Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [63]
Bob and Merrily studied her, anticipating her response. She nodded and smiled. “I think I would. I believe you have an excellent chance.”
For the first time since her arrival, they both smiled.
“That’s what Doug told me,” Bob said, sounding vastly relieved.
“Now, let’s go over the kinds of questions that are likely to be asked in the personal interview,” she suggested.
When she’d spent an hour or so rehearsing questions and answers with Bob and Merrily, Maddy left, their effusive thanks echoing in her ears. She’d take care of her errands next, then drop in on Sarah. She walked across the street to her grocery, planning to discuss some business issues with Pete Mitchell, her manager. She wanted to switch one of her suppliers, plus try out some new inventory-control software. As well, she and the Loomis boys were going to talk over their ideas for a Valentine’s display. She missed the everyday interaction with people in town, but loved her role as wife and mother. In time, she’d return to the store, but for now she was content. She had an excellent manager and the Loomis twins were an unexpected asset.
“Afternoon, Maddy,” Pastor Dawson called out when she entered the grocery.
“Hello,” she called back. Julianne rested against her side and cheerfully waved her arms in greeting.
“My goodness, Julianne is growing,” he said as he approached them.
“She’s going to be walking any day now.” Maddy wasn’t sure if she should be thrilled or not that her daughter was an early walker.
“You talked to Bob and Merrily?” Pastor Dawson asked.
“I did. What you’re doing with the letters is extremely generous.”
The minister brushed off her praise. “You’ll write one on their behalf, won’t you?”
“Of course. I’ll have it to you before the end of the week.”
“Terrific.” He hesitated, his expression sober. “What do you think of their chances?”
That seemed to be the question of the hour. “I don’t know…I’d like to believe the judge would take into account more than meets the eye. More than their police records, in other words.”
“Merrily stole Axel,” the pastor said bluntly.
“There were extenuating circumstances.” She sighed. “But…”
“Do you have doubts?” he asked.
Maddy shifted Julianne from one side to the other while she considered his question. What were the chances of Bob and Merrily being selected as Axel’s parents? Worrying her lower lip, she slowly shook her head. “I just don’t know.”
“We’ll leave it in God’s hands,” the pastor told her.
That sounded like the best solution to Maddy.
As February drew to a close, Sarah grew more and more restless. She’d hoped to get back to her normal life after the first of the year, but the doctor advised against it. He felt that continued bed rest would give her baby the optimum chance of a safe delivery. On this particular Monday, she picked up the remote control and turned off the television. Another four months of this forced inactivity and she’d go stark raving mad. If not for her designing board, she’d have reached that point long before now. Thankfully, she’d had plenty of company in the past two months. Maddy visited her once a week, and even her brother had deigned to stop by and chat. Now, that was a rare treat.
Jeb was happy—happier than he’d been in years. Maddy was perfect for him, and Sarah felt vindicated; she’d recognized it long before her hardheaded brother did. Marriage and fatherhood required a serious adjustment, but he genuinely loved Maddy and was crazy about their baby.
Within a few months she’d be a new mother herself, but it didn’t seem quite real to her. Although Dennis was thrilled with the pregnancy, he worried constantly. He’d waited for this child a long time and, God willing, she’d give him the family he wanted.
Unfortunately, he was short-staffed and worked long hours. Her being trapped in the house made his life more difficult. Not only was he responsible for supplying fuel to the outlying