Dandelions for Dinner (A Farm Fresh Romance Book 4) Read online

  Allison eyed the cataloguing system. Good thing she wasn’t relying on her own two cookbooks. All the possibilities these gals had collected. Well, it was probably mostly Claire. She was the professional chef, after all.

  Claire beckoned Allison closer. “Have a look through these and see what looks good.”

  What looked good would be Brent’s face when he realized she wasn’t completely useless after all. She pushed the image from her mind. Men were all the same. Users. He just hid it better than most.

  Chapter 8

  She hated accepting calls from unknown numbers. Where was area code 520 anyway? Allison’s finger hovered over the button. Should she let it go to voice mail or answer it?

  Three rings. She jabbed the button and lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “Am I speaking with Ms. Allison Hart?” said a man’s voice.

  She froze. Did she know this guy? “May I ask who is calling, please?”

  “Have I reached the correct number?”

  Who could it be? Curiosity won over privacy. “Yes, this is Allison. Who are you?”

  “Jason Wong from Social Services in Tucson, Arizona.”

  “Finnley…” she breathed.

  “I believe you have a sister. What is her name?”

  “Lori.”

  “Her full name?”

  “Mallory Jill Hart.” She clutched the cell phone. “Is my nephew okay?” Please, God, let Finnley be all right.

  “The child is the reason I am calling. Have the Tucson police contacted you yet?”

  She shouldn’t have skipped breakfast. The wooziness from the man’s words caused her knees to buckle. She sank into the nearest chair in Sierra’s kitchenette. “No. Please, Mr. Wong. No more beating around the bush. What happened to my nephew?”

  “Finnley is in the pediatric ward at Tucson Medical Center. He has a broken ulna and severe bruising over much of his body.”

  “Oh, Finn…” Her voice caught as she blinked tears from her eyes. “What happened?”

  “Your sister and a man are in custody for child abuse as well as drug trafficking. The little fellow is lucky how little damage happened to him, as the man threatened injury to the child to keep the police at bay during the raid.”

  “No.” Poor Finnley. So much terror at the hands of those he should feel safe with. The little guy had never known safety. Neither had Allison or her sister, but that certainly didn’t excuse Lori or John from what they’d done to Finnley. “Please tell me he will not go home with them again. Ever.”

  “Considering the charges against Mallory, I’d say you have a good chance of your hopes coming true, Ms. Hart. She’s awaiting trial. If the judicial system can pin the trafficking against her, she’ll be in prison for a long time.”

  “Oh, good.”

  The man let out a stiff chuckle. “That’s not what we usually hear when a family member has been arrested.”

  “No, I’m sure. I mean, I’m sorry for my sister. I really am, but her lifestyle has led her to this. Finnley hasn’t deserved any of it.”

  “I agree, ma’am.”

  She clenched her teeth. What was it with men using that term? “How long will Finnley be in the hospital?”

  “That depends on a few things. He’s become a temporary ward of the state, and we are seeking a placement for him.”

  “I’ll take him.” The words flew out of her mouth so quickly she wasn’t sure she’d said them out loud.

  “Do you live in Arizona, ma’am?”

  “No. I’m in Idaho. But Finnley is my nephew. He belongs with me, not some random stranger with a houseful of foster kids. Please, Mr. Wong.”

  “There’s a protocol that must be followed. I won’t release a child into another potentially abusive situation.”

  “But I’d never…!”

  “So you say, Ms. Hart. If you wish to be considered, you’ll need to come to Tucson and apply. I can assure you it will be a rigorous procedure, starting with a police background check.”

  “As it should be,” she fired back. “I don’t want to see Finnley hurt any more than you do. Even less. He’s my nephew, not yours.”

  “If you’ll give me your email address, Ms. Hart, I’ll send you the required information.” The man hesitated, and his voice softened. “If you truly love your nephew, don’t wait too long. The wheels are already turning to have him placed in foster care upon his release. I’d hate to see him moved multiple times.”

  What was this, Friday? The office was doubtless closed over the weekend. “I’ll be there Monday morning. Don’t worry.” She rattled off her Gmail information. “My next move is to book a flight.”

  He repeated the address for confirmation. “I look forward to meeting you, Ms. Hart. Do you need a cab to meet you at the airport?”

  “No, I’ll be fine, thanks.”

  She tapped to end the call. Was this the chance she’d been praying for? A way to get Finnley out of his mother’s clutches? She sighed. Not that she’d wanted to see the little guy beaten on to gain his release. Not that she wished ill for Lori. But if this was what it took, she’d be thankful.

  What if Lori was found to be innocent and released? What would happen to Finnley then?

  Allison would do her best to make sure the boy was in Idaho before that could happen. But where would she put him? Sharing a small space with Sierra for months was not a way to gain custody of Finnley. And even when her own house was built, she hadn’t planned for a child.

  She unrolled her blueprints across Sierra’s little table. The bedroom at the back of the house was hers. And the loft upstairs was to be her home office. She could probably do without that once the school was built.

  Was Finnley old enough to sleep that far away from her?

  Who was she kidding? He’d never had safety. He’d never run to his mommy’s room and crawled in bed with her if nightmares attacked. Allison would bet anything that he held all the safety he knew within his own small body.

  Like her. Hurt in different ways, maybe, but he’d be just like her.

  For once, she wondered how to get through to him. How would anyone get through to her? She kept them at bay so carefully. But then, she had twenty-seven years of experience with that. Finnley had not quite four.

  She’d win him over, but first she had to get him here. He could celebrate his birthday at Green Acres.

  Whoa. What would everyone say when she sprang a child into the dynamics? But it couldn’t be helped. Finnley came first. She’d walk away from the farm and the construction job if she had to.

  Anything to create a safe place for her nephew.

  * * *

  “Thanks for agreeing to this meeting at short notice.” Allison looked around the table at the Green Acres team.

  “No problem, Allison. What’s happening? Another delay in the building?” Noel helped himself to a muffin from the plate in the middle of the table.

  She’d made those. She could take care of a child.

  A thump and a shriek came from the great room. Zach’s chair clattered to the concrete floor as he leaped to his feet and ran.

  See, that’s what Finnley needed. Someone who cared for him like Zach cared for his daughter. Allison would be that someone if all went well.

  “She’s fine. Just toppled the rocking horse.” Zach came back carrying Madelynn. He settled into his chair, reached for a muffin, and broke it in half. He handed part to the two-year-old, who sniffled and reached for it.

  Jo turned back to Allison. “Sorry about the interruption.”

  She shrugged. “No problem. I’m trying to remember what I’ve told you guys about my sister and my nephew?”

  Sierra leaned over and placed her hand on Allison’s arm. “Has God answered our prayers?”

  It took all Allison’s willpower not to pull out from under Sierra’s touch. “Maybe.” She took in the questioning expressions on other faces. “My sister made a mess of her life ever since she was a young teen. It’s a miracle she’s o
nly given birth once. My nephew Finnley will be four in a few weeks.”

  Five pairs of expectant eyes watched her.

  “He’s in the hospital in Tucson.” Allison took a deep breath. Best to just spit it out. “Lori’s current boyfriend used him as a shield while the cops tried to arrest him and my sister for drug trafficking.”

  “Oh, no.” Sympathy oozed from Claire’s words. “Poor little guy.”

  “A man from social services there phoned me a couple of hours ago. It looks like Lori and John are headed to prison. Hopefully for a very long time.” She couldn’t keep the satisfaction out of her voice.

  “I’m so sorry,” said Sierra. “How badly was he hurt?”

  “The case worker said Finnley would heal. The physical part, you know.”

  “I can’t believe anyone would do that to an innocent child.” Jo surged to her feet and paced over to the fireplace and back. “I should probably be more sympathetic, but I hope they get what they deserve.” She grimaced. “Sorry, Allison. I don’t mean to encourage ill feelings against your sister.”

  “No, I understand. I’ve thought the same for years, and I’m just thankful the law finally caught up with her. But… Finnley…”

  Jo’s hand cut down. “Bring him here, if you can. At least, if you want to.”

  “Are you sure? It would affect so many things.” Allison’s mind still reeled with the repercussions. “It’s not what you all have signed up for.” Nor had she.

  Maddie slipped off Zach’s lap and ran back into the great room. Rocking sounds from the wooden horse drifted their way.

  Noel slid his arm across the back of Claire’s chair, his gaze never leaving Allison’s. “What do you want to do? What are the problems you see?”

  She closed her eyes for a second and breathed a prayer. “He’s my nephew. I can’t abandon him if there’s anything I can do.” Her legs jittered under the table. “But it’s a crazy thought. I’ve never wanted to be a mother.”

  Sierra bit her lip.

  “I’m not the motherly type. And seeing… well, you know what my parents were like.” Not that she’d given anyone the whole story. Nor would she ever. “It’s just that when I joined you guys, I never dreamed this chance would come. I don’t know what to do.”

  Still standing, Jo pressed her hands on the back of her chair. “Sometimes God’s gifts are unexpected. The question is, what are you going to do with this one? Tell Him you don’t want it? Or embrace it?”

  Allison stared at Jo, everyone else dimming at the edges of her vision. “Do you really think this is a gift from God?” She knew what she wanted. But was that best for Green Acres? Was it even best for her and her nephew?

  “We’ve been praying for Lori and Finnley,” said Sierra. “This is God’s answer. He’s intervened.”

  “Right. But what does it have to do with me?”

  “Excuse me if I’m wrong,” said Noel. “On the one hand, I hear your love for your nephew and your desire to help.”

  Allison nodded.

  “On the other hand, I’m hearing your reluctance to get involved. Is that accurate?”

  She nodded again.

  Noel’s fingers massaged the back of Claire’s neck, but he watched Allison. “Why?”

  “I’m planning a school. Long hours of classes to teach. I can’t do that while caring for a preschooler.”

  Claire opened her mouth, but Allison kept going. “Plus I won’t have a home for many more months. Where am I going to put him? Will the social worker even allow me to have custody?”

  “Anything else?” Noel’s voice remained steady.

  “No. Yes. I don’t know. It’s all so confusing. A detour. I should probably leave. Get a job somewhere near a good daycare center. Get an apartment.” Finnley didn’t deserve daycare. He needed to be held close. Cherished. She had enough money from the estate to go a few years without a job. Maybe that was best.

  Zach broke the other half of Maddie’s muffin into pieces. “I don’t think it’s such a big problem, really. People have kids all the time. We adjust.”

  Allison refused to look at the barely visible bump on Jo’s midsection where another little Nemesek grew. “But—”

  “I’d really hate to be a single mom, Allison.” Jo slid back onto her chair. “And much as I love Zach, I’m glad I have more support than just him. He works long hours.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry for calling a meeting for toni—”

  “I’m glad you did,” Zach interrupted.

  “But—”

  “We all help with Maddie,” said Sierra. “Sure, Zach’s parents babysit some, but we all pitch in. It’s part of being a community.”

  “Absolutely,” added Claire. “We can make things work with Finnley, too.”

  “It will be nice for Maddie to have someone to play with,” put in Jo. She looked around the table. “Is there anyone who thinks Allison should not bring Finnley here?”

  Five heads shook.

  “He should definitely come, if you can arrange it,” said Sierra.

  Noel grinned. “I’ll take him fishing.”

  A heavy load slid from Allison’s shoulders. “Really? You guys will accept my nephew here?”

  “Totally.” Zach popped the last bits of muffin in his mouth. “I’m not around as much, but I’ll gladly include him whenever I can.”

  “We may not be related by blood,” said Claire, “but we’re a family just the same. When you joined us here, you became part of it.”

  Sierra laughed. “Whether you like it or not.”

  Had she been that obvious? “Well, thanks. I don’t know what to say.”

  “But your other point still stands.” Sierra folded her hands on the tabletop. “You’ll need something closer to a home for you two until your house is built.”

  “Gabe will be back in a few weeks, right, Sierra?” Claire’s eyes twinkled. “Maybe we can find him an apartment and move his stuff into it. That would free up the other half of the duplex for Allison and her nephew.”

  “That might be a possibility,” Sierra said slowly. “But it would only be until the end of June. It’s a bit of a pain to get a rental for only two months.”

  “If it’s too much hassle for me to have Finn—”

  “Allison, don’t jump to conclusions.” Jo glared at her. “We’re looking at options. Let’s hear pros and cons of each idea, please.”

  Allison held up both hands and leaned back against her chair. Both legs jiggled under the table. This was all going to fall through. She knew it.

  “It was fine having Gabe’s furniture and stuff taking up space when we didn’t need it for anything else.” Claire looked at Sierra. “What is he saving all that for? You don’t have room for everything in your little place.”

  Sierra bit her lip. “We could do a storage unit, I guess.”

  Zach reached for another muffin. “You guys planning to live in the duplex indefinitely?”

  Allison couldn’t decide if she was happy she was off the hot seat or not, but she supposed Sierra’s answers reflected on her own situation.

  Sierra took a deep breath. “For a year or two, maybe. We’ve talked briefly about building and leaving the duplex for other uses.”

  “Speaking of keeping things from the group,” said Jo caustically.

  “Hey.” Sierra glared. “There’s no hurry to decide. Or there didn’t seem to be until now.”

  Allison tapped her fingers on the table in time to her jiggling legs. This was crazy. They’d all but admitted cleaning out the other side of the duplex had always been a possibility. Why had they jammed her in with Sierra, then?

  Claire gave Allison a sheepish grin. “You must be wondering…”

  Allison raised her eyebrows and nodded.

  “It’s not just that we were too lazy to deal with Gabe’s stuff. We wanted to get to know you and give you plenty of opportunity to interact with all of us. It seemed better to have you room with Sierra for a few months to facilitate that.�
�

  When she would have killed for some privacy. Allison clenched her jaw.

  “There’s another temporary option.” Sierra looked pensive.

  Allison raised her eyebrows. “Oh?”

  “With Claire and Noel’s permission, I can move back into the big house for a bit.”

  Bad idea. Allison’s head started to shake before she could pull words together, but Jo beat her to it.

  “I don’t think so. That’s noble, but the duplex is your home. I already feel badly for how many times you’ve moved since we got here four years ago. From the musty trailer to the straw bale house to the apartment in town to the duplex. I’m sure there’s another solution.”

  “Besides, your spare room is painted pink.” Noel’s eyes twinkled. “We can’t make a little boy suffer through that.”

  Sierra lifted both hands. “It was just an idea.”

  “There’s not that much stuff in the other side, is there?” asked Zach. “Maybe Allison can use the furniture for a few months, and we can stack the rest in your spare room, Sierra. You’re already not using that space because Allison is in it now.”

  A whole two-bedroom duplex to herself? And if the state of Arizona allowed her to bring Finnley back with her, even better.

  “That might be the best plan.” Jo nodded decisively. “What do you think, Sierra?”

  “That could work…”

  “When are you going to Tucson?” asked Noel.

  “I booked flights for late Sunday so I can be at the social work office first thing Monday morning.”

  “I guess you have no idea how long you’ll be gone?”

  She shook her head. “Not really. A week, maybe?”

  “Let’s see what we can accomplish tomorrow, then, and the gang will do the rest while you’re gone,” said Noel. “I can swing by the construction site a few times a day and see if the crew needs anything.”

  “Thanks. I’d appreciate that.” It seemed weird to think of someone else keeping an eye on Brent Callahan. Allison took a deep breath. “Speaking of which, you all know progress has slowed because of the window situation.”