The Blackstone Legacy Read Online Free PDF

little girl. She was expecting a total of five children, ranging in ages from three to five. Two were brothers—identical twins Trent and Travis Smith. One glance at the redheaded, freckled, green-eyed twins signaled trouble—double trouble. Sean Blackstone, Allison Cunningham and Heather Whitfield had also come to the open house. Delicate Heather had arrived first, her large brown eyes widening when she spied the area Kelly had set up as the housekeeping corner, followed by the twins, then Allison.
    â€œYou may go look at it,” she urged in a gentlevoice. Heather raced over to the play stove, turning knobs and stirring a pot with a wooden spoon.
    Sheldon walked in with Sean clinging to his hand as if he feared his grandfather would disappear if he didn’t hold on to him.
    â€œGood morning, Sean.” He stared up at Kelly, eyes wide.
    â€œMiss Kelly spoke to you, Sean,” Sheldon admonished.
    â€œGood morning, Miss Kelly,” he mumbled under his breath.
    â€œCome in and join the others. We’re going to have juice and cookies.” Sean gave Sheldon a lingering look before he walked over to the other children gathering in the housekeeping corner.
    Kelly smiled. “Please wait while I get the children settled.”
    Three women sat on a sofa and two of the four club chairs covered in supple black leather, talking quietly. A glass-topped black lacquered coffee table set on an area rug with a distinctive Asian motif in black and red mirrored the farm’s silks. Solid brass floor lamps with pale linen shades completed the inviting sitting area. Kelly planned to use this area to meet with parents to discuss their children’s progress or her concerns.
    Sheldon sat down. His penetrating gaze swept around the large space, cataloguing everything. Flowering plants lined empty bookcases undera wide window with southern exposure. A colorful plush area rug with large letters of the alphabet covered the gleaming wood floor. An entertainment center contained a wall-mounted, flat-screen television, VCR and DVD player. Oversized throw pillows were positioned on the floor in front of the screen.
    The science corner held a tank of colorful tropical fish. Posters of farm animals, flowers, birds and fish graced another wall. Cubbies with hooks and the names of each child stood ready for sweaters, coats and boots with the change of seasons. Half a dozen portable cots were stacked against another wall. He was amazed that it had taken Kelly only a month to order the supplies and furnishings she needed to set up her classroom.
    He watched her firmly, yet gently, steer the five children to a sink in a far corner. They washed their hands and dried them on paper towels before racing to a round table with half a dozen chairs. Each one claimed a seat, waiting patiently as Kelly filled plastic cups with apple juice and placed a large oatmeal raisin cookie on the plate at each setting.
    â€œAfter you finish your cookie and juice, you can watch a movie while I talk to your parents. Take your time, Travis,” she admonished softly when he stuffed a large piece into his mouth.
    Ten minutes later, cups and plates stacked on a tray for a return to the dining hall, the five children settled down on the large pillows to watch their movie.
    Kelly walked over to the sitting area, joining the parents. Smiling, she said, “The Blackstone Farms Day School will open officially Monday morning, and I want to reassure you that your children will be exposed to a safe and positive environment while in my care….
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    It was noon when the parents pulled their reluctant children away from the blank television screen, promising them they would come back in two days.
    â€œAre you going to be here on Monday, Miss Kelly?” Sean asked.
    She smiled at the expectant look on his face. “Of course I am, Sean. I’m going to be here for a very long time.” She knew a year was a long time to a four-year-old.