Page 105 of Heal
"Yep, we've had a good visit, but I think I'm about to lose her to Faith. They've been texting for the last ten minutes and I'm getting less and less attention."
"Ah, I guess a good father would tell her to put the phone down, but honestly, I'm glad Faith and her have gotten so close. Anyway, I need to go check on Jeff and Eric. I'll be home shortly and we can head over there. Thanks for being willing to go. I know it puts you on the spot."
"Nah, I liked those I've already met. I want to know your friends. If I had many, I'd make you suffer around mine too. Drive safe and we'll see you when you get here."
Beau resisted the urge to tell Parson he loved him. That wasn't something to say over the phone for the first time. "Okay, see ya soon."
He pocketed his phone and headed back across the hall to Eric's room. He smiled as he heard laughing as he pushed the door open. He paused, watching as Eric and Jeff both lay in the bed watching cartoons on TV. "What's going on in here?"
Eric looked up, fear filling his eyes.
Jeff smiled. "It's Tom and Jerry."
Unable to do anything about Eric's fear but let him learn he didn't have to be scared anymore, Beau took a seat beside the bed. "I used to watch this all the time when I was little. It was one of my favorite cartoon shows."
He settled in, letting the kids enjoy the rest of the show. Once it was over, he tapped Jeff on the leg. "We need to be going, but I promise we'll visit Eric soon."
"He said he's leaving the hospital tomorrow." Jeff looked near tears.
"I know, but remember, Parson works for the place that will help find him a home. He'll make sure we know where to find Eric. Once he is settled into a home, we'll make sure he has your phone number and we'll visit when we can." Beau wanted to hug Jeff.
"Can't he come live with us?" Jeff asked. "I'll share all my things."
"I wish he could, but I can't do that right now. I promise Parson and the people he works with are trying hard to find him a good home." Beau's heart was breaking at the doubtful look in Eric's eyes.
"Promise I'll see him again?" Jeff asked.
"I promise." Beau crossed his heart.
Jeff was still pouting as he turned and gave Eric a hug. "It'll be okay. You'll find a good home like I did."
Eric nodded, but didn't look like he believed it.
"It was nice to meet you, Eric. We'll see you soon." Beau took Jeff's hand in his, trying not to feel guilty as the boys waved to each other as they left the room.
Once in the car, Beau turned to Jeff, who was in the backseat. "I promise you two can keep in touch. Parson and I will make sure of it."
"What if he goes to another bad home?" Jeff's lip trembled.
"I promise you that Parson will make sure it's not. He'll go check on Eric as often as he can. He won't let anything bad happen to him again."
Jeff nodded, then turned his head and stared out the window in silence.
Unable to say anything more, Beau headed home, wishing there was a way he could save all the kids, but that just wasn't possible.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Parson laughed as he listened to the team tease each other. He could see why Beau called them his family. The friendship and trust were evident between them, and he wondered how long they'd all worked together. It was something he'd learn the more he was around them, but he was glad they were welcoming to him. He'd worried being an outsider would be a problem.
"So, I wanted to let you know that I got all the files done for you to go forward with the adoption, Beau. I emailed you copies of all the paperwork, and as far as the files go that the state needs, everything is set." Carter reached for his beer.
"Already? I figured it would take a few months. That's fantastic. I'll let the kids know on Christmas that everything is set. I just want to make sure I'm covered on the State side of things. I don't want any doubt this is going through before I let them know it's a sure thing." Beau glanced at Parson.
"I'll look into it this week." Parson smiled. "I guess it's good to have friends."
"You know it." Carter lifted his beer in salute.
"Speaking of adopting…" Noam reached over and covered Kasey's hand with his own. "Kase and I have decided that having a dog isn't enough anymore. We want to look into adopting a child too."
