The Soldier's Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro Page A

rows of more doors.
    Without any hesitation, Garrett started down the hallway. At the far end, Sharon and an older man stepped out from one of the rooms. “Oh, Officer Kincaid, you’re early. Good. The children are here. This is Joe Ackerman. He’s your new caseworker.”
    The men shook hands and everyone else was introduced. Half of the wall behind Garrett was glass, so they could clearly see inside what looked like a conference room.
    The man stepped back through the door and spoke with a woman who stood inside holding an infant car seat. A little boy sat in an oversize chair, his feet dangling above the floor as his small hand hung over the side of the yellow blanket covering the baby.
    Anjelica touched Garrett’s arm. Looking down, he raised his eyebrows at her. She pointed to the brother and sister. “There they are.” Not sure why she was whispering, Anjelica shifted her gaze between the man standing next to her and the little boy who looked so much like him.
    His forearm tensed under her hand. He stopped talking and became still. Nothing moved.
    Sharon broke the silence. “Are you ready to meet them?” She turned to look at the kids.
    Garrett took in a deep breath. He licked his lips and his throat worked as if he were trying to swallow. Anjelica wanted to wrap him in her arms.
    Sharon continued talking, apparently oblivious to his struggles. “He attended the Head Start program. We know he can speak Spanish and English, but he hasn’t spoken since they’ve been in custody. They documented that his oral development is behind, but that isn’t unusual for a dual-language child. Pilar is physically behind. She’s not sitting up on her own yet. There are small developmental delays, but they look to be more environmental.” She sighed and looked back at the kids. “He’s protective of his sister and gets very upset if he can’t see her. There are several signs of general neglect.”
    â€œSuch as?” Garrett asked without taking his eyes off the children.
    â€œHe knows how to make her bottle and dress them both, and he can work a microwave. We have found him changing her diaper. For a five-year-old, that indicates to us that he was the caregiver.”
    Had she just heard him growl?
    Anjelica’s fingers tightened around his arm. Garrett’s other hand came up and covered hers.
    â€œHe’s been appointed a child psychologist. He’s experienced a traumatic event and will need time to heal and feel safe. You’ll need patience in large supplies.” She looked at Garrett and smiled. “I’m so relieved you’re letting us place Pilar with you. I’m not sure Rio would survive being separated from his sister.”
    Garrett nodded. “Rio?”
    â€œAt Head Start they called him Garrett, but we’ve discovered his grandmother called him Rio. The rest of the family called him River. What do you want to call him?” Sharon looked through the window at the kids.
    Garrett shrugged. “We could ask him what he wants to be called. If he wants Garrett, I’ll go by something else. Can we go in now?”
    Oh no. I’m not gonna cry. Anjelica let go of Garrett and squeezed her fingers together in front of her. With a count to five, she steadied her heartbeat.
    He paused with his hand on the door. “What do I say?”
    Sharon gave him a soft smile. “Keep it simple. I’ll introduce you. But still tell him who you are and what’s going to happen in small steps. Don’t lie or make promises you can’t keep.”
    With a nod, he walked through the door. Anjelica followed but hung back, staying close to the wall. She needed to proceed slowly. This was his time to bond with the kids. As much as she wanted to hold that baby girl, she was only a temporary babysitter. The hired help.
    The mini Garrett tucked his feet under himself and hovered over his sister. His curly dark hair hung in