He studied me. “Can I meet your kids first?”
“Absolutely.”
I won’t pretend taking in another child is easy.
“Before we decide?”
“Before we decide.”
***
That weekend, Noah came over for lunch.
Michael challenged him to basketball.
“Dad taught me that shot,” Michael said after missing.
We’ll find another arrangement.
“He taught me one, too.”
Michael stopped bouncing the ball. “He played with you?”
“Sometimes.”
“Did he talk about us?”
“All the time.”
Dad taught me that shot.
Lily climbed onto the couch beside Noah. “Are you my brother?”
“He’s Daddy’s little brother,” I explained.
“So he’s Uncle Noah?”
“Technically.”
She handed him her stuffed rabbit. “Hold Mr. Pickles, Uncle Noah.”
Are you my brother?
Noah burst out laughing.
For a moment, everything seemed to be falling into place. But I had no idea Noah was already having second thoughts.
***
Three days later, Mr. Collins called. “Noah says he doesn’t want to move in.”
“What? Why?”
“He wouldn’t explain.”
Noah was already having second thoughts.
I called Noah immediately. “Did something happen?”
“No. I had a great time.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“Grandma’s money. You need those three million dollars.”
“Noah…”
Noah says he doesn’t want to move in.
“If I don’t move in, you won’t get it. And you won’t have to pretend you want me.”
My chest tightened. “Is that what you think?”
He hesitated. “I don’t want someone taking me in just because I’m worth three million dollars.”
***
The next morning, I called Mr. Collins. “If Noah refuses, I lose everything?”
“Yes. His trust remains protected.”
You need those three million dollars.
I looked at our unpaid bills. “Then tell him I won’t pressure him.”
“Even knowing what’s at stake?”
“He deserves a choice.”
***
The following afternoon, Daniel came with me to see Noah.
“Mom says you changed your mind,” Daniel said.
Tell him I won’t pressure him.
“Your family needs the money.”
“Yeah. We do.”
Noah looked away.
“But she’d rather lose it than force you to stay.”
Noah turned to me. “Even with all those bills?”
You changed your mind.
“Even then.” Daniel nudged him. “Besides, Dad loved you. I’d like to know why.”
Noah smiled faintly.
“Michael still wants a rematch,” Daniel added.
“Then maybe I should come back.”
“Only if you want to,” I said.
She’d rather lose it than force you to stay.
***
Two days later, Noah called. “Can I still move in?”
“Of course.”
Months of paperwork and home visits followed. Eventually, the court approved the guardianship, and Margaret’s estate covered our debts.
We moved into a bigger house, where Noah got his own room and six nosy nieces and nephews.
Dad loved you.
One evening, he stood beside James’s photograph. “Would he be happy I’m here?”
“I know he would.”
“Thanks for coming back.”
“UNCLE NOAH! THE PICKLES!” Lily shouted.
Noah laughed and ran to her.
I’d spent months believing I couldn’t handle one more responsibility. But I’d learned that grief didn’t have to close my heart to someone who needed me.
Margaret’s estate covered our debts.
