Chapter 172

"Is Jeremy with you?" Hayden's voice was strained.

Stacey glanced at the living room. "Yes, he just got here. He's been crying. What happened?" She kept her voice low.

"Family trouble," Hayden said. "Complicated. Could you keep him a few days? I'll explain later."

Stacey hesitated only a moment. "Of course. Lillian and Kevin love playing with him."

Hayden’s relieved sigh was audible. “Okay,” he said, and hung up. Stacey felt a weight lift.

Grace had already shopped. Stacey started dinner; Grace helped chop vegetables. Debra, a hopeless cook, hovered, eager to assist. Patrick peeked in, smiled, then returned to supervise the children.

Jeremy finished his apple. Patrick sent the butler for the children’s toys. Soon, Jeremy was in the living room, patiently teaching Lillian and Kevin to play. Patrick watched, pleased. He’d make a good match for Becky, he thought.

Dinner was ready. Debra, thrilled, carried the dishes to the table, herding everyone to eat. Jeremy’s tears were gone. Stacey smiled, setting out small bowls of pasta, meat, and colorful vegetables for the children. "Eat up!"

Jeremy’s eyes lit up. He nodded at Becky, then wrote on his tablet: [Okay.]

Debra gasped. "Jeremy, you write so well!" Her admiration was genuine. He was bright, well-behaved, remarkably sensible—for a nonverbal child. The Carters knew the rumors: Jeremy’s mother had tried to abort him, mid-pregnancy. No wonder the Hoggard family was furious. It was irresponsible, reckless. The Carters felt the same outrage. They’d heard the Hoggards had spared no expense on Jeremy’s care.

Debra, her heart aching, started piling food onto Jeremy’s plate. "Eat more, dear. Don't be shy," she murmured. Jeremy nodded, grabbed a fork, and clumsily served Debra some food in return. How sweet, she thought.

He then served Patrick and Becky, remembering Hayden’s words about teamwork. He wanted Hayden and Becky together, to become his mother. The Carters beamed. Lillian and Kevin held out their plates. Jeremy served them, then, exhausted, sat down.

Lillian, mimicking him, waved her spoon.

"Lily!" Stacey intervened. Jeremy, at three, understood. But one-year-old Lillian was a different story. "Be careful, sweetie. Don't mess the table," Stacey said gently.

"Give…Jeremy!" Lillian protested.

Then Kevin, with his spoon, scooped food onto Jeremy’s plate. Debra, Patrick, and Stacey watched, anxiously. "Kevin did it!" Lillian crowed.

Stacey sighed, finally letting Lillian serve Jeremy once, using a fork. She explained about proper manners and hygiene to both children.