Above All Else (Sandy Cove Series Book 7)

by Rosemary Hines

  The next morning, Caleb was out back shooting hoops when Luke approached him.

  “Can I join in?” his brother-in-law asked.

  “Sure,” Caleb replied, tossing the ball to him.

  They played one-on-one for about fifteen minutes. Luke was a pretty good match for him, but Caleb was able to take him with a few extra baskets.

  “Guess I need to practice more,” Luke said with grin as he launched the ball back to Caleb. “Hey, can we talk for a minute?” he asked.

  “Okay,” Caleb replied, resting the ball on his hip. “What’s up?”

  “Maddie and I have been talking, and we’ve decided I need to make a trip back to the orphanage. Chen—the kid who kind of adopted us while we were there—isn’t doing so well. Plus, I need to talk to Erick about us needing to stay here in the states at least through the pregnancy. With my dad’s health issues and Maddie’s higher risk pregnancy, we both feel we need to be here in Sandy Cove right now.”

  Caleb nodded. “Anything you want me to do for you while you’re gone?”

  Luke looked him in the eye. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d consider going with me.”

  The idea caught Caleb completely off guard. Why would Luke want him to go along?

  Before he could gather his thoughts to answer, Luke added, “I know things have been a little rough here with you and your dad. Maybe it would be good for you to get away for a while.”

  He did have a point there. It would be cool to get out from under his dad’s thumb. “What about school?” Caleb asked, knowing his parents would never let him slack off there.

  “Yeah, I thought about that. But you’re off for winter break now, so the timing might be perfect,” Luke replied.

  “Yeah, but just for another two weeks.”

  “So, what if we could be back by then? I’m thinking maybe a week to ten days would be enough time for me to work things out with Erick and help Chen get settled into a routine.”

  The next thought that popped into Caleb’s head was his job. “I’d have to check with work,” he said. “But maybe I could get a couple of the other servers to cover. Most of them are off right now, too.”

  “Okay, what if I talk to your parents about it, and you see what you can do about scheduling people to cover your shifts?” Luke suggested.

  Caleb hesitated for a moment. Did he really want to throw away the rest of his vacation to go to some orphanage in China? Plus he’d be losing some income. On the other hand, Luke was right—it would be great to get away. He bounced the ball a few times, and then looked over at his brother-in-law. “Sounds good. If you can get my parents to agree to me going, I’ll make some calls, to see who’s available to work.”

  That evening, after discussing his idea with Madison, Luke sat down with Steve and Michelle. He explained his plan to return to the orphanage for a brief stay, and proposed his idea of taking Caleb with him.

  After he’d assured them that it would be a short stay, and that he’d have Caleb back in time for the end of winter break, Steve asked, “Are you sure you want the responsibility of him along with everything else you’ll need to accomplish while you’re there?”

  “I believe this is what God wants me to do,” Luke replied. “And for that reason, I’m not concerned about any added responsibility weighing me down.”

  “So you’ve prayed about this?” Michelle asked.

  “Yes. In fact, I was praying about the whole trip, when I suddenly felt God put it on my heart to take Caleb along.”

  “Have you mentioned it to him?” she asked.

  “I did. I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to see if he’d even be open to the idea before I approached you,” Luke replied. “Of course, I told him you’d have to agree to it.”

  “How did he respond?” Steve asked.

  “At first he was reluctant, but the more we talked about it, the more he seemed interested,” Luke said.

  “It might be good for him to see a world that’s very different from the one he’s used to here,” Michelle said to Steve. “I mean it’s easy to take for granted everything we have. It might open his eyes and make him thankful for what he’s got.”

  “I’m for that,” Steve replied. “Lately it’s pretty clear there’s nothing I can say or do to reach him.” He paused and then turned to Luke. “We’ll discuss it between the two of us and pray about it. Then we’ll give you an answer in the morning. I’m sure you’re eager to book your flight.”

  By morning, Luke had his answer. Caleb would be allowed to go with him. He immediately checked back with his brother-in-law and learned that Caleb found some replacements to cover his work shifts. Within an hour, their tickets were purchased and the packing began.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Snow blanketed the city as Luke and Caleb’s flight landed in Beijing. Erick met them at the airport, greeting Luke with a warm embrace. “And this must be Madison’s brother, Caleb,” he said.

  “And now my brother, too,” Luke added, giving Caleb a pat on the back.

  “Hey,” Caleb said as he clasped Erick’s hand in his.

  While Luke and Erick talked in the front seat, Caleb checked out the views of the city and countryside. Everything looked gray and dreary in the heavy clouds and dirty snow. Great. Ten days of gloom.

  Finally approaching the Children’s Garden, Caleb was relieved to be finished traveling. He’d been hungry for over an hour, but didn’t want to say anything to Luke. Taking another swig of water from his bottle, he hoped they’d be eating soon.

  The place looked pretty desolate until they entered the recreation center. Children of all ages were occupied in various activities, and a cacophony of noises from their voices and the televisions and toys took a minute to get used to. Then a small boy came barreling their way.

  “Mr. Luke! Mr. Luke!” he called as he charged into Luke’s arms.

  “Chen!” Luke replied, lifting the boy and swinging him in a circle in his arms.

  As Chen nestled into Luke’s neck and hugged him tightly, Caleb felt awkward and out of place. He’d watched Luke play with his little brothers and sisters, but that seemed perfectly normal. This bond with Chen was different. Something in the boys’ eyes haunted Caleb. It was like the joy of a son who’d finally been reunited with his father. The joy Caleb had lost with his own father and had sought with Adam.

  Turning to Luke, Erick said softly under his breath, “Amazing. Those are his first words since you left.” Then directing his attention to the boy, he said, “We’d better let Mr. Luke get settled back into his residence, Chen,” as he tried to peel him out of Luke’s arms. But Chen just clung tighter to Luke’s neck.

  “It’s okay, Erick. He can come along,” Luke said. “We’ll see you at dinner.”

  “Okay, let me know if you guys need anything. I put some extra blankets in your room. It’s been falling below zero at night.”

  “Thanks,” Luke replied. Then turning to Caleb, he added, “This way,” as he headed out of another door and into a long hallway.

  While Caleb followed, he saw Chen watching him over Luke’s shoulder. He gave the boy a half-hearted smile. But Chen just buried his face. Caleb shook his head and looked away. What am I doing here?

  Once they were inside the residence, Luke sat down on a chair and gently removed Chen’s arms from around his neck. As the boy got settled onto his lap, Luke said, “Chen, I want you to meet Caleb.”

  Chen eyed him warily. “Where Miss Maddie?”

  “She couldn’t come. This is her brother.” Luke explained.

  Chen scowled a little at Caleb. “You no go away again, Mr. Luke,” he said firmly.

  Caleb could see the emotion in Luke’s eyes. Leaving again in a week and a half was going to be as difficult for Luke as it was for the boy. Wish I would have stayed home. I don’t need Luke’s problems on top of my own.

  Caleb was starving by the time they had dinner. The dining hall was crammed with children and the aides who cared for them. A ringi
ng bell hushed the room, and Erick stood to ask a blessing on their meal. Then serving began.

  As Caleb inhaled his food, he listened to Erick and Luke discussing the events of the past few weeks. Chen remained glued to Luke’s side, watching his every move as he silently ate.

  After dinner, Erick asked Caleb if he’d mind taking Chen back to the residence while he and Luke had a meeting. “Okay,” Caleb replied reluctantly. Holding his hand out to the boy, he couldn’t help thinking, Wow, now I’m a babysitter.

  As if reading his thoughts, Chen grasped Luke’s hand instead.

  “It’s okay, Chen,” Luke said reassuringly. “You go with Caleb. I’ll be there soon.”

  Chen studied his face with furrowed brow.

  “I promise,” Luke added.

  Shifting his gaze to the floor, Chen slid off of his seat and silently took Caleb’s hand. As they walked, Caleb made at stab at a conversation, but Chen was unresponsive. He marched along beside Caleb like a little soldier headed to battle with a determined courage but lacking any joy. You and me both, kid, Caleb thought to himself as he escorted the boy back to the room.

  Once they were in the residence, Chen released Caleb’s hand and went over to a small box of toys in the corner. Pulling them out, he began playing with two trucks, moving them over the wood floor and making engine sounds.

  Caleb pulled out his cell phone and checked for messages. He was just getting into a Facebook post, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. It was Chen, handing him a fire truck. The boy looked so serious and almost sad, that Caleb felt guilty ignoring him. Sighing and putting his phone back in his pocket, he sat on the floor and began making the sounds of a siren, as he drove the truck around in a circle.

  Taking the engine from Caleb, the boy imitated what he’d seen. Soon they were taking turns driving the fire engine, while Caleb hoped to himself that Luke would return and take over.

  “Are you serious?” Luke asked. “When did this come about?”

  “A few days ago, we got the call. She claims she is his father’s sister. She and her husband were living in the states, but work has brought them back to Beijing. They just found out about Chen, and she sounds like she’s interested in possibly adopting him.”

  “But they haven’t even met him,” Luke said.

  “True. But they’ve seen pictures on our website,” Erick explained, adding, “They seem like really sincere people.”

  “Are they believers?” Luke asked.

  “I don’t know. We didn’t discuss that. But they’re coming out here this week. I wanted you to be here to meet them.”

  Luke sat back in his chair. “Wow… I guess this could be good,” he said adding softly, “all things considered.”

  Erick nodded. “I know you’re pretty attached to Chen, Luke. And he’s definitely bonded with you. But your life is taking a new turn now with Madison having a baby. And it sounds like you’re going to be needed back in Sandy Cove to help with your father’s church, too. This could be the answer for both Chen and you.”

  Luke looked up at him and nodded. “Yeah,” he replied, trying to smile, but his heart felt heavy.

  When he got back to the residence, Chen immediately left what he was doing with Caleb and raced into Luke’s arms. “Whoa, there,” Luke said.

  “We’ve been playing with the trucks,” Caleb offered.

  “You play, Mr. Luke,” Chen added, taking Luke’s hand and pulling him along.

  Caleb stood and took a seat on the bed, whipping out his phone, and Luke and Chen pushed cars around the small apartment, while Luke tried to imagine Chen living with the other family.

  After finally setting his phone aside, Caleb turned to Luke. “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “You look like you’re upset about something,” he replied.

  Luke deflected by changing the subject. “Time for this little guy to get ready for bed,” he said.

  Chen sighed and obediently began collecting the vehicles and putting them away. Luke knew that the next few days would be a challenge as he prepared the boy for a possible adoption that would change his life forever.

  Once Chen was settled for the night, Luke turned to Caleb. “I’ve gotta call Madison. I’ll be back in little while,” he added.

  “No problem. I’m going to bed myself,” Caleb replied. “Been a long day.”

  Luke walked out into the courtyard. He could see his breath as the cold air nipped at his face. I need to be alone to talk to her. But where? Then he remembered the office next to the infirmary. That would be perfect.

  Pulling his key ring out of his pocket, he flipped to the correct key and hurried over to unlock the door. It was cold inside, but not as cold as the courtyard. Quickly, Luke cranked up the wall heater a bit and settled down at the desk.

  As soon as he heard Madison’s voice on the other end, he realized how acutely he needed and wanted her by his side. “Everything okay out there?” she asked.

  How should he respond? And why wasn’t he happy and hopeful about the possibility that Chen could have a forever family in his near future?

  “I miss you,” he said, swallowing hard to push down the emotions that threatened to overtake him.

  “We miss you, too,” she replied.

  “We?”

  “Me and the little peanut,” she said with a sigh.

  “But you’re feeling okay, right?”

  “Yep,” she replied. “Good as gold. I saw the doctor today, and she said I’ll need to be cautious because of the VWS, but I’m feeling excited and…okay…maybe a little bit nervous, but that’s to be expected.”

  “No morning sickness or anything like that?” he asked, trying to focus on her and the addition of a baby into their lives, while he pushed away thoughts of Chen.

  “Not really. A little bit now and then throughout the day when I go too long between eating, but nothing horrible.”

  “That’s great,” he replied.

  “How’s Chen?” she asked, and his emotions surged again. “I’ll bet he was happy to see you.”

  “Yeah. So there’s some news about him,” he added.

  “Really? Tell me.”

  “Apparently his father had a sister, and she and her husband are coming to meet Chen. They may want to adopt him.”

  “Seriously? That’s great!”

  “Yeah. In fact they’re coming to meet him in a few days.”

  “You don’t sound happy about that,” she commented.

  “I’m trying to get used to the idea,” he replied. “When I saw Chen…it was like…” Luke sighed and searched for words. “It was like a missing piece was found.” He paused and then added, “I can’t really explain it, Maddie. There’s just something about that little guy…”

  The phone line was silent.

  “Are you still there?” he asked.

  “Yeah. I’m just thinking,” she answered. “Luke, I know you and Chen are super close, and I totally get it if you are thinking you’d like to bring him home with you. I do.”

  “But?”

  “But it just seems like there are so many changes going on in our lives right now—with the baby, and your dad, and moving back to Sandy Cove.”

  “Yeah. You’re right. It’s probably not the best thing for us or Chen,” he admitted. “Maybe this other couple is the answer.”

  “Just see what they are like. Give them a chance, okay? And see how Chen responds to them,” she said. “I think you’ll be able to tell if it’s a good match or not.”

  “Okay,” he replied. “Thanks, babe.”

  “For?”

  “Just for understanding and helping me get some perspective,” he said.

  “I’ll be praying for you to have wisdom and discernment when you meet them,” she promised.

  Before they hung up, they prayed together for all the orphans at Children’s Garden, for God to use this trip in Caleb’s life as well as Luke’s and Chen’s, for Madison and the baby, and for Luke’s father
.

  “I love you, Luke,” Madison said after their amens.

  “Feeling’s mutual,” he quipped, his heart a bit lighter after laying their burdens at the feet of Jesus.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  The next day, Luke introduced Caleb to a group of boys from the four and five year old class. Although he felt a little awkward at first, Caleb managed to break the ice by offering one boy a piggyback ride around the playroom. Soon they were all begging for a turn. For the first time in quite a while, Caleb felt kind of good about himself. The kids seemed to really like him.

  When their break time was over, he noticed one little boy sitting off to the side by himself. When Caleb approached him, the boy fixed his focus on the ground, refusing to make eye contact. Glancing over at Luke, Caleb shrugged his shoulders in a questioning gesture.

  “He’s new,” Erick interjected, walking over to them. “Reminds me of how Chen was when he first arrived and while you were on vacation,” he added to Luke.

  A teacher’s assistant walked over and ushered the boy back to their classroom.

  “Man, it must be hard on these kids to suddenly be thrown into a strange place,” Caleb commented. “Not that there’s anything wrong with Children’s Garden,” he added hastily.

  Erick smiled and nodded, patting Caleb on the back. “We try to make it as easy as possible, but many of our kids come from a place of tragedy and loss,” he said. “Like that little guy. He was living with his grandmother, and she passed away last week. A neighbor found him alone in the house with her lifeless body, and brought him here.”

  Caleb winced. He felt really bad for the little guy. “Tough break,” he said. “What happened to his parents?”

  “No one knows,” Erick replied. “The neighbor said he’d been living with the grandmother since he was a baby.”