Page 68 of The Cannon
“Yes. His current home is his third, but far as I can tell it’s a secure happy home. But that can become its own issue. It’s most likely temporary. He knows that.”
We’re interrupted in the best way. Boone comes up slow dancing with baby Beauregard in his arms.
“Have you all met my partner?”
“He’s very smooth,” Lucinda chuckles. “I don’t mind being replaced by that sweet boy.”
“Can I hold him?”
All eyes look to me with expressions of surprise. Grandpa Davis raises both eyebrows.
“Well sure you can. Here you go,” Boone says passing the swaddled baby to my arms.
“Support his head,” Lucinda prompts.
“I’ve got him,” I say rocking the bundle.
“You’re a natural,” Boone says taking a sip of his wife’s drink.
“I had lots of practice. More than once my foster parents had babies.”
I didn’t see Bristol coming up behind me, but I feel her. She rests her chin on my shoulder and gazes at her godson.
“Is the little guy behaving himself?”
“Which one?” says Lucinda.
“I know one who probably isn’t, and he’s not wrapped in a blanket.”
My phone sounds.
“Here, give him to me,” Bristol says taking Beauregard from my arms.
When I look at the name I don’t recognize it.
“I don’t know…oh. Never mind.”
It comes to me. Jude’s foster mother is calling. I walk towards the door and try to hear her over the talking in the suite.
“Hi, Julie.”
There’s silence for a few beats.
“Julie?”
Her voice is controlled, soft, and she hesitates every few sentences.
“I’m calling because there’s something you need to know concerning Jude. Something he isn’t aware of yet. But it’s going to be a blow and I want someone who he connects with to know. He’s always lifted after he spends time with you and Bristol.”
“Yes,” I say dreading her point.
I make my way out the door and stand in the empty hall again.
“Jude already stands on shaky ground emotionally. I think over the last year he has had a love-hate relationship with us.”
“Why?”
“Because he saw a happy family and he knew his place here was temporary.”
