Acts of Mercy (35 page)

“Do you think maybe if I sat down there with him …?”

“It wouldn’t hurt.”

“Chloe,” Robert said, “do you think I could play with you and Ian?”

“Sure, but you have to wait your turn for the string.
Right now, Ian has it, then it’s my turn again. But then it could be your turn.”

“Okay.” He sat on the floor next to his son, not close enough to make the child move away, but near enough that he could catch the scent of him. “I don’t mind waiting my turn …”

“Am I too late for breakfast?” Kevin came into the kitchen from the front of the house.

“You’re right on time.” Trula pointed to a pile of waffles she’d just plated. “Grab a plate and help yourself.”

“Whoa.” Kevin stopped in his tracks and pointed out the window to the back patio.

Ian sat in the high chair they’d bought for him long ago, a bright blue sippy cup in one hand, a piece of waffle in the other. Susanna sat on one side, and Robert sat on the other.

“That’s quite a different scene from the one I left last night,” Kevin said.

“It was touch and go for a while,” Trula agreed, “but things have calmed down. There’s still a long way to go, but I think it’s going to work out okay in the end.”

“How’d things go last night? Did he sleep?”

“He slept between Robert and Susanna on Rob’s bed. On top of the covers, I should add.” She smiled slyly. “Not that I wouldn’t like to see that change. Your cousin is blind where Susanna is concerned. Anyone with a pair of eyes could see she’s in love with him.”

“Even I knew that.” Kevin nodded.

“Really? You saw it, too, all this time?”

“All this time.” Kevin helped himself to coffee. “Maybe he’ll wake up one of these days.”

“They make a beautiful family, don’t they?” Trula sounded wistful.

“They look like they belong together.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.”

“Exactly.” Kevin smiled and sipped his coffee. “Exactly what I was thinking …”