I open my laptop to see if there's any news from the adoption agency. I've put the application in, and I've had a first round of interviews, and now I'm waiting for a date to go before the adoption board.
It should be a no-brainer. I've been working with foster kids for the last five years. Kyra isn't the only child I've taken in for emergency care, but she's the only one who stole my heart.
The problem is, it's not straightforward for a single parent on a single parent income. Until I have the papers that say Kyra is legally mine, I have to be on my best behavior.
My cellphone rings, and it's a number I don't recognize. I pick it up, and a deep gravelly voice comes down the phone line.
"Alana, it's Amos."
My name on his lips sends a delicious shiver down my spine.
"How did you get my number?"
"I have my ways," he says cryptically. "Also, you should fire your receptionist."
I sit back in my chair, not sure if I'm annoyed or excited that he's calling.
I pick up a pen from the desk and twirl it in my fingers, the movement matching the fluttering of my stomach. "What can I help you with, Amos?"
"Did you manage to buy us some time with Sam? Is he somewhere safe?"
I swallow hard and still the pen. Of course he's calling to talk about Sam Why would it be anything else?
"He's been placed in a temporary foster home with a lovely couple who will take care of him."
He lets out a long sigh. "That's great. I need time to get the house ready, but can I meet him?"
"That's not an unreasonable request. I'll see what I can arrange."
I wait for him to say something more, but he's silent. "Did you let your family know?"
He huffs out a breath. "They were skeptical. Everyone thinks I can't raise a child. But how hard can it be?" He sounds unsure, like he's convincing himself.
I look down the hallway. In my line of sight is the table where Kyra sits, licking the spoon. She's got chocolate all over her face and hands, and it's lucky I can't afford good furniture.
"I'll speak to the Deacons to arrange a meeting with Sam. Even if it doesn't work out with you, I believe you'll want to be in his life. Correct?"
"Correct," says Amos. "But itwillwork out."
I hold my tongue. He's so sure of himself. But raising a kid is different from being in the military.
"When can we meet up?" His voice softens.
"Once I speak to Sam, we'll arrange a neutral space. I'll come with him. You can bring your family."
"No," he says, and then chuckles softly. "I meanyouand I, Alana. When can I take you out for dinner?"
I sit up straight in my chair. It's been a long time since a man asked me on a date. Even longer since it was a man I'm attracted to.
"Excuse me?"
"I'd like to get to know you better. Is that against the rules?"
This man has no grasp on reality. "Are you asking me out?" I hiss so Kyra doesn't hear. "Because if you are, then yes. It's against the rules."
He chuckles again. "You ever break the rules?"
I look over to Kyra. She's got her finger in the bowl, scooping up the last bit of cookie dough.
