| |
Hunter walked outside with Daisy. They had just finished her fifth session this week. She had another follow-up appointment with Dr. Rossio this afternoon to review some tests that had been run. Hunter had requested this week off just to help get all the appointments done, and Daisy comfortable with a single care provider. As they walked, he tried to put her down and give her free rein to explore, as Belle suggested. She stayed on his shoulder, gripping him for dear life.
“I thought that went exceptionally well,” Eryn interjected from beside him. She was the social worker that had been assigned Daisy’s case and was working to find the right placement. She had accompanied them here today for the appointment to get some feedback from Belle on her therapy plan.
“Have you had any luck with a foster home?”
She shook her head. “I’m new here in this county, as I just finished school. Because of that, I have asked around several county offices as far as two hundred miles away. No one has a medically fragile opening, and I don’t think taking her away from here right at this stage is an excellent idea. I would like to ask if you wouldn’t consider getting certified to keep her. I don’t need an answer now, but think about it.”
“I didn’t think single men were approved easily for this kind of thing,” he said with a furrow of doubt on his face as he turned to her.
“Traditionally, they weren’t. These days, stability, caring for the best needs of the child, and giving them a loving home are more important than your gender, or such factors. Besides, based on what Belle said, because of her fragile condition right now and uncertainty, not having older children in the home with her is the best course of action. We won’t find that in any of my other homes,” she sighed. “They are all full of children.”
“It has been disheartening, even in my job, to see more children coming through the system.”
“You would need to find some coverage for care before you return to shifts,” she said. “Have you given that any consideration?”
“I have someone in mind, as their ranch is only about a mile away from my property,” he finished. “I will have arrangements before I go back next week and send the details over to you.”
“Sounds good,” she said. “Bye, Daisy.”
The little girl didn’t stir from his shoulder.
He watched Eryn walk away and turned to go.
“Hi,” Matthew Katzen greeted him from a few feet away.
“Hi,” Hunter said as a smile spread across his face. This man was such a cheerful soul; every time he had encountered Matthew; he walked away more comfortable.
“Daisy, can you say hi to Matthew, and Babe his sheep?”
She raised her head and turned toward Matthew.
“Wow!” Matthew exclaimed. “She’s so tiny!”
“Yes, she is,” Hunter said. “She is putting on weight, and Dr. Rossio is helping. I bet she would love to see all the animals if you have time.”
“Cool,” Matthew said. “You want to see some sheep and puppies,” he asked with a bright smile up at Daisy.
Hunter realized she didn’t enjoy getting down for anything these days and went to interject. He was shocked when she silently wiggled out of his arms, and he gently lowered her to the ground.
“Can I go?” She asked with her head turned toward the ground. His heart broke at the down-turned head.
“Of course,” he whispered. “Matthew will take good care of you, and he knows all the cool animals here.”
Matthew reached out to Daisy, and she placed her tiny hand in his. “I will watch her, Hunter,” he said with a slight puffing of his chest.
“Thank you,” Hunter replied as tears threatened his eyes.
“He’s something special,” Jake said, coming alongside him.
“She hasn’t allowed anyone else to touch her, or even released me in five days now. He’s an angel, in my opinion,” Hunter replied.
“It’s a mighty important thing you have taken on,” Jake said, clapping him on the back. “Belle didn’t give me details, but she told me you should qualify for angel status, for the good you are doing that child.”
“Anyone in my position would help if given a chance.”
“I wish that were true,” Jake sighed. “If you need anything at all, please let me know.”
“I need a second opinion. I need to have childcare lined up by Monday when I return to the job,” he said. “You’ve met Trista, of course?”
“Yep, a bit guarded, super pretty but ‘good people’ like her family,” Jake replied.
“Would I be super crazy to ask her to watch Daisy, at least short-term? I know at some point she might flee Little Bend, and that would be bad if Daisy got attached. She, on the other hand, doesn’t have commitments, and I can’t put her in traditional care at night,” he finished.
“If she agrees, I think it would be a brilliant idea. The woman needs a reason to grow roots, and be part of something is my take. That little girl needs someone to keep her safe when you can’t be there. No reason Trista couldn’t be that person, in my opinion.”
“Thanks.”
“Any time. And if that doesn’t work, I’m certain we can arrange something if you let me know,” Jake finished.
“Truly appreciated,” he said, watching Daisy and Mathew interact at the pigpen area. She didn’t make a sound, but she also didn’t cringe or move away. He would take the little steps forward any day, he thought silently. It was better than the dirty, scared, and malnourished girl he discovered in the horrid place. He had big dreams for her, and every step in a forward direction was a good sign that in time she would overcome her rough beginnings.
