BEN LOOKED OUT AT THE WIND-DRIVEN RAIN. AS PROMISED, THE TROPICAL storm had become a hurricane, but because it was following in the wake of an autumn northeaster, the track had become much more challenging to predict. “It just figures we’d get a hurricane this late in the season,” Ben mused. “It’s really messing up my schedule.”
“You’ll be fine,” Macey said, pulling open the junk drawer.
Ben sighed and watched the raindrops trickling down the window. “Hopefully, we’ll dodge a bullet.”
“Hopefully we will, but I’d rather be prepared,” Macey said, rummaging through the drawer, looking for candles.
“Maybe it’ll stay out to sea . . . or maybe it’ll hit New England? Those hardy Northerners are due for a good thumpin’.”
“Still harboring a grudge?” she asked, eyeing him as she set the candles she’d found on the counter.
“Me? Noo . . . I’m married to one, remember?” he teased, pulling her into his arms.
“I remember,” she said, kissing him. She looked over his shoulder at the willow trees swaying back and forth. “I can’t believe Cora is coming out in this weather. I told her we’d meet them, but she said it’s procedure to come to the home where they’re placing a child.”
Ben nodded and searched her eyes. “You’re still sure about this?”
Macey looked up. “I am,” she said with conviction. “Are you?”
“I signed the papers, didn’t I?”
Macey eyed him suspiciously. “You’re getting cold feet, aren’t you?”
“No,” he said, unable to meet her gaze. “Okay, maybe a little. I just hope we’re not making a mistake. I mean this is one hell of a commitment. It’s not like taking in a three-legged dog.”
“I know, Ben. You’ve already said that at least ten times.”
“Well, it’s true. What if she doesn’t adjust? What if she doesn’t like us?”
“There are a lot of what-ifs in life, and I know this is hard for you, but sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith.”
“I’m not a very good leaper.”
“That’s the truth,” she said, laughing. “You have to be pushed, prodded, and pulled.”
Ben smiled, knowing it was true.
“Honestly, though, what’s the worst that can happen?”
“Um . . . we could be murdered in our sleep.”
“Ben! That’s not going to happen. She’s a little girl.”
“I know. I was just kidding. . . .”
“Well, don’t,” Macey scolded as she pulled away. “Did you bring in firewood before it started to rain?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Macey glanced at her watch. “Cora said they’d be here after lunch.”
“Speaking of which . . . what is for lunch?”
“I’m not very hungry, but I’ll make something for you.”
“Why aren’t you hungry? You’re not nervous, are you?” he teased.
“Nooo . . .”
“You are,” Ben said, laughing. “I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
“I just hope she likes it here. I hope she likes her room. I wish we’d had time to do more than just move out the crib and move in a bed and desk.”
“I think it’s better this way. Now, she can decorate it the way she wants.”
“I guess.”
“Did you tell your parents?”
“Yes, they’re very excited. They want to come over and meet her as soon as she’s settled. Did you tell yours?”
“I did. They said they want us to bring her down, too, so they can take her to Disney, but I told them we would have to see how it goes—it’s going to be a big adjustment for everyone.”
“Listen to us,” Macey said, shaking her head. “We don’t even know if it’s going to work and we’re already making plans.”
“I hope it does,” Ben said, pulling her into his arms again.
“Me, too,” Macey whispered. Just then, Keeper, who’d been lying on his bed, pulled himself up and hopped over to nuzzle between them.
“Hey, you,” Macey said, laughing. “You don’t want to be left out, do you?” She knelt down, and he pressed his copper head against her chest.
“You’re so silly,” she whispered, hugging him. A moment later, he pulled away, cocked his head, and barked excitedly as he hurried down the hall, wiggling his whole hind end.
Macey looked at Ben and raised her eyebrows. “Ready?”
He mustered a smile. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”