Gift-Wrapped Family

“Used to date?” Mia stared at him, waiting.

“Lara died six months ago.” He met her gaze and saw questions widening her eyes.

“Oh. Where does Lily live now?” He thought Mia played with her cup to hide her expressions.

“Officially I’m her guardian. Lara and Reba lost their parents years ago, so Lily’s staying with a woman named Hilda Vermeer, a foster mother.” He grimaced. “She was a real tartar when I was a kid, but she’s mellowed a lot since. I think Lily feels safe with her.”

“Children should feel safe,” Mia murmured almost to herself.

“Your mother said that to me once.” Caleb figured it was unlikely that Harlan would talk about his former partner. He thought Mia must feel starved for details about her mother. Again that desire to protect her bloomed inside him.

“She protected you from your father,” Mia said thoughtfully. “Maybe that’s why she arranged for me to marry Harlan, to keep me safe.”

Not Pia’s best decision, Caleb mused, given the jerk Harlan turned out to be.

“It’s past three,” he said after checking his watch. “Lily will be home from kindergarten. I could phone Hilda, ask her if we could come over.” He waited, certain that if Lily and Mia could form a bond, chances were that Mia might agree to support Harlan’s child and legal action against the estate wouldn’t be necessary.

And you wouldn’t feel so guilty for not adopting Lily yourself.

“I don’t know.” Hesitation was written all over her face. But something dark and fearful also lurked in her eyes, something Caleb didn’t understand.

“It doesn’t have to be a long visit,” he encouraged. “I drop in to see her most days. You can say hello.” She didn’t look convinced, so he pushed harder. “Don’t you want to see Harlan’s child?”

“Yes, but—” A nerve ticked in her cheek “You don’t understand.” She glanced sideways at him, then sighed heavily. “Today has been full of surprises.”

“I know. It hasn’t been easy for you and this must have come as quite a shock. But surely meeting a five-year-old girl doesn’t scare you.” Caleb immediately regretted those words because it was clear Mia was panicking at meeting Lily. “I’ll be right there,” he soothed. “We can leave whenever you want.”

That seemed to ease her fears. “You’re sure?”

“It’s just a meeting, that’s all.”

“As long as you stay. I can’t be alone with her,” Mia said, her voice raspy.

“Hilda and I will both be there.” He smiled. “I’m so glad you’re doing this. You’ll love Lily.” Caleb made the call and after a few minutes’ drive they were at Hilda’s.

Caleb saw Mia’s face soften when she caught sight of the little girl sitting in a corner of the porch. She studied Lily intensely, taking in every detail of her stepdaughter.

“Welcome. I’ve made us some iced tea. It’s so lovely today we’ll drink it on the porch,” Hilda said after Caleb had introduced Mia.

He wasn’t surprised to see Lily hang back. Since her mother’s death she’d become unsure and tentative about most things. He hated the way the little girl clung to Hilda’s skirt as if fearing she’d be abandoned again. Caleb knew he wasn’t capable of giving her what she needed, but he had a hunch Mia could, if she would.

“Iced tea would be lovely. Thank you.” Mia smiled. The warmth in her words reached Hilda’s heart judging by Hilda’s wide smile.

“Have a seat. It won’t take me a minute.” The older woman bustled inside.

Caleb knew Lily would have preferred to follow Hilda, but that would have meant walking in front of Mia, thereby revealing her damaged leg. He felt his heart squeeze with regret, saddened to see the formerly bubbly child now standing silent in the corner, dark blue eyes riveted on Mia. He struggled to find a conversation opener and came up blank.

“It’s a lot of hair, isn’t it?” Mia mused aloud, reaching a hand to her head. Though she didn’t actually look at Lily, it was obvious the child was the target of her remark. “Sometimes I wish it was shorter like yours. Your hair is so pretty. Those ribbons are perfect.” Mia caught her own hair in her hand and tried to twist it into a ponytail like Lily’s.

“You look like a clown.” Lily promptly burst into the giggles.

“I know.” Mia pulled out a small tablet and a pen from her purse and began sketching a clown with big curly hair, a bulbous red nose and striped balloon pants. “Like this?” she asked, holding out the pad.

Clever, Caleb silently applauded. Why had Mia been afraid when she was so obviously at ease with children?

Mia held the drawing so that Lily had to move nearer to get a good look, which meant she awkwardly shifted her leg. Mia didn’t seem to notice. Instead, she kept drawing, adding to the sketch. In moments Lily was fully vested in the picture, pointing out areas that needed enhancement.

“Can you draw a dog, a brown one?” Lily asked.

“I’ll try.” Mia began sketching until under Lily’s tutelage the face of a chocolate Lab appeared.

“It’s perfect.” Lily grinned. “That’s the dog I want. And I’m going to call him Mr. Fudge.”

“That’s a great name,” Mia said. “Who doesn’t like fudge?”

The air left Caleb’s chest in a rush of relief. This relationship was going to be a success. Mia would make it so because that was the kind of woman she was: caring, gentle and full of love just waiting to be expressed. Maybe her fear had to do with Lily’s father, and yet he saw no fear in Mia now, just a sweet spirit that Lily was warming to. He’d been right to bring them together.

He studied the two heads, one so dark, one shimmering with light, just like her mother’s. He had a hunch that Mia would one day make some lucky child an incredible mother. Some child—like Lily?

Caleb seldom prayed anymore. God seemed too far away. But this afternoon the soundless plea slipped from his heart.

Can You find Lily a new mom, God?

As Lily’s giggles filled the air, Caleb couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather see her with than sweet, gentle Mia.

Chapter Three (#ulink_1d2a392f-a01c-5f05-a8e2-a8dc97746335)

“Lily’s an incredible child.” Mia couldn’t conceal how moved she was after meeting her husband’s daughter.

“You didn’t feel a barrier because she’s, well, your stepchild?”

“Not at all.” Her certainty surprised Mia. “It’s obvious Harlan was her father. Those eyes and that chin give it away, but Lily is her own person. She isn’t responsible for Harlan’s betrayal. She’s just a little girl who’s lost her mother.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Caleb said warmly. The admiration and appreciation in his gaze warmed a lonely place Mia always kept hidden.

Perhaps it also emboldened her because she blurted, “What happened to Lily’s leg?”

“A riding accident.” Caleb shuddered. “A year ago she was on a horse for the first time and it threw her. Lily broke her leg. It was a complicated break and hasn’t healed well.”

“Can it be fixed?” Mia asked.

“Reba told Lara she couldn’t find a surgeon willing to try another operation.” Caleb’s forehead furrowed. “I haven’t had time to check into that. Abby Lebret, the woman who runs Family Ties and is trying to find Lily a home, might have more information.”

“Family Ties—oh, yes, the adoption agency you mentioned. So you’ve handed care of Lily over to them?” Mia said, not managing to hide her disapproval.

“It seemed best. I’m not father potential,” he said, defensively, Mia thought.

“I thought you were very loving with her, exactly as a father would be.” She mentally replayed her meeting with Lily. “She reminds me of myself at her age.” She didn’t realize she’d spoken her thoughts aloud until she heard Caleb’s voice.