Page 8 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

“Not even then, but I don’t think you’re bad, okay?” From Sam’s expression, the boy didn’t believe him. How many times had he been told he was bad and was hit for it? Ryan didn’t know what was involved in keeping a child away from the parents, but if he had anything to do with it, Sam would not be going back to his.

“Show Matilda what your fire truck can do.”

“Her name’s Matti.”

“Is it? So that’s what I can call her, too?” He raised his brows at her, swallowing a smile when she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, for goodness sakes. You can call me Matti, too.”

“Does that mean you’re my friend, Matti?”

“You can be my friend, Dr. Palmer,” Sam said.

“I would love that. And as my friend, you can call me Doc.”

Sam shyly smiled. “I never had a friend before.”

This boy was breaking his heart.

Chapter 5

Matti never got used to the sad stories her children had to tell. The day their stories didn’t bother her would be the day she quit. It was hard hearing them talk about the abuse they suffered, though.

Although her parents were divorced, they were civil to each other and all their children knew they were loved by both Jonathon and Emily. Matti was grateful for that, especially because she knew firsthand how awful some parents could be.

“Watch, Matti,” Sam said. He zoomed his fire truck around the living room floor.

“That’s awesome.” She loved seeing his face lit up with joy.

“I never had a toy like this.” He grinned at Ryan. “Thank you, Doc.”

Ryan wrapped his arms around Sam, but his gaze was on her, and if she wasn’t mistaken, his eyes were watery. How could they not be? Sam liked her, she knew that, but he had a big crush on his Doc. She was a little jealous, even though she didn’t want Sam crushing on her.

“I need to check on dinner.” She stood and walked away from the temptation of joining in their lovefest.

Her bungalow—a home she’d lovingly restored over the years—was built back when everyone preferred walls over great rooms, so she couldn’t see the living room from the kitchen, but she could hear their laughter as she plated their dinner. She smiled, happy that Ryan and Sam had taken to each other so beautifully.

When she’d asked Sam what he would like for dinner, he’d said, “I get to choose?” After getting over his surprise, he’d immediately said, “Waffles, with butter and syrup on them. I had some once when my daddy had extra money and he brought some home. They were frozen, so they were easy to make.”

It seemed to her that he’d added the last part, worried she’d have to work too hard over their dinner. One or both of his parents had probably complained about having to feed him. He was six years old. He should be able to read basic words by now. He couldn’t because his parents had never sent him to school. Tonight, after he was asleep, she was going to start on writing her recommendation that he not be returned to his parents.

Not sure how much Ryan could eat, she decided on waffles, an entire package of bacon, and yogurt and fruit parfaits. The parfaits she’d made earlier, and it didn’t take long to cook the bacon and a pile of waffles. After bringing the food to the table, she called for the boys.

Sam limped into the dining room with Ryan following close behind. At seeing the pile of waffles, his eyes widened. “Holy shit,” he said.

Before she could reprimand him, Ryan said, “We don’t use bad words, Sam, especially not in front of a lady.”

“Sh… That’s a bad word?”

Ryan nodded. “It sure is.”

“I didn’t know. My daddy says it all the time.” He looked up at Ryan with tears in his eyes. “Are you going to punish me?”

“No, because you didn’t know, but now you do, so never say it again.”

“I won’t.”

Ryan put his hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Good. Now, let’s eat. Where do you want us, Matti?”