George rubbed down the bays, made sure they had hay and water, then put away the carriage before he went to the crowded space behind the tack room that had been his home for almost a year. He gathered up his belongings as well as the toys the children hadn’t been permitted to take with them, and headed back to East 21st Street.
When he got there, Bart and Frank were sitting in the front room, cradling Noelle and Thomas. Charlie lay on her stomach to spare her back, but they were all awake.
They jumped up, and the three of them engulfed him in hugs.
“We thought you were never coming back!” Charlie said in a watery voice.
“I’ll always come back for you.” He leaned down and scooped her into his arms, once again being careful of her back.
“Mrs. Hall put something on my back. It feels bett
