Page 58 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
I tear my gaze away to see Cade come out behind them. Jumping out of the truck, I rush toward him and launch myself at him. He catches me in surprise and I wrap myself around him tightly. “Are you okay?” I ask softly.
“Yeah, Red, I’m fine. I can take care of myself.”
Clearly. I rest my forehead against his and watch some of the anger ease in his expression.
“Are the kids okay?”
“Yes. They’re scared but okay. Thanks to you.” As we continue to stare at each other, I reach up and trail my thumb across his lips before leaning in and giving him a small kiss. “Thank you for coming and helping,” I whisper against his mouth. With a low a growl, he gives me a quick, hard kiss then puts me back on my feet.
I see him look at something over my head and I turn to see Cooper walking up to us, looking angry and stressed. “I’m taking them in. I’ll be able to hold them for at least forty-eight hours, since I can charge them with possession and a judge won’t be in until Monday to post bail.”
“Possession?” I repeat in surprise.
He nods. “Both he and Tommy had cocaine on them, which doesn’t surprise me. Tommy has been arrested before, for possession of cocaine.”
This has irritation rising inside of me. “Why has no one checked into this before with Christopher? If his dad is hanging around those kind of people then why would no one check on the kids?”
Guilt sparks in Cooper’s eyes. “I knew Floyd Dennison was trouble when he moved here, especially when I found out who he associated with. I’ve been keeping an eye on him, and waiting for the time to come that I would get something on him. When I first picked up Christopher for fighting, I had asked him about his father and home life. I told him I could help him. He refused me and said everything was fine. Of course I knew he was lying, but if I don’t have evidence to prove any different…” he trails off and shrugs.
I let out a frustrated breath but understand. “He’s worried that he and Ruth Jean will be put in foster care and split up. That’s why he lied. This is where I need your help. I want to take them in but I don’t know what I need to do to make that happen.”
Surprise registers in his eyes. “Are you sure about this decision?” There is nothing disapproving in his tone, I can tell he just wants to make sure.
“Yes, I am one hundred percent sure. He can’t go anywhere else, Cooper, or he will take Ruth Jean and run.”
He’s quiet for a moment before he responds. “Okay. Take the kids home with you tonight. I will come in the morning and bring Vicki Jameson with me. She’s the social worker from child services that we work with. I will need a statement from all of you, and we can find out from her what steps you need to take. I know her well, and will vouch for you. In all honesty, it shouldn’t be too hard. Nowadays it’s really hard to find foster homes that aren’t already at capacity with kids. It’s even harder to find one who has enough room to take in siblings, especially one who is considered a trouble teenager.”
My back goes stiff. “He is not trouble. He is misunderstood.”
Cooper’s expression softens. “I agree and I’m glad you are taking them in. I just meant that is how others would see it.”
“Oh sorry,” I say, feeling guilty that I jumped to the wrong conclusion.
“It’s fine. Go ahead and head home. I’ll see you tomorrow morning and fill you in on everything.”
“Okay. Thanks, Cooper.”
He walks off, but stops by the truck and speaks to Christopher. Cade and I make our way over, and I catch Cooper give Christopher a pat on the shoulder before closing the back door. “Has he seen a doctor?” he asks, looking enraged.
I shake my head. “No. He refused, but Cade checked him over and I’ll make sure to take him to a doctor after we finish with you tomorrow, just to be safe.”
Nodding, he heads over to his squad car while Cade and I get into the truck. I hop in the front then look back at the kids and see Ruth Jean staring at Cade with wide-eyed curiosity.
“Ruth Jean, you remember Cade from when we went to the bakery, right?” She nods and doesn’t say anything. Neither does Cade but I catch him glance at her in the rearview mirror.
I look to Christopher now. “Did Cooper tell you he is coming to see us tomorrow?” He nods and I can see the anxiety in his eyes, so I reach over the seat and put my hand on his knee. “It will be okay. He knows the social worker, and he said he will help us sort everything out for you guys to stay with me.” Some of his tension eases, and the rest of the way home is silent.
Once we arrive back at my house I get the kids situated, and ask Ruth Jean if she would like to sleep with Christopher or me, since I only have two beds. She looks at Christopher and opts to sleep with him. She follows me as I grab extra pillows then quietly tells me that she chose him because she needs to make sure he’s okay. I smile when I realize she’s worried she hurt my feelings so I reassure her by saying I think it’s a good idea too.
Next I take them downstairs to the spare room on the third floor and get them settled for the night. Bending down, I kiss Ruth Jean on the head. She wraps her tiny arms around my neck and gives me a kiss on the cheek, which completely warms my heart.
When I look at Christopher he narrows his eyes. “Don’t even think about kissing my head.” I giggle and decide to blow him a kiss instead. Just as I’m closing the door he calls out my name. Stopping, I peek my head back in. “Thanks for everything,” he whispers.
