Page 16 of Night Moves
Willow shook her head.
“Then you and George hop into bed.”
She glanced around. “Which bed?”
Natalie pointed to two double beds on the opposite wall. “Choose either one.”
Willow walked slowly to the closest, dropped her pink hoodie on the end, pulled back the camo bedspread and crisp green sheets, and climbed in. She tugged the covers and peered up at Natalie. “I’m afraid.”
Natalie offered a silent prayer and sat on the edge of the bed. “Of what, sweetie?”
“Everything. Like why are we here? Where’s Dad? Did he die in the car accident? Is that why you brought us here because he’s not coming back?”
“Oh, sweetie, no. He didn’t die.” Natalie didn’t want to frighten the girl so she would carefully choose her words. “His treatment just took longer than they thought.”
“Then why are we here?”
“I had to come here, and because I was watching you, you had to come along.” Sort of the truth. “Now don’t worry about a thing. Get a good night’s sleep, and tomorrow we can explore the area. Maybe see deer and rabbits and other wildlife.”
“Like a bear?” Her eyes widened.
Natalie had learned over the past month that Willow’s first instincts were negative. Just the way Natalie had felt as a child. Maybe that was why God brought the child into Natalie’s life, so she could help Willow adjust and learn to see the positive in her life. As a kid, Natalie had needed to force herself to think positive just to survive, and then it became a habit.
“We could see a bear, I suppose. Not likely though. And Drake will come with us. He knows this area and can keep us safe, so you have nothing to worry about. And if you don’t want to go hiking, you don’t have to.”
“I want to.” She nibbled on her raw lip.
Poor little sweetheart was trying to be brave, but her chin trembled. Natalie couldn’t stand seeing her hurting any longer and not do anything about it. So what if her job frowned on personal contact? They didn’t forbid it, just made sure that the social workers didn’t put themselves in a situation that could be misconstrued. But this child needed to be held.
Natalie scooped her into a hug. Her warm little body molded to Natalie, and her fiery red curls tickled Natalie’s cheek. She held her warm body tightly and hummed, “My God Is So Big,” a song she’d learned in Sunday School.
She felt Willow relaxing and wished she could sing the chorus to her—and that Willow would believe that God was so big that He could do anything. Even take away Willow’s fears.
Show us that. Please.
Natalie gave Willow a squeeze and then pulled back. “I’m here for you, sweetie. Always. You can count on me.”
“I’m glad.” Willow turned on her side and drew George close, then pulled the covers up to her eyes. “Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?”
“I don’t think so, sweetie.”
She grabbed Natalie’s hand. “Please. Please. I’m afraid.”
“There’s a nightlight in the corner.” Natalie stood. “Do you want me to turn it on?”
“Yes.” The precious high voice sounded from under the covers. “But I still want you to stay.”
Natalie didn’t want to leave the child, but Willow needed to sleep, and Natalie feared if she stayed in the room, Willow would keep asking questions instead of resting.
Natalie flicked on the nightlight and turned back. She was about to say good-night and head to the door, but then she thought about what was waiting for her downstairs. A man who wanted her to recount what she’d seen in the basement. With the police at Kirk’s house, she didn’t mind putting that off. Not at all.
Not when Willow needed her. Her loyalty had to be to the children. They had to come first. Always.
5
Drake paced the knotty pine cabin floor, waiting for Natalie to come back down. The fireplace blazed with warmth and he’d had to shed his jacket and overshirt but he wanted to be sure the kids were warm enough up in the loft. He paused by the stairway and looked at his watch. He didn’t want to rush Natalie but maybe he should go after her.
“How long does it take to put kids to bed?” he muttered under his breath.
