As Reva made her way to the car, cradling Lucan, the gravity of her choice settled on her shoulders. It was a commitment that would change her life, but looking into Lucan’s eyes, she knew it was the right one.
There was no way to know what lay ahead or how long Lucan would be with her. Still, in her heart, she knew she’d care for this precious baby boy for as long as God allowed.
With renewed determination, she adjusted him in her arms, basking in the sky-blue morning stretching out above them. The road ahead would be uncertain, but they would navigate it together, a newfound family forged from tragedy and love.
“Well, little man, it looks like it’s you and me against the world.” Reva reached and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Let’s go home.”
16
The early afternoon sun pierced the dense canopy of towering pines creating a mesmerizing, dappled effect on the pavement as Reva navigated the winding road on her way home.
Her appointment at Child and Family Services had been emotionally draining. She sped up a little, eager to kick off her heels and settle down in a familiar setting where she could wrap her head around what had transpired. Besides that, she hadn’t planned on bringing him home with her, so hadn’t packed any food or extra diapers. Lucan had to be hungry.
Reva cast a glance at her little guy in the rearview mirror. You wouldn’t know it from the smile on his face. Lucan was such a happy baby, especially given all he’d been through. Since the accident, he’d been shuffled into strangers’ hands, slept in an unfamiliar place, and was palpably aware his mommy and daddy were missing. Most toddlers would have a complete meltdown over much less.
Still, she didn’t want to push her good fortune. She needed to get this sweet-natured toddler home, feed him, and get him settled down for a nap. Then, she would deal with the mountain of items that demanded her attention and all the looming changes to her schedule.
In the back, Lucan’s lip quivered, and he began fussing. She’d spoken too soon, it seemed.
“I know, sweetie. We’ll be home soon.” She turned on the radio and shuffled through the stations until a lively tune blasted through the speakers. She sang along, hoping to distract him.
Thankfully, the strategy worked. Lucan grew wide-eyed and bobbed his little head up and down to the beat of the tune. He seemed to enjoy music!
Reva rounded a bend. Per her mental calculation, they’d be home in less than a half hour.
Suddenly, the car jolted. The tranquility of the drive was shattered by the unmistakable thud and drag of a flat tire.
Muttering under her breath, Reva pulled over to the side of the remote road, her car coming to a halt amidst a stand of aspen trees mingled in the pines. She turned the music off and reluctantly opened the car door.
Stepping out in her heels, Reva assessed the situation.
The flat tire mocked her.
“Why now?” she cried out, her frustration echoing against the backdrop of the silent trees. She could call someone but that would take time.
She had no choice but to slip off her heels and deal with the situation.
Reva opened the back passenger door. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart.”
She moved to the rear of the vehicle where she opened the powered rear liftgate and rummaged through the trunk compartment for the spare and jack.
Inside the car, Lucan began to cry.
Reva dropped the tire and jack on the ground and quickly moved for the open back door, leaned in, and tried to quiet the fussy child. When the effort proved fruitless, she picked through the bag she’d packed, looking for anything edible.
Nothing.
Groaning, she realized that the only thing she had was a pack of gum in her purse. There was also not one single diaper.
What had she been thinking?
Her head moved in a disbelieving shake, frustration mounting as the full scope of her predicament became apparent. She left for her meeting believing Lucan would remain with Bea, that’s what. When she’d packed a travel bag, she’d never imagined returning with Lucan in tow and needing more supplies.
Lucan’s cries escalated, a stark reminder of his hunger and discomfort.
Reva plucked him from his car seat and tried to soothe him. His cries only grew louder.
A commotion in the trees pulled her attention, followed by a low growl.
