important for you to make a difference in Cara’s life when”—he paused, rubbed his chin— “when you have your own family?”
She glanced back at Cara, who was sitting patiently, much to Dave’s surprise. Then she turned to face him again. “My kids are twelve, sixteen, and seventeen. They don’t need me the way they used to.” She smirked. “Except they seem to be suddenly unhappy that they aren’t getting a cooked breakfast in the mornings, and they’re having to help with the housework.” She waved a hand in the air. “Anyway, I’ve always been a stay-at-home mom, and if I was going to work outside of the home, I wanted it to be doing something besides shuffling papers. Something important.”
Dave could tell by the conviction in her voice that she had given him an honest answer, but as was his way, he badgered her one more step. “Are you trained in special education?”
“No. I’m not.” She blew out a heavy breath of air. “I know I’m the only teacher to work here who doesn’t have a degree or special ed training, and if you don’t want me working with Cara, I’d be disappointed but I’d understand.”
Dave couldn’t believe it when her eyes started to water up. Finally, someone who really did seem to care about Cara’s well-being.
“What would you think if Cara and I just followed you to your house and had a quick look at the chickens?”
She brought one hand to her chest, smiling. “I think that would be great.”
Dave held up a finger. “But . . . I better warn you. Cara gets focused on something, and then she never lets go of it. Like with jewelry.” He glanced at her left hand. “Sorry you’re not able to wear your wedding ring around her.”
“That’s okay.” Then she leaned closer to him, whispering, “You know, Cara might have forgotten about visiting the chickens, so we don’t have to mention it. She seemed content talking about and drawing the birds. But I wanted to say something to you privately in case she did say something about a visit.”
“I think I’ll just bring it up. You said she did such good work today, and you did promise her chickens.” He grinned and was glad to see Darlene grin back. “We’ll follow you to your house, and we won’t stay but a minute. I know you want to spend time with your family.”
They both walked back to Cara, and Dave told her the news. Cara stood up and hugged him. “Thank you, Daddy.” She spoke slowly and clearly, as though she didn’t have a care in the world.
“You’re welcome, baby.”
He looked at Darlene and wondered if she was confused by Cara’s calm demeanor because Dave stayed confused. But right now, Cara was happy, and that was all he wanted for her. That’s all Julie would have wanted too.
Darlene pulled into her driveway, hoping she wouldn’t have to invite Dave and Cara in. There was no telling what shape the house was in, and, she mused, there was always the possibility of someone talking about a nose-picking teacher or some other inappropriate subject. She hoped Ansley’s chickens were all in the chicken coop and not running loose like her daughter let them do sometimes.
Chad’s truck was here, and so was Grace’s new car. Brad should be on his way home. She felt a sense of relief whenever she saw that her teenage drivers were home, especially Grace since she’d just gained her freedom on the roads. As they’d done with Chad, after Grace passed her written test, Darlene and Brad had spent lots of time in the car with her. Both the kids were good drivers, but Darlene suspected she’d worry every time they got behind the wheel.
Dave pulled up behind her in his shiny black Mercedes. She’d show Cara the chickens, then have time to cook dinner. As she climbed out of the car, she could see Layla in the far distance on one of her horses. She still couldn’t believe Layla was famous. Maybe she should introduce Dave to Layla. Dave’s clothes and car seemed a nice monetary fit with Layla. Then she tried to picture Layla and Cara interacting, and she quickly dismissed that idea. Layla didn’t strike her as very maternal.
“Hi! The chickens are over there in the chicken coop,” she said as she walked toward Dave and Cara. She saw Dave glance at the farmhouse. “It needs a lot of work. We’ve only been here two months. It