Page 20 of Ultimate Freedom

“You want I should help?”

“Yes, please.”

“I can try.”

“I’ll show you how.” She led the way into the kitchen area. “Good thing I still have four slices left for the hot beef sandwiches we’ll be making for supper. Once the bread’s in the oven rising, I’ll get our supper ready, and you my friend can shovel the porch. Deal?”

“Deal.” His satisfied reaction made Demi understand she’d hit the right note with Charlie. He needed to feel needed.

Good.

Because she needed to help.

Chapter Twelve

By the time she and Glen were on the way to pick up the oldies from the airport, Demi admitted that even though life here in Alaska made her happier than she’d ever been before, it certainly held a lot of unexpected challenges.

Thinking back to the night before, and how after they’d eaten, Charlie had asked for permission to go to his room and read. Probably wanting to get away from her.

“Of course, you can. First, let me show you how to use the washer and dryer so we can get those clothes of yours looking better. Okay?”

“Sure.”

She’d led him into the bathroom where Whit and Glen had installed a stack set of appliances that ranked high in her affections. Her two thoughtful guys had surprised her with the unexpected gift on her birthday. Not having to pack loads of laundry to town had been a lifesaver, especially once the snow hit.

It hadn’t taken long to understand that the kid had two small loads, one light and one dark, and all rather pitifully in bad shape. Sweet Jesus, not only did the kid’s body look scrawny, but he had no clothes worth keeping. They would all need to be replaced.

Demi couldn’t help but see the shame he tried to hide. And not wanting to step on his pride, her comments were tactful as hell. “Looks like you’ve shot up lately. It’s normal to grow out of your clothes when you’re a kid. How about when you get your next paycheck, we put some orders in on Amazon?”

“I don’t know how?”

“Hey, I’m a pro at ordering online. I’ll show you.”

“Okay. Can I go to my room now?” He held a pile of books she’d given him permission to choose from. Seeing his face light up from the stash in his arms, she was glad Whit had mentioned his sudden love of reading.

“Sure. But before you go, I need to tell you something.”

From the closed look on Charlie’s face when she explained about leaving him at Norrie’s on New Year’s Eve and then the next day, she knew he’d taken it as a brush-off. He’d nodded stoically as if used to being dumped.

Feeling guilty, she explained, “Hey, I’d bring you with us on the drive to Terrace but there’s simply no room in the truck. Remember I told you about Harold and Lefty? They’re too old to be squished for such a long drive, and they’ll have a lot of gear between them.”

Charlie had squirmed while lying. “I don’t care. I’ll stay with Norrie and catch up on my chores in the store. I didn’t get my work done today, so I lost wages.”

“Hell, Charlie. Norrie will pay you for the day and put it down as bereavement leave. I told you that.”

“Okay, I guess so. But I don’t mind working a double shift.”

Double shift? Where’d he hear that?Grinning, she sighed. “Fine. I’ll pick you up when we get back to town.”

***

Driving with Glen gave her the opportunity to discuss Charlie. Though they didn’t come up with any acceptable options other than finding the kid a home in their general area, they covered a lot of possibilities.

Finally, Demi changed the subject. “I’m glad we had Rudy and his brothers over before all this happened. They seemed to enjoy the roast we cooked. In fact, I never saw men eat so much. Good thing, I had two apple pies and loads of ice cream. I swear Brian ate half a pie himself.”

Glen shrugged. “My friend, not everyone can make a roast taste like you do. Your gravy is to die for, and according to Rudy, the guys talked about those yorkies and pies most of the way home.”

“I guess it’s true that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Demi giggled at her comment.

---