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“Do we have to wallpaper now?”
    I laughed. “No, we’re finished. I got that because it was so cute with the Disney characters and I thought Adam could put it up this weekend.”
    â€œI think she’ll like it,” Grace told me. She patted me on the back. “You’ve done well.”
    â€œThis was the easy part, and I know that. By the way, what the heck do kids eat? ”
    Grace smiled. “Everything and nothing. They’re all different, but usually they love cereal, cookies, cakes, ice cream, candy….”
    â€œAh, all nutritional food, huh?”
    â€œJust think back to what you liked when you were eight.”
    â€œMy mother didn’t give me many choices. And when she did, it was called a treat.”
    â€œYou might turn out to be a better mother than you think. Too many of the moms today let the kids call the shots. With meals, bedtime, everything.”
    â€œSo you’re saying I should restrict her food choices?”
    Grace put up a hand and took a step back. “Hey, don’t get me involved in this part of it. That’s all between you and Adam.”
    â€œAh, the joys I have to look forward to. Stay for supper with me? I have leftover roast chicken and I can do up some rice and a salad.”
    â€œSounds good,” Grace said, following me into the kitchen.
    Â 
    After Grace left, I was sitting in the great room relaxing with my knitting. I glanced at my watch and saw it was 8:00. Adam would be calling soon. When he’d called the night before he said everything had gone well at the hearing. The judge had revoked custody from Carrie Sue and given full custody to Adam. Carrie Sue was still in the hospital and had been informed by the social worker that Clarissa would be leaving Georgia to live in Florida. She was told that if she wanted visitation, she’d have to retain an attorney and another court date would be set. Since Adam had no contact with Carrie Sue, he wasn’t sure what she planned to do.
    The phone rang and I answered to hear his voice.
    â€œHey, sweetheart, how’d it go today?”
    â€œNot bad. I spent the whole day with Clarissa Jo. The foster parents seemed nice, but I’ll be glad to get her out of there tomorrow morning.”
    â€œHow’s she feel about coming here to live with us?”
    â€œShe didn’t say much. She was pretty quiet most of the day. I took her out for lunch and then we did some shopping for a few new clothes and toys.”
    â€œHow does she feel about leaving Carrie Sue?”
    â€œStrangely enough, she barely mentioned her. I get the feeling that life with Carrie Sue wasn’t a bed of roses. She seems to be more upset about leaving Trish behind. This is a college student who cared for her after school and, from the sound of it, many evenings when Carrie Sue was out carousing. Trish had plans the night of the accident, and that’s why Clarissa was left alone. She begged me to let her see Trish before we leave in the morning, so I called her and I’m taking them both to breakfast before we hit the road.”
    â€œGood idea.” Even though I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer, I couldn’t resist asking, “Has she mentioned me at all?”
    â€œNot really. I brought you into the conversation a couple times, but I didn’t want to push.”
    â€œRight. Well, I have her room all put together. Grace came by this afternoon and helped me. It looks great. I think she’ll like it.”
    â€œThat was really sweet of you, Monica. I know she’ll like it. Did you go with the Disney characters?”
    â€œYeah, and some ballerinas in the bathroom and a few stuffed toys.”
    â€œI’ll tell her all about it tomorrow. God, I’m wiped. It’s been a long day.”
    I could hear the fatigue in his voice. “Did you have supper yet?”
    â€œYeah, after I dropped Clarissa, I grabbed a bite at a small restaurant.