Page 13 of The Only Heart that Matters

“Have a seat.” She gestures to the tan leather chair I sat in while she and her colleagues interviewed me. I’d stumbled over two of the typical questions—more from nerves than anything—but recovered quickly. I think I did well, but who really knows?

And just like during my interview, I can’t help but turn my granny's ring round and round my finger. It’s a simple silver band with small gemstones embedded into the polished silver. I never leave the house without it. It’s how I keep her close. Whenmy nerves get the best of me, I tend to move it from hand to hand or spin it around my finger. It’s basically my own version of a fidget spinner.

Something catches her attention out the window behind me and her face beams with a smile. “Your husband and son are adorable together.”

“Excuse me?” I asked, confused.

Husband?

“I saw them drop you off, and it looks like they’re entertaining themselves rather well.”

Turning to see what in the world she is talking about, my heart melts when I take in the sight.

In the park that butts up to the new medical building, Angus has Sawyer on his shoulders, and they’re both laughing hysterically. Sawyer yells something and Angus jogs a few paces and when Sawyer yells what looks like, “Stop!” Angus freezes in place. My baby boy is beside himself with laughter. By all appearances, the two of them are having the time of their lives.

“They’re clearly close. It’s so nice to see the family bond between them.”

Her eyes flash to the ring that I only now realize is onthatfinger, and my heart drops.

"Oh--”

“It was so sweet to see them send you off with well wishes when you got here.”

“Yes, they are sweet, but--”

“Family is one of our core values here,” she interrupts me again. “It’s why we plan to have day care on-site. Children shouldn’t be away from their parents and parents are more productive if they know their children are nearby and well taken care of. You should feel as comfortable at work with your little boy in our care as you do with him playing in the snow with your husband.”

“That’s wonderful and one of the many reasons I would love to work here for you andyourhusband, but--”

“We still have a few more interviews to do and with it being the holiday season, we’ll make our decision just after the new year. If we hire you, when do you think you could start?”

“Well, I’d like to give my current employer two weeks' notice if possible?”

“Of course.” She stands from her chair on the other side of her desk and I follow her lead standing as well. “I really do think you and your family will be the perfect fit.”

I cannot let her hire me believing I’m married. There is a lot that comes with being a single mom. If Sawyer is sick, I’m the only one who can stay home with him. If he has doctor appointments, I’m the only person who can take him.

“Dr. Gibbons--”

“Oh, dear. You better get out there. Looks like your little one is upset,” she says just as she takes her hand in mine.

Sure enough, a glance out the window and I see tears streaming down Sawyer’s face. Fear grips my heart.

“Go, we’ll be in touch.”

I rush out of the room, down the hall and push out of the clinic without changing out of my heels and into my boots. The need to get to my son is all-consuming.

Just as I take my first step into the frigid foot-deep snow-covered park, I hear my favorite laugh in the entire world. The tension leaves my body, making me far too aware of my wet feet. The snow is now inside my heels and covering my pants.

“Mama!” the sweetest little voice yells when he sees me.

“Hey, buddy,” I yell, taking a step back onto the snow free concrete.

“Goof, what were you thinking? Your feet are getting soaked.”

“I know, but I saw him crying. I was rushing to see if he was okay. I wasn’t thinking.”

The smallest smile tugs at his lips. “He’s fine. We were playing and a bunch of snow fell off a branch and landed right on him. Went down his face and a little into his coat. It shocked him is all. He’s good now, aren’t ya, Sawyer?”

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