Chapter 73

“It’s okay, kiddo.”

“I know.”

Dammit, he was so young to have to be so controlled. She stroked his curly brown hair. “Suppose you put your things in your backpack.”

Denny held on to her for a minute longer, then stepped back and put the teddy bear on the trundle bed. He opened the dresser drawer and took out his clothes.

“Ma?” His arms were filled to overflowing. He had more now than when they’d first arrived in Savannah.

“Pick out your newest clothes.” They’d fit him better and last longer.

“Okay.”

And she’d pack whatever didn’t fit in his backpack into her suitcase.

HALF AN HOUR later, another door slammed, and then there was the sound of a car starting and gravel peppering the side of the house.

Babe shook her head. She’d miss the people who lived here, but that didn’t include January Stephens.

10

THE DEMANDING CRY of a two-year-old woke Mary Margaret Burdett from a sound sleep.