A Father in the Making. Carolyne Aarsen

course you would,” Dr. Schuler said with a smile as he leaned back in his leather chair. “You strike me as a loving and caring mother.”

      Grace started squawking and Mia jiggled the stroller to settle her down.

      “One thing for next time—I would like to spend some time with you one-on-one during the next visit. You’ve been through just as much as the boys.”

      Mia waved off his concern as she turned the stroller around to check on the girls. “I’m fine. I just need to get through the next few weeks.”

      Dr. Schuler gave her a thoughtful look, as if trying to see into her soul.

      “Really. I’m okay,” she insisted.

      “The offer stands. Think about it.”

      “Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” She got up and slung the diaper bag over her shoulder. Thankfully, Grace had settled again.

      “Stop at the reception area,” Dr. Schuler said. “I’m fully booked up for next week, but hopefully you can get in after that. From there on we can set a weekly visiting schedule.”

      “Sure. Thanks so much for seeing me today. I appreciate you taking my son on such short notice.”

      “I look forward to seeing what we can do for him.” Dr. Schuler got up and walked around the desk to the door to open it for her. “This is temporary. You need to know that. We can help your son. I am hoping this Nate man will be willing to help.”

      Mia’s thoughts ticked back to the conversation she had just had with Nate this morning. How she had asked him to stay away from her son. Now Dr. Schuler was suggeting she ask for his help?

      She thought of Nico and shook her head. One step at a time. For now, get home. Then you can figure out how to deal with this.

      Chapter Six

      “And how have you been feeling, Jeff?” Evangeline asked as she passed him a bowl of salad.

      “I’m fine,” Jeff said.

      “You may be, but you’re still a little hoarse.” Angie glanced at Jeff sitting beside her at the long, wooden table in Denny’s kitchen. Mia and her children took up one end, the adults the other. The full table reminded Nate of the dinners at the Norquests’. Lots of people and shared jokes, laughter and conversation.