Chapter 9
CHAPTER
NINE
Two months later
Candy knocked on Kassie’s door and waited.
“Come in,” she called.
She entered in time to watch Kassie put a finger to her lips as she rose from the desk with one of the twins in her arms. She entered the nursery and returned a minute later.
“How’s it going with Archer?” Kassie greeted.
“We’re great. Patch took him over to the facility to meet the Serenity Securities Team. He’s applying for a position there,” Candy said, beaming.
“How wonderful,” Kassie exclaimed. “I got your note asking to see me. What’s up?”
“It’s Dakota. She seems sad, and a couple of teens have mentioned she’s not participating again. I’m worried about her.”
“The state notified me they will have beds opening up at the end of the month. They’re planning on Dakota returning to them. We’ve exhausted all means of finding her a foster family here in Serenity, and our resources are full,” she said sadly. “I hate to have her lost in the system.”
“Oh, no,” Candy groaned in despair. “How will she get the proper treatment inside one of their teen homes? She has a new prosthesis and is learning how to be a kid. Why do they care when she’s safe and happy here?”
“We’re working hard to keep it from happening. One of the counselors has spoken with her to avoid it taking her by surprise. At least she’ll be here for the dance. I know how much she’s looking forward to it.”
“I’m worried about her,” Candy said grimly.
“Don’t give up faith,” Kassie encouraged. “I haven’t stopped my search. We’ll need to come up with a plan in the meantime. I’m making the case she needs outpatient visits every month so we can check her stump. Hopefully, they’ll assign her to a foster family closer to the hospital.”
“Thanks, Kassie. Archer and I plan to take a picnic on the easy trail. Do you mind if Dakota joins us?” Candy asked, wanting to find the young woman and hold her tight.
“Ask her. If she wants to go, I’ll permit her to check out with you and then sign her back in,” Kassie said, picking up her phone. “I’ll call the nurse’s station and let them know.”
Candy left the office feeling torn. Archer and the teen formed a tight bond over their similar handicaps and always encouraged one another. She loved watching them together. She walked down the hall to Dakota’s room. She found her sitting on the bed.
“Hey, girlie. It’s a beautiful day outside and Archer got his temporary prosthesis. He wants to walk the easy trail and have a picnic before I return to work,” she greeted her.
Dakota continued to draw on her sketch pad.
“Tell him not to walk too much or he’ll make his stump sore.
Did he get some of the cream to rub on it from Miss Samantha?
Her ointment from her spa works wonders when I overwork mine.
You’ll be sure to check it every now and again for any rubbed spots, right? ”
“I will. Since you’re worried about it, why don’t you join us? Miss Kassie gave her permission.” Candy nudged her.
Her little nose scrunched up as she gave it some thought. “I better stay here. I promised Annie to go with her to the teen shop and help her pick out a dress for the dance. Billy asked her to go with him.”
Candy sat beside her and brushed the hair away from her face. “Hey. Don’t give up. You never know when life can surprise you.”
Dakota smiled sadly. “You can say that again. Don’t you wish you could go back in time and change how things turned out?
I wish my dad had seen the deer before we went around the curve.
I can still hear my mom screaming as he slammed on his brakes and swerved.
Sometimes, I wonder why they died and I lived. ”
“We’ll never know the answers, sweetheart. I’m sure they feel happy you survived. You have your entire life in front of you. Things may feel dismal for now, but time passes, and the heart finds a way to heal. You won’t forget, but it won’t hurt as much,” Candy said, giving her a little squeeze.
“Thanks, Candy,” Dakota said, hugging her back. “You remind me of my mom sometimes. She always knew what to say when I needed it the most.”
“Your mom raised a wonderful daughter, and she’d be proud of everything you’ve accomplished.” Candy rose and winked at her before leaving.
She recalled the advice she gave to the young girl.
The pain of her wedding day didn’t hurt as much anymore.
Every day she spent with Archer, she fell more in love with him.
Maybe, sometimes, the things that hurt you the most turn into a bigger blessing in disguise.
She knew Jonah’s infidelity would’ve ruined their marriage because she’d never stay with a man who didn’t remain faithful to his vows.
Yet, Archer did everything he promised and more. He never let her down.