Free Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson Page A

frustrated.” Her fingers reached out and gently brushed Ryan’s curls before falling to Devon’s shoulder. “You’re generous, patient, and caring—the type of person every boy should have in his life. You would make an amazing father, if you only had the desire to try.”
    Not again. Devon closed his eyes. “Stella, please . . .”
    “I know,” she said. “I promise not to push you anymore. Just promise me you won’t leave until you have to.”
    “I won’t.”
    But somehow, Devon knew he’d come to regret the promise.
    ⇐ ⇑ ⇒
    Ryan finished his prayer and crawled into bed. “Will you read me a story?”
    A story? This was a new request. Devon searched the room, hoping a children’s book would suddenly appear. “Sorry, bud, but I don’t have a book. Maybe we can get one at a bookstore tomorrow. Would that be okay?”
    “I have one.” Ryan jumped from the bed and ran to his bag. Unzipping a side pocket, he pulled out a beat-up hardback book. It pictured a wooden doll on the cover with the words, “You Are Special.”
    A flood of good memories rippled through Devon. He’d been eight when his family moved to Oregon, where he’d struggled to fit in and make friends. He started pretending to be sick so he wouldn’t have to go to school. One day, Devon arrived home to find You Are Special lying on his bed, tied up with a bright green bow. His mother had read it to him nearly every night that entire school year, even after he’d made friends. And every night she’d kiss him good night and say, “You’re special too. Don’t ever forget that.”
    Devon’s fingers glided over the cover. “I know this book,” he told Ryan. “My mom used to read it to me.”
    “My mum always read it and said I’m special.”
    Devon blinked at the moisture in his eyes. “She’s right. You are special.”
    “Can we read it?”
    “Sure.”
    Devon picked up the boy, swung him around a few times and threw him onto the bed, loving the sound of his giggles. He scooted next to Ryan and smiled when the child snuggled up to him.
    Together, in the dimly lit hotel room, they read the book. Devon would read a page and then Ryan would explain it with his own enthusiastic words. It was almost déjà vu for Devon, bringing back memories when his own mother had done the same thing.
    The story ended, and Devon turned the last page, recalling the message his mother had written in his book years before. His breath caught. The words were faded, but they were still there. “Devon, I hope you never forget how special you are to me, to your dad, and to God. I love you! Mom.”
    Why had Lindsay taken it? The thought settled inside Devon as Ryan’s little arm came to rest on Devon’s chest. His finger grazed Ryan’s cheek. Whatever her reason, Devon was glad she had. Somehow the knowledge that his book was now Ryan’s favorite made it all the more special.

Chapter Eight

    Stella stared at the open file on her desk. It was Monday, the beginning of a new week, and the skies were clear and blue. It should have been a great day, but the words from the file seemed to pop off the pages and smack her in the face.
    Ryan Devon Caldwell
    Mother: Lindsay Ellen Caldwell, deceased.
    Father: unknown
    Mother’s parents: George and Betty Caldwell
    Stella shut the file, hoping it would lessen the hatred and fear that came with those last two names. Her eyes drifted closed. Please, God, please bring Devon around.
    “Looks like you could use something stronger than a lolly, but it’s the only thing I have on me,” Tess said, throwing a wrapped piece of candy at her.
    Stella caught it and set it on her desk. “Ta, love. I haven’t talked to you in a few days. How’s Jeremy?”
    A diamond glistened from Tess’ left ring finger. “He wants to move up the wedding date to September.”
    “A beach wedding will be a bit chilly in September.”
    “I know, which is why I still want to wait until January,” Tess said. “But he has a brother