Inherited: Instant Family. Judy Christenberry

      Sarah answered the phone. “Logan Ranch.”

      “Is this Sarah?”

      “Yes.”

      “This is Kate Dunleavy, Mike’s wife.”

      “And Robbie’s grandmother?”

      “Exactly. You’ve learned all of us already, haven’t you?”

      Sarah said, “Do you want to talk toAbby?”

      “Yes, please.”

      The telephone had a long cord and she carried the receiver to Abby.

      While Abby was talking, Sarah took a quick inventory of what food they had on hand. The stocked cupboard and refrigerator were astounding for Sarah. She wasn’t used to such abundance.

      Abby said goodbye and Sarah was beside her to take the phone back to the wall.

      “Kate’s bringing over a casserole for lunch. We just need to cut up a salad.”

      “Okay.” Sarah quickly got to work. Setting the table for six, she put the salad out and heated up some black-eyed peas. When Kate arrived, everything was ready.

      “You did all this?” Kate asked. “Abby, you know you shouldn’t. I was going to do the work.”

      “I didn’t, Kate. Sarah did everything. Isn’t she great?”

      “She certainly is.” She walked over to the newcomer and put out a hand in greeting. “Hello, Sarah. I’m glad to meet you.”

      The woman, who looked to be in her fifties, with graying light-brown hair, was so welcoming that Sarah returned her handshake. “I’ll—I’ll go call the kids.”

      Kate watched the young woman leave the room. “Mike says she’s a good person.”

      “I think so, and she’s had a horrible time of it. Does Mike think he can help her?”

      “Yes, he thinks so. He’ll tell her his news after we all eat. He doesn’t want to talk in front of the children.”

      “Oh, of course—”

      Sarah entered the kitchen, followed by Anna and Davy. Anna pressed closer to Sarah. Davy didn’t seem too concerned.

      “Kids, this is Kate, the cookie lady,” Abby said.

      “I like your cookies!” Davy said with a big smile, which Kate returned.

      “I’m glad. It’s nice to meet you, Davy. You, too, Anna.”

      “Come on, kids, sit down at the table.”

      “I like Robbie,” Davy said, grinning.

      Kate seemed thrilled. “Perfect,” she said. “Maybe Mike’s idea will work out.”

      Sarah’s head snapped up. “What idea?”

      Mike entered at that moment. “Hi. How’s everyone doing?”

      Sarah nodded to Mike, smiling a little. “We’re fine.”

      “Good. I’m starved. Are you ready to eat?”

      “You’re always hungry,” Kate teased her husband. But she held out a seat next to hers at the table.

      Sarah could barely eat. She was too concerned about whatever idea the sheriff had come up with. She was grateful when the meal ended and she took her siblings back to the family room.

      As soon as she entered the room, she turned to Mike. “Did they arrest him?”

      Mike sighed. “Yeah, but you were right. Ashton told them he didn’t know who killed his wife. He said he was knocked out and couldn’t help his beloved wife.”

      “I told you he lied.”

      “And he wants to know what happened to his children.”

      Sarah’s hand flew to her chest. “No! I told you. They can’t go back to him.”

      Mike tried to calm her down. “I just told you what he said. However, the police did a thorough job. They’re holding him in jail until he can make bail for $250,000. They’re hoping he won’t.”

      “Good.”

      “They also want to interview you.”

      “No!” She felt as if she were on a seesaw, up one minute, down the next with the type of news Mike delivered.

      “Sarah, you remember what I said? I talked to the police about you being appointed guardian of Anna and Davy. They agreed to pursue that for you, if you’ll come talk to them.”

      She blinked her eyes, staring at her hands, clenched tightly in front of her. “I—I can’t!”

      “I think Brad would go with you. I’m going to talk to him in a few minutes.”

      “Why would he do that?”

      “Because you need someone with you, Sarah. It won’t be an easy thing.”

      “I know—and what about the kids?”

      “Well, I thought they might like to go to school while they’re here. I’ll set it up. It will be hardest on Anna. Davy will have Robbie to go to school with.”

      “But I can’t leave them! It would be too hard for them.”

      “It will be even harder if you don’t get custody.”

      Abby took her hand. “We’ll take care of them, Sarah.”

      “But you’re supposed to rest,” Sarah protested.

      “If they’re at school all day, I can rest.”

      The sheriff looked at Sarah. “You have to answer this question. Is it worth going to testify against Ellis Ashton? You’ll get custody of the kids and keep them safe.”

      When he put it that way, Sarah knew there was really no choice. She drew in a deep breath and said, “I’ll go. But I don’t need to bother Brad. I can manage on my own.”

      The sheriff shook his head. “He’s going with you, Sarah. It’s part of the deal. Nick and Abby will take care of the kids and Brad will take care of you.”

      “I don’t want him to take care of me! I can manage on my own.”

      “Why don’t you want him to go?”

      “The only man in my family killed my mother. Why would I want anything to do with any man?”

      Mike drew a deep breath. “He’s just escorting you, keeping you safe. So you can come back to your siblings.”

      “I—I don’t know what—”

      “I’m thinking you should leave Monday morning after the kids go to school.”

      “Their first day? No, that’s impossible! Anna can’t— She’s very shy!”

      “It’s all right,” Kate said. “I’ll take her to school that morning and make sure she’s happy. Abby will be here to help.”

      Sarah looked around the room at all the encouraging faces. “All right. I can tell her you’ll go with her?”

      “Of course.”

      Mike stood and kissed Kate goodbye and thanked Sarah for her cooperation. Then he left.

      “Can you tell us what the children wear to school? Is there somewhere we can buy something for her to wear?”

      “Yes. I can take you and Anna, and Davy, too, this afternoon, if you want.”

      “Thank you, Kate. I think it will help Anna feel good about herself.” She just wished she knew how to pay for the clothes.

      Nick and Brad came into the house for lunch a little later,