Shed been with COTD for all of two days, but if he knew Anna, that was plenty of time for her to come to a conclusion about Caitlyn.
Hed been bothered since their conversation about Ali. Maybe Caitlyn was dynamite at her position in New York, but Children of the Day ran on cooperation, lots of cooperation from all sorts of people. And Caitlyn had given off unmistakable vibes that she preferred to do everything all by herself.
Or maybe he was just the one person she didnt want to help her. That was always possible.
He tapped lightly on the French door to Annas office. It was standing ajar, as always, so that she could keep tabs on everything. With her passion and energy, it was no wonder the charity had grown from a small local effort to a world-respected organization in only five years.
He popped his head around the edge of the door. Anna was talking on the phone while staring intently at her computer screen, but at the sight of him, she smiled and waved him in.
In a moment shed hung up the phone and turned her full attention to him. Steve, how nice. I didnt expect to see you today.
Well, since tomorrows the Fourth of July, I thought Id best come by today. Have you heard anything more from Dr. Mike?
No. Annas brow furrowed. I expected to by this time.
I figured you might be concerned. The fact is that theres been a heavy offensive in Mikes area. Id guess thats keeping him busy right now.
Annas blue eyes filled with concern. Is there fighting near his field hospital?
He hesitated for a second, but Anna would guess the worst if he didnt level with her. It sounds that way. It may be a day or two before things settle down.
If they settle down. Anna rubbed at the line between her brows. We both know how bad that can be. And that poor little boy. He could be right in the thick of things again.
He nodded. Anna was rightthey did both know how bad war could be, especially on the innocent ones. Hes lost both his parents, and hes facing possible surgery. It seems like the kid ought to get a break soon.
Well, he will if we can do anything about it. Annas jaw tightened with her characteristic determination.
Shall we pray for them? He held out his hand, knowing her answer would be yes.
Anna nodded, putting her hand in his and closing her eyes.
Dear Father, we know that You know better than we do whats happening right now with Mike and all those within his care, including little Ali. We ask that You surround them with Your love and protection and bring them through this trial to safety. Amen.
Amen, Anna echoed. She released his hand. Thank you, Steve.
He shrugged that off. I should let you get back to business, but I did want to ask how Caitlyns settling in. Is she working out all right?
Annas face lit with a smile. As well as I knew she would the minute I met her. Shes the kind of person you can just give a project and know shell run with it.
Thats good. Although it didnt answer his main concern about her.
Its just too bad she probably wont be staying in Prairie Springs for long.
He blinked, staring at Anna. What do you mean? Did she tell you shes leaving?
Not in so many words. Anna shrugged. But I can read between the lines as well as anyone. The most important thing in Caitlyns life is her career, and thats back in New York. Obviously shes here to do her duty to her family, but Id expect her to head back East just as soon as she can work things out.
Youre sure about that? The question came out more sharply than it should.
She spread her hands. Id love to keep her, but I dont think thats going to happen.
Though he didnt say it out loud, he was appalled at the news.
How could Caitlyn even think of uprooting the girls? They needed the stability and security they had right here, among friends. And her mother, Betty, couldnt possibly manage by herself.
It sounded as if his concerns had been justified. It looked as if the bright, ambitious girl hed once known had turned into a coldly driven career woman without any heart.
Caitlyn had forgotten how intensely Prairie Springs celebrated the Fourth of July, but it was certainly all coming back to her now. Texans were just naturally patriotic, and Texans living next to a military base doubled the patriotism. The twins were determined to enjoy every minute of the celebration, and so far, they seemed to be.
Theyd already watched the parade and eaten their way through hot dogs and sweet corn and cherry pie, but at least theyd found a table near the river, where there was a bit of a breeze.
It had been a good day, but Caitlyn had to admit that the heat was getting to her. Shed thought New York in the summer was hot, but it was nothing compared to Texas. The heat hadnt bothered her that much as a kid, but now it was draining every bit of energy.
She pressed a paper cup of iced tea against her forehead, wishing she could just pour the tea over her head, as she watched the twins go around and around on the carousel. She smiled and waved to the girls as they passed her, thinking she and Carolyn had probably ridden those same painted wooden horses a long time ago.
Amanda was waving one arm like a rodeo rider as her palomino went up and down. Next to her, Josie clung to the pole of her stationary horse as if she feared it would throw her.
Worry flickered through her. Her mother felt Josies timidity would resolve itself if they left her alone. Mama certainly had more experience than she did in dealing with children, so why did it still tease her, seeming to say she should do something?
The tempo of the carousel music changed, and the horses slowed their movement. The twins were out of her view, their horses now on the far side of the carousel.
Apprehension grabbed her. The carousel was going to stop with the twins about as far from her as they could be. Would they have sense enough to stay put until she reached them? She should have reminded them before the ride had started.
The music tinkled to a stop, and people began to pour off the carousel, even as others started to climb on. She struggled against the crowd of cheerful kids and adults, trying to spot the girls.
It was irrational, wasnt it, to feel so panicky because they were out of her sight? She couldnt seem to help it, and she couldnt get there fast enough.
Finally the crowd cleared, and she hurried past one painted horse after another. There was the palomino Amanda had ridden, with the stationary chestnut beside it. They were both empty.
She turned, searching the immediate area with her gaze. Where were the children? They were her responsibilityshe should have gone on the carousel with them. They could be scaredJosie might be crying.
And then she saw them walking toward her. Steve had each one by a hand, and Amanda was clutching a bunch of balloons.
She raced toward them, reaching them and catching both girls in a hug. Where were you? I was scared when I couldnt find you.
Steve grasped her hand warmly. Theyre fine. Im sorry if they scared you.
Scared is the right word. She took a breath. What happened? Why didnt you stay where you were and wait for me to come?
I saw a man with balloons. Amandas tone said she knew perfectly well shed made a mistake and wasnt going to admit it.
Thats where I caught up with them, Steve said. I happened to walk past the balloon man.
Caitlyn knelt so that she was eye to eye with the twins. Listen, guys, you scared me. Dont ever do that again, okay?
Amandas lower lip came out, but after a moment she nodded. Okay. I promise.
Josie nodded, too, looking close to tears.
Good. Caitlyn hugged them. Had this been her first parenting success? At least Amanda hadnt argued. And thanks to Steve, they were safe.
She rose, blinking back a stray tear as she looked at Steve. Thank you. If you hadnt seen them before they wandered even farther
They wouldnt have gone far, he said comfortingly. He turned to the girls. Hey, do you know how to make balloon animals?
They shook their heads solemnly.
Well, if I can just borrow a balloon, youll see. He took one of the long balloons from Amandas hand. I wonder what I can make. He twisted the balloon in his hands, frowning a little. Finally he held it out.
A giraffe. The twins shouted the word in unison.
He handed it to Josie, and she looked enchanted.
One for me, Amanda said quickly. She gave him another balloon. A giraffe, please.
Well, well just have to see how it turns out. He twisted the balloon in his strong hands, frowning at it intently.
Whats wrong? Cant guarantee another giraffe? Caitlyn asked softly.
He grinned. I hate to promise what its going to be. It usually looks like an animal, but not necessarily what I think its going to be.
Fortunately for all of them, this one turned out enough like a giraffe to make Amanda happy, and the two girls decided to make their giraffes dance together to the music of the carousel.
Youre a success. Caitlyn smiled at him. And were lucky you came along when you did.
Not so much luck, Steve said. I ran into Betty and she asked me to join yall for dessert and to watch the fireworks. I said Id round you up.
I see. It seemed she was destined to see Steve wherever she went. As hed said, it was a small town. Well, Im still glad you came when you did. I was starting to panic. Im beginning to appreciate every gray hair Carolyn and I caused our mother.
She said it lightly, but judging by Steves expression, he wasnt taking it that way.
Not easy being a parent, is it?
Im not a parent. I cant ever take their mothers place.
The words came out without her thinking them through, but she realized they were true as soon as she said them. Shed do what she could, but she couldnt take Carolyns place.
Steve stopped, turning to face her. Is that really what you think? He was frowning as if hed taken her measure and found her lacking in some way. Because thats what those children need, and you might just have to sacrifice what you want to give it to them.
Caitlyn could only stare at him in disbelief, as anger welled up in her at his stinging criticism. I appreciate your interest, Chaplain Steve. But my family life is not really any of your business.
Without giving him a chance to respond, she grabbed the girls hands and stalked off in the direction of the picnic grove.
It was all very well to have the last word, Caitlyn decided, but it lost its effect if you had to be with that person for another two hours.
Shed expected Steve to beg off watching the fireworks with them. Thats what shed have done, if their positions were reversed.
But he hadnt. Hed come back to the picnic table with them and eaten a slab of Mamas pecan pie and drunk a glass of lemonade, chatting all the while as if there werent a trace of strain between them.
Now, he helped her spread a blanket at the riverbankthe ideal spot, her mother declared, for watching the fireworks.
Thanks. She smoothed out a corner and sat down, glancing at the twins running among the blankets with a couple of friends, each one waving a flag or a glow stick. Heres a spot for you, Mama. She patted the space next to her.
Her mother shook her head. I was just talking to Maisie Elliot, and shes going on home now. I think maybe Ill ride along with her. Im just a mite tired.
Mama, if youre tired, we can go home now. We dont have to stay for the fireworks. She started to get up, but her mother was already shaking her head again.
No, no, the girls would be so disappointed. You know how theyve been looking forward to staying up for the fireworks. Yall stay. Steve will keep you company, I know.
I dont think
I wont hear of you leaving, Mama said flatly. Now just you do as I say, Caitlyn Ann.
If a parent uses both names, youd better give up, Steve said. His smile seemed genuine.
She sank back down reluctantly. I guess youre right. Well see you at home, then, Mama.
Her mother blew a kiss and started off to find her next-door neighbor. Caitlyn watched her go, and her heart clenched.
Shes aged, she said softly, nearly forgetting who she was talking to.
Its been pretty rough on her. Steve leaned back on his elbows, his gaze intent on her face. Even before Carolyn and Dean died, I could see the toll it was taking on her. She wouldnt admit it, but taking care of those girls full-time was beyond her.
You think I dont know that? She let the exasperation show in her voice. Have you ever tried to stop Betty Villard from doing something she thought was her duty?
I know what you mean. He smiled. Texas women are tough.
She shrugged. Ive been away too long to qualify, Im afraid.
Never say that. The laughter seemed to leave his face. Caitlyn, I need to apologize to you for what I said earlier. I overstepped my bounds.
Yes, you did.
Youre a hard case, you know that? Im saying Im sorry.
Much as she hated to admit it, that lopsided grin of his affected her. All the annoyance shed been clinging to slid away.
Its all right, she said. I know you care about the girls. As for meIm still just feeling my way with them.
Its pretty different from your life in New York, is it?
Ill say. I probably dont see a child from one month to the next there.
No married friends with babies?
She shrugged. I work long hours. When Im off, I guess I try to catch up on my sleep.
That sounds a little lonely.
Lonely? I dont have time to be lonely. The firm isnt happy unless theyre getting sixty hours a week out of us.
He smiled. Like I said. Lonely.
You dont understand. He probably couldnt. She didnt know what the army expected of a chaplain, but it couldnt be anything like the expectations of her firm. Thats what it takes in my line of work. You put in outrageous hours, knowing that the payoff at the end is worth it.
She sounded defensive, she realized. That was ridiculous. She didnt owe anyone an explanation of the life shed chosen.
The military band struck up a march just then, and she was glad. It would save her from another argument with Steve.
Hey, Amanda! Josie! Steve called. Come on, the fireworks are going to start any minute.