AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I do too,” Ally responds before looking back at Erica. “I have a few extra ones at home I don’t use. I can put them in my car and give them to you the next time I see you.”
Each time we’ve seen Erica, she’s always wearing the same hair scarf. Probably because the home can’t afford to buy her a variety.
“Thanks.”
Kate comes into the room, clapping her hands to get the attention of the children. “All right kids, it’s chore time.”
They all grumble as they dawdle out of the room. Benny hops down from the couch, waving goodbye to Ally and me. Kate walks over to us.
“It’s time for your afternoon meds, Erica.”
Some of the light fades from her eyes. “Okay.”
Ally reaches over and grabs Erica’s hand. “We’ll see each other again soon. Promise.”
That seems to perk up her mood some and she smiles.
“Go ahead into the kitchen. I’ll be there in a minute to give you your medicine.”
Ally and I stand from the couch and watch as Erica slowly walks out of the room using a cane to steady herself. Her illness and treatment make her slightly unsteady, but she manages on her own just fine.
“I can’t explain to you how happy I am that you both want to adopt her,” Kate says, turning back to us once Erica is gone. “That girl needs a break. She’s so sweet and caring. All of the kids love her. She’ll be terribly missed, but I’m glad she’ll finally have a forever home.”
“We have an appointment with the agency next week,” I tell Kate and loosely wrap my arm around Ally. “We’re hoping to bring her home once her treatments are finished and her doctors clear her.”
“You’ll be staying here in Nashville until then?”
I look down at Ally and she looks back with a hopeful look.
“Yeah, we plan to stay close. I’m not sure I could drag Ally away before we’re able to take her with us. That’s if we get approved.”
“Oh, I have no doubt you will. You two seem like a great couple, and from what you’ve told me, I believe you can give Erica the financial and emotional stability she needs. I’ll be putting in a letter of recommendation.”
“Thank you,” Ally says. I tighten my arm around her when her voice comes out deeper than normal. “It means so much to us that you feel that way. I don’t know what it is, but I feel a bond with Erica. I have from the moment I first saw her.” She shakes her head. “It’s like this is what we’re supposed to do.”
Kate takes Ally’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “I believe you’re right.” She lets Ally’s hand go. “Let me know if you want another visit like this. I’m sure we can work something out, and it’ll give Erica a chance to get to know and become more comfortable around you two.”
“We would love that.”
“Call me and we’ll set something up. In the meantime, I’ll get that letter written and sent over to the agency.”
“Thank you, Kate. For everything.”
Kate looks back at the doorway. “It’s my pleasure.” She brings her eyes back to us. “If I didn’t think you weren’t a right fit, I wouldn’t, but I have a very good feeling about you two.”
“Thank you.” I give my own gratitude.
“I better get in there to give Erica her medicine.” She walks us to the door and with a final wave, we leave.
“Today was a good day,” Ally remarks as we slowly make our way down the steps.
“It was.”
“I can’t wait to take her home with us. Everyone is going to love her.”
I wait until we’re down the steps and on the sidewalk before I turn her to face me. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I tug her closer and look down at her.
I hate to put a damper on her good mood, but it’s something I need to do.
