Page 64 of Heart of a Hero

Karen called the office before she left Roscoe’s place and talked to the receptionist. Once she had the rest of today’s and tomorrow’s patients rescheduled, she knelt in front of Marty and Zannie. “Are you guys ready to go to my house?”

“Yes,” Zannie said, nodding with enthusiasm.

Marty tilted his head and asked, “What about our clothes? Can we go get them?”

Karen twisted her head around to Mark, silently asking a question with wide eyes.

“I’ll go get them for you,” Mark said, not wanting the kids to go back into the nasty home they’d been living in. “I know which room is yours, and I’ll get what you need. Then we can buy new things to replace a few items you’ve probably outgrown.”

He stepped closer, his touch gentle as he placed a reassuring hand on Karen’s shoulder. His voice dropped into a low murmur, only for her. “But those clothes will need a good wash.”

Karen met his gaze, a soft smile curving her lips, her eyes glimmering with warmth. “I have a washing machine and plenty of detergent, honey. I think I can handle it.”

Mark held her gaze, a tender amusement dancing in his expression. “Why do I get the feeling there’s very little youcan’thandle?”

With another squeeze of her shoulder, he left Roscoe’s house. Karen stood and said, “Kids, go with Ms. Berkley, and let me talk to Roscoe for a moment.”

They followed her directions without hesitation, and she sat before the older man as soon as they were out of earshot. Placing her hand on his resting on the arm of the chair, she said. “I’m concerned about you. This has been a difficult day, but you must know that your decision to keep the kids here and then call me has probably saved them.”

His wrinkles deepened. “Are you sure, Ms. Karen?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I know this has been hard on you. I will have Selma stop by this afternoon to take your blood pressure. Call me if you need anything. If I can’t come, I can get someone over here immediately.”

Brad stepped into the room. “Mark is bringing out the kids’ clothes. But I just wanted to let you know, Mr. Jefferson, that if you see any activity next door, do not do anything. Just call 911, and we’ll let our dispatcher know to get ahold of us.”

Roscoe’s brows lifted. “You think those no-good neighbors might come back?”

“If they do, you call us,” Brad reiterated.

Karen watched as Roscoe’s jaw set, and he squared his thin shoulders. “I can do that.”

Smiling, she patted his hand again and stood. “I’ll see you soon.” Walking out with Brad, she spied Lisa and Mark getting the kids buckled into the back seat of her small SUV.

After hugging Lisa goodbye, she walked to the driver's door, where Mark was waiting. “Mark, I don’t even know what to say about all of this?—”

“You don’t have to say anything, Karen. Like I said, we roll with life and teach our children how to do the same.”

She glanced at Marty and Zannie in her back seat, both smiling as they appeared to be excited about their new adventure.

“I think those two have already learned how to roll with the punches life has thrown at them,” she said quietly.

Mark’s expression softened as he looked at her, his voice filled with quiet admiration. “Then it’s a good thing you came into their lives. Because I can’t think of anyone better to give them the stability they need right now.”

She looked into his eyes, oddly struck by the understanding and complete ease that she felt radiating off him. She could’ve done this on her own but knowing that he agreed and was supportive opened the world for her.

Before she pondered how much she wished she could kiss him right now, he said, “Brad is going to finish with forensics to process the house. I’m going to follow you back to your place and make sure you have what you need to get the kids settled.” He glanced at his watch. “If your girls are like Benji, they probably have a couple of hours before they get home. I’ll tell my dad to get Benji off the bus as always, but I’ll also tell him what’s happening.”

“Thank you,” she said. “You’re being amazing about all of this.”

He scoffed. “Me? I think you’re the amazing one.”

Her gaze dropped to his mouth. “Is it terrible that I really wish I could kiss you right now?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “No, it’s not terrible because I was thinking the same thing.” He reached out and squeezed her hand, then said, “Since they’re not in booster seats, I’ll see you at your house.”

Then he let her go, and she climbed behind the steering wheel. Twisting around, she grinned at the kids. “Everybody buckled?”

“Yes!” came their combined shouts.

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