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Copyright 2004

Bear stepped into life at the Jackson farm as if he had been born there. He greeted Paula and the boys as if they had been a part of his long lost family. After some serious nose sniffing and tail wagging, Sam and Panyon welcomed him to the family and helped Rob take him on a tour of the property. Rob never even bothered with a leash. He could tell Bear had no inclination to leave.

On Saturday, Mitch came over after the clinic closed, so he could meet Emily and see how Bear reacted to her. Rob had told Bear that Emily would be coming today and he felt like the dog understood him. He had been around animals too long to discount their extra senses when it came to such matters. Panyon, for instance, always knew when Mitch was coming back to get her. She would start looking for him about an hour before he arrived, whether he was gone for the evening or for the week.

About 12:30, Rob noticed that Bear started pacing and watching the lane. It was the first time he had exhibited such behavior since his arrival. Rob felt his own anticipation rising and wondered if this was what Bear was sensing.

He was just inside the arena, talking to Mitch, when he heard Bear’s choppy bark. They both ran out to see Kathy’s van coming down the lane and Bear wagging his tail and barking in excitement. Sam and Panyon were looking at him, heads cocked, as if puzzled by his announcement.

“Wait here, Bear,” Rob commanded, and the dog obeyed until the van drove up. Then he ran to the side where Emily was and bounced on his front feet as he barked.

Rob could see Emily squealing and pointing at the dog, obviously happy to see him. He felt his own heart swelling at the sight.

Kathy got out, as did Sara, and came around to get Emily out. Bear moved aside, still intent on Emily. As Kathy lifted the little girl from her car seat, Rob thought the dog was going to climb in to greet her.

“Bear!” Emily was squealing, “My Bear!”

When Kathy put her down, the dog sat and let Emily wrap her arms around his neck to hug him. There was no doubt that Mitch had found the right dog.

Rob walked over to the pair, “Hi, Sweetpea. Is this your dog?”

“Daddy!” She let go of Bear and flew into Rob’s arms, “My Bear! Daddy got my Bear back!”

Rob held her tightly, soaking in the warmth of her glee, “Yes, Baby, your Bear is back. He missed you too.”

“No doubt about it,” Paula walked over, “Definitely the right dog. Why don’t you take them up on the porch for their little reunion? You’re going to have to explain the situation to her, Rob.”

“I know,” he nodded, “Come on, Bear.”

He took them onto the porch and sat Emily down next to her big dog. Bear lay down and let her lean happily up against him. Rob let them just enjoy each other for a while, watching from the swing, then decided it was time to tell Emily the way it would have to be.

“Come here, Sweetpea,” he beckoned.

She got up and ran over to him and he put her on his lap. Bear walked over and plopped down at his feet.

“Thank you, Daddy,” she hugged his neck, “Love Bear. Love Daddy.”

Rob felt tears well up in his eyes at that, “I love you too, Emily. Now, I have to tell you something. Listen to me, OK?”

She let go of his neck and sat on his lap facing him. She looked up with her eyes wide and an earnest look on her face.

“Bear has to stay here with me,” Rob explained, “He can’t go back to Kathy’s house with you today. There isn’t room for him there.”

“My Bear!” She pouted.

“Yes, Baby,” he put a finger over her lips, “He’s still your Bear. He’s going to live with me and I’ll take good care of your Bear for you. I promise. I need you to tell Bear today that he has to stay here. When you go with Kathy, he’s going to want to leave too. If you tell him to stay, he’ll stay. Can you do that for me, Emily?”

“Me stay,” Emily announced, throwing him a curve.

“Honey,” he gulped, “You can’t stay. You have to go with Kathy. That’s who you live with now…”

“Live here!” She argued, a look of determination on her little face, “With Bear. With Daddy.”

He hadn’t anticipated this. He finally reached deep inside himself for his stern voice, “Emily, you can’t stay here. You have to go home with Kathy today. When you come back to visit, Bear will be here. It has to be that way.”

He thought he had it under control, until she pushed her bottom lip out, it began to tremble and big tears fell from her eyes. His boys had never done this to him. He pulled her up close against him and rocked her.

“Emily,” he whispered, “I’m sorry, Sweetpea. I love you, Baby. I can’t change it. Not right now. I wish you could stay. Daddy wants you to stay. I love you too, Sweetie. Please don’t cry. I’m doing everything I can to fix it for you. Can you please be a big girl for Daddy?”

“What’s going on?” Mitch walked up on the porch.

Emily looked around at him and tilted her head, “Daddy?”

“This is Mitch,” Rob told her, “He’s my son. He helped find your Bear.”

“Hi, Emily,” Mitch sat in the swing next to his father, “Will you come sit on my lap? Tell me why you’re crying.”

She went to Mitch and kept looking back and forth between them. She obviously noticed the resemblance, making Rob wonder even more if he looked like her real father. A thought began forming in his mind, but he forced himself to dismiss it.

“Aren’t you happy to have your dog back?” Mitch asked.

She nodded, then told him, “Can’t stay here.”

“Oh,” Mitch understood, “You want to stay here with Bear? Well, maybe sometime. Just not now, OK?”

“Sometime?” She brightened.

“Sometime,” he nodded, “But Bear likes it here. He’ll be OK without you. As long as he knows you’re OK. He’s been worried about you.”

She reached up and touched his whiskers, then giggled. Mitch grinned at her and winked. She tried to wink back, but only succeeded in blinking both eyes. Rob was relieved to see her smiling again and to see she responded to Mitch.

“Emily,” Kathy walked up to the porch, “It’s time to go home, Honey.”

Rob looked at his watch. He couldn’t believe the hour had already fled. Paula and Sara were standing with Kathy. Emily reached for Rob and he took her. He hugged her tightly and then sat her down on the porch.

“Tell Bear,” he requested, “Be a big girl for me.”

Emily sniffed, “Bear, you stay.”

He laid his ears flat as if he had been scolded and Rob reached down to pet him. He knew exactly how the dog felt. They watched as Emily turned and stoically marched over to Kathy.

Kathy picked her up, “Thank you, Rob. Paula suggested that we come for a visit sometime during the week, so we’ll try to do that.”

“You’re welcome, Kathy,” he got up, “I’d love to see you this week. Come anytime you want. Someone’s always here.”

Emily turned and waved at Rob, “Bye, Daddy. Bye, Bear.”

“Bye, Sweetpea,” Rob waved, “I’ll see you again soon. And I’ll take good care of your Bear.”

~*~

Monday afternoon, Rob was in his office when he looked up to see Sonja and Trevor walk into the stable. He smiled and waved at them to enter. He rose from his chair as they came into the office.

“Hello!” He greeted, “Come in, come in. Good to see you.”

“Hi,” Trevor was smiling.

“Hello, Rob,” Sonja didn’t look as happy, “Trevor, show him.”

Trevor grew sullen and handed Rob a note to read. Rob took it and read it to himself:

‘Ms. Bates,

Trevor has already fallen so far behind in his algebra that it is impossible to keep him in this class. He refuses to do his homework and will not apply himself. I regret to inform you that if his attitude does not change, I will ask him to be removed from my class.

Ms. Bell’

“Is this true, Trevor?” Rob asked, a serious tone to his voice.

“Yes, Sir,” he looked down.

“Why haven’t you done your homework?” Rob questioned.

“I can’t, Sir,” Trevor looked him straight in the eye, “I don’t know how.”

“Do you have your textbook with you?” He wondered.

“In the car,” Trevor nodded, “Shall I get it, Sir?”

“Please,” Rob requested, then after Trevor had gone, he spoke to Sonja, “Ask the teacher to give him a couple more weeks, will you? Tell her you’ve arranged for a private tutor.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Sonja sighed.

“Can you have the bus drop him here every day after school?” Rob asked.

“I believe so,” Sonja nodded, “But that will only give you an hour a day before I can pick him up…”

“If I can’t teach him algebra in an hour a day,” Rob informed, “Then I can’t teach him in a hundred years.”

“But algebra is hard!” Sonja’s eyes grew wide.

“No it isn’t,” Rob chuckled, “People just make it that way. Trust me, Sonja, my twins already do algebra.”

“Here it is, Sir,” Trevor came back in and handed him the book.

Rob opened it and glanced through the pages. Very basic. He turned to the first page of problems, “Come around here, Trevor. You too, Sonja. All right, here’s a pencil and paper. Solve this for me, Trevor.”

“I can’t sir,” Trevor confessed, “It’s just nonsense to me.”

“Then let’s make some sense of it…” Rob set about showing them both how to solve it.

~*~

“What did Sonja come by for?” Paula asked when Rob came into the house for dinner.

“Trevor’s failing algebra,” Rob reported, “He’s going to start coming here every day after school so I can tutor him.”

“He’s just now doing algebra?” Jason came in, “Do you want me to help him, Dad?”

“Maybe later,” Rob told him, “I don’t want to make him feel bad, Son. You and your brothers are all way ahead of him in math.”

“What’s the problem?” Paula asked.

“He never grasped fractions,” Rob diagnosed, “Nor made the correlation between fractions and division. Without those basics, he’s completely lost.”

“We can teach him about fractions,” Kevin came in.

“Thanks,” Rob smiled, “But imagine how you would feel if Emily taught you how to read. Let’s not humiliate Trevor by drawing attention to the things you’re good at.”

“Dad,” Keith sat down, “When Emily comes to live with us, can we help teach her things?”

“If she comes,” Rob reminded, “I’ll expect you to.”

~*~

Rob was in his office Wednesday morning when he heard Bear barking. He hadn’t realized the dog had left the office. Bear usually stayed by Rob’s side now, as if waiting to receive important orders. When Rob came outside, he felt his heart swell. Kathy’s van was coming down the lane. Bear had definitely sensed this visit completely on his own.

Kathy drove up to the house and Rob hurried to meet her. Bear was already there waiting to greet his little girl. Paula and the boys emerged from the house, all smiling and eager to greet their visitors.

“Daddy!” Emily exclaimed and ran to Rob when she saw him.

He swept her up in his arms and kissed her cheek, “Hi, Sweetpea. What a wonderful surprise.”

“Please, Kathy,” Paula invited, “Come on in. Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea?”

“Coffee would be great,” Kathy followed her inside.

“Let’s stay out here with Bear, shall we?” Rob sat on the steps with Emily and her dog.

“Can we stay, Dad?” Jason asked.

“Of course,” he was proud that his boys were so generous and willing to help this little girl.

They stayed on the steps for a while, then took Bear and Sam for a long walk. Rob was about to go inside and ask Kathy’s permission to take Emily for a horse ride when Paula came looking for him.

“Rob,” she called, “Kathy wants to talk to you. The boys and I will take Emily out to see the horses.”

“OK,” Rob handed Emily over to Jason and went into the house. He found Kathy at the table, still sipping coffee. “You wished to talk to me, Kathy?”

“Yes,” she smiled, “First of all, Sara is dying to have a horse of her own. Her grandpa and Uncle Dutch want to buy her a horse for Christmas. If they find one, do you have room for another boarder?”

“Certainly,” Rob agreed, “I always have room for one more.”

“You’ve been very generous about the lessons,” she went on, “I know it’s a favor to Dutch…I can’t impose on either of you for the boarding, though.”

“I’ll make you a deal,” Rob offered, “If we can use the horse as a lesson horse and for trail rides, then you can board it here for free. We’ve lost some lesson horses, so it would help us out too.”

“You can’t be serious!” She gasped, “You mean it? Free? Really?”

“Yes,” he smiled, “I made the same deal with another young student of mine. I’m sure if Dutch is picking out the horse, it’ll be one we can use for lessons. He wouldn’t put Sara on a dangerous animal.”

“Oh, thank you,” Kathy had tears in the corner of her eyes, “I’ve been praying for an answer to this. God bless you, Rob.”

“Hey,” he winked, “it’s not that big of a deal. You said ‘first of all’. Is there a ‘second of all’?”

“Yes,” Kathy wiped her eyes, “Emily’s case worker came again. I told her about the dog. I also told her that you want to adopt her. I hope that’s OK.”

“Of course,” he nodded, “We’re supposed to be getting a visit from a social worker later this week.”

“Well,” Kathy reported, “she told me that she’s getting a lot of pressure to move Emily to another family. She says there are two families in particular she is considering. That’s why I told her you’re trying. I believe she sincerely wants what’s best for Emily. I told her how Emily responds to you and that she was laughing and playing with your oldest son this weekend. She asked me talk to you off the record.”

“All right,” Rob agreed.

“She wants to come out here and see for herself how Emily interacts with you and Bear,” Kathy relayed, “It goes against procedure because you’re not approved yet.”

“Well,” Rob suggested, “Tell her to come look at the stable this Saturday around 1:00. Isn’t that when Sara has her next lesson? This is a public place. Maybe she’s interested in buying a horse or going on a trail ride, huh?”

“That’s kind of what she and I were thinking about,” Kathy admitted, “But you can’t make any reference to who she is, OK?”

“I understand,” Rob nodded, “Her name is Lois, right? Tell her to only use her first name. We’ll be very discreet and nonchalant about it. We have nothing to hide around here, so I don’t have to make a big announcement and warn everyone that she’s coming and what she’s here for.”

~*~

Very few things made Rob nervous. Sometimes he grew worried, but very rarely was he actually nervous. Today, he was nervous. He felt himself craving a cigarette and a drink. Instead, he paced around the house, looking over Paula’s shoulder, making her nervous too.

The social worker was coming today. Not Emily’s case worker. Somehow that didn’t worry him. No, this was the woman being sent to scrutinize his whole family and determine if they were worthy of having a child. He really didn’t know what to expect. How do you prove to someone you are worthy to be a parent?

“Rob,” Paula scolded, “Stop pacing. You’re making us all crazy around here. Surely you have something else you could be doing.”

“You told me not to get dirty,” he defended, “If I do anything, I’ll get dirty.”

She was in the kitchen, cleaning up the lunch dishes. Her hair hung in a long braid down her back and she wore an apron to protect her denim jumper. He and the boys were all dressed in good jeans and polo shirts, trying to adhere to her admonition to stay clean.

“I’m sorry, Honey,” she pulled her apron off and came over to hug him, “This is nerve-wrecking for all of us. Even the boys couldn’t concentrate on their schoolwork this morning. They’ve all grown fond of Emily already, and they like the notion of having her as a sister.”

“I know,” he held her close, “I’m so proud of them. There’s not a selfish bone in any of them.”

“They get that from their father,” she complimented, “He’s the most generous man I’ve ever known.”

“I wasn’t until I met you,” he kissed her, “You taught me how.”

“Here comes a car,” Kevin ran in and reported, “It’s coming up to the house.”

Rob looked out the window, “Hmmm. That must be her. A silver Volkswagen Beetle. Not the kind of vehicle you see around these parts much.”

“She has to be from our county, doesn’t she?” Paula was watching.

“Just because she works our county,” he remarked, “doesn’t mean she’s really from here.”

“The dogs are on the porch, Dad,” Jason warned.

Rob went out the front door, Paula right behind him. The boys came bubbling out of the house, as well. Bear looked at Rob and sat next to him, barking at the car from there. Sam went out to tell her where to park and be sure she knew this was his house and family.

Rob called him off, “Sam! Come back here.”

The dog obeyed, but Rob noticed his hackles were up. Not a good sign. If Sam didn’t like her, he had good reason.

The woman who stepped out of the car was tiny. She looked even shorter than Bessie and was thin almost to the point of anorexia. Her hair was long and only had a slight curl to the ends. Her bangs were curled, and Rob couldn’t decide what color her hair really was. It had blond streaks that looked artificial and some of it was a mousy brown color. Maybe it had been frosted or highlighted or whatever it was they called that thing women did to make their hair look different colors.

She wore dark slacks and a short-sleeved tan sweater. As she approached, he realized she was wearing heels, so that meant she was even shorter than he had first thought. She had on eye makeup that made her lashes look like spiders, but her face had an abundance of freckles that couldn’t be disguised.

“Hi,” she smiled and called out, “I must be at the right place. I’m Rita Wilson.”

“Hello,” Rob smiled and put out his hand, “I’m Rob Jackson. This is my wife, Paula; and these are our sons, Jason, Kevin, and Keith.”

“Quite a pair of watch dogs,” she observed.

“Sam,” he pointed, “and Bear. He’s just joined us, but Sam’s been here forever.”

“Come in,” Paula invited, and everyone went inside.

Rob could feel his heart racing. How could this tiny little woman, probably in her thirties, determine whether he was fit to take care of Emily? She wasn’t wearing a ring. She wasn’t a wife, probably not a mother…what did she know about raising children?

She took a seat in the living room and pulled some papers from her briefcase. Paula sat down on the sofa, and Rob sat next to her. He wanted her close by. He felt stronger with Paula by his side. The boys all sat in the floor.

“I have the papers you filled out,” Rita informed, “But I need to ask you all some questions and then I have some more paperwork. I’ll talk to you as a family first, then as individuals.”

Paula put her hand on Rob’s knee and squeezed it gently. She knew he was nervous. She was trying to make him feel better. He took her hand in his and held it tightly.

“Now,” Rita looked at the boys, “I take it you two are twins, is that right?”

“Yes,” Kevin answered, while Keith nodded.

“What grade are you in?” She asked.

“Well,” Keith informed, “We’re ten.”

“We homeschool,” Rob spoke up, “That’s on the paperwork.”

“I still need to know what grade level they’re in,” Rita informed.

“It depends on the subject,” Paula explained, “All three of the boys read at a college level. They are all thoroughly versed in history and geography. They have all competed and placed in spelling bees, geography bees and history fairs that are held annually in Springfield. Jason’s math is probably close to college level in most areas. Keith and Kevin have both mastered algebra and geometry and are currently beginning trigonometry. They are all well versed in science but are each working with their own specialties at the moment. Jason is an inventor and considering a degree in mechanical engineering, so he’s working on that area. Rob has a minor in mechanical engineering, so he’s teaching him. Kevin plans on being a veterinarian, so he’s doing a lot of biology and chemistry. Keith wants to be an architect, which is Rob’s official occupation, so he is teaching Keith the science skills involved in that.”

Rita had that ‘deer in the headlights’ expression, “Are you serious?”

“Of course, I am,” Paula told her, “Would you like for the boys to prove it? I’m sure they can answer anything you ask. At least if it has a real answer. Questions like ‘what grade are you in?’ are abstract and do not have a definitive answer.”

Oh dear, Rob thought, this woman has already ticked Paula off. We’re in deep trouble now.

“All right,” Rita set the papers aside, “Why do you homeschool?”

“We feel like we can give our children the best education by providing it ourselves,” Rob answered before Paula could, “We have the ability and feel it is our responsibility to do it.”

“You intend to homeschool any future children you might acquire?” Rita asked.

“We’re only interested in one specific child,” Rob reminded, “and she has a name. Emily. Let’s not talk about her as if she were a bag of potatoes.”

“Do you all realize,” Rita pointed out, “that I’m supposed to act as your advocate to the judge? I’m the one who represents you and makes your case in seeking approval.”

“We know that,” Jason spoke up, “Mom and Dad explained this whole process to us. Then, my brothers and I did research on our own to find out more. Basically, the state pays you to determine whether or not my parents are capable of raising a child. It seems to me that they already have proven that if you look at us.”

Rob wanted to cheer his son, but he knew this whole thing was going down the drain rapidly. He had no idea how to save it. Maybe Jason was on the right track.

“Why don’t you ask us some questions?” Keith offered, “We’re the ones who know what kind of parents they are. Kind of the expert witnesses, you could say.”

“Did you have to pass a test to be a mom?” Kevin asked, “Or are you even a mom?”

“No,” Rita shook her head, “I’m not. I’m a licensed social worker and I went to school to learn how to do this.”

“Did your mom stay home and teach you?” Kevin asked. “Did your dad quit is job and start his own business at home so he could spend more time with you?”

Paula looked at Rob and winked. The boys had her on the ropes and she didn’t have a clue how to get away.

“No…” Rita shook her head.

“Did you dress yourself this morning?” Jason quizzed, “Feed yourself? Read a map to get here? Watch signs on the road to be sure you read the map right? You’re capable of all those things, right? You’re a functional member of society, aren’t you?”

She nodded, “Yes…”

“And you had none of the advantages that we have,” he made his point, “We have great parents. You had average parents and still you survive. Why shouldn’t Emily get a shot at above average?”

“Why do you think your parents are above average? Is that what they’ve told you?” She tried to regain control of the conversation.

“The definition of the word ‘average’,” Jason had participated in debates, so he knew exactly what he was doing, “in this case would be ‘normal, usual, or ordinary.’ In today’s society, the average parent either is or has been divorced, works outside the home, and is deeply in debt. A good portion of those also drink, smoke and believe in casual sex. Our parents are married to each other, both stay at home, and are not in debt. They don’t drink or smoke, and they are completely committed to each other. Personalities aside, those facts alone make them above average.”

Rob was in awe of his son. He spoke with such confidence and intelligence that no one could have guessed he was only twelve. His voice had almost caught up to his physical appearance, so that added to his credibility.

“Jason is right,” Keith added, “My mom and dad have taught us all sorts of things that other kids our age don’t know. Dad let us help him draw up the plans for the arena when we built it. We also designed and built a hot-walker for the horses. Mom has shown us how to manage the web-site for our stable and we help with the accounting. We all help with the business as part of our education.”

“If they can’t teach us what we need to know,” Kevin explained, “They find someone who can. My cousin Chelsea is a chemical engineer, so she’s teaching us chemistry. I want to be a vet, so I work with Mitch and he teaches me on the job.”

“Mitch?” Rita picked her papers back up, then looked at Rob and Paula, “I think this would be a good time for me to talk to the boys alone. Is there somewhere else you can go while I talk to them?”

Rob felt a chill go over him. He knew it was coming, but he hated leaving his boys alone with this woman. Of course, so far they had totally dominated her. It bothered him that Mitch had come up and he was being asked to leave, though.

“We’ll go to the kitchen,” Paula stood, “Boys, you’re doing fine. Come and get us if you need anything.”

Rob followed Paula out and when they reached the kitchen he let out a deep breath, “I don’t like this one bit.”

“Throwing your sons to the shark, you mean?” She grinned, “Don’t worry, Honey. In case you haven’t noticed, your sons are dolphins.”

“Do you think she’ll break them up?” He wondered, “Talk to them separately?”

“We’ll know soon enough,” she shrugged, “So far, they’re handling her better than we are. You and I both got ticked off at her.”

“Sam didn’t like her,” Rob remarked.

“I noticed,” Paula observed, “He’s usually right. Come here, Honey. The boys will be OK. It took them no time at all to turn her little mind game around and use it against her.”

He took her in his arms, “I know. The bad thing is, she’s right. We do need her to be our advocate, not our opponent.”

“She’s cut out of the same mold that Carrie was,” Paula reflected, “She didn’t know what to make of us, either.”

“Carrie,” Rob recalled, “That seems like a lifetime ago. Hard to believe Mitch ever got involved with someone like her.”

“Kevin,” Paula looked up, “Keith. Did she send you two out?”

Rob turned to see the twins, both nodding.

“She wanted to talk to Jason alone,” Keith said, sitting down with a paper, “We’re supposed to fill these out.”

“Let’s see,” Rob looked at the paper A quick glance at the multiple choice questions told him that it was a psychology profile. “Listen, boys, if the right answer isn’t a choice, then write it in, OK? Don’t pick a wrong answer if that’s all they give you.”

“I can see right now I need an extra piece of paper,” Kevin remarked, “These are essay questions, but the answers given here are all one and two words.”

“You know where the paper is,” Paula told him, “If your answer is an essay, then write it out. Don’t let them force you to pick something you don’t really believe.”

About 20 minutes later, Jason came in, paper in hand, “Keith, you’re up next.”

“OK,” he left his paper and went into the living room.

“So,” Rob asked his son, “What did she ask you about when she had you alone?”

“She asked me if I was aware that it was casual sex that led to the existence of my brother Mitch,” Jason reported.

“Oh no!” Paula gasped, “She asked that?”

“What did you tell her?” Rob pursued.

“I told her that I was well aware of how Mitch came into being,” Jason shrugged, “But that as soon as you were made aware of his existence, you took him into our family and treated him as your son. I also told her you used it as an example to us that our actions have consequences, sometimes many years down the road, and we should be very careful how we live. You reminded us that we reap what we sow.”

“Let me see your questions,” Rob looked at his sheet, “Yours is different. She must think you require the adult version. Think about your answers, Son. If they don’t give you a correct answer, then you write it out, OK? Your brothers are using extra paper to write essays when they feel it’s needed.”

Another 20 minutes passed and Keith returned, “Kevin, your turn.”

“Well?” Paula sat next to him.

“She mostly asked me about having to share everything with Kevin,” he reported, “Wondered if I hated the idea of a little sister coming along to take you two away from me.”

“And?” Rob pursued.

“I told her that having a twin meant I actually have more, not less,” he giggled, “because what’s mine is his and what’s his is mine. And I told her that I think Emily is such a sweet little girl it’ll be great to have her for a sister.”

When another 20 minutes passed, Rita came out with Kevin, “Paula, I’d like for you to show me the house while we talk.”

“Sure,” Paula went with her.

“Well, Kev?” Rob asked.

“She wanted to know about being a twin,” he shrugged, “And about Emily. I told her if Emily was half as cool as Mitch, it’d be great. I told her Keith and I are going to teach Emily to read.”

“Dad,” Jason spoke up, “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure,” he got up and they went to the living room, “What is it, Son?”

“I thought you’d want to know about this,” Jason shared, “And I’m sure you don’t want the twins to hear. It’s up to you if you tell Mom.”

“What?”

“She asked me if I’d ever had sex,” Jason reported.

“Did you tell her you’re only twelve?!” Rob gasped.

“Yes,” Jason laughed, “and she shuffled through her papers until she found out I was telling the truth. So, then she asked me if understood what safe sex is and how to use a condom.”

“Surely she didn’t broach this subject with the twins,” Rob worried.

“Dad,” Jason smiled, “It’s OK. I took care of everything. I told her that you had a long talk with me and that I knew everything I needed to know. I told her that all of us have a very good relationship with both you and Mom and when we have questions, we talk to you. I also told her that the twins are just ten and that she shouldn’t ask them such things. I told her they are just boys and that this subject is something very private and she shouldn’t be asking children about it.”

“What did she say?” Rob smiled.

“She looked embarrassed,” Jason reported, “So I asked her if she wanted to discuss her private life with me and she said no. I told her she should never ask someone a question she was unwilling to answer herself.”

“I’m proud of you, Son,” Rob gave him a hug, “You handled her brilliantly. Thank you.”

Paula and Rita came into the living room. They looked surprised to find Rob and Jason there.

“Rob,” Rita smiled, “You’re next. Why don’t you show me the stable while we talk?”

“Certainly,” he caught Paula’s wink as he passed her and led the way outside. “What would you like to see?”

“Let’s walk to the arena as we talk,” she suggested, “Did your boys really help you design it?”

“Yes,” he nodded, “I’ll show you the inventions that Jason added to it. Did he tell you he already holds a patent on one of his inventions? He’s got two others pending.”

“No,” she raised her brows, “he didn’t tell me that. He doesn’t seem twelve.”

“Not by today’s standards,” Rob agreed, “But you know, 200 years ago he would have been considered a man. Boys his age were in the Navy, navigating ships by the stars. We have been conditioned to believe that children should be irresponsible and self-indulgent until they graduate from college, then we expect them to magically turn into responsible adults.”

“But, of course,” she was sarcastic, “You know better.”

“Did my sons strike you as irresponsible and self-indulgent?” He countered, “Or did they seem to be responsible and knowledgeable? And do they seem miserable and mistreated or happy and thriving?”

“Do you think you’re a good father?” She avoided his question.

“I believe that I am responsible for my family’s well-being,” he didn’t directly answer hers either. “It is my responsibility to provide for them and protect them. If you wish to judge the worth of a tree, you must look to the fruit it bears.”

“That sounds like something from the bible,” she remarked, “but according to your paperwork, your family doesn’t attend church.”

“Was there a question wrapped in there somewhere?” He took her into the arena, “Would you like to see the stalls?”

She looked overhead, then all around her, “Wow. Yes, the stalls, please. Why don’t you go to church? Most homeschool families are very religious.”

“Does going to church make a person religious?” He posed, “If you stand in your garage, does it make you a car? We live our beliefs on a daily basis around here. We don’t confine them to one morning a week.”

“Sir!” A voice called from behind, “Am I interrupting? Should I wait in the office?”

Rob turned to see Trevor, books in hand. The afternoon had slipped by and he was here for his tutoring session.

“Trevor,” Rob smiled, “This is Rita Wilson. She is the social worker assigned to evaluate us.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Sir,” Trevor apologized, “Shall I go ask Mrs. Jackson to help me this afternoon or Jason, perhaps?”

“No, Trevor,” Rob assured, “How did you do on your test today?”

“I got 50%!” He was excited, “All the ones I got wrong were things we haven’t covered yet. See?”

Rob took his test and looked it over, “Excellent! You got all the problems right that we had covered. Your mom will be thrilled. Wait in the office for me. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Who’s he?” Rita asked.

“He’s a student,” Rob answered, “His mother asked me to tutor him in algebra.”

“May I talk to him?” She started toward the office.

“He’s only 14,” Rob warned, “Don’t you need his mother’s permission to do that?”

“No,” she went in and Rob followed quickly, “Trevor, I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Trevor,” Rob broke in, “you don’t have to answer anything. You are not required to participate in this evaluation, so you don’t have to answer her questions.”

“What are you hiding?” She turned on Rob.

“I’m not hiding anything,” he spoke sternly, “I’m protecting his rights.”

“Sir,” Trevor spoke up, “Is this about Emily?”

“Yes,” Rob answered.

“Then I’ll answer her questions,” he offered, “I don’t mind.”

“I’m staying in here,” Rob warned her, “And you won’t get out of line like you did with Jason…and you know exactly what I’m talking about.”

She blushed, “Very well. Trevor, what is your relationship with Mr. Jackson?”

“He’s my friend,” Trevor smiled, “He’s sort of like a dad to me now.”

“Now?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he nodded, “After this summer.”

“What happened this summer?” She pressed.

“Well,” he gulped, “me and my friends were in trouble. The sheriff went to our moms and made them a deal. Mr. Jackson gave us all jobs here this summer to keep us from going to Juvie. Now, we’re all back in school, but he’s still our friend.”

“I see,” she pondered, “So you worked for him? Doing what?”

“All sorts of things,” he shrugged, “Cleaning stalls and feeding horses. Repairs and yard work. But Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, they taught us all kinds of stuff while we were working. How to garden, and bale hay, and mend fences, and drive tractors. And then everyday, Mr. Jackson gave us riding lessons, so we can all ride now. He’s helping me buy a horse of my own. Then, when the weather got hot, their boys started school again. So, Mr. Jackson let us sit in on their science and math lessons. We learned all sorts of cool stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Like stuff they don’t teach you in school,” he explained, “Practical stuff like how to build stairs. And fun stuff like how to tell your position by the stars.”

“And now he’s teaching you algebra?” She asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” he nodded, “I couldn’t do any of it when we started. Today I made 50% on my test!”

“How long has he been working with you on it?” She queried.

“Since Monday,” he shocked her, “By next Friday, I think I can get 100%! That’s better by ½! That’s a fraction!”

Rob laughed, “That’s right. So, what’s your ratio now of correct answers to wrong ones?”

Trevor thought for a moment, “One to one!”

“Perfect!” Rob applauded.

“No it isn’t,” she argued, “It’s one to two. He got ½ of them right.”

“No,” Rob explained, “I asked him his ratio. At 50% his ratio is one to one. If his ratio were one to two, then his percentage would be 33% or 1/3.”

She looked at him and shook her head, “I never was good at math.”

“Maybe you should let him teach you!” Trevor laughed, “I never was good before either!”

“I think you’ve asked enough questions,” Rob told her, “I need to work with Trevor. You may sit quietly and listen or you may leave.”

“I’ll sit and listen for a while,” she sat on the couch.

“Very well,” he sat at the desk, “Trevor, grab your chair. Is this where we left off?”

About half way through the lesson, Rita rose to leave, “I should be going. I’ll be making another visit soon. The next one will be unannounced.”

“That’s fine,” Rob nodded to her, “Someone’s always here.”

After she had walked out, Trevor asked, “You don’t like her, do you Sir?”

“Is it that obvious?” Rob frowned. “No. She rubbed me the wrong way.”

“It’s too bad they can’t just let Emily decide,” Trevor remarked, “You know she wants to live here. Any kid would want to live here.”

“Why do you say that?” Rob smiled.

“Because you and Mrs. Jackson are the coolest parents in the world,” he explained, “And this is the coolest place I’ve ever seen to live. It’s like going to camp, only it’s all the time.”

“You’ve been to camp?” Rob asked.

“Once,” he nodded, “In the summer between seventh and eighth grade. One of the counselors there, he was cool like you. He showed us how to do things. Sir, I hope it’s OK that I told her you’re like a dad to me.”

“Of course, Trevor,” Rob patted him on the back, “That made my day, hearing you say that. I hope all of you boys feel that way. I’d certainly do anything I could to help any of you.”

“I never knew my real dad,” Trevor grew somber, “I guess he must’ve been a jerk. I mean, since he never stuck around.”

“We all make mistakes,” Rob told him, “Look at me. I have a grown son that I didn’t raise.”

“You didn’t know about him, though,” Trevor reasoned, “My dad knew and he still left.”

“That was a long time ago and he was just a kid himself,” Rob reminded, “He may regret it now. Don’t be too hard on him.”

“If you had known about Mitch before,” Trevor wondered, “Would you have married his mother?”

Rob sighed and put down his pencil, “No, Trevor, I wouldn’t have. I’m not sure what I would have done. Maybe I would’ve given her money to help out. I don’t know. I was young then.”

“It just seems like you were born to be a dad,” Trevor observed.

“Thanks, Trevor,” Rob smiled, “I’m trying to do my best at it now.”

~*~

After the stress of Friday, Rob was anxious to spend some time with Emily on Saturday. He was a little more apprehensive now about Lois’ visit, but Kathy seemed to like her, so perhaps she wouldn’t be like Rita. He hoped Kathy would arrive first, but his hopes were dashed when a red Saturn arrived and a stranger got out.

Both Sam and Bear barked, but neither of them seemed suspicious of her. She was about average height, slightly plump and probably in her forties. She had light red hair that was short and curled, and she had freckles across her nose. She wore jeans and a sweatshirt and got out of her car smiling.

“Hello,” Rob walked up, “I’m Rob Jackson. Can I help you?”

“Hi,” she giggled, “I don’t know. Do you want to give me this place?”

Rob smiled, “Sorry, it’s not available.”

“I’m Lois,” she introduced herself, “This is gorgeous. I grew up on a farm in northern Missouri and I miss living in the country.”

“Would you like to look around?” He asked, starting into the arena.

“Oh, let’s stay outside for now,” she suggested, “How big is this place?”

“Just 100 acres,” Rob informed, “I wish it were more. Except when I have to mend fences, of course.”

She looked down at Bear, “You must the Newfoundland.”

“That’s Bear,” Rob confirmed, “A story in and of himself.”

“You are a big dog,” Lois petted him, “You like it here too, don’t you?”

“There comes Kathy,” Rob remarked when Bear started barking and wagging his tail.

Lois turned, “I don’t see anyone.”

“Bear says they’re here,” Rob told her, “Just watch.”

The van came into view and Lois laughed, “Well, I’ll be.”

Rob watched as Kathy pulled up and Bear did his normal happy dance for Emily. Lois was watching too. As soon as she was out of the van, Emily made her mad dash into Rob’s arms.

“Daddy!” She squealed and kissed his cheek.

“Hi, Sweetpea,” he swung her around and she giggled, “I missed you!”

“Miss you,” she told him, “Miss Bear.”

“Good afternoon,” Kathy walked up, Sara close behind.

“Sara,” Rob told her, “Paula said she’d be down shortly. Jason is in the tack room. He’ll help you get your horse ready. She’s putting you on a different horse today.”

“OK,” Sara smiled.

“Hi, Sara,” Jason came outside, “You’re riding my mare today. Her name’s Sassy. You’ll like her. Come on, I’ll help you catch her. I’ve got a lead rope and halter already.”

“That’s your son?” Lois asked, watching them walk toward the paddock.

“Jason,” Rob nodded, “He’s 12.”

“He looks 15 or 16,” Lois observed, “And Sara looks like she’s in love.”

“So I’m not the only one who noticed?” Kathy laughed, “Thought maybe it was just maternal paranoia kicking in.”

“I noticed too,” Rob chuckled, “But you don’t need to worry. Your daughter is safe with my son. He’s oblivious to the fact that she has a crush on him, but he won’t do anything unkind.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Kathy smiled, “He seems like a very nice boy.”

“Horses!” Emily exclaimed.

“Did you hear that?” Kathy laughed. “They’re not big dogs anymore.”

“I heard,” Rob kissed Emily’s cheek, “Do you want to go see the horses?”

“Please, Daddy,” she grinned and nodded.

“Horses it is, then,” Rob carried her into the stable, followed by Bear and Lois. They walked along, talking to the horses and to each other in the vernacular they had developed. Lois listened intently, but silently. Rob almost forgot she was there. Having Emily in his arms tended to overshadow everything else.

As they came around the other side of the arena to see the next row of stalls, Rob noticed that Sara was riding Sassy, listening to Paula’s instructions. Jason was leaning on the rail, watching intently. Rob wondered if perhaps he was wrong. Maybe his son wasn’t oblivious after all. He made a mental note to speak to Jason about it.

Rob stopped at the rail and lifted Emily to sit on his shoulders. She giggled and clapped, happy to be up so high. Lois smiled at her.

“Hi, Emily,” Jason greeted, “That’s my horse, Sassy. You like Sassy?”

“Pretty horse,” Emily told him, “Me ride!”

“You want to ride her?” Jason asked, “I’ll let you ride her when Sara’s done, if you want.”

“Hey, Jas,” Rob suggested, “How about Ginger now instead?”

“Oh yeah!” Jason agreed, “I’ve got another horse, Emily. Her name is Ginger. You want to ride her now?”

“Ride! Ride!” Emily clapped and bounced on Rob’s shoulders. He winced as she pulled on his ponytail with her bouncing.

“You OK, Dad?” Jason noticed his dad’s grimace.

“Yeah,” Rob smiled, “Can you get my hair out from under her?”

“Sure,” he laughed and extricated the ponytail. Emily immediately grabbed hold and started playing with it. Jason told her, “Now, Emily, that’s Dad’s hair. If you pull it, it hurts. It’s just like pulling Bear’s tail. You wouldn’t do that, would you?”

“No,” Emily shook her head, “Hurt Bear.”

“Right,” Jason nodded, “So don’t hurt Dad, OK? I’ll go get you a horse to ride.”

“Ask Kathy if it’s OK,” Rob called.

He saw Jason stop and talk with Kathy for a moment, then he went to the tack room and came back out with a small child’s saddle. He returned shortly, leading his old sorrel mare. Ginger had been another one of Paula’s horses before she was married. She was old, but still in good health and very gentle with children. She had been Jason’s from the time he could sit up.

“Pretty horse,” Emily exclaimed.

“Want to ride?” Jason reached up and took her from Rob’s shoulders. He carried her over and sat her in the saddle. “Now you hang on and I’ll lead you around. Don’t jump and bounce and kick, OK?”

“OK,” she agreed.

Rob watched as Jason led her down the aisle of the stable and around to the other side. Jason was good with little children. He had been taking care of his brothers all their lives.

When they got out of earshot, Lois finally spoke up, “I’m absolutely in awe.”

“Of what?” Rob asked.

“Emily,” Lois shared, “She’s a completely different child here. She’s happy and bubbling and normal. I have never met that little girl before.”

“Really?” Rob hadn’t realized the extent of the change.

“I’m going to be very frank with you, Mr. Jackson,” Lois turned to him, “I wish it were in my power to hand her to you right now and leave her here forever. It’s not, though. Until you are approved by the state, my hands are tied. Even after you’re approved, since you’re out of my county, I can’t directly place her with you. However, there is one thing I can do right now. I can dig my heels in and use every stall tactic in the books, and a few that aren’t in the books, to keep her where she is. Then, after you get approved, I can see to it she gets assigned to someone in your county who will have her best interests at heart.”

“Thank you,” Rob told her, a lump in his throat, “We’re doing what we can. Our case worker came yesterday and…Well, I’m afraid she’s nothing like you.”

“May I ask who it is?” She queried.

“Her name is Rita Wilson,” he divulged.

“Oh my,” Lois sighed. “I’ll have to dig in deep, then. This could take a while. She’s notorious for taking forever to approve anyone.”

“May I ask you a question?” He wondered, “Off the record?”

“Everything today is off the record,” she nodded.

“Is it customary to interview children out of their parents’ presence?” He queried.

“Yes,” she informed, “Sometimes children won’t be honest in front of their parents. Sometimes they fear repercussions.”

“Is it customary in those interviews,” he posed, “to discuss sex with them?”

She let out a sigh, “I’m sorry to say it is, these days. At least with the newer case workers. It’s not something we’re required to do, but we are encouraged to do it. Especially if they are in junior high or older.”

“Do you do that?” He wondered.

“No,” she confessed, “I don’t think it’s my place. Unless I suspect child molestation or something like that. But that’s not what you’re referring to, is it?”

“She asked my 12 year old son if he knew how to put on a condom,” he reported. “If anyone else had done that, I would have wrung their neck!”

“I don’t blame you,” she confided, “I don’t want someone asking my children those questions either. I’m a mother, though. I think that’s the difference. Most of our case workers are single and a lot of them don’t have children. They don’t understand what it means to really love a child.”

“Then why are they doing this?” He wondered.

“That’s the million dollar question,” she shrugged, “They think they’re saving the world, I guess. I don’t try to save the world. I try to save the child. I see so many tragic cases, that I’m just always trying to give these children a happy ending. That’s my own little personal ‘mission statement’—seek the happy ending. That’s what I want for Emily. I can see right now that the happiest ending I’ll find for her is right here. Meanwhile, I need to go. It’s been wonderful here today. Thank you for letting me come. Tell your wife I’m sorry I couldn’t visit with her, but I can tell she’s a wonderful mother. Just watching her with Sara and seeing what a responsible boy Jason is, that tells me all I need to know.”

“Thank you for coming,” he put out his hand, “And for caring about Emily.”

“You have my word, Mr. Jackson,” she vowed, “I’ll do everything I can to get her placed here with you. I want to see her get that happy ending.”

Go to Chapter Eight
Time Marches On