Page 13 of Nashville Lights

“Social worker?” My people skills are at an all-time lowright now but I make a point of toning down my gruffness. “What kind of social worker?”

“Children’s welfare. Amanda Sullivan-Smith just called me. At her insistence—and it’s not unusual in these types of cases—the court has ordered a home visit by the Child Protection Agency to your place of residence. To make sure Daisy’s situation is as optimal as possible.”

Optimal. “Okay.”

“Mrs. Sullivan-Smith feels it’s necessary, and we agree. If you’re unwilling to comply, Mr. Boone, the judge will take that into consideration as he considers Daisy’s case.”

“I’m more than happy to comply. Visit whenever you want. When did you want to come by?”

“These are unannounced visits, Mr. Boone.”

“Oh. Right. Well, Ms…”

“Beal.”

“Ms. Beal, I invite you to come by any time you want. Ideally, you’ll choose a time when Daisy and I are home.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that your extremely full work schedule is an issue.”

“Everyone has to work, Ms. Beal. Even you.”

“Indeed. Except those fortunate stay-at-home mothers who can dedicate all their time to their children and their home, as Mrs. Sullivan-Smith continues to point out.”

Jesus. “I’d prefer not to be this petty, but since Amanda is playing dirty, then I’ll meet her halfway. Are you also going to be visiting Amanda’s house? Because you might want to check in on the welfare of her own children, whogame too much, are medicated, and are struggling in school because their brains have been taken over by their addiction to dopamine. Daisy wouldn’t thrive in an environment like that. She deserves better.”

“And you feel like you’re able to give her…better?”

“I sure as—...yes. All I ask, Ms. Beal, is that you consider Daisy’s happiness the most important thing. She doesn’t know her aunt. Except for the funeral, Amanda hasn’t been out here once to see how her niece is doing. She hasn’t called her, or me, to check in on how Daisy is doing.”

“Noted, Mr. Boone. This isn’t personal, I might add. I know it’s what Daisy’s parents wanted, but that doesn’t mean that your home is automatically the best place for her. We do have to consider the fact that you’re a single man who lives alone. In cases that are contested like this one, judges do often side with the party who offers a more traditional family environment.”

“My family is very close-knit, Ms. Beal, and Daisy has a lot of good people making sure she’s safe and happy and well-cared for at all times.”

“We’ll take note of all that during our visit.”

“As I said, you’re more than welcome to come by any time.”

“Good. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Boone.”

“Of course.”

“You can expect a visit in the coming weeks.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Like a hole in the head.

5

Pullinginto the dirt road of Sugar Mountain Farm, I do the same thing I always do. I take a deep breath. Every time, it feels like the weight of the world lifts a little when I re-enter paradise.

Of course it isn’t paradise at all, just a sprawling four hundred acre farm with a scenic lake, rolling hills and a small river winding through it, miles from town. And it comes with all the problems that go along with the day-in-day-out hard work it takes to make a buck out of it.

The scent of the gritty road dust through my rolled-down window is as familiar to me as the rhythm of my own heartbeat.

It’s not long before the farmhouse comes into view in the distance. We recently painted it and the place looks moreinviting than ever, its windows glowing with the soft, warm light of home.

I have my own house now, which I built myself. It’s further along the dirt road from the main house, perched on its own hill with trees surrounding it and a nice view out over the river. It’s always been my favorite place on the farm.

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