A Christmas Prayer: An Autistic Child, a Father's Love, a Woman's Heart (Christmas Romance) by Linda Wood Rondeau

circumstances. Though technically too old, he thought that given Gib’s smaller physical stature, the board might vote for an exception.
    If only she had more time, Gib might straighten out. Everyone agreed that he was still grieving. No one could guess how much longer the process would take for him, nor if his emotions would become more charged. Gib’s inability to express his inner feelings had to make processing the loss ten times more difficult. It seemed taking him away from his home would only add more layers of grief.
    From her early days at her father’s knee, he’d taught her to put the impossible into the hands of the omnipotent God. Helpless to fight a government machine, what else could she do?
    She woke Gib, gave him his morning meds, and listened to his songs as he showered. How sad to stunt his exuberance with pills so he could focus enough to put on his clothes.
    Gib wanted to wear his cowboy outfit but Alexis wasn’t sure how the court would perceive his wardrobe choices. Would the judge rule against her ability to supervise basic functions like getting dressed? Then again, why couldn’t Gib wear clothes that held meaning for him? She had tried to explain the concept of court decorum. A compromise was reached and Gib agreed to leave the hat at home as long as he could wear the boots and didn’t have to wear a coat, arguing he didn’t need one just to go from the house to the car to an office.
    A logical thought she didn’t have time to debate.
    Don greeted them with a handshake when they arrived. “Gib, do you know why you’re here today?”
    His eyes widened. “I’m in more trouble because I borrowed stuff from the store?”
    “What stuff?”
    “Comics, candy bars, and matches. Am I going to jail?”
    “Not jail. You could be sent to a special place, though, for boys who steal. We hope not. We’re going to see if we can find a way for you to pay the store back. It’s called restitution. You’ll have to see a probation officer once a week, take drug tests, see your counselors, and maybe help with cleaning duties at the Gideon Foundation.”
    Gib scowled. “I can’t remember all that.”
    “We’ll help you,” Jan said.
    “Okay.”
    Don crossed his legs. “There’s something else, Gib. Judge Richards may decide you can’t live with Alexis anymore.”
    Gib punched the chair. “So? She doesn’t want me.”
    Alexis had kept quiet, allowing Gib the chance to process Don’s warnings. This accusation stung. “Not true. I love you. What makes you think I don’t want you with me?”
    “You said you’d rather be in Los Angeles with Jasmine.”
    “Also not true. I like Jasper Falls.”
    “I heard you and Jasmine talking. You said if things had been different, you’d rather be in Los Angeles.”
    “When?”
    “At the funeral.”
    She remembered saying something to that effect, but certainly not in that context. “You understand, Gib. I hated to leave Los Angeles because our parents died. Not because I had to take care of you. I chose to. I need you to believe me.”
    “Maybe.”
    “Miss MacKendrick doesn’t think I take good care of you. She wants you to live with someone else.”
    “Who?”
    “Ethan Jacobs.”
    “Why?”
    “Ethan wants to help you. He has a big house. He’ll have horses, and you can finally get a dog like you always wanted. You’ll have people living with you to help you make better choices so you don’t get into trouble.”
    “Do I have to live with Ethan?”
    “I thought you liked Ethan?”
    “I do. Will you live there, too?”
    “No, Gib. I can visit, though.”
    Gib sobbed, and in uncharacteristic affection, threw his arms around her. “I don’t want to live with Ethan. I want to stay with you.”
    Don looked at Jan MacKendrick then back at Alexis. “Gib, we need you to try.”
    Gib pouted and said nothing.
    “Alexis, you and Gib wait in the lobby for a minute while Jan and I talk the plan through one more time.”
    His hands balled, Gib’s