Page 83 of Love You, Mean It
“Is that a thing?”
“A parent in the state of Alaska can voluntarily relinquish their parental rights to their child in writing and sign it in the presence of a court. So if you feel confident that she will not bite at the opportunity to step up, then I would say this is your best shot to get her to relinquish her rights.”
I sighed. This wasn’t something I’d ever set out to do. I didn’t even know Caroline well when she got pregnant. It was a whirlwind relationship. We were young. But I’d been okay with the arrangement up until now, and I wasn’t looking to pick a fight. I just wanted my daughter to be happy. And seeing the toll this last visit had taken on her, and the shift in her attitude about seeing Caroline, I felt like my hands were tied.
But there were risks, and that was terrifying.
“Can I have a little time to think this over?”
“Of course. And keep in mind, we could serve her and she could choose to ignore you.” She shrugged. “But, we could also take her to court, prove that she’s abandoned her child, and try to go that route. That would drag everyone through it, though, so you’d have to be committed. The letter seems like the best option, if you aren’t looking for a big fight.”
I nodded. “I’m not. I just want to do the right thing.”
“All right. Take all the time you need, and I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
She stood and came around her desk, extending an arm. “You’re a good dad, Charlie. Harper is lucky to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
“Let’s see if you’re saying that during her teenage years.” She chuckled. “I really tortured my parents.”
“I highly doubt that.” I smirked. “I’ve heard that I’m going to be in for it. But my baby girl has always been different. She’s a special one.”
She clapped me on the shoulder. “Well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, my friend. We’ll talk soon.”
I left her office and was sitting in my truck, unsure about what to do, when my phone vibrated.
Firefly: How did the meeting go?
Me: I don’t know. It’s complicated. I don’t have a fucking clue what to do.
Firefly: Where are you?
Me: Parking lot at Logan Hawkins’ law office. Why?
Firefly: Stay put.
I didn’t know what she was up to, but I did as she asked, because I was still trying to figure this shit out.
What if I picked a fight and lost?
What if her parents decided to throw money at the situation and tried to take Harper from me?
Was that even an option?
Logically I knew that couldn’t happen. I’d been her only parent since birth. But money could be a powerful tool, and the thought made me sick to my stomach.
There was a knock on the passenger-side window of my truck, and I startled.
I unlocked the door when I saw Violet on the other side.
“Hey. It sounded like you needed to talk things out.”
“I thought you had a meeting with the tent people this morning for your sister’s wedding?”
“And they’ll still be there when we’re done. It’s fine, I promise. Tell me what happened,” she said, turning her body to face me.
I filled her in on the different options I’d learned about, including the one I was leaning toward—the letter, in hopes of her relinquishing her rights voluntarily.
