Orchard Hill Volume Two

by Kara Lynn Russell

  “Yes, Charity, you are,” David chimed in. “Do you want to keep coloring while I talk to Sarah?”

  Charity nodded and turned back to her colors. Sarah scrambled to her feet, ignoring the hand that David offered. She wasn’t a little old lady for heaven’s sake. She spent half her day on the floor with the children at school.

  “The kitchen is through here,” he said, ushering her through the doorway into a sunny room filled with the smell of fresh coffee.

  Heavenly.

  David indicated that she should sit at the counter, and went to pour them both mugs of coffee. “I hope you don’t mind, but I only have milk, no cream.”

  “That’s okay.” He remembered how she liked her coffee. How sweet. “Now what about this favor that you need.”

  He settled onto the stool next to hers, a wide grin on his face. “A woman that knows how to get down to business. I like it.”

  “A man who knows how to flatter,” she shot back. “I’m starting to worry about how big this favor is.”

  His countenance sobered. “You should worry. I hate to do this, and I wouldn’t ask if I weren’t in a real bind, but…”

  “But what?”

  “I got a call from a client today. I need to go out of town. Could you…could you take care of Charity until I get back. It’s just for a couple of days—three, tops.”

  Sarah was stunned. She didn’t know what to say, so she took a sip of coffee to give herself time to think.

  David must have taken her hesitation for reluctance, because he hurriedly continued. “I’m not the sort of person who would leave a child with a stranger, but I called Pastor Isaac today, and he vouched for your character. And I know it’s asking a lot, but honestly, there’s no one else to ask.”

  “What about your sister?”

  “I called her. Two of her kids are sick with the flu. I’m an independent consultant, and I can’t afford to turn down business.”

  His eyes pleaded with her. She was such a pushover. She was going to give in, and she knew it. But she wasn’t going to make it easy on him. “What about your mom?”

  “I can’t ask her to come back here so soon. She’s too fragile.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “Tomorrow morning. I’d be back as soon as possible. I’ve worked with this client before, and I know their system pretty well.”

  “Would you want me to stay here or take Charity to my place?”

  “I think it would be better for Charity if you stayed here. Does this mean you’ll do it?”

  “Well…..” She drew out the word, keeping him in suspense. Then she took pity on him and answered. “All right, I’ll do it.”

  “Thank you, Sarah, thank you.” She hadn’t anticipated that his happiness would be expressed in a hug, but suddenly she found herself crushed to his chest, his arms tight around her.

  She felt her heartbeat speed up and her face flush with warmth. She wasn’t used to hugs, except maybe from her girlfriends or her brother. And she certainly wasn’t used to bear hugs from thoroughly attractive men, that inexplicably made her feel…what did she feel? Like Alice, she thought it was “curiouser and curiouser.”

  He released her too soon for her to identify the feelings he’d stirred up. “Sorry, Sarah, I didn’t mean to get so carried away, but you’re an angel. How much do you want?”

  “What?”

  “For a salary. I wouldn’t dream of not paying you.”

  She considered. Her meager bank balance could use some assistance. But she wouldn’t feel right about it. “No, that’s not necessary. I’m happy to do it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.” She finished her coffee with one long drink and took the mug to the sink. “I’d better go home and pack a few things.”

  “Why don’t you come back for supper? That way you can see Charity’s routine.”

  “That’s a great idea. Can I bring something?”

  “No, it’s my treat. I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

  “It’s no big deal.”

  But it was, she admitted to herself later that afternoon while packing a bag. She was taking on responsibility for a child that wasn’t her own. She could never resist a person in need. That was going to get her into trouble some day.

  ****

  David decided to make lasagna for supper. He and Charity made a trip to the grocery store, for supper ingredients and to stock up on food so Sarah wouldn’t have to worry about running out of anything while he was gone. Charity shadowed him in the store, quiet and solemn.

  Again this bothered David. Shouldn’t a three year old be way more trouble than this? Was this a natural reaction to her mother’s death or was he doing something wrong?

  When they got home, the light on the answering machine was blinking. David hit the button to play the message. A woman’s cool voice spoke. “Hello. This is Beverly Van Huesen. I’m the sister of Charity’s father, and I’d like to speak to the executor of Maggie Daniels’ estate.” The voice went on to recite the phone number where she could be reached.

  “Now what could she want?” Charity’s dad had never even seen her. He had wanted Maggie to have an abortion and refused to have anything to do with Charity once she was born. Instead of asking for child support, Maggie had asked him to relinquish his rights as Charity’s father. He’d been only too happy to agree.

  David thought his sister was crazy for letting the guy off the hook like that, but she said she didn’t want anything from him except a total absence from their lives. Should he call this woman back or not? He didn’t know anything about Charity’s father or his family. David debated this while he put away the groceries and made the lasagna, and in the end, it was curiosity more than anything else that made him dial the number she’d left.

  “Hello, this is Beverly Van Huesen.”

  “Ms. Van Huesen, I’m David Daniels, the executor of Maggie’s estate.”

  “Thank you for returning my call Mr. Daniels.” Her voice was smooth and cultured.

  “You’re welcome. What can I help you with?”

  “I wanted to inquire about my niece.”

  “Charity? What about her?”

  “I would like to adopt her.”

  David’s jaw dropped. “You would? Why?” He realized that wasn’t the most tactful way to reply, but he was so surprised the words just slipped out.

  Beverly’s voice didn’t change from its calm, cool tone. “I realize that may be surprising, since my family has not been involved before this. I assure you that was Maggie’s choice, not mine.”

  That could be true. Maggie had never said anything about it one way or another.

  “Do you mind,” Beverly continued, “if I ask who the appointed guardian is at this time?”

  “I am.”

  “I thought so. You are, I believe, an independent consultant.”

  How would she know that? “Yes, I am.”

  “And single. No wife.”

  “I’m not married.” Where was this going?

  “So I can imagine that it would be difficult for you to take on the responsibility of a child.”

  “It will require some lifestyle change, yes.”

  “It would be so much easier for me to take Charity. My husband and I are quite well off. We don’t have any children of our own, and I don’t work, so I can devote lots of time to her.”

  “Really.”

  “So what do you think, Mr. Daniels. Will you allow me to adopt Charity?”

  Would he? Would this Beverly and her husband be better parents for her?

  “I don’t know. That’s a big decision to make.”

  “Yes, of course. How about we start with a meeting?”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “I could come to Maggie’s house on Friday afternoon. I’ll drive up from Chicago.”

  “I guess that would be all right. Do you need directions?”

  “No, that’s been taken care of. I’ll see you
Friday afternoon, Mr. Daniels.”

  David pondered the situation as he finished making supper. Maggie had definitely wanted nothing to do with her ex-boyfriend’s family. There had to be a reason for that, didn’t there?

  On the other hand, this could be an answer to his prayers. If this woman and her husband could make a loving home for Charity, then maybe he should let her have custody. He certainly wasn’t going to be voted parent of the year any time soon.

  The bell rang, breaking into his thoughts. David hurried to let Sarah in.

  “Hello. I hope I’m not late. How’s Charity? Has she said anything else? Oh, it smells wonderful in here. What are you making?”

  He laughed. “Slow down a bit so I can keep up with you.”

  “Sorry.”

  She’d changed into khaki capris and an oversized button-down shirt the same blue as her marvelous eyes.

  “Let’s see now, first, you’re not late, second, Charity is fine, but she hasn’t spoken again, and finally, supper is lasagna with a salad and rolls.”

  “That sounds great.”

  “Good, because everything is ready. Let’s eat.”

  They ate in the dining room. Sarah brought Charity to the table and lifted her into her booster seat. David brought out the salad and a basket of hot rolls. Then he went back to the kitchen and came out again with a steaming pan of lasagna.

  “You made it from scratch?” exclaimed Sarah. “I can’t believe it.”

  “What did you expect?” asked David, puzzled.

  “I thought it would be take out or that you’d just heat up a frozen lasagna from the store. That’s what I’d do anyway. I’m hopeless in the kitchen.”

  “I used to be that way, too. But after being on my own and on the road so much, I got so desperate for a home cooked meal that I bought a cookbook and taught myself.”

  “You taught yourself?”

  “Well, I may have had some help from my mom, but mostly she just gave me advice over the phone.”

  “Still, I’m amazed.”

  They said grace, and then David served the lasagna. It had turned out well, and he was feeling a little proud of it, but he feared Sarah’s praises put him in danger of getting a big head. She ate two helpings.

  Sarah offered to do the dishes. David refused, but she helped anyway. Luckily Maggie had a dishwasher, so there wasn’t a lot to do. He gave her a tour of the kitchen, glad that he had bought a lot of convenience foods today, now that he knew Sarah couldn’t cook. Then they went over Charity’s daily routine and David gave her a copy of his itinerary with cell phone number and email address listed.

  There was no reason for her to stay any longer, but David was in a good mood. He’d been dealing with Charity and his sister’s estate for too long. The pleasure of adult company, especially that of an adult as sweet and fun as Sarah, was too good to give up so soon.

  “How about we get some ice cream?” he suggested. “I know there’s a place within walking distance, and it’s a nice night.”

  “You should have told me this before I had that second piece of lasagna,” lamented Sarah. “But I’ll tag along if you don’t mind.”

  They talked about his business and his upcoming trip as they strolled along, Charity between them. The ice cream was good, and Sarah coaxed Charity into signing ‘thank you’ to him. It was a small success, but it made him even happier to be with Sarah.

  Just as they were about to leave, a car pulled up and three excited little girls spilled out and ran straight to Sarah, surrounding her with chatter. Charity shrunk back and hid behind him. He reached around and picked her up, hoping she’d feel more secure that way.

  “Hello girls,” Sarah responded, unruffled by their antics. “Let me guess. You talked your uncle-to-be into ice cream again.”

  “They certainly did,” said the tall brunette who got out of the car next. “It’s getting to be a thing with us.”

  From the driver’s side a man emerged, supposedly the uncle-to-be. David recognized them as Sarah’s friends from the coffee shop.

  “Hi Hope, Oliver, this is Charity’s uncle, David. David, I work with Hope and Oliver at the elementary school. And these wild girls are Hope’s nieces Dori, Lucy and Belle.”

  “Nice to meet you,” said David, offering his hand to Oliver and then to Hope. The girls, having greeted Sarah, ran ahead to the counter.

  “We’d better follow,” said Oliver, “or they’ll order everything on the menu. It was nice to meet you, David.”

  “We’re sorry about your sister. You’re doing a great thing by taking Charity,” Hope told him.

  “Thank you.” He hated receiving condolences. He never knew what to say.

  When Sarah saw Dori, Lucy and Belle running toward her, her heart sank. If the triplets, known as the terrible trio, were around, it was a good bet that Hope was there as well. And sure enough, she and Oliver climbed out of the car a few seconds behind the girls.

  Sarah knew what Hope would be thinking--that she and David were on a date. She willed herself not to blush, a sure sign of guilt, as she handled the introductions. As Oliver and Hope moved past them and to the counter to order, Hope winked at her and elbowed her in the side. Sarah felt her cheeks grow warm. So much for not blushing.

  But by the time they’d walked back to Maggie’s house, she felt like she’d regained her composure. “Thank you so much for dinner, David,” she said as they reached the drive.

  “It was nothing. Thank you for taking care of Charity.”

  “When did you say you’d be back?”

  “I have to be home by Thursday. I have a visitor coming on Friday.”

  “A visitor?”

  “I can’t believe I forgot to tell you! I got a phone call from Charity’s father’s sister. She wants to adopt Charity.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  “I hope so. She said that she’d be able to stay home with Charity.”

  “Oh. Well, that sounds good.”

  “I’m only meeting her on Friday. I haven’t agreed to anything, you know.”

  She felt a flash of relief. “Of course. I knew that.”

  To cover her embarrassment, Sarah turned to Charity to say good night. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning bright and early,” she told the little girl. “We’ll have lots of fun.”

  Sarah was rewarded with one of Charity’s rare smiles and then the little girl ran up the drive and into the house.

  David stepped closer to her. “Thank you again, Sarah, for all your help. I’m so glad Charity found you the other day.”

  “I’m glad, too.” And she meant it.

  “Thank you for having supper with us, too. This is the best evening I’ve had since…since I got the call about Maggie.

  “Oh David.” Impulsively she reached out and hugged him.

  And he hugged back. He leaned down and pressed his face into her shoulder. She could feel his warm breath tickling her neck. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She’d meant the hug to comfort him, but it was doing something entirely different for her.

  He loosened his hold on her, but before letting go, David kissed her briefly, sweetly, on the lips. “Sarah, you’re an angel. What would I do without you?”

  “Oh, you’d do just fine.” Was that her voice? Why did it sound so squeaky?

  Somehow she managed to say good night and walk to her car. With one last wave, David slipped back into the house.

  Driving home, Sarah wondered what had happened. Surely he hadn’t meant anything by the kiss. It was a thank you, nothing more. She could handle that.

  But it would probably be best to avoid hugging David in the future. She could definitely fall for the guy if she wasn’t careful.

  ****

  While David was gone, Sarah and Charity kept busy. They did craft projects together and went to the park. Sarah even managed to sneak in a little speech therapy here and there.

  David called every evening. On Thursday he told her “There’s a problem, and I won’t
be able to leave as early as I thought,” he said. “Charity’s aunt is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Can you explain things to her? I’ll be back by late afternoon.”

  “Sure,” Sarah assured him. “What time will she be here?”

  “She didn’t say exactly—just in the afternoon. She’ll probably call when she gets into the area.”