As he listened to Noah describe his close-up sketch of a tide pool, Steve’s gaze fell on the small plaque with the quote from 1 Corinthians that had always graced their kitchen.

Love never fails.

Once upon a time, Beth had believed that with every fiber of her being. But her love hadn’t saved Jonathan, nor had it helped her husband see the light.

No wonder she’d grown distant and bitter.

And he’d failed at love as well. Instead of being disappointed that Jonathan preferred art over athletics, he should have recognized, appreciated, and valued him for who he was and for his unique talents.

He’d learned, though. Painful as the lesson had been, he was a better person today. He’d prove that to Beth if she gave him the opportunity. And he’d keep working toward that goal.

In the meantime, why not apply the lesson he’d learned to Noah? The boy’s foster parents were no doubt qualified if they’d passed the rigorous screenings required for certification, but that didn’t mean Noah couldn’t use another cheerleader in his section. Especially one who understood the importance of encouraging talents that weren’t always valued by others.

As Noah wound down, Steve made his decision.

“That sounds wonderful. I’d like to see it—and anything else you’re working on. We could get together for ice cream while you show me your latest sketches.”

“Really?” Hope and excitement raised his pitch.

“Yes. Assuming you like ice cream.”

“I do!”

“Why don’t you put your foster dad back on the line and I’ll see what we can set up?”

Noah rounded up the man fast, and in less than sixty seconds Steve had a date with an eleven-year-old for Saturday afternoon.

After pocketing the cell, he returned to the kitchen table and picked up his pen again. Beth hadn’t responded to any of the notes he’d sent, nor had she acknowledged them on the few occasions the two of them had emailed about business-of-life matters like tax returns and insurance—but it was possible she’d come around if he kept trying . . . and praying.

He began to write, angling the card to catch the last rays of sun filtering in through the window. Quickened his pace to finish before it was too dark to see.

As he wrote “yours forever” at the end, as he always did above his name, the light disappeared from the room.

Like it had disappeared from his life since he’d lost Jonathan and Beth had walked out.

Maybe, though, her heart would soften in time.

And while he waited, he’d do his best to shine a bit of light and hope into a young boy’s life.

13

If this kept up, Hannah was going to starve.

Jack scraped the remains of her Friday night dinner into the garbage.