Page 57 of Forged in Steele

Amelia stabbed her eyes with the tissues. “I cannot say.”

“It’s fine. I get it. I’m a stranger, but maybe I can help.”

“Why?”

She asked a good question that Bristol hadn’t prepared an answer for. She would wing it. “My faith is an active faith, and it compels me to help others. Do you believe in God?”

“I do.” She frowned. “But He has forsaken my country and my people.”

“Your country. Where is that?”

“The Republic of the Marshall Islands.”

Where?“I’m not familiar with your home. Tell me about it.”

She flashed a brief smile again. “The islands are beautiful. God’s beauty everywhere. Except with the people. No jobs. Almost half of my people do not work. So they move to the United States for jobs. We don’t want to leave our home but must feed our families.”

“That must be hard,” Bristol said, trying to put herself in this woman’s shoes.

“It is sad, but some come for medical care too. We have a special status here. We are not citizens, but we also do not have to apply for citizenship. We can live here because of an agreement from many years past when your country’s military used our islands.” She frowned.

Something else Bristol knew nothing about. “I take it that wasn’t a good thing.”

“No. Not at all.” Amelia waved a hand and pursed her lips. “Nuclear testing was done and ruined one of the islands. No one can live there now.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Now Bristol was very interested. “Where are your islands located?”

“In the Pacific Ocean near the equator.” A full smile crossed her face. “Midway between Hawaii and Australia.”

Sounded tropical to Bristol. “Our weather here must seem foreign to you.”

“We get much rain like here, but it is more humid and warmer.” She rested her hands on her belly. “I am cold so often, but this little one keeps me warm.”

Time for Bristol to get more details about the woman. “Did you come here for work too?”

Amelia shook her head and bit her lip, but didn’t speak.

“For medical care for your baby?” Bristol pressed harder.

Amelia looked down and gave another shake of her head.

“You don’t have to answer this question, but are you here because of Mr. Everett Holloway?”

Her head popped up. “You know of this man?”

“My husband and I just met with him to talk about adoption.” Bristol pointed at Jared who watched them intently from the vehicle. He gave a little wave and such a sweet smile that Bristol wished she really was married to him. Not a couple that was having a problem with becoming parents like Shawn and Christine, but a couple thinking about starting a family.

The simple thought sent terror to her heart.

“This troubles you,” Amelia said.

Bristol must be transmitting her unease. “Yes.”

“I am troubled too. For the other reason.” Amelia took a deep breath and glanced around. “I am giving my baby up for adoption.”

Bristol didn’t think about it but took Amelia’s hand. Her skin was smooth and soft but cold.

Bristol looked her in the eye. “That must be very hard.”

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