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“They’re serving pierogies.”

“Ah.”Well, he loves them and you can just take this as a good sign.“That’s awesome. I might have some one night this week when I go to Fifties.” I met Cody’s gaze.

He grinned. “Best burgers in Mission City, but their pierogies are amazing as well.”

“And blueberry milkshakes.” I grinned right back.

“Ew.” Keegan scrunched his nose.

Cody and I laughed.

Then the psychologist waved toward the dining hall. “You go ahead, Keegan. Is it okay if I talk to your dad for a few minutes?”

Keegan looked uncertainly between the two of us, but finally nodded. “Yeah, that would be okay. I’m going to go find Paisley.”

Another good sign.

Cody saw him out, then closed the door and returned to his seat.

I cocked my head.

“Nothing so serious. I just wanted to say I think you’re doing a fantastic job. I mean, I don’t know the ins and outs of your daily routine, but Keegan speaks highly of you. In one breath, he emphasizes he’s an orphan. In the next, he talks about hisamazingdad.” He put the words in air quotes.

“I try, Cody. So damn hard. I love the kids and only want what’s best for them. I’m hoping this place is what’s best for him.”

“He’s safe here. Racoons aside, of course.”

I chuckled. “At least it wasn’t a skunk.

“Also nocturnal creatures. Frankly, I was surprised we saw a racoon at all. Although, my aunt lives about three miles from here and she’s got a family on her property. They’re abundant around here.”

“I assume they forage for actual food instead of trash?”

“Oh, both. Hence needing secure containers for compost and garbage. Although, frankly, the bears are much tougher. They’re smart too. Can get into anything.”

I swallowed. “And they’re around here?”

“We haven’t spotted any. That said, there’ve been sightings around the area recently. Big, black bears. We spent some time with the kids, letting them know what to do. We have rules about going out by oneself or even just in pairs.”

All of which I knew—but hearing it repeated helped ease my mind. “Thanks, Cody.”

“I can’t even imagine being a single dad—let alone a widoweranda single dad.”

“Uh…” I frowned. “I miss Erlene a lot, but I’m truly focused on the kids. They’re my everything.”

“Which is so very clear. They’re lucky to have you.”

His comment felt overwhelming—he didn’t know what our lives were at home. I did my best to be a good dad, but I wasn’t perfect. Still, if he said he knew I was putting in every effort to make life easier for the kid? That had to mean something.

“I’ll get going.” I rose.

Cody did as well. “We’re taking care of him. I appreciate you came so quickly.”

“Never will hesitate. Hell, racoons are nasty creatures.” I shuddered. I’d encountered several in a back alley once. They’d pried open a garbage can and had made a gratuitous mess. Just…vile.

And yet I understood they had a place in the food chain.

And were occasionally roadkill.