With his chin tucked and his lips pursed together, all Jacob offered was a quick wave.
“Here are his belongings and his book bag. Jacob’s school starts at eight on Monday.” Cindy set his stuff down by the door before turning to him. “These are very nice people, Jacob, and they will take very good care of you. I’ll be back in a week to check in. Does that sound okay?”
He nodded, only uttering, “Yes.”
“It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. See you all soon.”
We said our goodbyes and that was it. Cindy was gone and we had a child to care for.
“Want to see your room?” I asked, grabbing the few bags from the floor.
Jacob looked up at me. “I have my own room here?”
“Of course you do.” Stormi put her hand on his shoulder. “We just finished getting it all ready for you. Once you’re settled, we’ll work on getting it decorated however you want. We want you to feel at home here.”
“Thank you.” The look on Jacob’s face was heartbreaking. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what he had gone through. All I knew was that I wanted to protect him from anything bad happening ever again. It was a flood of mixed emotions. I didn’t know him, but I loved him, and I knew that love would only grow stronger.
He followed us into the small bedroom that would be his.
“The bathroom is just across the hall, and our bedroom is on the other side of the living room,” I explained as I put his bags into the closet.
“Okay. I have some homework.” Jacob grabbed his school bag, taking out a history book and a notepad.
“How about we leave you to it and you let us know when you’re hungry. How does Chinese takeout sound?” Stormi was doing great. The way she kept her calm and was so gentle wasn’t surprising because that was how she always was, but it was still heartwarming.
“I’d like that.” Jacob’s timid voice was barely audible.
“I’ll get the menu out and whenever you’re ready, we’ll be in the living room.”
We ducked out of his room, leaving the door cracked.
Stormi pursed her lips and shot me aI hope we’re doing this rightlook with a shrug.
I pulled her into my arms; it was my comforting move.
“This might actually be great,” I whispered.
“I think you might be right.” As she agreed with me, I felt part of the stress of the situation leave my shoulders. We were in this together, and I knew as long as I had Stormi in my corner, everything was going to be all right.
“By the by, good call on Chinese food. I feel like it’s a universal peace-offering type of food.”
“Baby, I love when your Minnesotaness comes out,” Stormi teased, pulling me onto the couch.
“You do know that is not a word, missy.”
“It is. I’ve coined the term. Webster is even considering it for their next addition to the dictionary.”
I smacked her ass lightly as she climbed onto the cushion next to me. “Whatever you say, punk.”
Sticking her tongue out, Stormi giggled. “But I’m your punk.”
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
After about an hour, Jacob finally emerged from his room.
“Mr. Bennett?” His head was down as he shuffled into the living room.
“You can call me Cason, if you’d like. What’s up?” I shoved up from the couch.