terribly.”
“Me too. Poor Charlie looked at me, expecting a miracle, and I was powerless. I never wanted to come across like that to him… ever.”
“I know. I felt the same. The lawyer promised us he’d get back to us before business hours ended in B.C.. The time’s run out now, hasn’t it?”
“I’m afraid so. But first thing in the morning I’ll be hounding him to get it done. I swear those kids will be back here as soon as possible.”
Jaqueline sniffed, trying desperately to hold in the water works. “It’s not his fault, I guess. He had to deal with the hospital administration back home, and they often work at a snails pace and worse during the holidays. Earlier, when he called, he said he tried his best to get them to fill in the forms proving my qualifications. But in my estimation, they don’t hurry foranyone. I’m sure that’s what held up the process. If only I could have done more.”
Colin lowered her feet and slid closer to put his arm around her shoulder. He stared into her face, his expression filled with determination for her to listen. “It’s not your fault or mine. We’re doing everything possible. The system is there as a protection for everyone not just for our situation. We’ll get them back, I promise.”
When she began to cry, he added, “Come here.” His whispered words were soft with comfort, and she didn’t hesitate to lean on him, to put her head on his shoulder. When he took her hand and brought it to his lips, she clung tight.
“Thank you. I needed a hug.”
“Jaq, there’s nothing more we can do about things tonight. Just know I’ll be on top of the situation at first light.”
“I know. And I’ll help all I can.” She sat upright, stiffening her back and fixing her mussed hair. “You’re right. Let’s not spend the whole evening feeling bad about something we can’t fix at the moment.”
He stood and smiled down at her. “I’m going to get some coffee and that package of cookies I saw on the counter. Meanwhile, you should get yourself a sweater and maybe a blanket. I noticed it’s becoming chillier in the room now that’s it’s started to snow again. Look, you’ve got goosebumps.” He put both hands on her arms and rubbed up and down, the warmth of his touch igniting sensations that made her blush and turn away. His knowing voice followed her. “Rather than worry about the kids, why don’t we get to know more about each other? You can tell me about your life back home, your family and your work.”
And she did. Far into the night they shared their reminiscences. Finally when the cold seeped into their bodies, they moved closer together, still sharing.
When the early morning light shone through the window, they were wrapped in each other’s arms, fast asleep. The ringing of the doorbell woke them, bringing them to their feet, and rushing to open the door.
Chapter Thirteen
Colin didn’t care that his clothes were wrinkled, that his beard darkened his face, or that his sweatshirt looked like he’d slept in it… which he had. All that mattered was the package had arrived. The one he’d been waiting for. Excitement had him swinging open the door, happiness exploding inside.
Except his package was no where in sight. Instead, his lawyer stood there deflated, his strained expression speaking for itself.
Sensing a tragedy, Colin demanded, “What’s wrong?”
“You can’t take the children.”
“Wha? W-why? What in God’s name are you talking about?”
Jaq moved in beside Colin and interrupted. “Come inside, out of the cold. I’ll put on some coffee and warm some muffins. Come.”
Realizing he’d been rude, Colin apologized at once. “I’m sorry. Of course, come inside.” He stepped back and waved the man in. “Cord Ballenger meet my friend Jaqueline Bouchard.”
