Page 71 of Wilde Ride

She squatted next to me. “River Haven is an orphanage. I think your grammy talked about it with you and your daddy.”

How in the hell had she known that?

“It’s a place where kids who’ve lost their mother and father can stay when no one else can take care of them.”

“Where did their mom and dad go?” asked Rhett.

“Well,” Emeline started, “some have gone to Heaven. Some were too young to be able to care for babies. And some went to live at River Haven because their mother or father didn’t take very good care of them. But, they have us. And we’re like a family to them. This is why we have the camp, Rhett. So that the kids from River Haven, and other kids who can’t afford to do fun things like go to camp and ride horses and such, can come here and feel safe and loved. And do lots of fun things.”

Rhett frowned. “Can we not afford to do fun things anymore, Daddy?”

Before I could answer, Emeline replied, “You’re my special guest at camp. Since you’re basically family, you’ll be asked to help out a bit more. Don’t worry, though, you’ll still get to do all the fun things with the other campers.”

I watched as my son’s eyes lit up. “So, I’m like your helper?”

Emeline nodded. “Yep!”

“I can help with anything, Ms. Emeline!”

“Of course! That’s why I’m so thankful you’re here. But first, let’s get your stuff to your cabin, and then you can start helping me.”

Rhett hugged Emeline, then stepped back. “I’ll be the best helper ever!”

Moose barked, and we all laughed.

“Moose and I both know you will be.”

Before I could reach for his stuff, Rhett tossed the sleeping bag over his shoulder, reached for his bag, and said, “Let’s go, Dad! I need to help Ms. Emeline.”

As we put Rhett’s things away, a few more kids came into the cabin. Jimmy was one of the kids, and he lit up when he saw Rhett.

“You’re in my cabin!”

The two boys exchanged excited bouts of running around before they were seated on Rhett’s bed, and he was telling my son all about horses.

An older woman, maybe in her late fifties, walked up to me. “Jimmy and his sister Katie love horses. They haven’t been with us long at River Haven.”

“What happened to their parents?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the boys.

“They passed away in a boating accident. No living relatives on either side.”

Turning to look at her, I asked, “Were they from River Falls?”

She nodded, then faced me. Holding out her hand, she smiled. “I’m so sorry, I’m Leanne Rogers. I’m the director at River Haven.”

“Levi Tucker, that’s my son, Rhett. I’ve known the Wildes pretty much my entire life. Caden Wilde and I are best friends.”

Leanne grinned as she shook my hand. “I know your father. He donates to River Haven often, and we appreciate it very much.”

“Sounds like my father. I’ll be taking over his practice, and I can assure you, that means carrying on with his dedication to helping the community.”

She gave me a nod. “That’s appreciated.”

I looked back at Jimmy. “Do you mind if I ask who his parents were?”

“Jim and Lori Mills.”

The ground felt like it shifted under my feet. I’d known them both in high school. Played football with Jim, and had even taken Lori out a few times.