Dad in Training (17 page)

“It’s a room.”

He eyed Molly, the scowl still etched on his face. “Yes, I see it’s a room. This type of facility is uncommon. It doesn’t
follow the conventional style of housing for the animals. It makes my job more difficult.”

She saw Steph flinch with the man’s comments, and she could also hear the “I told you so” bellowing in Steph’s thoughts.

“I realize that, but remember, unless we find foster or adoptive homes for the animals, the dogs live here. I wanted them to feel loved and be in a homey environment. Everything we’ve used can be disinfected and washed.”

He wandered toward the room Fred occupied as she spoke, but Molly couldn’t read his expression. Her nerves tightened.

When he passed the Dutch door and stepped inside, Fred rose from the cushion and sniffed his pant leg. Ernie crouched and petted the dog’s head as he studied the surroundings. “I see everything is plastic or leatherlike.” He rose and touched the beanbag and then looked at the plastic bin filled with dog toys. He stepped back. “And the rugs can be washed.”

“Yes. I understand the need for sanitation to keep the dogs healthy.”

He rubbed his fingers down his chin.

Molly’s heart thumped. “Would you like to see the rest? We have a very nice room for our visiting veterinarian.”

Ernie followed her down the hall. She knew his greatest concern was where the dogs were kept, but she hoped he would see how hard they’d worked to create a quality shelter. He asked a few questions as she showed him the front of the building, and when they made their way to the back, everyone, along with Fred, was gathered in a small circle, their faces etched with worry. So was Molly’s.

“This area is for inside play and exercise on inclement days. Otherwise we have a fenced yard where the dogs can be outside for playtime.”

He made a note on his clipboard, and when she looked up, Molly was surprised to see Morris coming through the door. He lifted a hand in greeting and then pulled Brent to the side of the room while her curiosity got the better of her.

Ernie stood a moment, checking boxes and scribbling notes on the form. “Water?”

“Yes. We have water.” The inane response made her giddy, and Molly released an embarrassing giggle. “Naturally.” She motioned for him to follow and she showed him their work room and storage area. “We have large water dishes for each room.”

Ernie made another check on the form, tucked the pencil back into his shirt pocket and strode back down the hall without comment.

Molly bit her lip, her mind spinning out of control, tears pushing behind her eyes. What would she do if he didn’t approve the shelter?

When they reached the others, Morris’s voice split the silence. “This is a wonderful shelter, you agree.” Not a question, but a firm statement.

Molly flinched, waiting to hear what Ernie had to say.

He eyed Morris without comment.

“I own this building.” Morris extended his hand toward Ernie. “Morris Runyan.”

Ernie’s eyebrows shot up as he shook Morris’s hand and introduced himself. “Miss Manning is leasing from you?”

“No, we’ve given her the use of the building. We have faith in her and the shelter. Her proposal went before our board of directors at Runyan Industrial Tool Corporation and was accepted.” Morris shifted his sturdy frame closer to Ernie. “When will Molly receive approval? Today, or will she be notified at a later date?”

Molly’s eyes widen, seeing Morris’s tack. No wonder the Runyan board approved her proposal.

Ernie clutched the clipboard against his chest. “Miss Manning will receive an official report through the mail.”

Morris arched a heavy eyebrow. “But you make the decision.”

“Well…yes.”

“Then what is that decision? Approval, I assume.”

Ernie stammered a moment. “Yes. She meets all requirements, although the cages are unorthodox.”

Morris gripped Ernie’s shoulder. “And that’s why we supported Molly’s proposal with enthusiasm. She truly cares about the animals. This isn’t a scheme to make money but a devotion to providing homes for the abandoned dogs.” His gaze captured Molly’s. “I admire anyone who unselfishly tries to improve the world.”

Ernie nodded. “Yes. I can see she’s put a lot of work into this shelter. It’s very…homey.”

“Good.” Morris gave him a genial slap on the back. “Molly can move ahead then with finalizing her plans to open.”

Ernie edged toward the door. “She’ll receive her permit in the mail in a couple of days.”

“Wonderful.” Morris’s voice boomed with such force that Molly jumped.

The poor man skittered through the door and made a quick getaway.

Molly’s pulse skipped and then accelerated again. Approval. The seed of a dream had blossomed into reality. “Morris, thank you so much.”

Although Brent smiled, beneath it Molly sensed his irritation at his father’s forceful ploy. Molly didn’t approve, either, but today she wanted to give Morris a big kiss on the cheek. Why Morris had become so gung ho escaped her, but she accepted the gift as a blessing.

Morris slipped his arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug. “Congratulations, Molly.”

“Thanks for coming.” She looked at the group posed around her, their smiles still beaming. “We should celebrate.”

“Great idea.” Morris clapped his hands. “I’m taking everyone out to dinner tonight. What do you say?”

Molly raised her hand. “I didn’t mean you should—”

“It’s my pleasure.” He looked toward Brent. “You set a
time. I need to get moving. Randy’s at my house with the housekeeper, and I’m supposed to be birthday shopping. He gave me a list.”

Brent’s voice cut through the air. “Don’t get the bike, Dad. I already have one hidden in the garage.”

Morris grinned. “Don’t worry. It’s a long list.” He took a step toward the door before glancing back at the group. “I’ll see you all tonight.”

“Happy Birthday, dear Randy. Happy Birthday to you…”

Randy grinned, took a big breath and blew out the twelve candles.

As everyone applauded, Brent ruffled Randy’s hair, realizing in another year he would have to deal with a teenager. “Let’s have the cake and ice cream, and then—” he sent Randy a playful look “—we can open the rest of your gifts.”

Molly pitched in to cut the cake while Randy doled out scoops of ice cream, and Brent stood back, blanketed by the feeling of family, a sensation he’d never experienced quite like this. Rain had fallen on Randy’s actual birthday date, the Thursday before, but today the sun shone, making it a perfect Saturday for the celebration.

“Did everyone see my new bike?” Randy asked, plopping into a chair and dipping into the ice cream.

Molly raised her hand like a kid in school. “I did. It’s beautiful. Do you know how to ride?”

Randy gave a huge nod. “I practiced yesterday.” He looked over at Brent. “I’m pretty good. Right, Uncle Brent?”

Brent’s chest puffed, picturing Randy’s tremendous progress after the first day of struggle to master his balance. “He’s doing great.”

Pride heightened the glow of Randy’s face. “Can I show them later?”

Brent gave him a wink. “But only after we open your other gifts.”

That seemed to be agreeable with Randy.

As they enjoyed the birthday cake, the conversation shifted to the dog shelter and Molly’s parents leaving the next day after worship.

Morris rose for another slice of cake. “Just a small sliver,” he said, giving his belly a pat. “Did the inspection approval arrive yet?” He looked up from the cake plate toward Molly.

Her joyful expression gave the answer. “Yesterday. I felt like I’d been given the Miss America crown.”

Brent’s pulse kicked up a notch. Molly enthralled him. She’d become the sunshine in his world, and the awareness set him on edge. Though Molly remained guarded, he’d experienced a crack in her armor—more than a crack—a space he had wiggled through. He sensed he’d penetrated her heart, but she still remained cautious.

He’d told her about his faith, and he’d admitted feeling responsible for his brother’s death, although he’d fallen short of telling her why. The day would come soon when he could let that go, too. Then he could tell her the whole truth. He’d fallen in love with her.

Fallen in love. Brent never thought he would say those words, but he didn’t have to. The emotion permeated his heart and soul so deeply he ached.

Though his father had once again stepped over the line, using his power play with the inspector, Brent had assumed the shelter would pass inspection. Molly had thought of everything. His chest expanded as he admired Molly’s skill and pure love that drove her to reach her dream.

One day she would make his dream come true—a dream he’d never experienced until he’d met her.

He rose and offered his guests more cake or ice cream. When everyone passed, he began gathering the plates and forks to carry to the kitchen.

But Molly moved beside and whispered near his ear. “Let
me do this. You can bring in the rest of the gifts. Randy’s been so good about waiting while we ate.”

He grinned, recognizing Molly’s excitement as much as Randy’s. He retrieved the gifts from the great room and set them on the table.

Randy’s face glowed. He settled himself in front of the pile, fingering the ribbons and eyeing the boxes.

When Molly hurried back from the kitchen, Randy dug into his presents—a skateboard from Molly, the knee-and-elbow pads from her parents and his father’s surprise Wii console and the games software.

Randy let out a hoot. “I love it, Granddad. I can go bowling right here.” He swung his arm back and let it fly, nearly knocking a glass off the table.

“Slow down, pal.” Brent shifted forward and removed any breakable items near Randy, not wanting to squelch his enthusiasm. “We can look at that later, but first…” He gave Randy a subtle poke with his elbow.

Randy stood and grinned. “Thanks for all the neat presents. I’ve never had such a great birthday. Ever.”

Molly began the applause, and everyone joined in.

He spun around toward Brent. “Can I show them the bike now?”

“Sure. Go ahead. We’ll come out front in a minute.”

Flo collected the gift wrap and shoved it into the waste basket, while Art and Morris carried the gifts into the family room.

Brent set a couple of coffee cups in the sink and then followed the rest toward the front door.

By the time they assembled outside, Randy had pedaled down the block. Brent stood on the grassy berm, keeping an eye on him.

Molly ambled closer and gave his arm a squeeze. “Look how much he’s grown up. He’s wonderful, Brent. I’m so happy to see the changes even since I met him.”

Everything had changed since Molly stepped into his life. Randy adored her and even seemed happy going to church with her the past two Sundays.

While Brent watched Randy, his mind headed back to his earlier discussion with Molly. Though he still clung to some old feelings, Brent had done everything he could to forgive his father for the past. He’d even had a better understanding why God said no. But seeing the joy in Randy’s face on his birthday when he was sent to the garage for the surprise bicycle made Brent wonder why the Lord didn’t say yes more often.

“Whoa!”

Brent spun around, hearing Art’s yell. Rocket shot past Art’s legs while Brent darted forward to catch the dog, who’d obviously gotten out of the backyard. He kicked himself for not checking the gate. Randy was careless with that. “Rocket. Come!”

The dog ignored his call and raced down the sidewalk toward Randy.

Brent cupped his hands around his mouth. “Rocket!”

Molly darted after the dog.

Brent joined her, but his heart stopped when Rocket veered into the street as a car turn the corner. “Randy!” Brent headed toward them, waving his arms.

Randy waved back, then spotted Rocket. In a split second, Randy dropped his bicycle on the edge of the street and ran toward Rocket.

“Randy! A car!” Brent’s voice pierced the air as he closed his eyes.

The car’s brakes squealed.

Rocket darted onto the grass, and Randy flew into the air, spun twice on the hood and then plummeted to the ground.

M
olly sat beside Brent in the hospital waiting room while Morris visited Randy in the emergency cubicle. Brent’s head rested in his hands as she drew her palm across his back in soothing strokes, not knowing what else to do or say. She’d said it all. He hadn’t been to blame. Kids wanted bicycles, and he’d given him one.

Though longing to see Randy, Molly had not taken a turn to go in since visitation was limited, but she knew she’d feel better if she had even a moment with him. The image of Randy flying into the air and bouncing on the car’s hood turned her stomach. She shifted in the seat, trying to force her thoughts from that horrifying moment.

“I know what you said, Molly, but I feel rotten.” He fell against the cushion, shaking his head. “The other day you gave me an example of not always saying yes, and it’s killing me.”

She drew a blank. “Example of what?”

“You said something about if a kid wanted a car and his father could look into the future and see the boy would have a serious accident, the father would say no. I keep thinking of that.”

Air shot from her lungs. She had said that. Molly bit her
lip, wishing she hadn’t. “I guess I did, but that wasn’t a premonition. It was an analogy.”

“But it makes sense. God knows what’s going to happen in the future. We have no idea.”

Molly slipped her fingers through his. “Brent, you can’t spend your life saying no because something might happen. Randy’s going to be all right. After the accident, the first thing he asked was about his bicycle. You heard him. He’ll be bruised, but he’ll heal, and he’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Still, I realize what a responsibility it is to be a father. I don’t think I can do the job.”

“Shush. You’re wonderful with Randy. I just told you that. He’s matured, because you’ve given him attention and shown him love.”

“Love I never thought I had in me.”

“Because you didn’t feel it when you were a child. You know your parents loved you. They just loved differently.”

“I realize that now, but I didn’t then.” Brent pressed his free hand over their entwined fingers. “Molly, I’ve been wanting to tell you about something. It’s one of the things that’s bothered me so much of my—”

“Randy has a slight concussion and a fractured arm.” Morris’s voice reached them as he strode forward. “His left arm. The right would have made it worse, I suppose.”

Brent’s face paled. “Fractured arm.”

Morris tilted his head toward the door. “Go in. They’re going to set it, and they might keep him overnight. Just to be safe.”

Brent shot off the chair and vanished through the doorway.

Morris crumpled into Brent’s chair. “He looks okay, though. Frightened, but okay.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “That gave me a scare.”

“Me, too, but. I’m grateful it’s nothing worse.” She sent a thank-you to the Lord without hesitation. She’d nagged Him with her pleas since she’d seen the horrible accident.

Concerned about Morris’s ashen complexion, Molly touched his arm. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He patted her hand. “I’m not used to all this excitement.” He chuckled. “And I don’t want to be, either. Nice quiet evenings are enough for me.”

She grinned, glad he’d maintained a sense of humor.

Morris slipped his hand into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope. “I planned to give you this as I was leaving the party, but this is as good a time as any.” He slipped the envelope into her hand.

Molly held it, eyeing the plain white covering with her name scrawled across the front in broad strokes.

“Open it.”

The command propelled her. She drew her index finger beneath the closure and tore it open. Inside, she saw a check. Her heart bucked. “What is this?”

“A gift.”

“A gift?” She studied him again while he nodded toward the check.

Molly inched it from beneath the flap, afraid to look. She swallowed hard and forced her eyes downward. Her heart stopped. “I don’t understand.”

“You can’t question a gift. No strings attached.”

She looked again to make sure she hadn’t misread the figure. One hundred thousand dollars. The numbers swirled in her mind. “But…?”

“Molly, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, and for once I want to do something good and unselfish.”

“You’ll be a partner. I’ll write up a contract and—”

“Molly.”

“I’ll pay it back when we begin to—”

“Please do me this favor and accept the gift.”

She drew the check against her chest, pressing it between her hands. “Do you know what this will do? I can get the shelter going without fear of falling on my face. I can provide
homes for dogs, train them so they won’t be euthanized when all I need is time to find the right home for them. It means more than you’ll ever know.”

He shook his head. “I know, because I’ve experienced something similar.”

Her brow furrowed, unable to fathom what he might mean.

“You, Molly. You’ve been a light in my dark life, and you’ve given that light to my son and grandchild. You’re a beacon of hope and faith. Money can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done, but I know it will help you, and it’s what I want to do.”

His voice whirled through her mind. Darkness. Light. Hope. Faith. Could she have done all of that? She knew better. Morris had opened his heart and let God’s light in. She’d just been there when it happened. “Does Brent know?”

“I’ll tell him. He might be angry that I’m butting in again, but it’ll pass.”

“Can I give you a kiss on the cheek?”

“I’d be honored.”

He leaned forward, and she pressed her lips on his cool skin.

“Molly?”

She twisted around and looked into Brent’s bewildered eyes. “What’s happening?”

“A thank-you.” She slipped the check into her bag and then rose and put her arms around his shoulders. “How’s Randy?”

Confusion etched his face. “He wants to see you.”

She glanced at Morris, then back to Brent. “I’ll just be a minute.”

Morris patted the chair Molly had vacated. “Sit. I want to tell you something.”

The befuddled look marked Brent’s face as Molly turned and headed out the door. In a moment, Molly stood beside Randy’s bed.

He opened his eyes and gave her a brave look that wrenched her heart. “I broke my arm.”

“I know,” she said, eyeing the splints as she brushed the hair from his forehead. His brow felt clammy. “How are you feeling?”

He gave a minute shrug. “Scared.”

“Don’t be. We’re all out there in the waiting room, and Jesus is right here beside you.”

His eyes shifted as he scanned the room. When he looked back, he gave her a faint nod. “I might have to stay here all night.”

Her chest pinged. “But you’ll go home tomorrow. Probably in the morning.”

“Okay.”

Molly gazed at his innocent face while he tried to be brave. She leaned over and kissed his flushed cheek, surprised to feel the chill of the room on his flesh. “I’ll see you later.”

“I love you.”

His words knocked the wind from her. She blinked back her tears and uttered the words she’d longed to say. “I love you, too.”

In the hallway, she lowered her face in her hands as reality rocked her. She couldn’t hurt the boy. Molly couldn’t even think of the possibility. She could never abandon Randy now.

She dragged herself back to the waiting room, trying to get her emotions in check. Although knowing Randy’s love for her touched her heart, her relationship with Brent still had an edge to it that she’d caused herself. He’d professed his faith—baby steps, but she knew the seed had been replanted—and he would grow and flourish in his acceptance of the Lord’s promises. All her fretting and worrying had produced nothing but unhappiness. The door had been opened, the shackles of her prison broken away, and now she was free to move ahead. So what did she fear?

She stopped in the waiting room doorway, assuming Morris had told Brent about the check and expecting to see
frustration on his face. She stood a moment until he noticed her. He gave her a tender grin and then rose and opened his arms. “Feel better seeing him?”

“Very much.” She stepped into his embrace, realizing Morris hadn’t told him. The disappointment marshaled her anxiety.

He drew back, and his inquisitive look let her know he’d sensed her tension.

Brent steered her back to the chair, and she assumed he’d head back to Randy. It would give her a chance to ask Morris why he didn’t tell Brent about the check.

“Dad, why don’t you go in with Randy for a while.”

Morris rose without resistance and patted Brent’s shoulder, giving him a wink that bewildered Molly. As he strode into the hallway, Brent settled beside her, his look hooded.

“Are you worried?” That’s the only thing she could think that would cause his guarded expression.

“No. Randy will be fine.” He slipped his fingers through hers.

“He will be, and probably home tomorrow.”

He seemed unsettled, and she worried he knew something about Randy she didn’t.

Brent shifted to face her more fully. “I’ve had something I’ve been trying to tell you.”

Panic tore through her. “Something’s wrong with Randy?”

“It’s not Randy.” He captured her hand as he glanced at the door. “Before my dad comes back, let me get this off my chest.”

She held her breath. He did know about the check.

“You know about my brother. He was a tease and enjoyed taunting me.”

His brother? The unexpected topic boggled her mind.

“You know that Toby was given away because of my lack of responsibility.”

“Given away? Your dad told me—”

“That was the story he told me. My dad made rash decisions. I lived with them.”

“Oh, Brent.”

“Let me tell you the real story.” His jaw twitched as his frown deepened. “I had never expected Dad to go that far with his threats. I tried to remember to feed and water Toby, but sometimes I’d run to my room, avoiding my brother, and I’d forget.”

He looked into her eyes and gave her an apologetic look.

“I’m listening.” Listening, but having trouble following. Molly’s thoughts had splintered with Randy, the check and now Brent’s story.

“I’ll get to the point.”

She grimaced, fearing she’d let him see her confusion.

“My dad gave Toby to my brother to use for hunting. I lived in fear that something would happen to him. Bullets flying around. Toby was new to hunting. I resented that Dad had allowed Randall to use my dog. My brother taunted me that Toby wasn’t a good retriever. He told me someone would probably shoot him, because he was so useless.”

“Brent.” Her hearts stood still. “He didn’t.”

“He said it, but no, he didn’t hurt the dog. But my continual whining bugged him, and one day Randall came home from hunting and said Toby had run away. I asked my dad, and he only shrugged his shoulders. I cried for a week. I was certain that Randall had done something awful. Remember, I was younger than Randy.”

Molly ached, hearing the story and imagining how any child would feel. “Your suspicion was logical. Anyone might suspect that.”

“The truth was, Dad had given Toby away, and Randall took care of it, but I didn’t know that until later when Randall got tired of my questions. I wanted details and probed to find out how hard he’d searched for the dog. He told me the truth and then laughed at me.”

Molly’s stomach knotted.

“But before I knew the truth, what kills me is I hated my brother. I prayed he’d die like I thought Toby had.”

Molly’s pulse raced. She knew how Randall died, and she could understand Brent’s agony.

“I kept thinking how much Randall deserved a horrible death like he’d done to Toby. When I learned the truth, those prayers ended, but not the dislike for my brother. Then years later it happened. Randy was shot—”

“I know how Randall died.” She grasped both his hands in hers. “You mean all these years you thought God had finally answered your prayers.”

“You always tell me it’s in His time, Molly.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “God has a plan for all His children, and He knows when they need to leave the earth. He doesn’t answer children’s confused prayers like that.”

“I realize that now, but then, it grew into a mountain. I wanted you to understand why I was a mess when you met me. I’d clung to that twisted thinking for so long it had become real. I even disliked pets because of it.”

“We do those things to ourselves.” Molly’s knotted stomach turned upside down. “We all have delusions, and we all have secrets. I have mine.”

Brent’s head jerked upward, his eyes flashing disbelief. “You?”

She nodded. “I had a long talk with my mother about one delusion I had, but I have something else I need to tell you about my teen years.”

“Your teen years?”

She nodded and then glanced toward the doorway, praying she had enough time before Morris returned.