Love by Chance (A Contemporary Romance) (8 page)

The elevator dinged and the doors swished open. Caroline walked out and down the hall toward the nurse’s station. One of the nurses was on the phone and had her back to her. She waited patiently for the conversation to end.

“Yes, I’ll be sure to let you know if there is any change. Bye,” the nurse said before hanging up. She turned around and her mouth dropped open. “Oh my God! I can’t believe it.”

Caroline smiled. “Hi Kathy, how have you been?”

Kathy Jenkins, a petite woman in her thirties, came out from behind the desk and gave Caroline a hug. “I’m so happy to see you. Are you coming back or just visiting?”

“I thought I’d come back, that is, if you still need volunteers.”

“Yes. We always need volunteers. You know that most people can’t handle looking at the kids.”

“I know, but they’re still little kids inside. I’m sorry I haven’t been around, but…”

Kathy reached out and touched Caroline’s arm. “Listen, there’s no need for explanations. We all know Richard is a fool for divorcing you, and besides, I’ve never seen you look better.”

“Thanks for the support, but it stung nonetheless. Kind of blindsided me and I needed time to regroup.”

Kathy nodded. “I’m just happy you’re back.”

“Has anyone been reading to them in my absence?”

“Yes, there’s one young woman who’s been excellent with them, but she can’t be here everyday. It will be wonderful to have you back reading to them as well.”

Caroline nodded. “I miss them. Did Amanda and James go home while I was gone?”

“Amanda did, but James is still here.
 
Poor little thing is going to be with us for some time.”

Kathy checked her watch. “They’re still in the reading room if you want to pop in.”

“Sure, would love to. I’ll check back with you after my visit.”

“Okay, but in case I’m busy, I’m really glad you’re back. We should go out for a drink soon and catch up.”

“Sure, sounds good.” Caroline turned and walked down the hall toward the reading room. Now that the first awkward conversation was over, she was looking forward to seeing the kids.

She stopped outside the playroom and peeked through the window. The children, most of them in wheelchairs, were positioned in a semi-circle with their full attention on a young blonde-haired woman while she read them a story. Their animated faces were a clear indication that they were enjoying themselves. When she finished, the children who were able clapped with delight.

Caroline opened the door and went inside, and was immediately greeted with a screech of delight from James.

“Miss Caroline is here. Miss Caroline is here,” the little six-year-old boy shouted.

Caroline rushed over and gently hugged him. “Hello, James. I’ve missed you!”

James nodded. “Me too. You back now?”

Caroline’s heart strings tugged at the tragedy before her. James had been burned over seventy-five percent of his body in a horrific apartment fire. His mother had been killed in the fire, but not before she dropped her son out the third floor window to the firefighters below. His father had left when James was born, and was nowhere to be found. His only living relative was his grandmother who was in her sixties and suffering from diabetes. The woman could barely take care of herself, never mind James, and all that he needed.

“Yes, James. I’m back now.” Caroline stood and turned toward the young woman.

“Hi, I’m Caroline,” she said, and extended her hand in friendship.

The young woman hastily shook Caroline’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m late for my next appointment, but I’d love to chat more next time I see you here.”

“Of course, that would be great.”

There wasn’t time to think about the young woman. Behind her was a growing chorus of, “Please read us a book.”

She turned back to the kids. “Okay, which one today?”

“Green Eggs and Ham,” they shouted.

Caroline walked over the bookcase and picked up the much-loved, worn book. “Looks like we may need a new copy of this one. I’ll bring it next time.”

She returned to the semi-circle of happy, expectant faces and began, “I am Sam. I am Sam. Sam I am…”

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Amazon buy link:
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Moonlight-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B007JWW8GQ