on her walls.”
He could tell from her voice Beth was smiling, the happiness in her tone evident even over the miles separating them. “If you pick the color, I’d be happy to help you paint Jamie’s room. Whenever you’re ready, that is. Except today. I’m on my way to Austin.”
There was a beat of silence and then another before she answered. “Brody, you’ve done so much for us already, I can’t ask—”
“You didn’t. I volunteered. I like helping out. I’m pretty good with a paintbrush and roller, had quite a bit of experience, so there’s that.”
“If you’re sure it’s not an imposition, I’d love the help.”
Brody glided to a stop at an intersection, watching the traffic lights. Hearing Beth’s voice made him wish he was back in Shiloh Springs, instead of an hour and a half away. He almost groaned when he noted the orange signs, indicating construction ahead on the road he needed to take to get to the Texas DPS Forensic Arson Laboratory, where he needed to drop of the evidence bags, and turn in the report of his findings.
“How about this weekend? I’ve got Saturday off. Bet we can get Jamie’s room knocked out in no time.”
“Actually, Saturday would probably be good. Today we going to get Jamie registered for pre-kindergarten. I don’t want her falling behind, especially with the move. I’ve been working with her, but it’s not the same.”
Brody chuckled, thinking about Beth and Jamie meeting with the kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Gleason had been teaching her little darlings, as she liked to call them, for longer than he’d been alive. She likened herself to being a second grandmother to all the kids. The children adored her, too, which made their parents very happy.
“Jamie will love Mrs. Gleason. I bet she’ll have her wrapped around her little finger by the end of the first day.”
“You know the kindergarten teacher? What am I saying, of course you do. You Boudreaus know everybody in Shiloh Springs, don’t you?”
“I keep forgetting you’re from the big city. I’ve lived most of my life here, so naturally I know most of the folks hereabouts. Mrs. Gleason has a way with the kids; you’d call it the magic touch. She’s like the Pied Piper of the local munchkins. Jamie will be in good hands, I promise.”
Brody heard a rustling sound, followed by Jamie’s voice. “Mommy, who you talking to?”
“I’m talking to Brody.”
Her response was followed by a loud squeal. “Can I talk to Uncle Brody, Mommy?”
Seconds later, Jamie’s voice asked, “Uncle Brody, you know what?”
“What, honey bear?”
“Mommy’s taking me to school today. I went to school before, when we lived in the other place. Then I didn’t go anymore. Now, I get a new teacher, and a new class. Do you think they have a lot of kids there? I really like having lots of kids to play with, and do art with, and write my numbers.”
Brody felt his smile grow bigger. Jamie’s enthusiasm for everything was infectious, and every time he saw her, she raised his spirits and lightened his heart. “I know your new teacher. Her name is Mrs. Gleason and she’s really nice. And, yes, there will be lots of kids for you to play with. Your class is in a building with lots of big rocks on the outside, and a bright red roof made of metal.”
“It has a roof of metal? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. I love red. It’s pretty. Mommy, Uncle Brody says the place where school is has a metal roof and it’s red. Can I paint my room red?”
“Red? Are you sure? Why don’t we wait until we go to the paint store this afternoon and look at all the colors? You might see a different one you like better.”
“Okay, Mommy. Uncle Brody, I gotta go finish getting dressed. I love you.”
The vice grip around his heart tightened at her casually stated words. He’d grow to adore the sweet little sprite over the past few months, with her golden curls and big blue eyes, and her caring and loving disposition. Jamie was one of those children who never met a stranger, and her larger-than-life personality encompassed everyone she touched.
“Love you, too, honey bear.”
“Thanks, Brody. Seriously, a red metal roof? You might as well have waved a scarlet cape in from of her and said pick me, pick me.” The amusement in Beth’s voice played like music to his senses. He loved her sense of humor, which surfaced more and more lately,