Blossom Street Bundle

“That’s what I was told,” she said. “But you mean an additional two weeks, right?” Anne Marie exhaled slowly.

“Yes. Are you okay with that?”

“Definitely. I’m just afraid this is going to be upsetting for Ellen. The child loves her grandmother very much.”

“I know.”

“Ellen’s been marking off the days until she can move back in with Dolores.”

“I understand this will be a setback for the child. I also understand that it’s far and above what you agreed to when Ellen came to stay with you,” Evelyn said. “If you feel it’s too much, I could probably find a temporary home for Ellen.”

“That would upset her even more,” Anne Marie said, dismissing the offer out of hand. “It was difficult enough for Ellen to be separated from her grandmother. Placing her in another completely foreign environment would be doubly traumatic.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more.”

At least they saw eye to eye on that, Anne Marie thought with relief.

“Then you won’t mind keeping Ellen for another two weeks?”

“Of course I don’t mind.” Any other option wasn’t worth considering.

“In that case, I’d like to leave some forms for you to complete.”

“What kind of forms?” Anne Marie didn’t like the sound of this.

Evelyn Boyle took a sheaf of papers out of her briefcase. “Since Ellen’s been with you for more than two weeks already and is likely

to remain for an additional two, I’d like you to apply for your license.”

“My license for what?”

“To be Ellen’s foster parent,” she said as if this was perfectly logical.

An automatic objection rose in her throat, but Anne Marie bit down on her tongue rather than argue. The best thing to do was to appear compliant. However, she had no intention of becoming a foster parent. What was the point? By the time she finished applying, Ellen would be back with her grandmother and it would be irrelevant.

“Thank you,” Anne Marie said, accepting the papers.

She stood and took the teapot and cups to the sink. “I appreciate your coming by,” she said, since the interview was clearly over.

“My pleasure.”

Baxter got up from his dog bed and walked them to the stairs, as though that was one of his prescribed duties. He stood silently at the top while the two women climbed down.

Anne Marie was saying goodbye to the social worker when she noticed a lone figure in the overstuffed chair, her head drooping, hair half-covering her face. The woman appeared to be asleep. Anne Marie glanced at her again, and suddenly realized who she was.

Her stepdaughter, Melissa Roche.

Chapter 21

As if aware of Anne Marie’s scrutiny, Melissa opened her eyes and sat up, looking self-consciously around. Anne Marie wished now that she’d returned her phone call. Even from a distance, she could see that Melissa was in distress.

For the moment she ignored her and accompanied Evelyn Boyle to the door. She thanked her for the visit and agreed to read over the paperwork—and read it was all Anne Marie intended to do. Evelyn obviously didn’t want to remove Ellen from her temporary custody any more than Anne Marie wanted to let the child go.

She had to admit she felt ambivalent about this latest information concerning Dolores. On the one hand, she knew Ellen would be disappointed; on the other hand, she herself wasn’t unhappy about the girl’s extended stay.

By the time Evelyn Boyle had gone and Anne Marie turned back to the shop, Melissa was standing uncertainly beside the chair. She seemed to be waiting for Anne Marie.

Anne Marie spoke with Theresa for a few minutes about some special orders, then walked toward her stepdaughter. “Hello, Melissa.”

“You didn’t return my phone call. I left a message.”

“I was out last night. I didn’t get in until late.”

Melissa seemed confused. “You’re not dating anyone, are you?”

Why would she ask that question again? Anne Marie couldn’t even think about another relationship so soon after losing Robert. “No. I was with a group of women friends, although that isn’t really any of your concern,” she said brusquely. “I intended to call back this evening.” Actually, Melissa had phoned more than once. Caller ID had shown three calls, all from her stepdaughter, although she’d left only the one message.

“Could I buy you lunch?” Melissa asked in a surprisingly tentative voice.

“Thank you, but I’ve already eaten.”

Melissa blinked as if she hadn’t expected that despite the fact that it was nearly two in the afternoon.

“The truth is, I’m not eager to visit another restaurant with you.”

Melissa blanched. “I said I was sorry about that.”

Anne Marie nodded. “Yes, you did.”

“And I am, I really am! Sometimes I do stupid stuff. I don’t know why I thought I should tell you what I saw. Brandon about bit my head off. He said—well, never mind.”

Anne Marie could see this wasn’t going to be a quick visit, so she motioned for Melissa to sit down again, then took the chair next to hers. The shop wasn’t busy and Theresa was handling what business there was without a problem.

The two women sat silently for several seconds. Anne Marie was determined not to speak first. After all, Melissa had sought her out. She was the one with the agenda and frankly, Anne Marie was curious as to what it might be.

“Brandon said he came by a little while ago.”

“Yes.” She didn’t elaborate.

“He said there’s a child living with you.”

“It’s a temporary situation.”

Melissa acknowledged the comment with a slight nod. “He said that, too, and that—Allie, is it?”

“Ellen.”

“He said that Ellen’s a real sweetheart.”