Page 85 of Ultimate Justice

“He can’t do that. It would be trespassing. There are all kinds of laws protecting people’s privacy. He needs more proof that Caleb is actually there. You have to be patient.”

“Okay.” He stared longingly at the laptop. “But why did Evan kick us out? He doesn’t want us anymore, does he?”

“Oh, honey. That isn’t true.” She clasped his hand. Noah had been left alone when his mother died, then treated terribly by his foster parents. It was no wonder this was such a sore spot. She had to do everything in her power to keep these feelings of abandonment from becoming a devastating insecurity that would follow him into his adult life.

“He didn’t kick us out.” To emphasize the point, she squeezed his hand. “It’s not that he doesn’t want you.” He just didn’t want her. No matter how many times she acknowledged it, the stab to her heart was worse than a swarm of stinging bees. “It was time for us to be in our own space.” The one-bedroom apartment she’d been living in was fine for the two of them on a temporary basis. If she really went through with adoption proceedings, she’d need to find them a bigger place as soon as the threat to Noah was gone. Paying that kind of rent would be an issue.

He tugged his hand away and crossed his arms over his chest. “But I liked it there. I liked Blue.”

“I know you did, and Blue liked you, too.” Someday, she’d have to get him a dog. “We’ll talk more about it when you get home from school. Right now, I want to talk about something else.” Here goes. “How would you feel about living with me permanently? I’d have to start adoption proceedings, and that could take a while, but—”

Noah threw his arms around her and squeezed so tightly she could barely breathe.

“Is that a ‘yes?’” she asked, laughing.

He pulled away and looked at her with such joy her heart actually seemed to swell. “Can Caleb live with us, too? He doesn’t have a real family, either. You’d like him. I swear you would.”

“Uh…” She hadn’t seen that coming, and there was no way she could afford to adopt two boys. Taking care of Noah would be financially difficult as it was, but she was committed to him, heart and soul. “Honestly, I don’t have enough money to do that.” He pulled farther away, settling back against the headboard. “But,” she added quickly, “as soon as Evan locates him, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he finds a nice family to live with. Okay?”

He nodded glumly. “Okay.”

“Now, get dressed.”

Back in the kitchen, she sank heavily on a chair.

“You look like you need this.” Tish handed her a cup of coffee. “Everything okay?”

She nodded. The smile she gave her friend was genuine but fleeting. “I just asked if he’d be okay with me adopting him. He said yes.”

“That’s wonderful!” Tish leaned over to hug her, then sat back, frowning. “Why don’t you seem happier about it?”

“It’s nothing really.” Her friend was doing enough by putting her and Noah up for a while. As close as they were, she didn’t want to burden her with anything else.

“I know you well enough to know that’s bull.” Tish hmphed, then narrowed her eyes. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with that hunky FBI agent, would it? Evan McGarry?”

Not wanting to relive everything that had passed between them, Marlie took a sip of coffee and swallowed.

“You were living with him,” Tish pressed. “Did something happen between you two?”

She set the mug on the table and let her head fall into her hands, nodding. “Yes. It just wasn’t meant to last.”

Tish drummed her fingers on the table. “Maybe not. A lot of relationships don’t last. That doesn’t mean they weren’t worth experiencing. Maybe this was something you needed to jumpstart your heart again, show you that you not only have it in you to love again, but that you want to love again, and be loved. I’m not just talking about Noah. He calls to your maternal instincts. Maybe Evan called to your womanly instincts.”

“I know.” She lifted her head, nodding and knowing it was true. “I’d hoped for more, but he didn’t have it in him to give.”

“I’m sorry. He seemed like a good guy.”

“He is.” Evan was definitely one of the good guys. Just not for me.

“I have other news you might be interested in.” Tish bobbed her brows. “Dr. Lurch no longer works at North Metro.”

“Strobie? Really?”

“Really.” Tish nodded emphatically. “Which means that position is open again. I can get you an interview this afternoon. Interested?”

She stared into her coffee. When that spot had opened up two years ago, she hadn’t been ready. Volunteering at the Foundation was one thing, and she hadn’t even sent her application forms in yet, but this was a whole different ballgame. Was she ready to play again?

If she really adopted Noah, she’d need more money. A hospital shrink salary paid significantly more than a custodian’s. “I’ll take you up on that interview. Thank you.”