AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Seven
He’d just looked so confused and overwhelmed Robin had felt so bad for him. It had had her breaking her “no-touching-Nick” rule far too easily. She shoved thoughts of him from her mind as she adjusted Becky’s booster seat for the older Nova. Both her daughter and Nick’s were on the petite side.
But Nova…she looked half starved. Literally. She was far too small for a six-year-old; Robin would bet on it.
And there were big bruises beneath her eyes. She would mention to Nick that a trip to a pediatrician was probably something he should look into within the week. Just to make certain nothing vital to her health was being overlooked. Robin didn’t exactly have much faith in social services, after all. Though Nick’s niece by marriage had been on the ball. Jude had had paperwork and records—including medical—and everything else she thought Nick would need right away in one of those bags. The other bag had contained Nova’s small number of belongings.
She had worked hospital billing for more than five years. She had seen some children from the system come in. Thank God Nick’s daughter had only been in care for a week.
“Are you hungry for something more than crackers, sweetie?”
“Yes, I think so,” Nova said quietly as Robin lifted her into the car seat.
“I think we can find something really good, and maybe even sneak in some ice cream for dessert.” She considered Flo’s Diner but decided against it. Odds were good Nick would have some family in the diner somewhere.
She doubted anyone was ready for that.
It was his place to introduce Nova to his family, on his terms. Not hers.
But there were familiar golden arches up ahead. And in her experience, every child loved it there.
Nova proved to be no exception. By the time they were finished, the little girl had opened up a little. She adored her brother, idolized him. Spoke about how he had taken care of her all the time.
Robin suspected the boy had.
Nova absolutely refused to speak about her mother. Robin suspected grief and fear. That would heal with time.
Her boys had been just weeks shy of six when they’d lost their father. She knew what child grief could look like.
There was an outlet store two miles outside of town. She’d find what she needed there. “Well, Miss Nova, you need clothes and undies and jammies first. Then we’ll pick out blankets and pillows for your new room. Do you like pink or purple more, or a different color?”
“Pink. It’s my favorite. But purple is ok, too. Does my new daddy have lots and lots of money?”
“Well, no. But he has enough to take care of you. And Noah, when he gets here.” If he got there. It wasn’t a guarantee. Nick’s nephew’s wife seemed determined to get Noah to Masterson as fast as humanly possible. “Daddy works with his nephew Chandler. Chandler is your cousin. He’s really nice. He’s a grown-up, though. His hair has more brown than yours, but his eyes are the same color as yours. Chandler likes to make cookies. I bet he’d bring us some sometimes if we ask nicely.”
“What’s a cousin?”
Robin patiently explained.
“Are you my new daddy’s wife?” Nova wrapped her hand trustingly around Robin’s, stealing her heart once again. “Are you going to be my new mommy now? I think that would be ok, I think. As long as you are not mean like the last one. She smelled funny, too.”
Robin went down on her knees beside her. Her mother’s heart broke seeing the hope in big blue eyes. “I am not your daddy’s wife, sweetheart. But I am his good friend. I would love it if you would let me be your friend, too. Is that ok? And I really hope I don’t smell funny.”
“No. You smell like bubble gum. It’s really nice.”
Of course, she did. She’d run out of her shampoo that morning and had had to borrow her daughter’s. She made a mental note to hit the children’s toiletries, too. She’d grab Nova the same shampoo.
“Can I have a hug?”
“Of course.” Robin wrapped her arms around the little girl and felt Nova steal a little piece of her heart with the embrace. She made the girl a silent promise. For as long as needed, she was going to be there for this little girl.
Just like Phil and Becky had once been there for her.
It was time to pay it forward with this little Tyler in her arms now.
