Sal’s eyes widened. “Marriage? That’s a big commitment.”
“It is. One I’ve given a great deal of thought about.” Darius squared his shoulders. “I love Olivia very much, but she doesn’t think she’s worthy of my affection. Nothing I’ve said seems to make a difference, so I need to do something to prove how serious I am about wanting a life with her.”
And he was serious, he realized. He would do everything in his power to convince Olivia that they belonged together and that they’d make a wonderful family, if only she could let go of her fears.
“What if the boy has been adopted?”
“As long as I can ease Olivia’s mind in some small way, I’ll be happy.”
“I see.” Sal steepled his fingers together while he appeared to contemplate the situation. “Well,” he said at last, “I suppose it couldn’t hurt to make an inquiry. All they can do is say no.”
A tidal wave of relief crashed through Darius, loosening his tense muscles. “Thank you.”
“I’ll need more information, though. The approximate date of birth and the hospital where he was born.”
“I don’t know the exact date, but I believe it was about a year ago at Toronto General Hospital. They could likely give you more accurate information.” He gave a small shrug. “I doubt they’d refuse a request from a priest.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Oh, and there’s one more thing.” Why not shoot for the moon while he was at it?
“What’s that?”
“Olivia recently helped deliver a baby whom she grew very fond of. The girl was taken from Bennington Place to the Infants’ Home a few weeks ago after her mother passed away. The authorities were looking for any relatives who might be willing to take her, but if she hasn’t been claimed . . .”
Sal’s brows shot up. “You want to adopt her too?”
Darius rubbed his chin. “I might be getting ahead of myself here, but I’d like to have all the facts before I propose to Olivia officially this time.” He hadn’t really proposed at all, actually. She’d never let him get that far.
Sal waited a beat, then pushed a pen and a pad of paper across the desk. “Write down as much information as you can and a phone number where I can reach you. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll see what I can do.”
Darius grabbed the pen. “Thank you. It means a great deal just to have you try.”
He wrote down everything he could think of that might help the priest with his search, then jotted down his work and home telephone numbers. “I won’t say anything to Olivia until I hear back from you. I wouldn’t want to get her hopes up for nothing.”
Sal rose and extended his hand to Darius. “I’m glad my sister has someone to look out for her.” The wary expression was gone, replaced by what looked like growing respect.
Darius smiled and shook his hand. “And I’m glad she has a brother willing to do the same.”
On the walk home from St. Olaf’s Church, Olivia fought to shake the sense of gloom that enveloped her. After yesterday’s upsetting events, she found herself clinging hard to her faith for some sense of optimism. Only her belief that the Lord was guiding her steps allowed her to keep going.
Ahead on the sidewalk, Ruth and the other women walked in silence, seemingly preoccupied with their thoughts as well. Jenny had been too shaken up to venture out, while Margaret and Cherise had chosen to stay home with the babies.
As if to mirror their dark moods, the day that had started off with sunshine and clear skies had turned a stormy gray. In addition, a strong wind had picked up, blowing threatening clouds across the sky.
“We’d better increase our pace if we want to beat the rain,” Ruth said, pulling the lapels of her light jacket more firmly about her throat. “I wish I’d thought to bring my umbrella.”
“It wouldn’t do much good in this wind.” Monica clamped her hand on her head, fighting to keep her hat from flying off.
They quickened their steps as much as possible with the pregnant women trying to keep up. Monica managed well, while poor Nancy and Patricia lumbered on as best they could. The two girls were due any time now, and Olivia hoped this exercise didn’t send either one of them into early labor.
With the threat of a summer storm, perhaps it was best that the other residents had opted to stay home. At the time, though, Olivia had been more than a little discouraged by the women’s reaction to the morning’s meeting, especially with some of them talking about finding alternate living arrangements.
You’re being silly, Olivia chided herself. Bennington Place had been created as a temporary sanctuary for its residents. No one was ever expected to stay indefinitely. Just because Olivia had grown fond of the girls and their babies didn’t give her the right to judge their decisions.
Olivia’s steps slowed as she came upon the entrance to the park. Unbidden images of Sofia and Darius came rushing to mind with painful clarity. Almost against her will, her gaze traveled down the path to the bench where Darius had kissed her for the first time.
Had it only been yesterday since she’d last seen him? It already felt like months.
She pressed a hand to her chest to soothe the ache there, while her other hand clutched her hat. Fat drops of rain had now started to fall, creating large splotches on the sidewalk. They would soon be drenched if the sky opened up any more.
Across the street, a mother pushed a baby carriage while a young boy ran to keep up with her quick strides. An elderly couple walked behind them, huddled under an umbrella. A little farther up, Mr. Simmons wrestled his trash container onto the porch, then
