Family for Keeps & Sadie's Hero (7 page)

Mac pulled the hard chair close to the bed. “To talk.”

“What about?” Johnny narrowed his eyes on Mac.

Mac inhaled a deep breath and said, “About you coming to stay with me and Amy.”

Johnny’s gaze widened for a few seconds, then slid from Mac’s face. “Stay with you?”

“I have plenty of room. In fact, my house is too big for just Amy and me. We were hoping you’d share it with us.” When Johnny remained quiet, Mac added, “Mrs. Hocks has given her okay. You have to stay with someone. I’d like it to be us.”

Tess watched Johnny ball the white sheet in his hands, the video game slipping off his lap. It would have fallen to the floor if Mac hadn’t been quick and caught it in midair. Mac didn’t say a word to Johnny about the game, just set it on the child’s lap, his gaze fixed on Johnny.

The child latched on to the video game, his grip tight. “Okay, for the time being.”

“Great! I’m gonna make the arrangements, then I’ll be back to pick you up. Tess is going home with us after her shift is over at three. I need to call Amy and tell her you’re coming. She’s so excited.”

“She is?”

“She told me not to come home without you.”

Johnny stared wide-eyed at Mac as he left the room, his hands clenched around the video game so tight that his knuckles were white. “Did you ask him to do this?”

“No, he came up with the idea all on his own. I think it’s a good idea.”

“It’s only temporary.”

Tess’s heart ached. She came to sit where Mac had been and took Johnny’s hand. She felt his tremor as he curled his fingers into a ball. “We don’t know what the future holds for us. Things will work out,” she said with more conviction than she really felt.

Johnny gripped her for a few seconds before he realized it and released his grasp. “Yeah, they always do,” he mumbled.

Tess hated to hear sarcasm in such a young child. He was world-weary and only ten years old.

“We’re home,” Mac called as he stepped into his house with Johnny and Tess beside him.

Amy came running from the den and flung herself into Mac’s arms. He picked her up and planted a big kiss on her cheek.

“Look who I brought home, pumpkin.” Mac put Amy down.

The little girl swung her attention to Johnny and smiled. “Good. I want to show you my toys.” She took his hand and started for her bedroom. “Daddy said we can get a puppy.”

“Daddy said we will talk about it,” Mac replied to the two retreating backs. He turned to Tess with a helpless expression on his face.

She shrugged. “Don’t look at me. Personally I think a dog would be great. I wish I could have one in my apartment.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I’ve left it up to Nina. She’ll be the one cleaning up its messes.”

“And I haven’t decided.” Nina walked into the foyer, wiping her hands on her apron. “Where’s Johnny? Did I miss him?”

“Amy’s already captured him and dragged him to her room to show off her doll collection.”

“Something I’m sure the boy is dying to see. I’d better go rescue the child.” Nina headed for the hallway that led to the bedrooms.

“Come on. Let’s go into the den. It won’t be long before Nina brings them in there.”

“How long has she worked for you?”

“Before I was married, and since Amy’s birth she lives here. I don’t know what I would have done without her help. She’s priceless and she knows it.”

Just as Mac predicted, Nina brought the two children into the den a few minutes later. From the expression on Johnny’s face Tess realized the boy was probably shell-shocked. Amy was still chattering as they walked into the room.

When Amy saw her father, she went up to him and asked, “When can we go pick out a puppy? I told Johnny he could name her.”

“A her, is it?”

“Yes, so she can have puppies.”

“You have this all figured out?”

Amy nodded.

Mac looked at Nina. “What do you think?”

“I think this weekend would be a good time,” the housekeeper answered.

“You heard Nina. We’ll get a puppy this weekend.”

Smiling from ear to ear, Amy turned to Tess. “Will you come, too?”

“Well—” Tess searched her mind for a reason to say no, but she couldn’t come up with one, especially when several pairs of eyes were glued to her waiting for her answer. “Fine. What time on Saturday?”

“I thought we would go out to Colt’s farm after church on Sunday. Why don’t you go with us to church? We can make it an all-day outing.”

Tess glanced at Amy then Johnny and couldn’t refuse, even though the outing was turning into something she wasn’t ready to deal with. “Okay,” she answered slowly, feeling as though she’d been cornered.

“Good. Church begins at nine-thirty. I’d better warn you. The whole MacPherson clan will be at church.”

“Whoa. I’m not sure I remember everyone’s name.”

“That’s okay. I’ll help you,” Amy said, climbing into her father’s lap.

“How many are there?” Johnny asked, his eyes round.

“Too many to count. We’ll just have to stick together on Sunday, Johnny.”

“Tess. Tess,” Mac said, shaking his head, “don’t scare the child away. I know my family can be a bit overwhelming, but there are only thirty or thirty-five of them.”

“Thirty? Thirty-five? You don’t know how many people are in your family?”

“Well, it depends on what you want to classify as family. I have a few first cousins you haven’t met yet. And then there are my second and third cousins.”

Tess raised a hand to stop him. “That’s enough. I’ll never keep everyone straight. I have a terrible time with people’s names. Faces I can remember. Names go in one ear and out the other.”

Mac grinned. “I’ll help, too. And, Johnny, my large family just means you have a lot of children to play with. My family’s looking forward to meeting you.”

“They are?” Johnny squeaked, a bit overwhelmed, a stunned expression on his face.

“Come on, pumpkin. Let’s show Johnny his bedroom. You look like you could rest before we have dinner.” Mac rose and set his daughter on the floor.

When Johnny stood in the doorway of his room, he scanned the area that had obviously been decorated with a boy in mind. There was a blue bedspread on the double bed and a few toys on top of it. A computer sat on the desk with a fish tank on a stand next to it. The light illuminated several angelfish and some other types of fish for which Tess didn’t know the names.

“This is for me?” the boy said in awe, taking a few steps into the room and slowly turning in a full circle.

“I didn’t want to do too much. You can hang whatever posters you want.” Mac settled his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Go on and make yourself at home.”

Johnny walked to the navy blue beanbag in the corner and sat in it, bouncing a few times. Next to it was a bookcase with books on two shelves. He perused the titles. “The Hardy Boys?”

“I know those books are old. They were mine when I was growing up. We can get you some books that you like to read. Amy and I go to the library once a week. I hope you’ll join us.”

Johnny didn’t say anything. He just stared at the Hardy Boys mysteries on the shelf next to him, running his finger along the spines of several to them.

“I think it would be a good idea if you rested for a while,” Tess said, noting the dark circles under Johnny’s eyes and the ashen cast to his skin.

Tess knew he was feeling tired when he didn’t protest but lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. Everyone backed out of the room, and Mac quietly closed the door.

“Do you want to see my room?” Amy asked, taking Tess’s hand and guiding her toward the door next to Johnny’s.

“I’d be honored.”

“While Amy shows you her room, I’m gonna help Nina get dinner ready. Come into the kitchen when you’re through with the tour.”

As Tess crossed the threshold into the little girl’s bedroom, she glanced at Mac disappearing down the hall. He stopped at the end and peered back. The smile that lit his face melted her insides, and she knew she was in big trouble. He was even more appealing on his home turf.

T
ess held Amy and Johnny’s hands as they left the sanctuary. She sensed Mac behind her with members of his family flanking him. Alice grasped Amy’s other hand. The mass of people leaving the church slowed as they approached the pastor and stopped to say a few words to him.

Pastor Winthrop’s message still rang through Tess’s mind. “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” The Bible verse from Matthew described the power of the Lord’s forgiveness. Then why couldn’t she forgive herself for surviving and continuing to live after so many of the people she’d cared about had died?

When she laughed, she thought of Jorge, who would never be able to tell her one of his silly jokes again. When she helped a patient, she thought of Kevin, who had devoted his life to the Lord and medicine, feeling the power of both could do anything…except save his life.

The family ahead of them moved on, and Tess came face to face with Pastor Winthrop. Her hand trembled as she reached out to shake his and say, “Your sermon was thought-provoking.”

“Good. That’s what I want to do. Get my congregation thinking about the Lord.”

“I’m Tess Morgan, a friend of Mac’s. I’m just visiting for the day.”

“I hope you’ll come back. We always love to have new faces around here. Alice is a great one for recruiting people to help with various tasks that need to be done at the church. Don’t be surprised if she calls you up. Before long, you might become a regular.”

Mac’s mother laughed. “Now, Pastor Winthrop, I’m not that bad. But I do run a tight ship where the Lord is concerned. His house must be kept tidy.”

“And I for one appreciate all your efforts.”

Mac leaned forward. “You ought to see what she has planned for the spring festival.”

“Speaking of which, I need to talk to you about some of the plans.” Alice stood to the side to allow her large family to file by while she remained to speak with the pastor.

“Tess, let’s get everyone into the car. We have about an hour’s drive to Colt’s farm.” Mac touched the small of her back.

“Who is this Colt?”

“He was a teammate of mine, a few years behind me. When he retired a year after I did, he bought himself a farm and takes in stray animals.”

“I thought you were going to get a puppy.”

“He has several puppies, but he also has other dogs that need a home.”

“Be careful. You might come home with more than one.” Casey came up behind them, clasping her brother on the shoulder. “You were always a sucker for a stray animal.”

“I’m not the one who adopted a baby squirrel, a robin and a fox, and that wasn’t that long ago.”

“You know, come to think of it I would like to ride out there with you.”

“And do what, young lady?” Alice said, joining the small group.

“We don’t have a dog. I think it’s about time we got another one.”

“That’s what I was afraid you thought.” Alice turned to Mac. “Don’t let her bring home anything bigger than Amy.”

“Then I can get a dog, too?” Casey asked, surprise evident in her expression.

“With our growing family, it would be nice to have a dog for the children to play with when they come over. Did you hear the news? Kayla is pregnant. With Mary due in a few months that’ll make two babies born this year to the MacPhersons. Not a bad year, if I say so myself.”

Mac saw Kayla with her husband, Paul. He swept his sister up and swung her around. “Way to go, Kayla. Your patience has finally paid off.”

“I gather Mother told you the news.”

Tess hung back as the members of Kayla’s family congratulated her. Tess held Johnny’s hand, but Amy was in the midst of the adults in her father’s arms, joining in the festive activities. Mac glanced at Tess and Johnny and stepped away from the group. He took Tess’s arm and pulled her and Johnny into the family.

“I know that we arrived late so I didn’t get to make the introductions. This is Johnny. He’ll be staying with me and Amy. Some of you have already met Tess at Steve’s birthday party.”

Mac went around the group surrounding them, giving each person’s name and the relationship to him. By the time he had finished, the spacious foyer of the church was filled with thirty members of Mac’s family. Johnny yanked on Tess’s arm, and she leaned down for him to whisper into her ear.

“Am I supposed to remember all these people?”

“No one expects you to. Now, me, they probably do. I’ll let you in on a secret. My mind stopped at the sixth name. We’ll work on it together.”

“It probably won’t make any difference. I won’t be here that long.”

She saw the corners of the child’s mouth twist down in a frown. “Why do you say that?”

“Because it’s the truth. I have no home. Since my mother died, I never stay long in any one place.” Johnny sidestepped, the look on his face discouraging further discussion.

Tess still feared that Johnny would run away. She hoped that wasn’t what he meant and realized she would have to let Mac know what Johnny had told her. She wanted this situation to work for everyone, because Mrs. Hocks wasn’t optimistic that she would locate any of Johnny’s relatives willing to take a ten-year-old boy.

As the members of Mac’s family moved slowly toward the double brass doors that led outside, Tess peered at the entrance to the sanctuary. There was a time when she would have gone into the church and prayed to God to keep Johnny safe and to find a home for him. Now she was afraid to ask—wasn’t sure how to. Her prayers before hadn’t worked.

“We’d better leave for the farm if we want to get home by dark,” Mac said at her side.

She glanced at him. Mac glowed with self-confidence. In that moment she felt everything would work out just as she had told Johnny it would. “Lead the way.”

Mac waved his goodbyes to the rest of his family. “Casey, you hop in back with Amy and Johnny and behave yourself.”

“Me? I’m always good on road trips.”

“Don’t get me started on that one.” Mac opened the door to the passenger’s side for Tess. “Remind me to tell you later about our family trip to the Grand Canyon.”

“That’s not fair. I was only four at the time.”

“She started out by getting sick all over me.”

“If you get car sick, you can sit up front.” Tess twisted to add, “I don’t mind riding in the back.”

Mac laughed. “She didn’t get sick because she was riding in the car. She got sick because she ate a whole box of chocolate candy an hour before we left.”

“A whole box!” Johnny buckled his seat belt.

“To this day I can’t eat chocolate. It makes my stomach churn.”

“That’s awful. I can’t imagine not liking chocolate.”

“So, Johnny, you’re a big fan of chocolate, are you?” Mac pulled out of the parking lot.

“Any way I can get it.”

“Then you’re gonna fit right in. Amy and I love chocolate. How about you, Tess?”

“Yep, I have to say I have a hard time passing it up.”

“Okay, you guys, if you’re trying to make me feel left out, you’re doing a great job.”

“Never, Aunt Casey. I love you.” Amy threw her arms around Casey and gave her a hug.

“I love you, too, squirt,” Casey said, tickling the little girl in her side.

Tess settled back, listening to the giggles and laughter. Before long Johnny was drawn into the fun with Amy and Casey ganging up on him. The three only calmed down when Mac threatened to stop the car in the middle of the highway.

“Casey Leigh MacPherson, I knew it was a mistake to bring you. Contain yourself for the children’s sake.” Mac’s amused tone belied his words.

“Aye, aye, sir. Just as soon as I thoroughly orient Johnny to the Tickle Monster.”

Another burst of laughter sounded in the car, prompting Tess to smile and say, “I think your sister is a lost cause.”

“One of my many burdens,” Mac said with an exaggerated sigh.

“Thank goodness we aren’t too far from the farm.”

“Uncle, uncle,” Johnny called between giggles.

“I think he’s thoroughly oriented, Mac.” Casey sat between the children as though she hadn’t caused a major upheaval in the car, her back straight, her hands clasped together in her lap, an innocent expression on her face.

“Now I’ll get a good night’s sleep.” Mac’s gaze twinkled as it found Tess’s for a brief moment before he returned his attention to the highway.

His look continued to undermine her determination to keep an emotional distance from Peter MacPherson. Tess focused on the beautiful mountainous terrain and tried not to think of the man next to her or the atmosphere of camaraderie that abounded in the car. Its lure tore at the barriers she’d erected around her heart, making her think of all kinds of possibilities.

Thirty minutes later Mac turned off the highway onto a dirt road that led to a log cabin set at the base of a mountain and nestled in a grove of pine trees. Tess counted five dogs and three cats in the yard as he brought the car to a stop in front of the house. A huge man, taller and bigger than Mac, came onto the porch and waved.

“What was Colt’s position on the team?” Tess asked, staring at the man who made Mac look small.

“Tackle. He’s six-seven and weighs three hundred fifty pounds. He prides himself on saying it’s all muscles.”

“Oh, my,” Casey whispered from the back while Colt left his porch and approached the car.

“Good to see you, Mac. Glad to see your leg has finally mended,” Colt said as everyone climbed out of the vehicle.

Mac shook Colt’s hand, then gestured toward the group behind him. “You know Amy.”

“She’s looking more and more like Sheila every time I see her.”

“That’s what Daddy says. I’m the spittin’—” Amy screwed her face into a thoughtful expression. “Spittin’?”

“Image, pumpkin.”

“Yeah.” Amy craned her neck and grinned at Colt. “You’re tall.”

“And this is Tess, Casey, my sister, and Johnny.” Mac pointed to each person.

“Well, you all are in luck. I have a nice selection of puppies for you to look at.” Colt began walking toward a barn about a hundred yards from his log cabin. “I hope you’ll stay for lunch.”

Tess scanned the barn, the scent of hay and animals filling the air. Along one side were stalls, all empty except one with a horse in it. Various pens were along the opposite wall with rabbits, a coyote and a hawk in them. A calico cat came up to Tess and rubbed its body along her leg before ambling over to Colt, who picked it up and stroked it, its purring added to the other noises the animals were making.

The children were drawn to a pen with six mixed-breed puppies waddling around. They were brown and black, and two of them were fighting over an old slipper. One nudged its nose under the bedding until it had managed to trap itself. It couldn’t figure out how to get out. Colt stepped over the wire fencing and rescued the puppy.

“Can I hold her?” Casey asked, climbing into the pen.

“Me, too, Aunt Casey.”

Tess noticed Johnny leaning over the fence and petting the runt of the litter. “Go on and pick her up.”

Johnny threw her a look of uncertainty, straightening immediately as though caught doing something wrong. “I might drop her.”

Tess reached into the pen and lifted the runt out, thrusting the puppy into his arms. “No, you won’t.”

The boy hesitantly took the squirming puppy from Tess and held it close to his chest. She began to chew on his finger, content in Johnny’s arms.

“I may have a problem here,” Mac said, coming up behind Tess.

“What?”

“Look at Amy and Johnny. Both are falling in love with different puppies.”

“You could always get both of them.”

“And have Nina walk out on me? How would I ever survive without her?”

“I suspect Nina can be won over. I think she’ll take one look at Johnny and Amy with their puppies and won’t say a word.”

“I like your optimism. If she says anything, I’ll tell her you assured me she would be okay with it.”

“Daddy. Daddy, I want this one.” Amy picked her way through the rambunctious puppies and held hers up for him to look at.

Johnny’s grin of delight vanished, and he put his runt in the pen, then shifted away from the fence. Tess’s heart twisted at the closed expression descending on his boyish face, the hunched shoulders and folded arms.

“How about if we pick two? Which one would you like, Johnny?”

Mac turned toward the child, whose chin rested on his chest.

Johnny’s head came up, and his eyes brightened. “You want me to choose one, too?”

“Sure. The puppy will be your responsibility if you want it.”

“I—” Johnny gulped. “Yes.”

Mac retrieved the runt from the pen and handed it to Johnny. “Is this the one you want?”

“Yes.” The boy buried his face in the puppy’s fur, rubbing his cheek against her. His grin was ear to ear.

“We get two puppies! Neat, Daddy. Then Johnny can name his and I can name mine.” Amy cradled hers in her arms. “I think I’ll call her Buttons.”

Mac lifted his daughter out of the pen while she still held her puppy. “But both of you have to feed them and make sure they have enough exercise.”

“I will,” Johnny and Amy said, almost at the same time.

“Well, now that is out of the way, let’s go up to the house. I have some stew on the stove. I hope you guys brought your appetites. I don’t get to cook often for guests and I think I went overboard.”

Everyone filed out of the barn, the two puppies left in their pen until later. Tess paused outside the large double doors and took a deep breath of the mountain air, perfumed with the scent of spring. The sun warmed her face while a light breeze blew strands of her hair as though dancing on it.

“I always enjoy visiting Colt. Sometimes I wished I’d moved up here, away from the hustle and bustle of Denver.”

“Why didn’t you?” Tess asked, slanting a look at Mac who stopped next to her while the rest headed for the log cabin.

“One word, family. They depend on me, and this is just too far away.”

Tess would have given anything to be able to say that. She’d wanted a large family, and now that didn’t seem a possibility. Her dream had died on that mountaintop in South America as surely as Kevin had, but that didn’t stop her from wishing.