Second Chance Mom

Annie reached down and caught him securely in her arms, hugging him close to her, inhaling that sweet baby smell that all little ones seemed to have. He was so soft in her arms, warm and yet quite heavy though he was an average size for his age. At one point he looked straight into her eyes and smiled.

Annie smoothed a hand over his forehead and gathered herself. “Let’s get you in the truck, little man.”

“Tuck!”

She smiled at him and tickled his belly as she settled him in the car seat. “Very good.”

His giggle melted her heart. Soon they were headed home. Luke was talkative. Annie asked one question about his pets and the little boy had come alive, telling her all kinds of details.

Toby was content to play with the teddy bear he clutched in his hands and Caroline tuned the radio to a music station and stayed silent all the way home.

Back at the farm, Caroline and Luke were waiting on the porch for the adults by the time Annie managed to get Toby out. She set him on the ground and he made his way up the steps in what had to be record time. Jared unlocked the front door and they raced inside, heading straight for the laundry.

Moments later Annie heard the slamming of the back door.

“They always check the animals before bed. I think it would be okay if we skipped baths tonight.”