Page 73 of Carter

It has to be a sign, right? Ithasto be. I’m choosing to believe it is.

Heather works on getting Ryan into the van. A ramp unfolds from the back for her to wheel him in and hook him up to straps and a special seatbelt. It’s actually really cool that she has something like this.

Teddy is beside me, huddling by my legs with her tail between hers. I kneel down and she backs away, but I hold out my hand and allow her to come to me. She sniffs it, then looks up at me with sad eyes.

“You’re getting adopted, sweet girl,” I tell her. “I think this is going to be awesome for you.” I slowly move my hand to her head to pet her. “They seem like really nice people, and Ryan is so happy to have you. You have to be good to him. You’re going to have an amazing family. They’re going to take good care of you.”

“We certainly are,” Heather says. I look up and see her standing there, smiling down at me. I smile back and offer her the leash as I straighten up. “I can tell she means a lot to you. Can I ask why you haven’t adopted her?”

“I work too much. No one at home to stay with her.”

Heather nods, some of her dark hair blowing in the breeze. Her cheeks are pink from the cold. “I’m grateful to have an amazing husband who works a lot so I can stay home with Ryan and care for him full time.”

“And now Teddy.”

She looks down at her. “And now Teddy.”

“If you keep the name, that is. You don’t have to, of course.”

She gives me anare you serious?look and says, “We’re going to keep the name.”

“Take the best care of her,” I say, my voice shaking.

Heather gives me a sad smile. I turn to walk away.

“Hold on. Carter?” I stop to face her, hoping she can’t see the tear that’s trailed down my cheek.

“Um, well, I know this probably isn’t normal, but if you wanted to come by and check on her… I’d be okay with it.”

Hope blooms in my chest. “Really?”

“Of course. It may even help her get settled, you know?”

Another tear falls from the corner of my eye. I’m unable to hold it back, so I swipe it away.

“Thank you so much. That means…” I let out a shuddering breath. “More than I can explain.”

“I’ll call tomorrow to get your information, is that okay?”

“Absolutely. Enjoy her.”

I walk away. If I don’t, I might get hysterical. Teddy will be fine. If this woman can take care of her disabled son, she can handle Teddy.

I stop by the front doors, unable to go in. I turn back toward the parking lot and watch as Heather is so gentle with Teddy as she helps her into the van.

“You okay?”

I recognize the voice immediately.

It’s Nash. I didn’t even hear him come out.

“The little boy’s name is Ryan,” I say as Heather gets into the van, my gaze still on them.

There’s a pause, then he says, “Yeah, I know.”

“Seems like a sign, you know? Like… maybe he’s trying to tell me that they’re the right people for her.”

“They seem like good people.”