Two weeks later . . .
Darby walked into the townhouse, surprised to see Gage had already arrived. On these rare nights they were together, Darby encouraged Edith to take some time for herself. Tonight, Edith and a friend of hers had decided to go see a movie. “Hi, you’re early. I’ll be ready for dinner soon.”
“I have news.” Gage set Leo on his feet and crossed over to meet her. “I found Hailey Donovan.”
She instinctively took a step back. “You did? How? When?”
Now Gage looked uncertain. “I thought you’d be happy. You mentioned wanting to see your foster siblings, so I set out to find Hailey. She lives in Gatlinburg.”
“I am happy.” She swallowed hard. “And nervous. I don’t know what Hailey will think of me.” She glanced at their son. “Or Leo.”
“I don’t think she’s going to be upset to learn she’s an aunt,” Gage said.
“Gatlinburg.” Darby realized that neither one of them had ended up staying in Pigeon Forge. The place was a terribly gaudy tourist attraction these days, worse now than it had been ten years ago.
“I have her phone number,” Gage continued. He held out his cell phone. “Call her.”
She looked at the phone as if it were a poisonous spider. “How on earth did you get her number?”
“Well, if you must know, she actually found you. Found us. Apparently, our names hit the newspapers, and she had Sawyer help track us down,” Gage explained. “She called Detective Pride, who gave her number to me.”
Darby took the phone and glanced down at the number Gage had on the screen. She drew in a deep breath and pushed the button.
“Hello?” Hailey’s familiar voice caused a visceral reaction. Darby’s knees went weak, and she sank onto the sofa.
“Hailey?” Darby’s voice was thick with emotion. “Is that you?”
“Yes, is this Darby?”
“Yeah.” She gripped the phone so tight she feared she’d crack the casing.
“Is it really you?” Hailey’s voice sounded hopeful. “Tell me something only the two of us know.”
“We sneaked into motels to eat continental breakfasts.” Darby caught Gage’s gaze and smiled. “I can’t believe we’re talking after all this time.”
“Oh, Darby, I’ve thought of you so often.” Hailey sighed. “I’m so sorry we argued. I tried to find you after I got out . . .”
“But I’d taken off with Aaron, which turned out to be a big mistake.”
“No, it’s my fault, I shouldn’t have pushed,” Hailey insisted. There was a pause before Hailey asked, “How are you doing?”
“I’m really good. I, uh, got rid of Aaron and, well, made a bunch of other mistakes, but I’m six years sober and doing very well.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
“I, uh, also have a five-year-old son, Leo. He’s a great kid, and I’ve recently reconnected with his father.”
“Darby, listen, you don’t have to depend on Leo’s father for support. You can relocate here to Gatlinburg, and I’ll be happy to help out.”
“You’re still trying to fix me, huh?” Darby swiped at her tears. “There’s no need to worry, Gage Killion is a wonderful guy and believes God brought us together.”
“Really? He said that?” Hailey asked.
“Yes.” Darby wished she could see the expression on her sister’s face. “I love him, Hailey. And he loves me. We’re currently in Knoxville. You should know that relocating to Gatlinburg isn’t an option.”
“I’m really happy you found love, Darby. And, uh, I did too.”
It was Darby’s turn to be taken by surprise. “Really?”
“I’m engaged to a wonderful man named Rock Wilson, he’s a park ranger. And we’re hoping to get married soon.”
“That sounds wonderful, Hailey.” Darby smiled at Gage. “I hope I get to meet him sometime.”
“Oh, you will. I recently returned from Chattanooga, where Sawyer lives. Can you believe he’s engaged to be married too? It’s kinda crazy when you think about it. So far the three of us have found each other and love.”
“Sawyer?” Darby’s heart quickened. “Have you found the other fosters too? Cooper, Trent, Jayme, and Caitlyn?”
“Not yet, but we will.” Darby could hear Hailey say something in the background. “Listen, Darby, I want to see you. Rock says he’d love to take a weekend trip to Knoxville.”
“I’d love to see you too.” Darby could hardly believe she was having this conversation. “I’ve missed you so much, Hailey.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” Hailey’s voice was thick. “You don’t know how much I’ve thought about you over the years.”
“Back at you,” Darby assured her. “We’ll talk soon, okay? You have Gage’s number but take mine too.” She rattled off the information. “It’s wonderful to hear you’re happy.”
“And I’m glad to hear you’re happy too.” Hailey sniffed. “I also can’t wait to meet my nephew.”
Darby laughed. “Soon,” she promised. “We’ll meet up very soon.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.” Darby blinked away fresh tears as she handed Gage his phone back. “That was the nicest gift anyone has ever given me.”
“Well, I hope I can change your mind about that.” Gage gestured for Leo to come over. The little boy stood next to his father, and the likeness between them made her heart melt. “We bought you something, didn’t we, Leo?”
The boy nodded and held out a small box. “Daddy and I wanted to buy you something pretty.”
“Something pretty?” She took the box, searching Gage’s expression. When she opened the box, she saw a modest engagement ring.
“Darby, Leo gave me permission to ask you to marry me.” Gage looked serious. “We can have a long engagement, if that’s what you want.”
“No, Gage, I don’t want a long engagement.” She handed him the box. “Put the ring on for me.”
He did as she asked, and she nodded. “I love you, Gage, and I’d be honored to be your wife.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Gage said. “See, Leo? It worked. Your mommy has agreed to marry me.”
“Does that mean we’ll live together?” Leo asked.
“Yes, it does,” Darby assured him. She hugged and kissed Leo, then threw herself into Gage’s arms.
She couldn’t remember ever being this happy. Hearing from Hailey and her fiancé, Rock, learning about Sawyer’s engagement, followed by Gage’s proposal.
Life couldn’t possibly get any better than this.
Thanks for reading Darby’s Decision! I hope you’re enjoying all the stories related to the foster siblings. Are you ready to read Cooper’s Choice? Click Here!