Page 145 of Delivery After Dark
When Paul became choked up, Alex took over for him. “Daisy, for your unwavering friendship to Mom and to us. Hope, Ethan, Jenny, George and Scarlett, for all the love and support, for helping us to focus on the joy you all bring to our lives, and Jenny, for helping us so much at work. Thank you all. We’re incredibly grateful to you guys.”
Jenny hugged him, and Alex held on to her, the love of his life, the woman who’d saved him from the utter despair of his mother’s rapid decline with her unwavering love and devotion.
“Let’s go home.” Jenny took his hand to lead the way, and with a backward glance at his mother, he followed his wife from the room.
* * *
“Marion Martinez has passed away,” Jared told Lizzie when he sat next to her at the kitchen table while Violet napped.
“I’m sorry to hear that. People say such nice things about her. How are the guys doing?”
“Okay, from what I hear. I’m sure there’s a bit of relief after the long illness.”
“Yes, for sure.”
He put his hand over hers and was shocked by how cold she was. “You’re freezing.”
“Can’t seem to get warm.”
“Come with me.”
“That’s okay. I’m fine.”
“Come.” He helped her up and led her to their room, tucking her into bed and then getting in next to her to wrap himself around her. “I can’t bear to see you suffering like this.”
“I can’t breathe, Jared.”
“I know, honey. I can’t either. We just have to get through tomorrow, and hopefully that’ll be it.” Violet’s biological father was coming to meet her. That was all they knew about his planned visit, and not knowing his intentions was sucking the life out of them.
“What if it isn’t the end of it?”
“We’re taking this one step at a time. If we try to speculate on all the scenarios, we’ll lose what’s left of our minds. Dan and Kendall are confident something can be worked out. Perhaps he’ll ask for visitation once or twice a year, which would be no problem to accommodate.”
“What if he wants full custody?”
“We’ll fight him.”
“On what grounds?”
“That she’s bonded to us after living with us for all this time, and he’d do irreparable harm to her if he tried to uproot her life at this juncture. We have rights in this, Lizzie. Don’t think we don’t.”
“He has more rights as the biological father who didn’t even know about her until recently.”
“If a judge is considering Violet’s best interests, he or she will see that we have her best interests at heart.”
“I can’t even allow myself to get to the point that a judge could be involved.” She shuddered at the thought of a protracted fight. “I can’t bear this. Any of it. I used to think I was a strong person, but I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. You’re the strongest person I know, and together, we’ll fight for our girl. Don’t give up, Lizzie. I need you to stay in the ring with me.”
“I’m here, but I’m hobbled.”
“One more day and we’ll know what we’re up against. Let’s just keep breathing until then, okay?”
“I’m trying.”
Chapter 30
Abby couldn’t believe what Grace, Evan, Grant and Stephanie had done for them. Everything was organized and ready for four infants, all on the main floor. Changing tables put together, rolling bassinets set to go and what seemed like a year’s worth of supplies stacked on shelves that had once housed books that had been packed away for now.
