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Copyright 2004
The day came to say farewell to the teenage boys. Rob and Bruce helped get all the work done early, so they could cook burgers on the grill for lunch and make up a batch of homemade ice cream. The sheriff came by to join them for lunch and complimented Rob on the change in the boys.
“It’s amazing what a difference six weeks can make,” Ron observed, “They don’t even look like the same hooligans I left with you.”
“They’re not,” Rob smiled, “They are all trying very hard now to be men. I think Jason influenced them as much as anyone. The idea that a 12 year old could outdo them was an eye opener. I’ve told them all they’re welcome here anytime and that they have jobs to come back to next summer. I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know if any of them get into trouble again.”
“Bail them out, will you?” Ron grinned.
“Well, I won’t leave them twisting in the wind,” Rob confessed, “They’re basically good boys. I think you said the same thing when you were trying to sell me on them.”
“So I did,” Ron admitted, “I owe you one, Rob.”
“I’ll remember that,” Rob teased, “It never hurts to have the sheriff in your debt.”
~*~
“Are you OK?” Paula walked into their bathroom.
Rob had just gotten out of the shower and was standing in front of the mirror. It had been three days since he’d bid the boys goodbye, and he was really starting to miss them. He wondered if any of them would show up this weekend.
“I’m fine,” he smiled, putting his towel on the rack, “Why?”
“You haven’t been yourself lately,” she observed, “Just now you seemed like you were a million miles away.”
“I’m sorry, Sweetheart,” he reached over and pulled her into his arms, “I’ve just had a lot on my mind. Nothing you need to worry about.”
“You’re the one I worry about,” she played with his wet hair, “If things are bothering you, then I’m not doing my job.”
“Which job is that?” He smiled, running his hands down the satin nightgown she was wearing. It was a deep purple, full-length, with a slit up the side. It fit snuggly and accented her curves.
“Rob,” she kissed his chest, “It’s your job to carry the burdens around here, but it’s my job to make you not notice it.”
“You never fail in your job, Honey,” he assured, “I’m fine.”
“What’s bothering you?” She pried.
“I miss the boys,” he confessed, “And I worry that they’ll backslide.”
“Mmm,” she ran her hands down his chest, “I think they’ll be fine. Even if you never see them again, Rob, you touched their lives forever. You did all you could in the time you were given. They won’t forget you.”
“I won’t forget them either,” he reflected, “I’m starting to realize how hard it’s going to be when our boys leave for college.”
“Empty nest syndrome,” she told him, “Somehow, I don’t think our nest is ever going to be empty around here. You’re too good at taking care of people.”
he teased.
“I have a better idea,” she pulled him toward the bed, “Why don’t we take care of each other.”
~*~
Dutch came over Saturday morning to be there for his niece’s first lesson. Chelsea stayed home again. Paula had agreed to start out working with Sara on the basics. Rob asked his boys to take the rest of the girls on a tour of the stables.
Dutch and Kathy watched from the rail as Sara followed Paula’s patient instructions. Kathy had dark features, like her younger brother, and wore her hair short. She struck Rob as a modest woman. She wore no make up, simple clothes, and was very soft spoken.
Rob noticed one of Kathy’s girls didn’t go with the others. She was a petite little brown-eyed brunette. He judged her to be between two and three years old and she was quietly sitting on a bale of straw, watching the horses intently. He went over to her and squatted down next to her, so he was on her level.
“Hey, Sweetpea,” he spoke softly, “you like the horses?”
“Dog,” she pointed at the horse Sara was riding, “Big dog.”
Rob grinned, “Very big dog. You like big dogs?”
The little girl nodded, “Nice doggie.”
Rob stood up and opened his arms to her, “Want to go see some more big doggies?”
She smiled, making little dimples in her rosy cheeks, “Lots of doggies.”
He scooped her up in his arms, calling to Kathy, “I’m taking Sweetpea here to look at the horses.”
He carried her along the stalls, telling her the names of each horse and letting her pet the ones he trusted with her. She seemed enthralled with the big dogs, as she called them, but not the least bit intimidated by their size. She was quiet for a child her age, but he could tell she was aware of every detail around her.
“Do you want to ride one of these big dogs?” He asked and she nodded, her eyes gleaming.
He walked to the tack room, tossed a bridle over his shoulder, grasped a blanket in the hand with which he carried the girl, and grabbed a saddle with the other. He carried all the tack and the little girl down to Buttermilk’s stall.
“Pretty dog,” the little girl clapped her hands in glee.
“You stand right here, Sweetpea,” Rob put her down. He saddled Buttermilk and slid the bridle on. He reached down for the little girl and sat her up on the big horse. “Hang on to this.”
She grabbed the saddle horn like he told her and he led the horse out and down the aisle. Kathy and Dutch looked up, both a bit surprised, as Rob brought Buttermilk toward them.
“Kathy,” Rob asked, “Is it OK if I take Sweetpea for a ride?”
“Sure,” she smiled, “Her name is Emily.”
“Hang on,” Rob told her, as he swung himself up behind her, “Let’s go for a ride, Emily.”
She squealed and giggled as he urged Buttermilk outside and across the lawn. It wasn’t terribly hot for late August, so Rob decided to take her down the trail through the woods that led to the creek. Emily seemed delighted by the sound of the birds and the squirrels that scurried out of their way.
Rob couldn’t keep from being caught up in the little girl’s enthusiasm. He briefly thought of Chelsea’s expected baby and hoped it would be a girl. Maybe he could borrow her for rides just like this one. Then his mind flashed to Jenny and the times he had shared playing dolls with her in the back room of the clinic. Perhaps one day Jenny and Mitch would give him a granddaughter of his own he could spoil.
“Looky,” Emily gasped and pointed.
Rob followed her gaze and saw a deer bounding away, “That’s a deer. They live wild out here in our woods. Wasn’t she pretty? I bet she has a fawn around here somewhere.”
“Go fast,” she spoke in her choppy little vocabulary.
“They go very fast,” he agreed, “Would you like me to ask Buttermilk to go fast?”
“Fast! Fast!” She clapped and bounced in the saddle in front of him.
He laughed, “OK, hold on to the saddle horn, and I’ll hold on to you. Don’t be afraid, I won’t let go of you.”
He brought Buttermilk out of the woods to the open pasture and urged her on. Then, when he was sure Emily wasn’t afraid, he gave the horse her head. Buttermilk had a smooth canter, and even at her age, she could still carry his weight almost effortlessly. When she hit her stride, it was like being on a rocking horse and Emily hung on tight and squealed with joy.
He slowed the horse down as they closed in on the stable. He didn’t want to frighten Kathy. Not everyone trusted horses with small children like he did. He had learned that most horses innately sensed the innocence of small children and would go to great lengths to show them patience and kindness, even more so than dogs. He rode into the stable and stopped next to Dutch. Kathy had disappeared and Sara was just taking Freckles out of the arena.
“Here you go,” he handed her down to Dutch, “Let Uncle Dutch help you down.”
“Hi, Emily,” he took her, then looked up at Rob, “Not really Uncle Dutch.”
“What do you mean?” Rob dismounted.
“She’s not one of Kathy’s,” Dutch revealed, “Kathy and her husband are foster parents. Emily’s a foster child.”
“Oh,” Rob let that sink in, “Well, she’s a sweetheart, that’s for sure. You keep her while I put Buttermilk away.”
He was in the tack room when Kathy approached him, “That’s the most I’ve seen Emily smile and laugh since she’s been with us.”
“Dutch said she wasn’t yours,” Rob replied, “She’s adorable.”
“She was today,” Kathy observed, “She isn’t always, though.”
“What do you mean?” Rob inquired.
“Did you hear about that really bad car accident over the Fourth of July?” Kathy asked, “The one down by Branson?”
Rob thought for a moment, then recalled, “The one where the little girl was thrown clear and the rest of the family died in the crash?”
“Emily’s that little girl,” Kathy divulged, “Both her parents and her
brother
died. How she survived…Well, it was a miracle. She only came away with
bruises
and scratches. Anyway, the DFS called us and asked us to take her until
they
got it all sorted out. They thought since we had so many girls, it
might help
her cope with the loss.”
“But it hasn’t,” Rob supposed.
“She’s so quiet and sullen and withdrawn most of the time,” Kathy reported, “She really responded to you today…and to the horses. She seemed to be talking to you like a normal little girl.”
“She was,” he nodded, “I had no idea there was a problem. Did her
family have
horses?”
“I don’t know,” Kathy admitted, “It makes me wonder.”
“So she’s just in a holding pattern with you for now?” Rob asked.
“They don’t want to place her until they know if she’s going to come out of this…whatever it is, she’s in,” Kathy explained, “I was about to give up, but today gives me hope.”
“Tell you what,” he offered, “you bring her out when Sara has lessons. While Paula teaches Sara, I’ll spend time with Emily. We’ll see if we can bring her out of her shell. Sometimes, horses can break through to people in ways no human can.”
“Would you really do that for me?” Kathy brightened.
“I’ll do it for Emily,” Rob smiled, “She’s already touched my heart.”
~*~
Paula was putting clothes away in their bedroom when Rob walked in to take a shower. He was disappointed that not even Trevor had shown up today, but little Emily had made up for it. She was such a little cherub.
“I saw you riding with Kathy’s little girl today,” Paula observed, as he began stripping, “She looked like even more of a natural than Sara.”
“She’s an angel,” Rob smiled, “But she’s not Kathy’s. Remember that bad car wreck where the little girl got thrown out and was the sole survivor?”
“Is that her?” Paula gasped and he nodded, “Poor thing. So why is she
with
Kathy?”
“Foster parents,” Rob explained, “I guess they’ve had several over the
years. I
told her I’d help her out with Emily…that’s her name. Seems she’s been
pretty
withdrawn since they’ve had her. Today, her response to the horses
really
surprised Kathy. I told her I’d work with Emily, while you teach Sara.”
“Rob,” Paula said his name in warning tone, “What are you thinking?”
“What?” He held his hands up to proclaim innocence. He was naked now,
ready to
grab some fresh underwear and head to the shower.
“Just be careful,” she wagged her finger at him, “You’re setting yourself up for a heartbreak.”
“Paula,” he defended, “If this little girl responds to horses, there’s no reason I shouldn’t help her.”
“Um-hmm,” Paula nodded, “And you’re going to fall in love with her and then get your heart ripped out when she goes to another home.”
“Maybe Kathy will decide to adopt her,” Rob reasoned.
“She doesn’t respond to Kathy,” Paula reminded, “She responds to you. Rob Jackson, I know you. You can’t be around children and not get attached to them. That’s why we decided not to be a foster family. You stood right there and told me it would tear your heart out to let them go. For heaven’s sake, you’ve been moping around here all week because your juvenile delinquents are gone.”
Rob felt his anger rising. Paula had struck a nerve in him this time and he was about to blow, “Paula, I am going to help this little girl, whether you like it or not. I’m telling you right now, you’d better back off.”
Paula stiffened at his harsh tone, “Fine. Don’t come crying to me when you get your heart broken.”
He watched as she walked out and closed the door behind her. Deep down inside, he knew she was right. He had been moping around, missing his boys all week. It had broken his heart when he lost touch with Jenny after he and Paula had gotten married. He had a terrible weakness for children, especially little girls. He couldn’t even give riding lessons and not get attached to his students.
Long ago, after Paula had accepted the fact that she could no longer have children, she had come to him with the idea of being foster parents. She had done all the research and shown him how she was certain they could pass the state’s criteria and had explained what an opportunity it would be to help children in need. Rob had refused, telling her it would be too hard to let them go when their situation was resolved. It was one of the few times he had denied Paula anything she asked of him.
He went to shower and thought of little Emily. She was so young and had already suffered so much loss. She couldn’t possibly understand why she had suddenly been plopped down in the midst of a completely new family. It was too late. He was already attached to her. He would just have to make Paula understand that this was something he had to do.
Paula was working on dinner when Rob came downstairs. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She stiffened slightly. He had hurt her with his harsh words.
“I’m sorry, Paula,” he whispered into her ear, “You’re absolutely right. I am setting myself up to get hurt. But, Paula, it’s too late. I held her in my arms today. She looked at me with those big brown eyes and smiled. I took her for a ride on Buttermilk. I’m already attached to her.”
Paula sighed and put down the knife she was slicing tomatoes with, “If you can help her, then you have to do it, Rob.”
“Promise me,” he requested, “you’ll pick up the pieces when she breaks
my
heart?”
“I promise,” Paula reached up and kissed him, “I love you, Rob. That’s just what I do.”
~*~
The following weekend was Labor Day and the family was making plans to attend the annual Foxtrotter Show in Ava. Paula had coordinated everyone’s schedules and decided Monday was the day to go. Chelsea had even decided that if it wasn’t too hot, she would attend.
Rob was pleased on Saturday morning when Trevor and Austin showed up. They had ridden their bicycles quite a distance to come and visit. He talked to them about school and inquired about Ross.
“He’s bummin’,” Austin revealed, “His old man walked out and his mom says they may have to move.”
“Why?” Rob asked.
“She’s from Michigan,” Trevor explained, “She wants to find a job up there and move back.”
“I see,” Rob mused, “What are you boys doing on Labor Day?”
They both shrugged.
“Well,” he chuckled, “how would you like to come with our family to the Foxtrotter show in Ava? Why don’t you talk to Paula about what time we’re going? She’s in charge of it. If you need someone to pick you up, I’m sure we can get that arranged.”
“Cool!” Trevor remarked, “Can we tell Ross?”
“Sure,” Rob nodded, “He’s welcome too. Now, why don’t you two go grab a
couple
of horses and take a ride?”
As he watched them run down the aisle for horses, Paula came up behind him and put her arms around his waist. He loved it when she did that. He took hold of her hands and pulled her around where he could see her.
“I told you they wouldn’t forget you,” Paula observed, “Did you invite them to come with us Monday?”
“Yes,” he grinned, “I told them to make arrangements with you. I hope we have enough vehicles to haul everyone.”
“We will,” she assured, “Oh, there’s Kathy and Sara…and I see she brought your latest project.”
He let that little jab slide as he walked out to greet them, “Hi, Sweetpea!”
She bounded over to him and jumped into his arms, “Daddy!”
Paula and Kathy looked at him, eyes wide. He felt a lump in his throat at that word, but he couldn’t bring himself to scold her for using it. Maybe he reminded her of her father. Perhaps that was why she had opened up to him.
“Hi, Emily,” he hugged her close and stood up with her in his arms, “You want to go see the horses again?”
“Big dogs,” she nodded.
He carried her around and talked gently to her, listening to her little broken comments about the big dogs. Finally, he had an idea. He took her outside and whistled for Sam. She squealed with delight when the Dalmatian appeared.
“This is Sam,” Rob told her, putting her down next to the dog. Sam wagged his tail and sat patiently as Emily petted him. “Sam is a Dalmatian. He’s my dog.”
“Spots,” she observed, poking a finger at the black splashes on Sam.
“Lots of spots,” he agreed, “Emily, did you have a dog?”
She nodded and got a sad look on her face, “Big dog. Good doggie…my doggie.”
He thought she might cry, “Come here, Sweetpea. What color was your dog?”
“Big dog,” she said again.
“Let’s go look at a book,” he suggested, taking her to the house, “We’ll see if we can find a picture that looks like your doggie.”
He took her into the study and found one of their many dog breed books. They sat on the sofa, her on his lap, looking at the pictures. He hoped she would see a dog that reminded her of the one her family had owned.
“Bear!” She exclaimed and pointed at a picture of a Newfoundland.
“That’s a Newfoundland,” Rob told her and started to turn the page.
“No!” She insisted and pointed again, “Bear! My dog!”
“Oh,” he understood, “Did you have a dog like that? A Newfie? Was his name Bear?”
“My Bear,” she got all teary-eyed and sobbed, “I want my Bear back!”
Rob pulled the sobbing child close in his arms, “Shh. Of course you do, Sweetpea. Don’t cry. We’ll see what we can do about getting your Bear back, OK?”
“Daddy?” She looked up at him with those big brown eyes, tears staining
her
pink cheeks, “My Bear?”
“Yes,” he kissed her forehead, “Daddy will get your Bear back.”
When Rob took Emily back to the stable, Paula was talking with Kathy. Sara was grooming Freckles after her lesson. He noticed Jason was supervising her and she seemed enamored with him. Rob wondered if his son realized the effect he had on girls.
“Paula,” Rob requested, “Will you take Emily over and let her watch Sara groom Freckles? I need to talk to Kathy.”
“Sure,” Paula took the little girl, “Let’s go see the spotted horse, shall we?”
“What is it?” Kathy asked.
“I’ve figured something out,” Rob shared, “Emily told me that her family had a Newfoundland. I think that’s why she likes the horses. She really does think they’re big dogs. Anyway, she misses the dog. His name is Bear.”
“Well,” Kathy nodded, “That would explain some things. She’s been having bad dreams and she wakes up talking about bears, or at least that’s what I thought. She must be dreaming about the dog.”
“Talk to the social worker,” Rob suggested, “See if you can find out what happened to that dog. I think if you could get that dog back, it would make a huge difference in her.”
“Oh my lands!” Kathy shook her head, “We couldn’t possibly take another dog…especially one that size!”
“Please, Kathy,” Rob implored, “Just see what you can find out. I’m sure that dog is the key to unlocking Emily. Just find out. Leave the rest to me.”
“All right,” she sighed, “Her case worker is coming this week. I’ll see what I can do. She obviously responds to you. She hasn’t ever called my husband daddy.”
“Maybe I look like her father or something,” he shrugged, “Call me as soon as you find out, OK?”
“OK,” she agreed.
~*~
“Can I come in?” Paula pulled back the shower curtain and peeked in on Rob.
“Always,” he smiled, stepping back to make room for his wife to join him. They used to take showers together frequently, but it had almost become a thing of the past. She usually showered of a morning and he usually waited until later in the day, after he was done with his dirty work.
“I found out some information for you today,” she declared, grabbing the soap from him. She started scrubbing his back in a way only she could do. He could feel himself getting goose bumps in spite of the hot water.
“What kind of information?” He asked, turning so she could scrub his front, as well.
“About little Emily,” Paula shared, “It seems there are no relatives around to lay claim to her. No grandparents living and no aunts or uncles that are interested or able. So she’s at the mercy of the courts.”
“Maybe Kathy will keep her,” Rob hoped, taking the soap and beginning to wash his wife, “Surely she’s attached to her by now.”
“She and her husband have four girls of their own,” Paula told him, “Plus two more they have already adopted. They agreed not to take any more permanently.”
“Too bad,” Rob was spending extra time washing Paula’s breasts.
“Apparently,” Paula went on, “there’s a line forming of people who want to adopt Emily. Her story made the papers, so that sparked interest. Kathy says the only thing holding it up, is that she and the social worker are concerned about how withdrawn she is. They’re afraid moving her again will cause more trauma.”
“So it’s just a matter of time,” Rob finished for her, “before she’s yanked away and plopped in the middle of another family of strangers.”
“Pretty much,” Paula started washing his hair for him.
“Well,” he confessed, “I found out something too. Her family had a Newfie. That’s why she likes the horses.”
“Is that what you wanted to tell Kathy?” Paula massaged his scalp and then started rinsing it.
“Yes,” he informed, “Paula, if there’s any way, I’m going to get that dog back for her.”
“Rob,” Paula reminded, “that’s a real long shot. I hope you haven’t promised Emily…”
“I have to at least try,” he started washing her hair, “I think it’s the key to that little girl. It could make all the difference in the world.”
“And what if you find the dog?” She posed, “What then? Is Kathy going to keep it? And when Emily goes to her new family, then what? Have you really thought about this Rob?”
He hadn’t thought of anything else all day. That precious little girl, sobbing in his arms and calling him Daddy had turned him inside out. Now, Paula had told him the last piece he needed to know. His mind was made up and he was going to have to convince Paula that he was right.
“Yes, Paula,” Rob rinsed her hair and turned her around to look at him, “I’m going to find that dog and we’re going to take him. No matter where he is, he can’t possibly have a better home than ours. And I’m sure he’s missing Emily as much as she misses him.”
“No doubt,” Paula agreed, “Newfies love kids and they’re very loyal to their families. OK, Rob. If you can find him, I’m OK with taking him in.”
“Paula,” he took her shoulders and looked down into her eyes, “I want to adopt Emily.”
She looked at him, almost like she’d never seen him before. Obviously she hadn’t seen this one coming. He rarely took Paula by surprise, but this time he had. She pulled the curtain back and got out of the shower in silence. He turned the water off and followed her out.
“Please, Paula,” he reached over and dried her back, “say something.”
“I don’t know what to say, Rob,” she confessed, “I can tell by the look in your eyes that you have already made the decision.”
“Do you think it’s a bad idea?” He asked.
“Rob,” she sighed, “I know you already love this little girl. And you know, no matter what else I might say, that if this is what you want, I’ll raise her like she’s my own. But, Rob, I think you should at least discuss this with the boys. This will impact their lives a great deal.”
“They won’t mind having a sister,” he predicted.
“There’s more to it, Rob,” Paula reminded, “We, as a family, have to pass the approval of the state. That means a lot of interviews and visits from social workers. Are you ready for that, Rob? You have the most at stake.”
He followed her into the bedroom and sat down on the bed. He hadn’t considered that part. Paula was right. Everything in his past would be fodder for the social worker. Their whole life would be put under a microscope.
“Honey,” Paula sat next to him, “What if we go through all that and the state says no? Can you handle that?”
“I have to try,” he told her, “I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t try.”
“Then we’ll talk to the boys about it tomorrow,” she kissed his cheek, “And you’ll call Tom on Tuesday and see what we need to do to start the legal process.”
~*~
The next day, after lunch, Rob told the family he needed to discuss something with them. Jenny and Mitch had come for lunch, so they were there, as well. The whole family gathered in the living room to hear what Rob had to say.
“By now,” Rob began, “you’ve all at least heard about Emily, the little girl who’s living with Dutch’s sister. You all know her sad story and the plight she is in. Yesterday, I learned some more details.”
“This is the little girl from the wreck, right?” Mitch asked.
“Yes,” Rob confirmed, “And she seems to only open up and talk when she’s here. I thought maybe she was used to horses, but it turns out, it was a dog. Her family had a Newfoundland. I’m going to try to find out what happened to the dog.”
“Try Newfoundland Rescue,” Mitch suggested.
“What?” Rob wondered.
“They’re active in this area,” Mitch told him, “Do you want me to make some calls and see if I can find the dog?”
“Yes, Mitch,” Rob brightened, “That would be great. See what you can do to get that dog.”
“If it went through Rescue,” Mitch assured, “I can find it. And chances are, if it went to the Humane Society in Springfield, it ended up at Newfie Rescue.”
“Great,” Rob nodded, “I appreciate it. Now, the other thing I found out, is that there are no relatives waiting to adopt her. There’s a whole list of strangers, but that’s just what they are. Paula and I have discussed this, and we would like to try to adopt her ourselves.”
There was silence after this. He let them think for a few minutes before he continued, “This is a major decision and it affects you all. We want your input. There is a grueling process of interviews and investigations to meet the states criteria and approval. It’s not as simple as just saying we want to do it and it happens.”
Mitch was the first one to speak, “Well, I’d say I’m more qualified than anyone here to offer an opinion on adoption. It seems to me that if she responds to you, Dad, then you should certainly try to adopt her. If good parents aren’t willing to adopt children, then bad parents will. I can’t think of a better home for her…or for any child.”
Rob had to swallow hard. For his own son, who had been adopted by other parents, to now feel that way about him was humbling. Maybe that was part of why he wanted to do this. Maybe he was somehow trying to atone for not raising Mitch.
“Well, Dad,” Jason spoke up, his voice still cracking in and out, “from what I’ve seen, she’s a sweet little girl. She seems to really like you and the horses. I think it could be cool having a little sister.”
“Where would she sleep?” Kevin was practical, “Our room is pretty crowded.”
“She could have my bunk,” Keith offered bravely, “and I could share Jason’s bed.”
“Thank you, Keith,” Rob smiled, “But we were thinking of moving Jason to the guestroom. He’s old enough to need a room of his own now. And then we could turn the study into a room for you and Kevin. How would you like that?”
“You’d give her our room?” Kevin wondered.
“So she’d be on the same floor as us,” Rob nodded, “She’s little and needs to be close by. We might build on and add another guestroom and study sometime.”
“You don’t really need a guestroom,” Jenny observed, “Everyone already
lives
here.”
“Pretty much,” Paula smiled, “And we still have this couch that’s a hide-a-bed.”
“It’s OK with me,” Keith remarked, “I could have fun with a little sister.”
“I’m OK with it too,” Kevin agreed.
“All right, then,” Rob announced, “We’ll start the process and see where it takes us.”
“And I’ll see about finding the dog,” Mitch vowed, “That shouldn’t be nearly as hard.”
~*~
On Monday, the whole family gathered and then caravanned down to Ava for the horse show. Ross showed up, along with his friends, and seemed happy to join them. Rob put Emily out of his mind and enjoyed his family and all of the extras in attendance.
At one point, Ross moved up to sit next to Rob, “I guess you heard I may be moving.”
“Yes,” Rob nodded, “Do you have family up there?”
“Grandparents,” Ross told him.
“That could be a good thing, then,” Rob mused, “My grandpa was a big influence on me. Far greater than my father.”
“I’m gonna miss the horses,” Ross admitted.
“Well,” Rob told him, “the horses aren’t going anywhere and neither am I. You’ll be out and on your own before long. Then you can come and visit anytime you like. Or if you decide you want to move back down here, you could rent our apartment and work at the stable.”
“Really?” Ross asked, “Do you mean that?”
“Have I ever said anything to you that I didn’t mean?” Rob smiled, “Of course, I mean it. You are always welcome in my home, Ross.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Ross looked like he might cry, “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
A little later in the show, Dutch suggested he and Rob walk around and look at the vending booths. Rob agreed, suspecting that Dutch wasn’t the least bit interested in buying anything.
“What’s up?” Rob inquired.
“I heard from Davey,” Dutch told him in a low tone, as they walked through the crowd.
“And?”
“It seems that Bob owes a fairly large sum of money to some rather unsavory characters,” Dutch reported, “That’s who’s following him. They’re trying to collect the money.”
Rob raised his brows, “What on earth did he borrow money for?”
“Don’t know that yet,” Dutch shrugged, “Our man is still digging. Davey told him to dig deeper. He’s wondering if instead of just a passing check every so often, we should actually put a tail on him ourselves?”
“Let’s not,” Rob shook his head, “All we really want is a heads up if he leaves and comes this way. Maybe this other business explains why Linda hasn’t heard from him.”
“Maybe,” Dutch nodded, “I gave Davey a couple hundred dollars to send to his man.”
“OK,” Rob reached for his wallet, “Here. Let me know if you need more.”
“Thanks,” Dutch put it in his wallet.
“Chelsea looks well,” Rob observed, “Is she out of real danger now?”
“Doctor says if she makes it to October,” Dutch reported, “She’ll probably be able to carry the baby to term. She’s supposed to have an ultrasound then too. We may be able to tell then if it’s a boy or girl.”
“I’m betting you don’t care,” Rob smiled, “As long as it’s healthy.”
“You got it.”
~*~
Tuesday, when Mitch came for lunch, he walked in with a big grin on his face. After greeting Jenny with a hug and kiss, he looked at Rob as if to say, ‘So aren’t you going to ask me?’
“What are you so happy about?” Rob took the bait.
“I found your dog,” Mitch announced triumphantly.
“Already?” Rob sat down at the table, “Tell me.”
“See if this sounds like the one,” Mitch posed, “A male Newfie, approximately three years old, was brought into the Humane Society on July seventh. After spending a week there, they contacted Newfie Rescue, who sent a representative down from Oak Grove to pick up the dog. I took the liberty of contacting them. Here’s what they told me: They only have a sketchy history on the dog, because he was not brought in by his owners. He has been neutered and was in good health when they got him. Since that time, he has been extremely despondent and lethargic with no apparent medical cause. They believe he is mourning the loss of his family.”
“Do they know anything about that family?” Rob questioned.
“No,” Mitch shook his head, “but I told them your story and how we’re looking for a Newfoundland named Bear. He put me on hold and when he came back, he said the dog perked up when he used that name.”
“So what do we do now?” Rob asked.
“Normally,” Mitch explained, “thy have a screening process for prospective owners. I told them who I was and briefly described your facilities. Basically, because he feels like there’s a good chance this is the dog you’re looking for, he’s willing to release him to either you or me on my good word. With the understanding, of course, that if he doesn’t respond to Emily, we will return him.”
“When can I get him?” Rob was eager.
“Here’s the number,” Mitch handed him a piece of paper, “I told him you’d call and get directions and set up a time.”
“Thanks, Son,” Rob took the number, “Now, how am I going to haul this critter?”
“I have an extra large crate at the clinic you can put in the bed of your truck,” Mitch offered, “It’s big enough for a small calf, so I think it’ll work.”
“Oak Grove,” Rob thought, “That’s up near Kansas City, isn’t it? That’s a fairly long trip. Don’t suppose you can go with me to check him over?”
“I thought you might ask me that,” Mitch laughed, “I don’t have any surgeries on Thursday this week and everything on the schedule is stuff Bruce can handle…If you let him work at the clinic all day, I can go with you.”
“We’ll clean the stables,” Jason offered.
“I’ll help them,” Jenny piped in.
“And I’ll be here,” Paula assured, “We can handle it for one day.”
“I’ll see if I can set it up for Thursday,” Rob went to the study to use the phone.
~*~
It was Wednesday afternoon when Keith came running into the arena office, looking for his father. He had obviously sprinted because he was quite winded.
“What is it?” Rob jumped up, concerned.
“Telephone,” Keith panted, “Mom says come…”
Rob didn’t wait to hear the rest. If Paula had sent Keith at such a pace, it had to be important. He ran across the lawn as fast as he dared and entered the house, breathing almost as heavily as his son.
“Sorry, Sweetheart,” Paula met him, “I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s Kathy and she’s got news for you.”
“Yes, Kathy,” Rob answered.
“Rob,” she replied, “Emily’s caseworker just left. I asked her about the dog. All she knows is that they did have some kind of big black dog, and she thinks it got taken to the Humane Society. Sorry I couldn’t get more.”
“It’s OK,” Rob was breathing normally now, “Mitch did some checking and we think we’ve already found it. We’re going to pick him up tomorrow. He should be here Saturday when you come out. Then we’ll know for sure if it’s the right dog.”
“Rob,” Kathy grew concerned, “I told you I can’t take this dog.”
“If he’s the right one,” Rob calmed her, “I’ll keep him here. Apparently he’s pining away for his little girl as much as she is for him.”
“Really?” Kathy seemed surprised.
“Kathy,” Rob informed, “I want to tell you something else. My family and I have all talked about it and we want to try to adopt Emily ourselves.”
“Are you serious?” Kathy gasped.
“Completely,” Rob assured, “In fact, I’ve already contacted my attorney to start the process. I need to know Emily’s last name and who her case worker is.”
“You may be too late,” Kathy warned, “I was told today that they want to move her before the holidays. There are several families pushing for her.”
“We’ll see,” Rob didn’t let his disappointment show, “It can’t hurt to try. Let’s leave it in God’s hands. Now, the names, please.”
“Emily Michelle Gates,” Kathy told him, “that’s her full name. She turned two on July third. The day before the accident. Her caseworker’s name is Lois Worth. That’s spelled with an o.”
“Thank you, Kathy,” Rob replied, “Let’s not mention this to Sweetpea just yet. The dog or the adoption. I don’t want her to get disappointed.”
“I agree,” Kathy replied, “I guess we’ll see you Saturday.”
“OK,” he hung up, “See you then.”
~*~
Mitch came early Thursday morning, leaving Jenny and Panyon with Paula and the boys. Mitch helped load the crate into the back of Rob’s truck and the two of them struck out on their quest. It was the first opportunity the two of them had ever had to spend so much time alone together. Rob seized the chance to get to know his son on a deeper level.
He was surprised how many things he didn’t know. He discovered that Mitch had always wanted a Newfie of his own. He also found that Mitch had been a chess champion in high school, like himself. His biggest surprise was that Mitch had taken voice lessons and could actually sing very well.
Mitch also reminded him that Linda’s 90 days would be up at the end of the month and she could file for divorce. Rob confided the information he and Dutch had gathered on Bob.
“That’s really strange,” Mitch observed, “The house is just average. His store seems to be profitable. Wonder what he would go to loan sharks for?”
“I don’t know,” Rob confessed, “Let’s keep this to ourselves, OK? I’ll give you the number of the attorney Tom referred me to. I’m going to hand that part over to you. The less I’m involved in that, the better.”
“Sounds fine,” Mitch agreed, “Is Terry staying away from her?”
“Yes,” Rob smiled, “Whatever you said to him must have made an impression.”
“You’re not the only one who can be convincing, Dad,” Mitch chuckled, “Just ask Bob.”
“Check that map,” Rob directed, “I think our turn is just ahead.”
“Yep,” Mitch looked, “We’re almost there.”
They pulled up to a modest house with a fenced back yard and lots of barking dogs. A man about Mitch’s age, with curly red hair, came out to greet them.
“Hi,” he extended his hand, “I’m Jeff.”
“Hello,” Rob shook his hand, “I’m Rob and this is my son, Mitch.”
“Good to meet you,” he pointed at the crate, “I see you came prepared. You’d be amazed how many people get here and then realize they have no way to haul such a large dog.”
“It helps to be a vet,” Mitch laughed, “I keep things like crates around.”
“So, you’re Dr. Martin,” Jeff smiled, “Sorry, it took me a minute to put that together. Did you bring a bag along to check him over?”
“Yes,” Mitch nodded, “I did, why?”
“He was hard to load and haul when I brought him here,” Jeff confessed, “I want to be sure he’s healthy before we stress him again. If you have it, he might need a sedative.”
“I’m prepared,” Mitch grinned, “Let’s just have a look at him first without anything, OK?”
“Very well,” Jeff led them through a gate, “Get back guys.”
A group of large dogs, some Newfoundlands and some mixes, parted to make way. They all seemed happy and healthy and eager to greet the strangers. Rob looked across the yard and saw one dog lying beneath a tree. He raised his head to look at them, then laid it back down, uninterested.
“Is that him?” Rob pointed at the large black dog.
“Yes,” Jeff nodded, “He just lays around all the time.”
“Give me a minute, will you?” Rob requested, “Keep these other dogs away.”
“OK,” Jeff agreed, puzzled.
Rob walked halfway across the yard toward the dog, then squatted down. The dog raised his head again, a bit curious. Rob stayed there for a moment, then very softly began to speak. He knew the dog could hear him and was paying attention.
“Hey, big guy,” he coaxed, “Is your name Bear?”
The dog’s ears perked up and he cocked his head, listening.
“Do you know a little girl?” Rob asked, as if the dog were human, “She’s missing you, Bear. Emily misses you.”
At that, the dog got up and walked cautiously over to Rob. He was a big male, around 160 pounds. His coat had been brushed and looked sleek and shiny. His eyes were bright and he had the typical drool coming from his mouth that was characteristic of the breed.
“I won’t hurt you,” Rob assured and reached out to pet him. Bear laid back down and Rob sat on the ground next to him. “You miss Emily, don’t you? If you come with me, I’ll take you closer to her. She can come and see you then.”
Bear was listening intently to every word. Rob glanced up at Mitch and motioned for him to come over. Jeff stayed with the rest of the dogs and Mitch approached slowly and spoke softly, much like his father.
“Hey, Bear,” Mitch sat down on his other side, “How ya’ doing, big guy? Can I look you over a bit while we talk?”
Bear’s tail was wagging now and he was sharing his drool with both men. Rob saw Jeff taking his other dogs into a pen in the far corner of the yard and closing them up. He walked over, a surprised look on his face.
“I’d say he likes you two,” Jeff observed, “You did that like you knew what you were doing.”
“We do,” Rob smiled, “And I’m pretty sure this is the dog. He recognizes the name Emily when I say it.”
Bear barked at that mention of the name and wagged his tail.
“Seems healthy to me,” Mitch remarked, “I don’t think I’ll drag out any instruments if I don’t need to. Let’s see if he’ll load for us without any trouble.”
“Do we need to fill out any paperwork?” Rob asked, looking up at Jeff.
“Not right now,” Jeff waved his hand, “If he’s the right dog, I’ll mail it to you. You can send it back with a check to reimburse me for the expenses I’ve put in him. I really hope he’s the dog you’re looking for. He’s certainly missing someone.”
“I have three other boys too,” Rob shared, “A twelve year old and twins that are ten. That should help him adjust. They’re good with animals, too. And there are always lots of people coming and going at the stable.”
“He’ll like that,” Jeff agreed, “Shall we try to load him?”
Rob and Mitch got up and so did Bear, looking at them as if waiting for direction. Rob was accustomed to intelligent, intuitive dogs. Sam could read the slightest gesture and so could Panyon. He could see that Bear was the same way.
“Bear,” he spoke to the dog, “Let’s go home.”
Rob walked toward the gate and the dog followed, tongue lolling and tail wagging.
“You need a leash,” Jeff cautioned.
“I don’t think so,” Rob opened the gate in spite of his warning and Bear followed, “Come on, Bear, let’s go for a ride, OK?”
Jeff’s mouth dropped open as the dog willingly followed. Rob let down the tailgate of the truck and opened the crate. He patted the tailgate and Bear jumped up and went into the crate. Rob shut the door.
“Good boy,” Rob praised, “Let’s go home and find Emily.”
Bear barked, as if in agreement and Mitch laughed.
“I think that was a yes,” Mitch interpreted, then looked at Jeff, “Here’s my card. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, just let me know.”
“Thank you both,” Jeff took the card, “Let me know how it goes.”
“I’ll call you on
Saturday,” Rob promised, “Emily is coming
at 1:00. We’ll know for sure then.”
Go to Chapter Seven
Hurry Up and Wait