Free Once Upon a Family by Margaret Daley Page A

side of the house and up to his bowl, eating with a slurping sound. Molly ambled over to Laura and meowed, peering up at the food container as if she could read the word cat on it. Another loud meow jarred Laura into action, and she quickly fed Molly.
    When she turned back to Peter, a huge grin was plastered on his face. She arched an eyebrow.
    “I’ve got it! I don’t want to take care of just one child when there are so many who need it. Paul and Alice taught me that. They didn’t adopt the kids whocame through their house because they wanted to be available for whomever needed a home. They wanted to touch as many children as possible and they did. What if I use the land I have to open a home for foster children?”
    “Build another house?”
    He began to pace. “Yes. I’d have to raise money, probably start some kind of foundation.”
    Laura exhaled a deep breath. “Wow. That’s ambitious.”
    “Think what we could do with the animals and the kids.”
    When she heard him say we, she should have panicked. But for some reason it felt right to be included in his plans. The thought of helping others appealed to her, too.
    “Are you willing to meet again with Noah and Jacob? I’d like to brainstorm this idea and see what needs to be done first.”
    His excitement charged the air, sparking her own desire to help. She knew the need was there, and she was tired of standing on the sidelines. Maybe that was what she needed, to get involved with a worthy cause. For too long she had been focused on her own problems. “Yes, I can. I don’t know how much I can contribute. I have done some fund-raising for my kids’ school while in St. Louis. I was on the board of its foundation that raised money for teacher projects.”
    “That’s great!” Peter quickly turned on the faucet and began filling the water bowls for the various pets. “Maybe we can involve some kids in this, too.”
    “It would be good for Sean, but getting him to think that may be a problem.”
    After quickly finishing up feeding the rest of the animals, Peter headed toward the barn. “Leave that to me.”
    How easy would it be to leave everything to Peter? I can’t do that. He has enough on his plate. I need to take care of my family. “I appreciate your offer, but Sean’s my problem.”
    A few feet from the entrance into the barn Peter came to a stop and faced her. “Friends help friends.”
    Is that what they were, friends? She hadn’t had a male friend in years, since before she was married. It seemed so strange. “Speaking of friends. This might be right up Sadie’s alley. I also met Mindy Donaldson’s mom, Tory. Do you know she uses horses for therapy with children with special needs?”
    “I’ve heard of her.”
    “She might want to help, too.”
    Peter snapped his fingers. “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t I throw a party to recruit people to help? I could feed them then ask them if they would like to be a part of this project.”
    “I can help you with the party. A barbecue would be nice.”
    “How about a hayride to the stream at the back edge of my ranch where we would have a barbecue set up?”
    “What if it rains?”
    “It hasn’t in over a month but you’re right. The second we plan something outdoors without a backup plan, it would rain. We could have the party in the barn if it does.”
    “Speaking of no rain, what if the governor bans outdoor grilling like he’s thinking of doing?”
    Peter raised both eyebrows. “You are thorough. I hadn’t thought about that. Then we’ll just have a picnic, no grilling involved. How’s two weeks from today sound to you?”
    “Great!”
    “What’s great, Mom?” Sean sauntered up to them.
    “We were planning a party.”
    Her son scowled. “Why?”
    “Peter wants to start a foundation to provide a foster home here on his ranch.”
    “That sounds neat, Mr. Stone.” Chad joined them. “I know a guy at school that lives in one, but he isn’t too happy right