Free For Love and Family by Victoria Pade Page B

Hunter.”
    â€œLeslie,” Hunter said warmly in return. And to theman who was with her, he said, “Morgan, good to see you.”
    â€œHi,” the man responded simply enough.
    Johnny spotted a fish tank in a waiting area beside them and, apparently assuming the grown-ups were going to chat, he ran off to take a closer look at the fish. His dad said, “Terese, I’d like you to meet Leslie Logan. She’s one of Children’s Connection’s most valuable assets. And Morgan Davis, the agency’s director. Leslie, Morgan, this is Terese Warwick.”
    â€œYou’re the woman who came to Johnny’s rescue last week,” Leslie Logan said before Hunter had a chance. Then, to explain how she knew that, she added, “The hospital is like a small town. A good story travels fast. Especially when it involves one of our own. And since Hunter adopted Johnny through Children’s Connection that just automatically makes him and Johnny a part of us.”
    â€œNot to mention,” Morgan put in, “that Hunter has stayed active in the foundation and with PAN.”
    Terese didn’t know what the foundation or PAN were but she didn’t have a chance to do more than smile and say, “Nice to meet you both,” before the older woman spoke to Hunter again, this time with a more serious edge to her voice.
    â€œYou were so lucky that Johnny averted tragedy last week and is doing well.”
    â€œDon’t I know it,” Hunter agreed.
    â€œSomething happening to your child takes ahorrible toll. You know my firstborn, Robbie, was abducted when he was only a little boy and we’ve never seen him again. It changed my husband and me. It changed our marriage. It changed everything. Forever. The loss of a child isn’t something you ever get over. I’m just glad you didn’t have to learn that firsthand.”
    The loss of her child was clearly a pain the older woman still carried with her after what had to have been many years, and Terese felt very sorry for her.
    â€œI count my blessings every day,” Hunter assured Leslie Logan.
    â€œBut on a happier note,” she said more cheerily, “it seems Morgan and his wife Emma are going to join the ranks of parenthood. They’ve applied with the agency to adopt a baby of their own.”
    â€œCongratulations,” Terese said to Morgan.
    â€œGood for you,” Hunter contributed enthusiastically. “Any idea how long it’ll take?”
    â€œThere’ll be some time involved yet. We’ve just started the procedure. Maybe by the start of summer next year, if we’re as lucky as you’ve been.”
    â€œI’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” Hunter promised.
    â€œWe’d probably better let you get going,” Leslie Logan said then. “You wouldn’t be here with that beautiful boy of yours if you didn’t have a reason and we’re keeping you.”
    â€œWe’re on our way for an appointment with his doctor. Just a follow-up,” Hunter confirmed.
    â€œWill we see you at the PAN meeting tomorrow night?” Leslie asked.
    â€œI’ll be there.”
    â€œGood.” The older woman glanced at Johnny, who was tapping on the fish-tank glass. “Nice to see you again, Master Johnny.”
    â€œYou, too,” the little boy answered perfunctorily, without taking his eyes off the fish.
    The adults said goodbye and then Hunter informed his son that they had to get going. The little boy reluctantly rejoined his father and Terese.
    â€œWhat’s PAN?” Terese asked as they continued on their way.
    â€œPAN stands for Parents Adoption Network. It’s an organization that’s part of the agency. I’ve belonged since I adopted Johnny.”
    â€œAnd the foundation?”
    â€œIt’s connected with the hospital. Leslie Logan and her husband are major benefactors, not to mention that Leslie does a considerable