down at her notepad. “We’ve made the decision to remove Percy from his home. It’s not a decision we make easily, but based on current events, we feel his home environment isn’t safe.”
“Good. It’s about time. I beg your pardon, ma’am, but I don’t know why it took so long for everyone to see what needed to be done.”
“We don’t like removing children from their homes. It’s always better if we can work with parents and create a healthier environment.”
“Good luck with Mervin.”
“East,” Windsor warned.
“I’m sorry, but it’s true. The man’s an abusive drunk. He has no right to have children. Where’s Percy gonna go? Will I still be able to see him?”
Renee glanced at Windsor and back at me, setting her notepad aside. “That’s why we’ve called you in here. Do you know what a kinship caregiver is?”
I shook my head, my brows dipping. “I’ve never heard of it.”
She nodded like she’d assumed as much. “In Alberta, children who have been removed from their homes can receive temporary or long-term placement in a home with a kinship caregiver, or they can be placed in foster care. A kinship caregiver is often extended family, an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent, but it can also be someone who is significantly connected to the child even if they aren’t related. The role of a kinship caregiver is the same as it would be in foster care. The adult would be responsible for the child’s safety and security and all of their basic needs. We believe that whenever possible, the child is best placed in care with someone they are already bonded with.”
I glanced between Renee and Windsor, my breath stuck in my lungs. Was she saying what I thought she was saying?
“Since Percy has no other family, the chief feels you would fit that role for Percy.”
My vision blurred, and I batted my eyes. “Are you sayin’…?”
“I’m saying, if this is something you’d be interested in—”
“It is.”
Renee held up a hand. “It’s a huge responsibility, and I think you should take it home and think about it.”
“I don’t have to think about it. That boy means everything to me. Yes. I wanna be this kinship person or whatever you called it. What do I have to do?”
Renee smiled at Windsor, who nodded and returned her smile. Renee pulled a package from her briefcase. “There are some forms to fill out, and our office will run an emergency background check. By the time they are ready to release Percy, we should be set.”
I pressed my palms to my eyes, but my tears were unstoppable. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Thank you, Easton. Percy is one lucky boy from what I’m hearing.”
“Now. If you don’t get your ass home and get some sleep, I’m going to take back every nice thing I said about you,” Windsor warned.
I wiped my eyes, exhaustion hitting like a truck with the relief of knowing Percy would be in my care for the indefinite future.
“I will. I promise. Thank you, Chief.” I stood, and we shook hands, which turned into a backslapping hug. I shook hands with Renee as well, thanking her too.
Back in the waiting room, I collapsed in a chair, my tears falling as I tried to find the words to share the news with my family. I was an emotional wreck.
“He’s mine.” My chest hitched. “I get to take him home for now.” I took off my hat and leaned forward, mopping my face with my sleeve. “I’m sorry if I didn’t check with you first, Dad, but—”
“Never you mind that. You are the best person in the world to take care of that boy.”
Dad shifted to the chair beside me and patted my leg as I sat back. I took hold of his hand and squeezed.
“I’m so proud of you, son. Your mother would be too.”
When I glanced up to find Lachlan, a wave of dizziness hit me out of nowhere. Like the world shifted on its axis. I snagged my dad’s arm and blinked, trying to focus. Everything grew hazy. My fingers tingled, and a bitter taste filled my mouth.
That was all the warning I got.
Chapter Seventeen
Lachlan
Exhaustion and relief filled Easton’s face when he fell into the seat in the waiting room. “He’s mine. I get to take him home for now.”
His tears fell, but he wiped them away and accepted his father’s hand. The emotions in the room were thick. His father, Erwin, although worried about Easton overdoing himself, was supportive. The pride