Adopted: Family in a Million

“He’ll grow out of it sooner or later,” her mom said.

“But in the meantime, I could die of fright if he disappears again. Or he could seriously get lost or abducted.”

“What he needs is a father figure. That’s what he’s missing. I wished we lived closer. Your father loves the time he spends with Danny.”

The image of Zack Morgan rose. She frowned. Why had he sprung to mind when her mother spoke of a father figure? He was the last person who would be interested in children. He said he hadn’t been around them. His job would not be good for any kind of family life.

But she could fantasize. That he’d ask her out. That he’d like to spend time with Danny. The bubble burst. The only dates she’d had in the last two years had not ended well. She resigned herself to her single status—at least for another ten years or so.

“I worry about you two living in that neighborhood,” her mother was saying.

“We’ve been through this, Mom. It’s the best I can do.”

“You could move down here. It’s less expensive.”

“And do what?”

“Teach.”

“I love my job. It’s exciting and keeps me up on all the world events.”

“But you are so far away and we miss seeing Danny.”

Susan refrained from reminding her mother they had moved away three years ago, not her. Florida offered a better climate for her father. She missed them, even more after Tom had died. But she did not want to move there herself. She’d miss New York too much. Besides, she was managing fine.

“I’ll send more pictures,” she offered.

“It’s not the same. I’ll call back later and talk with Danny,” her mother said.

“He’d like that, Mom.”

They chatted a few more minutes. Susan hung up and leaned back on the sofa. It was still raining. She might have chanced the park had it been warmer. Just to walk over in case Zack had walked there for exercise. She could tell he had been in pain yesterday sitting on the bench. She wished she knew more about his injuries and if he would completely recover. She hoped so. He looked too virile and active to be satisfied with a desk job when he could be out building mammoth structures.

The rainy weather continued until Friday and by Saturday morning, Susan was anxious to get to the park. She’d asked around about a place to sublet and a woman at work knew of one.

That was the only reason she wanted to see Zack, she told herself. To tell him about the apartment before it was taken.

Danny was delighted to be heading to the park after so many days inside. He had tried Edith Jordan’s patience by Thursday and she’d been glad for preschool on Friday.

When they reached the park, Danny dashed to the playground. Susan looked at each bench. No sign of Zack.

Only when she felt the sweep of disappointment did she realize how much she had hoped to see him again.

She sat on the bench they’d shared last week and watched Danny play. The usual group of children were here. She waved at a couple of mothers she knew but didn’t walk over to talk with them. Maybe Zack would still show up.

It was getting close to lunchtime. She hoped Danny wouldn’t put up a fuss to return home. She had some chores to do and wanted to call one of her friends and discuss dinner one night next week. Laura had a son a year older than Danny. The two boys loved to play together.

She glanced around as a sixth sense kicked in. Zack was crossing the grass, a white bag held in one hand. His gaze was focused on her as he cut the distance swiftly. No sign of a limp today.

“Hi,” he said when he was close.

“Hi.” Susan felt fluttery inside. She had hoped to see him, but now that he was here, she felt positively shy. That was so not like her.

He lifted the bag a couple of inches. “I took a chance and brought coffee. If you don’t want any, that’s okay. I even brought some apple juice for Danny.”

“I’d love a cup of coffee. I’ve only had one so far today and sitting here in the sun was making me sleepy.”

He nodded and sat beside her. In seconds she was sipping the heavenly brew.

“I brought cream in case,” he said, rummaging around in the bag.

“No, I like it black.”

“Me, too.” He lifted a bottle of apple juice and a straw, setting them on the bench between them.

Susan was touched he’d thought to bring something for Danny.

“Thank you.” She caught Danny’s attention and waved him over. He ran all the way.

“Hi,” Zack said.

“Hi. Did you come to watch me play?” he asked.

Zack smiled and nodded. “I sure did.”

“Zack brought you some apple juice,” Susan said, opening the bottle and removing the wrapper from the straw.

“I love apple juice!” Danny exclaimed. He drank almost half the bottle and then stopped, gasping for breath.

“You don’t need to drink it all in one go,” his mother commented wryly. “What do you say?”

“Thank you for my apple juice,” he said to Zack. Then he turned and ran back to the swings.

“Does he ever get tired?” Zack asked.

“Oh, yeah. After lunch he’ll sleep for about two hours. Then be raring to go until bedtime. I’m glad you came today. I have a lead on a sublet, if you’re still interested.”

“I am. I spent the better part of this week looking.”

Susan reached into the backpack and pulled out the note with the information about the small apartment not too far from a subway stop. She handed it to Zack. She wished it had been closer to this neighborhood. It would take some effort to come to the park from that place.

He read the information she’d jotted down then reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He extracted another business card, then put her note in its place. Taking a pen, he wrote a phone number and handed her the card.

“I also bought a cell phone this week. Here’s my number. Just in case.”

“In case of what?” she asked, taking the card.

He shrugged. “You find another place available, or just want to talk.”