Chapter Eleven – Handling the Situation

Renee looks at Dean once they exit the court house. She wishes she knew what he was thinking right now. After what happened the previous week, she thought for sure there would be something, especially with Dean being on probation. When they got here, however, they learned quickly that nothing was going to happen. All the charges had been dropped.

"Penny for your thoughts," Renee says as they reach her car.

Dean sighs as he looks at her. "Something's wrong," he says. "I don't know what it is, but there's something wrong. Why would he drop the charges?"

"Dean, maybe…"

"No, there's something wrong." He leans against the car. "I need to get over to Megan."

"You know you can't do that right now."

"I have to. I need to know that she's okay."

Renee rests her hands on Dean's cheeks and forces him to look at her. "You need to calm down. Let me make a call and see what I can do. You aren't the only one with connections, you know. We will make sure that Megan is okay. Get in the car and let me handle this."

"Renee…"

"Dean, get in the car."

He sighs but nods. "Fine."

Renee waits until Dean is in the car before stepping away and pulling her phone from her purse. She lets out a soft breath as she listens to the phone ring. "Come on, Nattie, pick up."

"Hello?"

"Nattie, I need your help."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. Just… you know how I've been trying to do the foster care process for a certain child?"

"Yeah, the little Ambrose girl."

"I need you to do a check for me."

"Renee, what's going on? I know this has something to do with the guy you've been seeing, so tell me."

"He's this girl's brother. We just came out of court and all the charges against him were dropped by her stepdad. He's worried that something is wrong with her."

"Okay. Let me just as you one thing first. Are you okay?"

"If you're talking about with him, yes."

"Okay. I will go over there. They have an unannounced visit coming up anyways, I'll simply move it."

"Thank you, Nattie. I owe you. I know I shouldn't ask you to do any of this."

"No, it's okay. I know if it were turned around you'd be doing the same thing for me. As soon as I know anything, I'll call you."

"Okay. Thanks." She ends the call before walking around and climbing into the car. She looks at Dean. "Now you need to relax until I hear back."

He looks over. "Who'd you call?"

"Don't worry about that right now." She reaches over and takes his hand. "We'll figure this all out, Dean."

He nods. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"Don't doubt me."

"I'm not." He leans over and kisses her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

They're sitting down for lunch when Renee's phone rings. She picks it up to see Nattie's name flashing across the screen. She looks at Dean. "Hello?" she answers.

"Hey Renee. So we have Megan Ambrose in custody."

Renee frowns. "What? Why?"

"She was alone at the house. According to her, she's been alone all night."

"Okay, so what now?"

"Well, that depends. Your papers haven't gone through, so we can release her to you. Her brother, however, we can."

"Then, we'll do that. Are you at your office?"

"Yes."

"Okay, we'll be down there in a little bit then." She ends the call after saying goodbye and looks at Dean. "You'll be getting her, at least for now."

Dean frowns. "How?"

"She was home alone and she said that she has been all night. I have a friend who works for child services."

He nods as he leans back. "I take it this isn't the first time they've been there?"

"No. Dean, I need to tell you something."

"Okay, what's up?" He watches her as he takes a bite of his sandwich.

"I've been working with Nattie on applying to be a foster parent."

He frowns. "Oh?"

"There's a way to go for a specific child under certain circumstances." She watches him closely. "I'm trying to get Megan." She isn't surprised by his confused look.

"You are?" He rubs the back of his neck as he leans back in his chair. "So is that what's happening today?"

"No. All of my things haven't gone through yet. But because you're her brother, you can take her temporarily." She sips at her water. "You mad at me?"

"No. I guess I'm a bit upset that you didn't tell me about the foster parent thing. But I'm sure you had good reason to."

She nods. "I didn't want to get your hopes up if I couldn't get it approved." She reaches out and takes Dean's hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"No, it's okay. I should be thanking you for doing this for me… for us… for Megan." He leans over and kisses her. "You have no idea how much it means to me. The fact that you're trying is amazing in itself. So thank you."

"You're welcome. I just hope something good will come from it."

After they finish eating, they head to Nattie's office. Dean drums his fingers on his thighs nervously. He doesn't know what to expect from any of this. He just hopes that Megan is okay. Right now, that's his only focus. Once they get to the office, they walk inside. Renee looks at Dean.

"You need to stay calm," she says.

Dean nods. "Trying my best," he mutters. The moment they walk in, Megan runs over. Dean lifts her up and hugs her close. "Oh God, I'm so sorry, Peanut." He closes his eyes when he hears her crying. "I should've been there."

Renee walks over to Nattie and smiles sadly. "Thank you for doing this."

Nattie nods. "She's a sweet girl. Why isn't he trying to get her? He seems like he wants her."

"He does and he wishes he could. There are circumstances that hinder that."

"Meaning he has a record?"

"Yeah. Nattie…"

"Hey, if his name isn't on your file, you know we're good. He doesn't seem like a bad guy."

"He's not. Just… doesn't think there's anything else out there for him." She looks over to see Dean kiss the side of Megan's head. "He's a good man."

"And you seem happy."

"I am." Renee shrugs. "We'll figure it out."

"Just remember if he hurts you, my family will kill him."

Renee laughs softly. "I wouldn't expect anything different."

Dean walks over still holding Megan. "Okay, so what now?" he asks.

"You'll have to sign a few things. If it is found out that you are not her brother, there will be issues. But I'm guessing that's the truth because she looks like you."

Dean grins. "Poor thing, huh?" He looks at Renee. "Thank you."

"Stop thanking me," Renee says.

It doesn't take long for Dean to get everything signed. Once that's finished, they head back out to Renee's car. She watches as Dean sets Megan down and opening the back door for her. She loves the way he interacts with her. It's something she could definitely get used to.

Renee isn't surprised to see Dean and Megan curl up on the couch when they get back to her apartment. She can't help but smile a little as she watches them. No, it may not be the way her life would go at this point, but the fact is she's fallen for Dean. She got into this knowing who he was, but that doesn't change how she feels. She just hopes things will start looking better for all of them.