Free Almost a Family by Stephanie Bond Page A

confident and comforting, his arm draped around her protectively. Return of Kidnapped Boy After Eight Years Could Reunite Divorced Parents. The story gave scant details of the kidnapping and of the reunion, giving the most space to Bailey's quip implying they might get back together.
    Virginia rolled her eyes. Love conquers all, love is the answer, all you need is love—the media portrayed romantic love as some kind of panacea, but she'd learned long before that it took more than love to keep a relationship together. Her love for Bailey had been unshakable, yet her marriage had crumbled anyway. Pushing the paper aside, she laughed dryly. "Don't believe everything you read, Ms. Andrews."
    The woman gave her a bolstering smile. "Ms. Catron, the media would like to wrap up this miracle like a pretty package and put a big bow on top—everyone loves a happy ending. But make no mistake—all of you will have some trying times ahead. If I can be of help, don't hesitate to call me."
    "Do you suggest family counseling?"
    Ms. Andrews hesitated. "I never discourage anyone from seeking family counseling if they feel the need. But I've spent a lot of time with Chad these past few weeks, and he seems like a well-adjusted boy, if a little mature for his age. And you seem to have a supportive network in your parents and your ex-husband."
    Virginia nodded. "My parents will help anyway they can." Bailey seemed eager to get to know his son, but she wasn't sure yet how much she could rely on him.
    "Then I think the most healing therapy is love and time."
    Virginia thanked the woman, while wondering if her fear was so transparent. When Ms. Andrews said she was going to make sure Chad was awake and packed, Virginia washed down her butterflies with a swallow of coffee and offered to go instead. Through a maze of hallways, she found the room Chad shared with another boy and quietly knocked on the door.
    When the door opened, Bailey stood on the other side, looking well rested in a pale blue polo shirt tucked into neat jeans. His smile was blinding. "Morning, Ginny."
    "Good morning," she said cautiously, stepping inside.
    Chad stood on his side of the room, stuffing clothes into a green duffel bag. He glanced up and acknowledged her presence with a sour frown. Virginia squashed down the hurt. "Good morning, Chad."
    "Hey," he said, his voice low and sullen.
    She glanced around the shared room, noting his roommate was absent, probably at breakfast. The furniture and comforters were generic but colorful, the wall and floor coverings basic and functional. "Nice room," she offered with a smile.
    "It's not mine," Chad pointed out.
    Remembering the feminine guest room awaiting his arrival, Virginia cringed inwardly and asked, "What was your room like?"
    Chad shrugged, barely glancing up. "Lots of posters. I had a sign on the door that said 'Keep Out.'" He looked up as if to gauge her response. "I'm bringing the sign with me."
    She nodded. "Everyone needs privacy." She tried a different tactic and nodded to the handheld Nintendo gaming device lying on top of his duffel. "Do you like to play video games?"
    He nodded warily.
    "I'm pretty good at them myself," she said, holding out her hand. "Can I try?"
    He grabbed the Nintendo and held it down to his side protectively. "My mom gave this to me for Christmas last year. It was expensive."
    Ginny swallowed hard. Again she'd overstepped her bounds.
    "I spoke with Mr. Maybry this morning," Bailey interjected. "I arranged to have all your things shipped to Ginny's house later this week."
    "Do you have a yard?" Chad asked her.
    She nodded. "A small one in the back."
    "Is there room for a basketball goal?"
    She hated to disappoint him, but shook her head. "No, but there's a park just a few blocks away." When he didn't respond, she asked, "Did you play on your school team?"
    The frown returned. "No. You got to have lots of money for uniforms and shoes and stuff."
    Her heart squeezed for him. "Maybe you can play at