Page 97 of Cupcake of the Month
“Katrina, I’d like add something, if I may.”
“Of course.”
“Zach’s a good kid. He wouldn’t be that way if Josh hadn’t been a good guardian to him. Josh has made so many sacrifices, both in his personal and professional life, so Zach wouldn’t feel abandoned. With every choice that he makes, every choice, he takes Zach’s thoughts and feelings into consideration first.”
Josh blinked in surprise. After all he’d done and said to her, Jordan was still pleading his case? A steady beat cut through the desperation.
“Jordan,” Katrina began.
Jordan cut her off. “I feel you have to know this. Josh won’t tell you himself because sometimes he forgets we can’t read his mind. He’s Zach’s best possible advocate. It would be to his detriment if you took him away from his only family, who loveshim more than his own self.”
“Jordan,” Katrina tried again.
“I’m sorry if I’m overstepping my bounds, but I feel very strongly about this.”
“You said you’ve only met Zach a couple of times.” The caseworkers tone was wry, not censuring.
“But I’ve known Josh forever,” she said.
His chest tightened with her words. Forever. She hadn’t been afraid of her feelings, had tried to show him and tell him. She never saw in him what he saw in himself.
Katrina smiled. “I knew within five minutes of talking to Zach that he’s still in the best environment. I’m going to suggest counseling to help cope with his parents’ betrayal. For both of you.”
Josh nodded. “Of course.”
“And remember. Zach isn’t a little boy anymore. Shielding him from conflict not only won’t help, but it may hurt him. He needs to learn the skills for meeting the world head on, and he can’t do that if you won’t let him experience the bad along with the good.”
He swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I don’t want him to get hurt.”
“Knowing the truth means he can make informed decisions. And solid relationships can be built only on a foundation of truth. Pain is a part of life, Josh. Wait until he enters high school. Starts dating.” She gave him a little grin. “He needs the experiences you’re not letting him have.”
It made sense. “Okay.”
“A counselor will be able to explain this better than me. I’ll give you a call with some names.” She stood up and shook hands with the two of them. “I’ll need to schedule another visit in about a month or so, but you have nothing to worry about, Josh. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.” He walked her to the door, then closed it behind her and let out a harsh breath. He leaned against the door, watching Jordan’s graceful movements as she pushed her glasses up her nose and joined him by the door.
Zach appeared in his doorway. “Does this more experience thing mean I get to stay up ‘til midnight?”
Josh crossed the room in quick strides and engulfed his brother in a hug. “Right now, buddy, you can have anything you want. Just don’t pull a stunt like that again.”
“Sweet.” Zach untangled himself and headed to the kitchen. “I’m getting ice cream. And I’m not eating my vegetables tonight.”
“Mrs. Sumner is making that carrot and parsnip puree dish you like so much.”
“Okay, maybe I’ll eat some vegetables tonight.” He grabbed a spoon and ate the ice cream out of the carton.
“Go share that with Vela,” Josh said. He guided Zach by his shoulders to the front door.
“Trying to get rid of me?”
There was a flash of panic through Josh’s body. He had been determined to never let Zach feel like he was being shoved aside for any reason. Careless words like—
“Josh. Relax.” Zach rolled his eyes as only a thirteen-year-old could. “I was kidding. Sheesh.” He made kissing noises and walked out the door, leaving Josh and Jordan in heated silence.
His body ached to hold hers, and he crossed his arms to hold himself in check. His throat clogged around the words he could never say. “It’s been a while since someone stood up for me like that.”
“It wasn’t hard to tell the truth.”
