Free Heart of the Family by Margaret Daley Page B

Nancy’s hands.
    Hannah hurried back for the rest of the dishes. In ten minutes the dining-room table was set. She stood back with Jacob on one side and Nancy on the other. “We’re a good team. Next time I need some help, I’ll have to ask you, Nancy.”
    She peered up at Hannah, a question in her eyes. “How about Dr. Jacob? He helped.”
    “Yeah, a team has to stick together,” Jacob said with a laugh.
    “Him, too.” The heat rose in Hannah’s cheeks. The idea of them being a team wasn’t as disturbing as she would have once thought.

     
    Hannah examined the piece of paper Nancy held up. “I like your flamingo. Are you going to share it with your class tomorrow?”
    The little girl nodded. “Just in case they don’t know what one looks like.”
    “Well, they will now with this picture.” Hannah tilted her head, tapping her chin with her finger. “You know, it seems I remember someone has a birthday coming up.”
    “Me!” Nancy pointed to herself. “I’ll be six in four days.”
    “We’ll have to think of something special to celebrate such an important birthday.”
    Shouts of victory permeated the living room. Hannah glanced toward the game table by the bay window.
    Andy stood by his chair, pumping his good arm into the air and dancing around in a circle. “I won finally!”
    “Why don’t you take this back to your room and start getting ready for bed.” Hannah handed the paper to Nancy.
    “But I’m not tired.”
    “Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”
    As Nancy trudged from the room, Hannah rose and walked to the table where Jacob sat with Andy, Gabe and Lisa playing a board game. Gabe began to set up the pieces again for another game.
    “Sorry, guys. It’s time for bed.”
    Moans greeted Hannah’s announcement.
    “But Dr. Jacob hasn’t won yet,” Gabe said, continuing to put the pieces on the board.
    “Too bad. He’ll have to win some other day.”
    Gabe pouted. “But—”
    “Gabe, Hannah is right. This just means we’ll have to play again at a later date.” Jacob picked up the game box.
    Andy jumped to his feet. “Mom, can you put me to bed?”
    Lisa peered at Hannah. “If it’s okay?”
    “That’s great. I’ll help Jacob clean up while you two boys get into your pajamas.” Hannah surveyed the other children in the room. “That goes for everyone.” As the kids filed into the hallway, Hannah stopped Lisa. “May I have a word with you?”
    “Andy, I’ll be there in a sec.” Lisa waved her son on.
    “How are you getting home?” Hannah asked when the room emptied of children.
    “Walking to the bus stop. The last one is at ten.”
    “I’ll drive you home. I don’t want you walking at night on the highway.”
    “I don’t want ya to go—”
    “I’ll take you home. I have to go that way.” Jacob boxed up the last piece of the game and put it in the cabinet.
    Appreciation shone in Lisa’s expression. “I won’t be long. I’ll go say good-night to Andy.”
    “I’ll go with you.” Jacob started after Andy’s mother.
    Hannah halted him. She waited until Lisa had disappeared from the room before asking, “Are you sure? I don’t mind taking her. Meg is still here to watch the children. I won’t be gone long.”
    “No, I need to get to know her better. This will be a good opportunity to see what her intentions are toward Andy.”
    “Maybe I’d better take her after all.”
    He chuckled. “Afraid I’ll scare her away?”
    “No.”
    “Good, because if I can then she shouldn’t be involved with Andy and finding out now would be better than later.”
    Hannah’s eyes widened. “You’re going to interrogate her?”
    He saw the concern in her gaze that quickly evolved into a frown. “No, I’ll be on my best behavior. I offered because there really is no reason for you to drive her into town.” Shrugging, he flashed her a grin. “I’m going that way.”
    “Just so you’ll know, tomorrow I’m taking her to the rehab facility to begin the program.