The order was a mistake, because Crosby lunged, grabbing me around the waist and throwing me over his shoulder. “First, we need to shower. Gotta make sure you’re clean for bed.”

He did make sure. And every last inch of me thanked him for it.

13

Crosby

“All of this is for me?”

The disbelief in Zoe’s eyes nearly broke something in me. “It is.”

She blinked down at the pile of items in front of her. There were new clothes, coloring books, markers, stickers, and who knew what else. There was also a backpack and a nice, sturdy duffle bag in bright purple. Penny and her knitting club had outdone themselves, as always.

“I never get brand-new…” Zoe’s voice was soft, as if she were just speaking to herself.

“Well, you do now.”

“I don’t have to use the garbage bag anymore?”

I struggled to keep my expression gentle. So many kids in the foster system had nothing to move their belongings around in, and they were left with only a trash bag. I didn’t even want to think about what that did to a kid’s self-worth. “No garbage bag for you.”

“I love it. Thank you, Crosby.” Zoe struggled to meet my gaze but forced herself to do it. I was so damn proud of her in that moment. It was always like this the first few meetings, a bit of backsliding on the progress you’d made during the session before, but we’d find our way.

“You’re welcome, but it was actually my friend, Penny, and her knitting club that got it all for you.”

“But they don’t even know me.”

My gut twisted at her confusion. “I told them about you and what an awesome kid you are. They wanted to do something nice for you.”

Zoe’s eyes began to water. If she cried, I wouldn’t be able to handle it. “W-will you tell them thank you?”

“You got it. So, what do you think? Soccer today, or do you want to work on your coloring?”

Zoe beamed. “Soccer. Did you see the ball they got me?”

“They got you a soccer ball?”

She dug through the bag and pulled out a brand-new ball. “Now, I can practice all the time.” Zoe frowned down at the ball. “If the Calhouns let me.”

I tensed at the little girl’s dejected expression. “Are they being nice to you?”

She licked her lips and spun the ball in circles in her hands. “They’re fine.”

It sure as hell didn’t sound fine. I didn’t care what Callie said, if Zoe didn’t look happier about her foster placement soon, I was going to make that unannounced visit. “You know you can tell me if you don’t like it there.”

Her head popped up. “And I can go back with my mom?”