Forever A Family. Bonnie K. Winn

instinctively sensed that theirs was a true mother/daughter relationship. “That’s lovely. I don’t think I’ve ever really seen that happen before. Becoming a child’s real parent after a death, I mean.”

      “I was...I am very fortunate. It’s hard to imagine that anyone else can take on that role once you’ve lost your spouse.” Absently, Kate circled the top of her tea glass with one finger. “That’s how Tucker felt. It’s how I imagine anyone would feel when they really love the person they’ve lost.”

      Olivia’s throat tightened.

      “I’m sorry. I’ve made you think even more about your late husband.” Kate’s sunny exterior now wilted in remorse.

      “No. I was talking to his picture when you arrived.” Olivia again imagined how foolish she must have looked, yet she sensed Kate wouldn’t laugh, wouldn’t judge. “So he was already on my mind.”

      Kate reached out a friendly hand. “Is it loneliness or something else?”

      Olivia sighed. “Joey. How I’m going to handle him with Ted gone. I never could have imagined him stealing. I understood when he cut classes because he couldn’t face people, but this... It’s not the way he was raised.”

      “Of course it wasn’t. But how do we teach our children the way to act once they lose a parent?”

      Olivia looked down. “Tucker’s job—surely that has moments of fear. Was Alyssa taught to know that?”

      “He’s her hero. She’s old enough to know his job can be dangerous, but it’s not something we dwell on.” Concern filled Kate’s eyes. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Olivia. Tucker’s told me about kids who haven’t handled the loss as well as Joey has. You have to be overwhelmed, suddenly becoming a single parent after years of being able to turn to your husband for support.”

      Throat still tight, Olivia agreed. “I feel like I’m disappointing Ted, that he’d be horrified at how I’ve handled things.”

      “I didn’t know Ted,” Kate replied honestly. “But as sure as I’m sitting here, I know he would understand. Men are usually more crippled by losing their wives.”

      Olivia pulled herself out of her self-pity. “It’s weird. Before you came, I was just thinking that maybe if I’d reached out, made more friends, that Joey wouldn’t have gotten into trouble.”

      “You can’t know one way or the other. But I’d recommend getting him involved with the youth group at the Community Church. The activities—”

      “I don’t mean to be rude, but that’s not an option.”

      Kate paused, then sighed. “Tucker felt the same way about his faith.”

      “Besides, Joey has community-service work that takes all his time. He’s volunteering at Harrison Veterinary.”

      “At Zeke’s?” Enthusiasm bounced back into Kate’s voice. “That’s great!”

      “You know him?”

      “Of course. He delivered my puppies.” She laughed. “Well, my dog’s puppies, I should say. Nice, nice man. Never could figure out how he’s managed to stay single.”

      Olivia tried to think of a sensible reply. Not able to come up with one, she sipped her tea instead.

      Kate checked her watch. “I didn’t mean to stay so long. I came to ask a favor.”

      Olivia couldn’t imagine what it could be. “Oh?”

      “It’s about your dad.”

      “Really?”

      “You sound surprised.”

      “That’s because I am,” Olivia admitted. Her father had never been one to mingle into what he called “town life.” So accustomed to military forts, the Colonel would have retired on one if it had been possible.

      “I’ve been commissioned by a family to paint a portrait of their late father. He was a major in the army, close to promotion when he died. The family has given me bundles of photos, but he always appears stiff, in his military posture. The candids aren’t much better. I’ve always been able to meet with the subjects of my portraits, get a sense of who they are, which of course is impossible in this case. I’d like to speak to your dad, observe him if possible, get the sense of a military man to help learn the essence of one. Most veterans in Rosewood weren’t career soldiers and are not at the same rank.”

      “But not all colonels are similar in nature,” Olivia responded. “My dad’s...pretty formal.”

      “If you’d rather I didn’t—”

      “It’s not that. I’m afraid you won’t get much from him. He lived and breathed army.”

      Kate’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s a plus. The family pretty much described their father the same way. Do you think you could get me an introduction?”

      Olivia blinked. “He’s not active military anymore. You can just talk to him, no red tape to get through.”

      “No, but he wasn’t responsive when I phoned. I’m hoping if you asked, he might cooperate.”

      She should have known. “The Colonel’s comfort zone begins and ends with the military. But if you think it would help, I’ll ask.”

      “That would be amazing.” Kate brushed back her auburn hair and smiled. “I feel terrible having come here originally to ask a favor.”

      “Originally?”

      “Unless you’d rather I not, I’d like to be a friend, not just someone who passes you on the sidewalk.”

      Touched, Olivia smiled. “I’d like that, too.” For the first time since she had been a small child, Olivia realized she could have a friend, one she didn’t have to bid goodbye in a matter of months.

      Chapter Three

      Deciding that Joey was going to remain silent, Zeke headed out the door of the clinic with the boy in tow, pausing to point out the buildings. “You can see that’s the barn. The stables. And the corral’s off that way. I’ll show you the lay of the land later. Chores are waiting.”

      The two-story barn was meticulously clean, fragrant with the aroma of fresh hay. Zeke never could decide which he liked better, the comfort of his home or the warm feeling of the barn. His own cow, Milkdud, which he’d raised since she’d been a sickly calf, mooed in welcome. Adjoining stalls held various recovering domestic stock that required daily care.

      Zeke introduced the assortment. Three horses, two cows, three pigs and four sheep. The new patients were stabled in the front stalls. After making some notes, Zeke headed back to his office. Joey trailed behind, surreptitiously checking out the grounds and other buildings. Zeke hid a grin. His little ranch wasn’t any Disneyland, but it was a lot more interesting to a twelve-year-old than school.

      Once back inside, Zeke checked blood results with Angie. Glancing up, Zeke noticed that Joey had wandered over to the aquarium. But this time he kept his arms at his sides, not touching the glass, just watching the fish. Quick learner.

      “Angie, how many appointments this afternoon?”

      She looked at the computer screen. “Besides the puffball, not too many.” They’d had to make up appointments they had canceled the day before with the chick debacle.

      “We should be okay, then.” Zeke strolled over to Joey, wanting to know more about this boy who had never been allowed a pet other than a turtle. “Joey, while Angie’s prepping the first patient, watch the phones.”

      Joey spun around, his eyes wide. “And answer them?”

      Zeke thought of Olivia’s delayed reaction when the chicks had first scattered. Definitely related to his mother. “Yes.”