Page 26 of Heal
"Hi." Parson grinned. "Did Beau tell you that I wanted to talk?"
Lisa nodded.
Beau hated seeing the kids withdraw the way they were. He had other things to do, and really couldn't afford to stay, but he couldn't leave the kids alone right now. Hopefully, they would get comfortable with him before Beau had to hurry downstairs for his meeting, then a long night shift in the emergency room. "Parson and I had dinner together last night and talked. It was his idea to have you two look through the photos of other kids." Beau nodded to the folder that now sat on the side table beside Jeff's bed.
"I've brought some more." Parson held up another folder. "If it's too much, don't do it. We just thought—"
"No, we want to help." Lisa reached for the folder from Parson. "Jeff and I will look through them later." She set the folder down on top of the other one. "So you're the one who is going to find us a new home?"
Parson nodded. "I am, but I want to talk to you both first and get to know you so we can find a good match for you."
"You'll keep us together?" Jeff asked.
"That's my goal. I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best. Even if that means you might have to stay at the Center for a little longer while we find a place to take you both." Parson glanced over at Beau. "Do we have any idea when they will be released yet?"
"Not yet. I'm guessing another week." Beau hoped he could keep them at the hospital that long. Truth was, he could release them both today and have them follow-up with any pediatrician, but he wasn't ready to hand the kids over to someone else. Especially someone he didn't know. "Did you talk to Krista and Chad?"
Parson nodded. "They're going to leave with me later when I go. I've got two beds at the Center waiting for them."
"Good. I'll check on them and sign the release forms before I head downstairs." Beau smiled at Lisa. "I want to keep these two here for a bit longer. We need to make sure Lisa is set up with a good OBGYN and I want to keep an eye on Jeff's injuries a bit longer."
"That's good. The Center is packed, so hopefully a few beds will open up soon," Parson said.
"And if they don't?" Beau asked.
"They make us sleep on the floor in sleeping bags," Lisa answered.
Beau's eyes went wide as he turned to Parson. "Seriously?"
"Unfortunately, it's the only option. They pull in cots, but when those are full, there are no other options. They are trying to get funding for a new Center, but the State has been tight on what they will budget out the last few years."
Beau shook his head. "Insane. The kids should come first." He hated all the red-tape that was involved in all of this. He could afford to build a place with no problem, but even if he did, getting approval to use it for CPS would take forever. It was something he'd have to think about. "So, I keep you two here as long as I can, and Parson will let us know when beds open." Beau glanced at the clock on the wall. "Are you guys okay if I leave you to talk? I have a meeting, then a shift in the emergency. I'll drop by tomorrow afternoon after I grab a quick nap in the morning."
Lisa stood and hugged him. "Thank you."
He closed his eyes, hugging her back tightly. He was letting himself get too close to these two kids. He'd done it before, and watching them leave had nearly killed him. He needed to step back or he was going to get too involved. "You have my number. Call me if you need anything, okay?" He smiled at Jeff as he released Lisa.
"We will." Lisa eyed Parson.
Beau reached over and gripped Parson's shoulder again. "Parson's one of the good guys. You two will be okay with him, I promise." He turned to Parson. "Call me later and let me know how things go?"
Parson gave him a nod. "I will. I have a few things to discuss with you."
"I'll be around. If I don't answer, I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Tonight's going to be crazy, it's a full moon."
"Werewolves?" Jeff asked.
Beau laughed. "Nope. It's just a full moon, but it does seem to get busier when they happen. I'm not sure why." He gave Parson an amused look. There was no way he was going to try explaining it all to Jeff. "But, if I see any werewolves, I'll take pictures for you, okay?"
Jeff nodded. "Like Twilight."
"Yep, just like Jacob." Beau gave them a wave. "See you guys tomorrow."
Leaving them was hard. He wanted to stay and give them the security they craved. He was sure Parson would be okay with them, but he still wanted to be there. He'd put off enough to be with the kids. He had a job to do and his other patients needed him too.
As he headed down the hall to check in on another child before going to his meeting, he swore he'd start stepping back and breaking the bond the children had with him. The sooner he let go, the easier it would be for them to do the same.
CHAPTER TEN
