A Family to Foster by Laurel Blount

Author:Laurel Blount
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-05-19T13:48:34+00:00

Chapter Eight

Torey stiffened. Surely not.

But there was Ron, standing in front of Patrick and Jill. He was holding out a corn dog and looked half hopeful and half embarrassed.

“Come on, Josh,” Torey murmured. “Let’s go get the leash from your dad.”

“My foster dad,” the boy muttered, but he gathered Lexi up in his arms and followed her.

She closed the space between them fast, her eyes connecting directly with Ron’s as she approached. He took a cautious step backward.

“Well, hello, Torey-my-Glory. We meet again.”

“What are you doing here, Ron?”

“I was just asking him the same question,” Patrick said. Then he frowned. “Again? What does he mean again?”

“I bumped into Torey over at that Hope Center place, and she told me y’all were going to be here today. A friend at the filling station loaned me some gas money, so I thought I’d come by, you know, try to catch you so we could have a word.”

“Paddy, who’s this man?” Jill sounded grumpy, her eyes fixed on the corn dog.

Before Patrick could answer, Ron stepped closer. “Why, I’m Patrick’s daddy, that’s who. And what’s your name, little lady?”

“I’m Jill. And I’m really hungry.”

Ron chuckled, and the sound pulled Torey back into the past. How many times had she heard that rich, rolling laugh back when she and Patrick were dating? Plenty. Ron had always been a friendly, easygoing guy.

“Here you go.” He handed Jill the corn dog.

Patrick started to protest, but Jill was too quick for him. She took a bite. “Thanks,” she mumbled around her mouthful.

Josh studied Ron with narrowed eyes. “This guy’s your dad? For real?”

“I sure am. I guess that makes me your honorary grandpa, doesn’t it?” He reached out to tousle the boy’s hair, but Josh flinched and stepped out of range.

“I need Lexie’s collar,” he demanded.

Patrick handed it over. “Dad, I’m really busy.”

“So you’ve said. Look, I’m not asking for much, just a few minutes of your time. I’d like to talk to you, explain to you how—”

“How you’re different now.”

Ron winced, but he nodded. “Pretty much. I’d really appreciate it if you’d hear me out.”

“Josh, why don’t you and Jill go over to the food truck? Get another corn dog and a couple of drinks, okay?”

Josh hesitated. “What should I do with Lexie?”

“I’ll watch her.” Patrick reached for the leash, but Josh pulled it out of reach.

“Miss Torey, will you take care of Lexie for me?”

Torey’s heart sank as she saw Patrick’s expression go a bit grimmer. She was already in trouble, and Josh wasn’t helping. “Okay,” she said. “Sure, but—”

“I’ll be right back. Come on, Jill. Lexie won’t be happy without me for long.”

Josh led his sister toward the food truck. Lexie whined and pulled on her leash, attempting to follow.

“Lexie, no. Sit,” Torey commanded desperately.

The dog whined again, but she plopped her bottom down on the ground.

“Even the dog,” Patrick muttered.

“She’s got the touch,” Ron chuckled. “Now, listen, son. I don’t mean to trouble you, and I can see you’re busy with the kids. They’re real cute, by the way.

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